Overview
This 12-day trip will take you around some of the major landmarks in Namibia where you will have the opportunity to explore and photograph vast sand dunes, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, spot wildlife and visit ghost towns. Along with leader Dave Brosha, as well as four assistants, you will be able to advance your technical photo skills while documenting this incredible place.
Location: Namibia - various locations
Dates: November 16-27, 2022
Tour Leader: Dave Brosha
Itinerary (note: subject to change as we finalize all details)
Day 1 - Wednesday, November 16:
Arrival and check-in at Windhoek, get together at 4:00pm for trip
debriefing and prep. Participants will stay night #1 at the beautiful
Hotel Pension Palmquell.
Day 2 - Thursday, November 17:
Travel to the Quiver Trees area and photograph at sunset, camp in the area. Participants will also work on their astrophotography skills that evening.
Day 3 - Friday, November 18:
Travel to Kolmanskop area and overnight at Luderitz campsite. Photography along the Luderitz coastline including lighthouses and shipwrecks.
Day 4 - Saturday, November 19:
Photograph the famed Kolmanskop ghost town, both in the morning and at sunset.
Day 5 - Sunday, November 20:
Leave for Sossuvlei & Deadvlei area for sunset and night shooting. Overnight camping in the area (Day 5 and 6).
Day 6 - Monday, November 21:
Explore Sossuvlei & Deadvlei area, early climb to Big Daddy or Dune 45. Mid day break, and night shooting.
Day 7 - Tuesday, November 22:
Leave for Swakopmund area. Hotel "refresh" day and the opportunity for participants to explore the scenic seaside Swakopmund area, including visits to shops and the opportunity to sneak in a restaurant meal.
Day 8 - Wednesday, November 23:
Explore Sandwich Harbour, town and areas in and around Swakopmund. Traditional braai (BBQ) with local Namibans at their residence.
Day 9 - Thursday, November 24:
Leave for Spitzkoppe, explore Spitzkoppe area.
Day 10 - Friday, November 25:
Leave for Etosha area for wildlife photography/viewing. Overnight camping in the area (Day 10, 11).
Day 11 - Saturday, November 26:
Explore Etosha area, wildlife photography. Celebratory group dinner.
Day 12 - Sunday, November 27:
Leave for Windhoek. Workshop officially ends at 3pm,
The finer details:
Included:
Not Included:
Price/Payment Schedule:
Cost: CAD $7,350
Payment options: Full payment or $1500 non-refundable deposit to secure a space with remaining three payments as listed below.
Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $1500
Payment #2: $1950 CAD -January 31, 2022
Payment #3: $1950 CAD - April 30, 2022
Payment #4: $1950 CAD - July 31, 2022
Note: Failure to pay by due dates means forfeiting deposit and spot
will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant
(see more in cancellation policy below).
If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant. In such case, participants are responsible for handling payment for the transfer.
Accommodations
Please note that this is an adventure workshop and that all participants are expected to share rooftop tents with other travelers. Overnight camping will be done at assigned campsites which provide bathroom facilities.
Meals
Groceries covered in workshop fee but participants expected to pitch in with food preparation and clean-up, daily. Participants will be able to pick groceries suitable to their dietary needs but individual meal prep will be left to each participant, individually. Several celebratory milestone meals to be included.
Touring together in a remote country with not much in the way of traditional luxury facilities will sometimes require a group effort for meal preparation (including cooking, and dishwashing). Think of it as a fun way to come together as a team and share in the logistics of exploring such a unique country, together.
Transportation
All in country transportation will be included except for airport transfers. Camper trucks will be used throughout the duration of the trip. In order to visit all the locations listed and maximize the experience, they will be a significant amount of driving in fully equipped vehicles with up to 4 people.
What to expect
The workshop will
include several short 3-4 kilometre hikes over uneven terrain such as
sand dunes and desert areas. There is nothing technical involved, but
participants should be comfortable and prepared to walk and/or climb
areas in high temperatures with a backpack for periods of up to an hour
at a time.
LEAVE NO TRACE
We preach and live the ethics of "leave no trace" photography, which means that the utmost care is given, while hiking and photographing, to leaving zero impact on the natural environment. Participants are expected to approach this tour with the same ethics at all times.
What to Bring
As the tour is in November, the start of summer in Africa, there is the possibility of some very diverse weather conditions, with potential for extreme heat during the day, and cooler temperatures at night. Please come prepared for a variety of weather conditions as the more comfortable you are, the more enjoyable your experience will be. It averages about 20/30C during the day, but can reach over 40C, especially in the desert.
As well, we optionally recommend:
Recommended Precautions
Due to some of the locations we will be visiting during this workshop, we highly recommend that you take precautions regarding medications and/or vaccines needed. Visit this page for more details http://www.namibiatourism.com.na/page/plan-your-trip and consider bringing along insect repellent, malaria prophylaxis, bandages, and diarrhea medication.
INSURANCE: It is not only advised but required that workshop participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance,
as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage
(proof required within 4 months of departure).Weather and other
unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of
our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to
cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length. Please
ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility. By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.
OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration. Effective June 16, 2020.
Travel Visa
It is the participant's responsibility to ensure they have a valid Travel Visa (if applicable/required) for the duration of the workshop.