Adventure Namibia

May 1st - 13th 2026

The true Namibia adventure

Trip highlights

Only 6 spots available for this incredible experience!

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

This trip is open exclusively to photographers under 35, from beginners to more advanced shooters.

• Beginner photographers will learn directly in the field, with constant support, hands-on guidance, and practical explanations.

• More experienced or professional photographers will have the chance to refine their skills, explore new techniques, and build a unique portfolio with the support of two expert photography guides.

No previous camping or wilderness travel experience is required — just a spirit of adventure, willingness to collaborate, and openness to trying something new.

What Makes This Trip Special

After many journeys across every corner of Namibia and South Africa, we’ve crafted an exclusive itinerary that combines the country’s most iconic locations with a true adventure experience in the wild.

From the spectacular Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP)—one of the last truly remote wilderness areas in Africa—to the red dunes of the Namib Desert, every stop has been carefully chosen to guarantee perfect light and exclusive access to the best shooting locations.

This is not a typical organized trip:

it’s a full expedition-style photography workshop.

We’ll sleep in rooftop tents on 4x4 vehicles, travel in small groups (6 participants + 2 guides), and live in close contact with nature, collaborating in daily camp life, cooking, and logistics.

An immersive, hands-on adventure—raw, authentic, and unforgettable.

Every session is tailored to your level:

Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps or an emerging photographer ready to level up, you’ll receive constant support, personalised feedback, and the chance to shoot side by side with two professionals in some of the most photogenic locations on the planet.

We’ve chosen each date with great care—following seasonal wildlife patterns, the position of the Milky Way for astrophotography, and moon phases to ensure perfectly dark skies.

Every day is built around photography, but lived with the spirit of real adventure.

What will we see?

During the workshop we’ll travel across some of the most iconic and spectacular landscapes of southern Namibia and the Kalahari. The main locations include:

• 🌵 Quiver Tree Forest, for night sessions and astrophotography under perfectly dark skies

• 🏚️ Kolmanskop, the famous ghost town reclaimed by the desert — a paradise for landscape and architectural photography

• 🌊 Lüderitz, a coastal town with a unique atmosphere where the Atlantic Ocean meets the desert

• 🏜️ Sossusvlei, home to some of the tallest and oldest dunes in the world

• 🌅 Deadvlei, with its surreal petrified trees offering endless photographic opportunities

• 🌊 Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, oceanfront towns perfect for coastal photography and moments of relaxation

• 🗻 Spitzkoppe, the iconic rock formation known as the “Matterhorn of Africa,” spectacular for night photography and sunsets

• 🦁 Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, where we’ll spend 5 nights exploring sandy tracks and truly remote wilderness in search of predators, wild cats, oryx, and many other iconic species in a completely wild setting

You’ll have the chance to photograph giraffes, oryx, zebras, warthogs, bustards, lions, hyenas, jackals, leopards (if we’re lucky), and many other animals typical of the desert environment.

What will you learn?

• Fine-tune your camera settings for landscape, wildlife, night photography and creative shooting

• Understand light and choose the correct exposure in any situation

• Compose harmonious and balanced images, from vast landscapes to environmental animal portraits

• Use shutter speed and aperture creatively to produce unique photographs

• Choose the right lens based on your vision and the results you want to achieve

• Create wide panoramas by stitching multiple images in post-production

• Astrophotography techniques and composition to photograph the night sky

• Wildlife photography in the field: approaching subjects, managing challenges, and making technical choices in wild environments

• Basic post-production concepts and backup strategies to avoid losing your shots

• Expedition gear management: powering and protecting cameras, batteries, and drives in remote areas

• Fundamentals of self-drive safaris: where to position yourself, how to behave during sightings, key rules

• Basic driving techniques on sand and autonomous vehicle handling

• Camp management: setting up tents, fire, meals, sharing tasks, and expedition daily life

Day by day itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Windhoek International Airport (WDH) by 9:00 AM. Group pick-up is scheduled no later than 10:00 AM.

(If your flight does not arrive in time, we recommend flying in the day before and spending the night in the city — see the “How to Get There” section for more details.)

