Africa

Namibia | The Wild Namibia

with Gustafson Photo Safari
Date:
Jun 11 - Jun 28, 2027
Activity Level:
EASY-MODERATE
Duration:
18 Days
Price:
From $14,750
Interests:
Photography
Join This Trip Print Itinerary
A sand dune, several hundred feet high, towers over a flat landscape with low grass and shrubs
One adult and two juvenile meerkats stand upright on a sandy surface
Three zebras standing in a row drink from a pool of water with their reflections visible
Two oryx antelopes stand facing forward on a grassy area with a large sand dune behind them
The silhouette of a giraffe head and neck with the sun setting in the background
Close-up of a fur seal pup resting among other fur seals
A hot air balloon floats in the sky over a desert landscape with low mountains in the background
Tight shot of the sharp ridge of a sand dune sloping down to a flat grassy plain with a single tree
A group of seals lay on a sandy beach with a large crashing ocean wave in the background
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About this trip

Namibia is a place of great photographic opportunity. Its scenic beauty is unique. The otherworldly landscapes of Damaraland, the Skeleton Coast, and the huge red dunes of Sossusvlei offer photographers endless opportunities. Here we can get eye-to-eye with amazing sites and Indigenous tribal people while wildlife abounds. 
Colors, shapes, textures, and patterns emerge as we trek across the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei in search of photographic vantage points. On an early morning balloon ride we get undreamed-of views as well as a Champagne breakfast. 
Namibia’s remote Skeleton Coast is the site of hundreds of shipwrecks as well as the amazing Cape Cross fur seal colony of 80,000 barking, squawking, playing, nursing, swimming, fighting Cape fur seals. 
Next stop is scenic Damaraland, home to 6,000-year-old rock etchings by ancient hunter-gatherer communities. On the way we will visit with nomadic Himba tribal people wearing traditional ornaments over ocher-colored skin, then the Herero with their distinctively European-influenced dresses that symbolize a painful history. 
Our last destination is Etosha, Namibia’s legendary game park. Enjoy the sheer number of animal species and their intriguing behaviors. We will have access to the park at the earliest and latest times of the day for dramatic action in spectacular light!

Meet your host

Todd Gustafson

Todd Gustafson is an internationally renowned photographer and videographer who has been photographing nature, wildlife and natural history around the world for the last 3 decades. Capturing beautiful light on beautiful subjects in an artistic way at the decisive moment is a continuous personal goal. He is a seasoned photo safari leader who combines his passion for photography with his love of exploration. He guides nature and photo enthusiasts through breathtaking landscapes and habitats in search of the dramatic and the unexpected. This enables them to capture the world’s beauty at its most dramatic. Todd’s approach to leading photo safaris is rooted in his deep respect for nature and culture. He emphasizes the importance of ethical photography, encouraging participants to tread lightly and leave no trace. For many years, Todd photographed and worked as a clinician/teacher for NIKON Corporation. In April 2015, Todd switched equipment and now shoots Canon equipment.

Activity Level 2: Easy-Moderate 

Participants should be able to walk at least 2-3 hours over some uneven and potentially slippery surfaces without difficulty and should be able to ascend or descend 50 stairs consecutively. Physical activities typically last for at least 2-3 hours at a time.

Land Cost

$14,750

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $995

What makes us different

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

We know what photographers need

From stunning landscapes and animals to comfortable accommodations and private vehicles, all of the details are selected with photographers in mind

Designed for photographers

Itineraries are thoughtfully scheduled to provide an optimum balance of beautiful natural light and wildlife activity

Sustainable travel

We believe travel should have a positive impact on the world. We are committed to maintaining responsible travel practices and partner with ClimateSafe to provide carbon offsetting.

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with making your flight arrangements if desired

