safari NAUKLUFT PARK

the SAFARI

10-Night 11-Day - photographic camping safari
From: R6,900 p/p

One of the naukluft_sand_dunes largest conservation areas in the world, touching the Atlantic Ocean in the west, contrasted with bright red sand dunes believed to be the oldest in the world. It stretches into vast gravel plains through the interior where it is rounded off with bizarre rock formations and lonely mountains rising up. A unique plant species described as a living fossil, namely the Welwitschia Mirabilis and unusual wildlife make the Namib Naukluft National Park a destination like no other.

IT IS SO MAGNIFICENT, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SUMMARISE THIS PHOTOGRAPHIC HAVEN.

naukluft_desert_wide_view This 10-night 11-day safari is for the more serious photographer and is particularly popular with those interested in landscape photography. Lonesome Quiver trees, granitic rock formations carved by the desert winds and endless arid vistas offers outstanding photographic possibilities. Basic camping facilities and limited campsites guarantee a sense of isolation when surrounded with wide open spaces, sheltered with a crystal clear star-filled night sky.
This award great opportunities for capturing time-lapse and star trail images.

Cooler day temperatures between April to October presents an naukluft_quiver_tree ideal time to visit the area. Night temperatures can drop down significantly in this time. During April the desert flora should still be blooming and green, depending on the last summer rains. The winter months of this hyper-arid region will characterise the landscape with dramatic views. Each sunset is more memorable then the one before.

naukluft_welwitschia The Namib Naukluft National Park is Namibia's most sought after destination and must be the biggest reason why photographers return again and again.

naukluft_sunset naukluft_desert_plains naukluft_rock_arch_camping naukluft_on_top_of_dune

naukluft_clay_castle_homeb naukluft_blutkuppe naukluft_chameleon naukluft_landscape

the DESTINATION

HISTORY
The Namib Naukluft National Park stretches from the Swakop River in the north down to the road between Lüderitz and Aus, the B4, in the south. It covers a land area of almost 50,000 km². It took nearly 90 years to proclaim the park to its current size. In 1907 the German Colonial Administration incorporated the area between the Swakop River and the Kuiseb River as Game Reserve No.3. The Sandwich Harbour area was added to the reserve in 1941 to protect the guano concessions. It was expanded again in 1956 to include the Welwitschia plains, the Swakop River Valley and the Kuiseb Canyon. In 1966 the area was known as the Namib Desert Park.

The Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park was proclaimed in 1968 to protect the endangered Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. Many neighbouring farms were purchased to allow Gemsbok to migrate between the mountains and the dunes. A large part of Diamond Area 2 south of the Kuiseb River, including Sesriem and Sossusvlei enlarged the conservation area further in 1979 as the Namib Naukluft Park. The inclusion of the rest of Diamond Area 2 and part of Diamond Area 1 close to Lüderitz in 1986 resulted in forming the biggest park in Africa.

The Topnaar communal farmers still occupies the lower Kuiseb River through herding livestock. They used to live nomadic and semi-nomadic lifestyles, but the proclamation of the parks, the Spergebiet and the construction of boreholes led to permanent settlements.

The Topnaars are descendents of the Khoisan and they form part of the Nama culture. Roughly 2000 years ago the Khoisan migrated from northern Botswana into parts of South Africa. When the Bantu people started to move in from their southward migration, the Khoisan was forced to move up in a more north-western direction, into the more arid regions. They adapted to the dry coastal desert environment of the Namib where the fairly rich plant life of the Kuiseb River valley provided additional food sources, especially the famous "!nara" melon. Gathering food from the beaches and spearing fish offered more nourishment to the Topnaars. A memorable visit to a small community forms part of this safari.

naukluft_quiver_tree_rocks

GEOGRAPHY
Namib means “open space” or “vast” in the Nama language and is somewhat of an understatement. The old Hottentot language described it as “thirst land” which is quite an accurate description. Unique geography is the secret to this remote and mysterious destination. The Moon Landscape within the Swakop Canyon was formed by the eroding Swakop River as it carved through the sandstone creating unusual tunnels. Isolated granitic inselbergs (koppies or mountains) characterises the area and is rich in feldspar and sandstone. Signs of quartzite and shale are also evident. Expansive gravel and gypsum plains are a regular site. Dry river beds and drainage lines offer underground water for larger trees such as Acacias and is a welcome sight to the mainly arid and semi-arid scenes. Flash-floods occurring unexpectedly in the summertime are the main reason for green vegetation along the drainage lines. The awesomely enormous sand dunes are coloured into red, orange and pinkish tones through slow iron oxidation. The darker red coloured dunes are believed to be older dunes.

Coastal fog from the cold Atlantic Ocean is the only source of moisture for the majority of animal and plant life. The mist rolls inland for as far as 100km from the sea providing the most fundamental part of survival. Most of the creatures found in this inhospitable region are small or nocturnal therefore often unnoticed. On closer inspection, you will make fascinating discoveries. The Dollar bush and Ink bush can survive without rain for years. Some of the larger plant species are Blue-leaved Corkwood (Commiphora glaucescens), White-stem Corkwood (Commiphora tenuipetiolata), Quiver Tree (Aloe dichotoma) and the most fascinating of them all the Welwitschia Mirabilis. Ephemeral plants (short lived plants) such as Geophytes disguise themselves as stones and the desert Lichens appears to be lifeless. Once a drop of water is poured on it, it becomes “alive” again.