We’ll make a short stop at a shopping center in Windhoek, where you can buy any last essentials for the trip (snacks, toiletries, or any missing items).

Right after that, we start driving south toward the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, one of the most remote and spectacular areas in southern Africa.

Arrival at camp in the afternoon, set up the rooftop tents, and enjoy our first sunset in the bush.

We’ll spend the night fully immersed in the wild — the first of many nights under one of the starriest skies on earth.

Day 2

Wake-up at first light, around 5:30 AM, to take advantage of the most active hours for wildlife. After a quick breakfast and packing up camp, we’ll begin our first safari session (6:30–10:30), searching for predators and the iconic species of this area: black-maned lions, oryx, cheetahs, jackals, raptors, and maybe even the incredibly elusive caracal.

We return to camp around 11:00 AM to relax during the hottest hours, rest, and spend time reviewing photos together: analyzing the morning shots, discussing technical choices, or answering questions about field workflow.

After lunch, we hit the road again around 3:00 PM for a second safari session, which will end with the last light of the day around 6:30 PM. Return to camp, set up the tents, dinner by the fire, and another night under the stars.

Day 3

After the morning safari, we’ll move toward a new area of the park, where both the landscapes and the wildlife dynamics change. This will allow us to expand our portfolio with different species and behaviors, discovering new territories and environments.

The rest of the day will follow the same rhythm: rest and photo reviews during the hottest hours, a second outing in the afternoon, dinner, and another night in the tent.

Day 4

Our last day inside the park is dedicated to exploring this new area in depth, making the most of the unique photographic opportunities it offers. This area is known for the leopard sightings so we’ll focus mainly on finding these amazing cats.

We’ll also take advantage of the late afternoon light for more experimental sessions or to focus on personal photo projects. After dinner, we’ll run an astrophotography session (weather permitting), taking advantage of the clear, light-pollution-free skies.

Day 5

Our final wake-up in the heart of the Kalahari begins with one more morning safari, using the first light to say goodbye to the desert’s predators. After the game drive, we break down camp and start driving west, re-entering Namibia.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Giants Playground, a spectacular maze of basalt rock formations—perfect for creating surreal, abstract compositions at sunset.

The evening brings one of the most special moments of the entire trip: an astrophotography session at the Quiver Tree Forest, where we’ll have a special permit for night access. With the new moon, we’ll be in the best possible conditions to capture the Milky Way rising behind the twisted silhouettes of the aloe dichotoma trees. A truly unique photographic and sensory experience.

Day 6

Wake-up before sunrise for a session among the Quiver Trees, when the golden dawn light turns the landscape into a dream. After breakfast in Keetmanshoop, we drive toward the coast along one of Namibia’s most scenic routes, crossing vast desert plains and endless horizons.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Lüderitz, where we can finally enjoy a real bed after five nights in a tent.

Depending on the weather, we’ll decide together whether to:

• do an initial scouting session in the ghost town of Kolmanskop, or

• explore the lunar landscapes of the southern Lüderitz peninsula, with seals, ocean views, and dramatic cliffs.

Dinner in a local restaurant in town.

Day 7

Wake-up before sunrise for an exclusive photo session in Kolmanskop, the abandoned mining town slowly reclaimed by sand. Thanks to a special permit, we’ll be able to enter well before the public opening, with perfect light to capture shadows, textures, and atmosphere.

After the session (approximately 06:30–08:30), we return to Lüderitz for breakfast, checkout, and to restock supplies.

After a deeper exploration of the Lüderitz peninsula, we then head inland toward Aus, where in the evening we’ll search for the wild horses of the Namib — an icon of this region. Overnight camping in the area.a.

Day 8

After breakfast, we begin our journey toward one of the most iconic destinations in African photography: Sossusvlei, in the heart of the Namib Desert.

The transfer takes about 5 hours, through landscapes that become increasingly arid and majestic. Once we arrive, we head straight into the Namib-Naukluft National Park, where we will spend the night at a campsite located inside the protected area.

This is a major advantage for photographers: staying inside the park grants exclusive access before sunrise and after sunset, while those sleeping outside are restricted by standard gate hours and miss both golden moments.