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Depart United States
Windhoek
On arrival at Windhoek International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transfer to your hotel for the night. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest and relax before you start your adventure. Welcome dinner is included.
Dinner included
Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino
Sossusvlei
After breakfast depart for Sossusvlei, where you will spend the next three nights. The Sossusvlei, Namibia’s famous scenic highlight in the heart of the Namib Desert, is a huge clay pan enclosed by giant sand dunes. Some of the spectacular dunes reach a height of 300 meters, making them the highest in the world. The dunes of the Namib Desert have developed over a period of many millions of years. Vast quantities of sand were deposited into the Atlantic Ocean by the Orange River. This material was subsequently moved northwards by the Benguela current to be dumped back onto the land by the surf. The coastal sand was then continuously shifted further inland by the wind. Wind permanently reshapes the patterns of the Namib dunes. It timelessly forces the grains of sand on the flat windward slope upward to the crest of the dune. Here they fall down in the wind shade. The leeward slope is therefore always considerably steeper than the windward side. The clay ground of the Sossusvlei is almost always dry. Only after a heavy rainfall, which is a rare event in this area (every 10 years on average), does the vlei fill with water. As the clay layers hardly allow any water infiltration, a turquoise lake will remain for quite some time. After lunch at the lodge, have free time to rest and relax. This afternoon drive through the reserve to get your first glimpse of the dunes before exploring the area in depth during the upcoming days.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Dead Valley Lodge
Sossusvlei
Early this morning enjoy a hot air balloon safari followed by a Champagne breakfast. Return to hotel for lunch and rest. Spend the afternoon exploring the reserve and enjoy sunset photography at the dunes from the lodge.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Dead Valley Lodge
Sossusvlei
Depart very early this morning to reach Dead Vlei before sunrise. Have a picnic breakfast at the site and continue the day exploring the reserve. Return to the lodge for lunch. Continue exploring the dunes in the afternoon.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Dead Valley Lodge
Swakopmund
After breakfast depart for Walvis Bay. The drive will take about 4.5 hours and you will arrive in time for lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon visit Walvis Lagoon and the salt pans of Walvis Bay for birding photography. Continue with the transfer to Swakopmund, another 45 minutes. Upon arrival check in at the lodge. This evening a feast awaits you: the famous seafood platter at Europa Hof Hotel’s restaurant.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Desert Breeze Lodge
Cape Cross
After breakfast, you will participate in a private excursion into the dune belt just south of Swakopmund in 4x4 vehicles looking for the hidden desert creatures such as chameleons, snakes, skinks, scorpions, lizards, geckoes and more. Afterwards, you will have some time to explore the city of Swakopmund. Your guide will give you a brief orientation to the city in your vehicle and then drop you off at a central location for a self-guided walking tour. The appearance of the town, with its 30,000 inhabitants, is characterized by numerous colonial buildings, with the Woermann House from 1905 as a landmark. The former trading house in Bismarck Street with its 25 meter high Damara Tower and its courtyard bordered by arcades today houses the city library and an art gallery. A further landmark of Swakopmund is the old 21 meter high lighthouse. It started operating in 1910. The museum for local history next door was only built in the 1950s. You will have a chance to explore the local craft market for some shopping opportunities. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Later in the day, you will drive along the Skeleton Coast, admiring the stunning, dune lined coast to Cape Cross. En route, stop at a shipwreck on the coast. Arrive at the lodge late in the afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Cape Cross Lodge
Cape Cross
After breakfast, visit the seal colony at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve for your morning shoot. The coastline of Southern Africa is the only place in the world where you can find the Cape fur seal, Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus. The seals fight, mate, reproduce, and fish in the reserve, home to the world’s largest breeding colony of these animals. Lunch at the lodge, with free time before and after to go through your pictures before heading out to the seal colony again for your afternoon shoot.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Cape Cross Lodge
Damaraland
After breakfast travel further north through the Skeleton Coast National Park. You traverse the Ugab and Huab River deltas in the direction of Torra Bay before heading east and inland via Springbok Water into the diverse region of Damaraland, taking time to view wildlife and absorb the vastness of the scenery. Along the way you will keep an eye out for the elusive desert adapted elephants who traverse the dry riverbeds in search of sustenance. Picnic lunch en route. Time permitting, visit the prehistoric rock engravings of Twyfelfontein this afternoon. With more than 2,500 engravings likely originating from the San people, the site has been designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Mowani Mountain Camp
Etosha National Park
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and start the journey to Etosha, traveling via Grootberg Pass. Along the way, stop at a Himba and Herero village to meet with the locals and have some opportunities for portraits. Picnic lunch en route. Check in upon arrival to Etosha, and late in the afternoon enjoy your first wildlife-viewing drive within the park.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Okaukuejo Resort
Etosha National Park
Explore Etosha National Park with wildlife-viewing drives. A visit to Etosha National Park is one of the highlights of Namibia. Etosha, which was declared a game reserve by the German colonial administration back in 1907, covers an area of more than 22,000 square kilometers. In its center lies a vast salt pan surrounded by grasslands and thorn savannah, Mopane bushland in the west, and dry forest in the northeast. About 2 million years ago, this area was an enormous lake, fed by the Kunene River. However, the lake slowly dried up when the river changed its course. The pan is almost always dry. However, in the southern parts there are numerous waterholes scattered throughout this area and supporting the life for countless wildlife. Many of the iconic African land mammal species are represented in Etosha, including the Big Five: elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard. Based on an animal count done in 2005, there are about 250 lions, 300 rhinos, 3,000 giraffes, 12,000 zebras, 4,000 wildebeests, 5,500 oryx antelopes, and more than 2,500 elephants. Springboks are especially numerous; at least 20,000 of them roam the reserve. Often they can be seen in enormous herds of several hundred animals.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Okaukuejo Resort
Etosha National Park
Explore Etosha National Park with wildlife-viewing drives.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Okaukuejo Resort
Etosha National Park
Explore Etosha National Park with wildlife-viewing drives.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Halali Camp
Etosha National Park
Explore Etosha National Park with wildlife-viewing drives.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Namutoni Bush Chalet
Etosha National Park
Explore Etosha National Park with wildlife-viewing drives.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Namutoni Bush Chalet
Windhoek
Early morning wildlife-viewing drive at Etosha. Upon our return, we will check out from our rooms and head back south to Windhoek. Lunch at a local restaurant en route. Take the afternoon to rest and get ready for our international flights the next day. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant at Windhoek
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino
Windhoek
After a hearty breakfast, you have time to sort out all your camera equipment before your transfer to the Windhoek International Airport.
Breakfast- included
Arrive back in the United States.
Land Cost

$14,750

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $995

What's Included
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Full time guide for the duration of your program
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Gratuities for activity guides, meals and porters
  • English-speaking guide, private transportation, and entrance fees.
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Carbon Offset
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Gratuities for main guide and driver
  • Items of personal nature
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 6 participants in double occupancy.