In the afternoon, we prepare for our first photography session among the dunes, exploring the Dune 45 area, where we’ll be able to play with long shadows, perfect curves, and striking light contrasts during the golden hour.

Afterwards, dinner at camp and preparation for the long day ahead.

Day 9

Wake-up call very early and departure about one hour before sunrise to reach Deadvlei with the perfect early-morning light.

We’ll drive roughly 70 km (the last 6 km on deep sand) to reach the parking area, followed by a short walk through the dunes to arrive just in time for the first rays of sunlight.

Photographing Deadvlei at sunrise is a unique experience: the contrasts between the dead trees, the red sand, and the blue sky create stunning visual opportunities, especially before the harsh light and the arrival of tourists.

Return to the campsite for a hearty breakfast followed by a few hours of rest.

In the afternoon, we head back into the desert for a sunset session among the Sossusvlei dunes, working on shapes, textures and composition as the light becomes softer.

Once back, we set up camp as usual, enjoy dinner, and get some well-deserved sleep.

Day 10

After one final sunrise session before breakfast — a last chance to capture this magical place among the dunes — we set off for a complete change of scenery: today’s destination is the Atlantic coast of Namibia.

During the drive (about 5 hours), we’ll make a short stop in the iconic settlement of Solitaire before continuing toward the colonial town of Swakopmund.

Important: be ready for a dramatic climate shift! The coast can be cold and foggy, very different from the desert heat we’ll be leaving behind.

After checking in at a boutique guesthouse on the edge of the dunes, we’ll head to the Walvis Bay lagoon, one of the best places in the world to photograph pink flamingos, often present in colonies of tens of thousands.

Alternatively, we may choose to explore the coastal dunes at sunset, playing with sand curves and the surreal atmosphere where the ocean meets the desert.

Dinner in a local restaurant in Swakopmund and, for those who wish, optional personalized portfolio reviews with Paolo and Roberto.

Day 11

This day is completely free, allowing everyone to recharge, manage photo/video backups, or join one of the many optional activities available in Swakopmund.

Among the most popular activities:

• Scenic flight over the Namib Desert at sunrise, by plane or helicopter

• Boat excursion in Walvis Bay, searching for whales, dolphins, and pelicans

• 4x4 trip to Sandwich Harbour, where towering dunes plunge directly into the ocean

• Free exploration of the town, with its cafés, markets, German-style architecture, and excellent bakeries

These activities are not included in the participation fee. A detailed list with all available options and related costs will be provided to participants before departure.

Alternatively, you can simply relax, explore the town, work on selecting your best images, or join one-on-one photography coaching sessions with Paolo or Roberto.

Day 12

We start today with another free morning. You can choose between:

• A sunrise photo session on the dunes near Swakopmund

• An optional scenic flight over the Namib

• A simple walk in town or a moment of relaxation

By late morning, we depart northeast toward Spitzkoppe, also known as the “Matterhorn of Africa”: a massive granite mountain surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes.

We’ll arrive early to secure the best camping spot, in an area that gives us direct walking access to the top photographic locations.

We’ll spend the afternoon exploring freely among rock arches, giant boulders, and golden light, searching for unique compositions in the heart of the desert.

After dinner, we’ll dedicate the evening to astrophotography, especially at Spitzkoppe’s iconic rock arch, which we’ll photograph under a sky full of stars.

Day 13

Our final wake-up in nature is dedicated to a sunrise photo session at the Spitzkoppe arch, another of Namibia’s most iconic subjects. After making the most of the early morning light, we’ll enjoy a relaxed breakfast at camp, pack down the tents, and begin our drive back toward Windhoek.

In the afternoon, we settle into a comfortable hotel in the city. Depending on timing and energy levels, it will be possible to schedule final 1:1 sessions with Paolo or simply enjoy some free time.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a final dinner together at one of the best restaurants in the capital—a warm, authentic way to close the journey.

Day 14

After breakfast, there will still be time for those who wish to deepen their photographic journey with an individual portfolio review or a discussion about the next steps in their creative growth.