A $1500 non refundable deposit is required for participants to register and reserve a space on the program. Reservations made less than 95 days prior to departure require full payment. 180 - 96 days before departure: full deposit of $1500 is forfeited. 95 - 0 days before departure: 100% of program price is forfeited.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $995


Final payment due date: December 13, 2026

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Namibia. Passports must be valid for at least six months after your planned date of departure from Namibia and must have 3 or more blank passport pages.

In addition, U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Namibia. We strongly recommend applying for your visa online in advance; to do so, visit https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival and select "New Visa on Arrival Application."

You will need to create an account and then complete the application. Be prepared with a scanned copy of the information page of your passport, a passport-style photo, confirmation of accommodations and travel itinerary, and confirmation of adequate funds (which simply requires a confirmation click). If traveling with minor children, you will also need a full birth certificate and parental consent letter. 

The cost is NAD $1,600 per person (approximately USD $90). This fee is subject to change at any time without prior notice.

The estimated processing time for the application is 48 hours. We recommend applying well in advance of your planned travel date to allow for possible delays.

Once approved, print a hard copy of your approved eVisa form with the QR code for presentation on arrival. In Namibia, you’ll need to sign the arrival section of your eVisa in front of an lmmigration Officer at the counter.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Embassy of Namibia for the requirements based on your nationality.

If your flights to Namibia transit through another country, be sure to visit https://travel.state.gov to check the travel information for that destination. Some countries require visas or other authorization to enter, even for layovers where you don't leave the airport.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Namibia, unless you are traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk (including transiting 12 or more hours through an airport of country with risk of yellow fever), in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination is required.

The CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Namibia.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers may be at risk for exposure to malaria in Namibia, primarily in the northern regions of the country. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

To protect against mosquitos, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.

Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.

OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES

In addition to malaria, the CDC warns that travelers may be at risk for other illnesses transmitted by mosquitos, ticks, or sand flies, such as dengue fever, African tick-bite fever, leishmaniasis, and others. Travelers are advised to protect themselves against insect bites using the measures noted above.

After spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.

WILDLIFE

Follow all instructions from your guides regarding wildlife. Animals may become aggressive to protect themselves, their young or their mates, or to guard a food supply. Do not make sudden movements either toward or away from them, as this may be interpreted as threatening or territorial. 

According to the CDC, there is an ongoing rabies outbreak in Cape fur seals in South Africa and Namibia. Avoid getting too close to seals or trying to touch them. Also avoid stray dogs, as they may carry rabies. In the unlikely event of being bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal, clean the wound and control bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Liability Waivers

Please note you may be asked locally to sign liability waivers in order to participate in certain activities. If you would like to receive a copy of any required waiver in advance, please contact Holbrook Travel.

Resources

Print Resources

From the leader

 

Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in the New Headings Gear Store. Use code HolbrookGuest10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities in Namibia. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that some hotels offer laundry services (at additional cost).

Temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night. Days are typically hot, while nights can be chilly, sometimes with frost in the desert and during winter months. Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to changes in weather and temperature.

Bring clothes in neutral or muted colors such as green, khaki, brown, or grey. We recommend that you avoid wearing bright colors or white as they can easily be spotted by animals.

Army-style camouflage clothing is illegal in Namibia.

Locals tend to dress conservatively. Revealing tank tops and shorts/skirts cut above the knee are typically not recommended in towns.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and light- to medium-weight long-sleeved shirts
  • Shorts and/or skirts
  • A combination of lightweight, quick-drying long pants and medium-weight pants or trousers
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Light- to medium-weight jacket, fleece, or sweater/sweatshirt – Evenings can be cold, especially in desert areas and during June to September.
  • Bathing suit – Some hotels have pools.
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs.
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes with thorn-proof soles, suitable for hikes and walking over uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar), plus a pair of casual flip-flops or sandals for around your hotel.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or gaiter

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites and to be considerate of your fellow travelers.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes with the insecticide permethrin to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if applicable; only if traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Money belt
  • Chargers, voltage converter, and plug adapter for electronics

Note that Namibia has implemented a complete ban on plastic shopping/grocery bags in all game parks and reserves. Visitors are requested to avoid bringing these types of plastic bags with them. Reusable zip-top style bags are still permitted.

All of it was great and better than anticipated. There was always something surprising and utterly beautiful on this journey. It made me appreciate the spectacular and diverse country that Namibia is. The guides/drivers and our tour leader, Todd Gustafson, went out of their way to make this one of those lifetime events that people strive to have when they travel: great sights, unique experiences, wonderful food, and lots of fun.
- Karen H.
Namibia ,
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