Anyone who prefers can explore Windhoek independently, visiting its most interesting areas for some last-minute shopping or a few final urban shots.

In the afternoon, we transfer to the airport according to flight schedules. End of the trip… and the beginning of the memories!

Only 6 spots available for this incredible experience!

📸 Photography Equipment

This trip is designed for lovers of landscape, astrophotography, and wildlife. Ideally (but not mandatory), you should be able to cover a focal range between 16mm and 400mm. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

📷 Camera Body

A DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses is recommended, and it must allow full manual control—this is essential for achieving consistent exposure in all shooting conditions.

🏜️ Landscape Photography

Many of the landscapes we’ll photograph benefit from medium-to-long focal lengths: dunes and desert shapes often look their best when compressed with a telephoto.

A 70–200mm or 100–400mm zoom will be extremely useful, as well as a polarizing filter.

For locations like Quiver Tree Forest or the Kolmanskop ghost town, a wide-angle zoom (such as 15–35mm or 24–70mm) will be essential.

🌌 Astrophotography

We scheduled this trip around the new moon to make the most of the African night skies. At this time of year, the Milky Way’s core is visible early in the evening—ideal for night photography.

The best choice is a fast wide-angle prime lens (e.g., 20mm f/1.4 or 24mm f/1.4), but a 24mm or wider lens with f/2.8aperture will also produce great results.

🐾 Wildlife Photography

We will encounter a huge variety of wildlife: oryx, flamingos, zebras, antelopes, hyenas, wildebeest, ostriches, jackals, giraffes, elephants, and major predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

These sessions take place in true African bush, self-drive style—meaning you won’t always be able to reposition the vehicle.

A zoom lens such as 100–400mm or 200–600mm is highly recommended.

If you own a prime telephoto (400mm f/2.8 or 600mm f/4), bring it—it can make a real difference in certain moments, although in most cases you’ll rely on a zoom for flexibility.

🌄 Panoramas

The desert will give us massive open landscapes perfect for panoramas.

Bring a solid tripod, ideally with a built-in level or leveling base—it will also be essential for astrophotography and sunrise/sunset shooting.

🔋 Batteries & Memory Cards

Although we’ll have regular access to electricity, we recommend packing enough batteries and memory cards for at least a full day of shooting.

💻 Laptop for Editing & Backup

We will shoot in RAW, and there will be dedicated time every day for post-production workflow.

A laptop with a good RAW editor (Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, etc.) is recommended, along with an external hard drive for backup.

Paolo will cover practical file management, backup strategy, and editing during the trip.

🧳 You will receive a detailed packing guide 90 days before departure.

This document will include meeting points, clothing recommendations, logistics, and everything you need to be fully prepared for the adventure.

✈️ How to Get There

On Day 1 of the trip (April 12), we will pick you up directly at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), located about 40 minutes from Windhoek. There is no time difference between Namibia and Italy, so you’ll be ready to go as soon as you land!

✳️ IMPORTANT: If your flight arrives after 9:00 AM on Day 1, you will need to arrive in Windhoek the day before to join the start of the trip on time. If so, we can help arrange both your transfer and hotel accommodation.

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✈️ Which flight should you book?

At the moment, the most convenient route is operated by Discover / Lufthansa from Frankfurt, arriving early in the morning.

However, in recent months we’ve seen frequent delays and cancellations on this flight: if it’s not full, it is often canceled and passengers are moved to the next day’s flight.

A great alternative is Ethiopian Airlines, which often offers more competitive fares. The only downside is that the flight arrives in Windhoek early afternoon, so in this case you must plan to arrive one day before the official start of the trip. Again, we can arrange transfers and a hotel for you.

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⛔ Please Note

To ensure a smooth and stress-free start to your adventure, we strongly recommend arriving one day earlier (April 11). This gives you time to rest, adjust, and prepare for the journey ahead—while also protecting you from potential flight delays or lost luggage.

If you are unable to arrive within the indicated time window on Day 1, the trip will start without you. You may join the group later, but any additional transfer costs will be at your expense.

Only 6 spots available for this incredible experience!