At sunset you may here the elusive sound of the Barking Gecko or listen to the cry of a Black-backed Jackal. During the day you might be rewarded with an appearance by the thoroughbred of the shade-less desert; the Oryx or Gemsbok. Other animals that survive here is the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Springbok, Klipspringer, Rock Hyrax, Cape Hare, Rodents, Porcupine, Cape Fox and Bat-eared Fox. Kudu, African Wild Cat, Aardwolf, Caracal, Brown and Spotted Hyena and Leopard are rarely seen. Baboons and Warthogs are found closer to water. Smaller species like the Namaqua chameleon, lizards, Dune beetles along with spiders, insects, scorpions and snakes can be encountered.

The lagoon at Sandwich Harbour situated at the coast is an important wetland and supports several endangered bird species such as Chestnutbanded Plover, White Pelican and Blacknecked Grebe. Away from the coast Ostrich, Ludwig’s Bustard, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Rüppell’s Korhaan and Larks are common. Lappet-faced Vulture, Secretarybirds and other eagles could also be seen in the Naukluft Park.

The Namib Naukluft National Park is a place like no other. You have to experience it yourself!

naukluft_sunset_open_desert

the ITINERARY

DAY ONE

Departure time: 10:00
Distance to travel: 250km
Driving time: 4 hours 45min
Stopping time: 1 hour 15min
Estimated travelling time: 6 hours
Estimated arrival time: 16:00

From Windhoek we will travel west on the C28 towards the Naukluft Park.
Shortly after we entered the Naukluft Park we will travel north towards Bloedkoppe where we will set up camp for two nights.
Here you will have ample time to photograph fascinating granitic rock formations, Quiver trees and beautiful views of the Namib desert.

Breakfast is not included.
We will stop next to the road to stretch our legs and enjoy lunch at a scenic location.
Casual photography tutoring - composition and visual communications.
Dinner and photography talks around the campfire.

DAY TWO

Camp day - no driving for today
We are able to drive short distances to specific locations where you would like to take photographs when the lighting is ideal. There is a great hiking trail close to the campsite.

Wake up with coffee and rusks - before the crack of dawn.
Practical photography - time to shoot, ask questions and practice what you’ve learnt.
Brunch will be prepared after our practical photography session.
Casual photography tutoring - technicalities – understanding the functions of your camera and how to use it.
Practical photography - time to shoot, ask questions and practice what you’ve learnt.
Dinner and photography talks around the campfire.

DAY THREE

Wake up with coffee and rusks - before the crack of dawn.
Practical photography - time to shoot, ask questions and practice what you’ve learnt.
Breakfast will be prepared after our practical photography session.

Departure time: 10:00
Distance to travel: 17km
Driving time: 1 hour
Stopping time: not specified
Estimated travelling time: 2 hours
Estimated arrival time: 12:00

From Bloedkoppe campsite we will continue our journey in the park north-east towards Rock-arch campsite. There will be some "off-road" driving to reach our next destination as we travel past the Tinkas and through a dry riverbed. Driving is slow and relaxed as we stop for photos along the way.

Set up camp on arrival.
Practical photography - time to shoot, ask questions and practice what you’ve learnt.
Dinner and photography talks around the campfire.

DAY FOUR

Wake up with coffee and rusks - before the crack of dawn.
Practical photography - time to shoot, ask questions and practice what you’ve learnt.
Breakfast will be prepared after our practical photography session.

Departure time: 10:00
Distance to travel: 106km
Driving time: 2 hours 35min
Stopping time: not specified
Estimated travelling time: 4 hours
Estimated arrival time: 14:00

From Rock-arch campsite we will venture further to reach Swakop Valley campsite, next to the Swakop River, where more “off-road” driving is involved. Here we will find the unique Welwitschia Mirabilis occurring in close proximity to the Moon Landscape. Once again, we can stop for photos on route or go to specific locations close to the campsite for more photographs.

Set up camp on arrival.
Practical photography - time to shoot, ask questions and practice what you’ve learnt.
Dinner and photography talks around the campfire.

DAY FIVE

Wake up with coffee and rusks - before the crack of dawn.
Practical photography - time to shoot, ask questions and practice what you’ve learnt.
Breakfast will be prepared after our practical photography session.

Departure time: 10:00
Distance to travel: 65km
Driving time: 1 hour 30min
Stopping time: not specified
Estimated travelling time: 3 hours
Estimated arrival time: 13:00

Leaving Swakop Valley campsite we will make our way to Swakopmund via the D1991 while passing by the mysterious Moon Landscape, allowing more time for photographs.

Accommodation will be at the Municipal Rest Camp.
After checking in you can explore the town, do some shopping, photograph the iconic German architecture of Swakopmund or visit the local craft market.
Laundry facilities are available at the rest camp.
We will have dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Dinner is for your own account.

DAY SIX

Wake up with coffee and rusks - before the crack of dawn.

A visit to Walvis Bay and Pelican Point is on the schedule for today. We will travel south on the B2, hugged between sand dunes and ocean.
More photo opportunities will present itself along the way as we visit Bird Rock, a breading island for various coastal birds. We will take a detour to Pelican Point to photograph an interesting lighthouse and eerie shipwreck.

Brunch will be prepared at a picnic spot next to the road.
Practical photography throughout the day.

On our way back to Swakopmund we will travel via Dune 7 and climb up one of the highest dunes in the world.

Casual photography tutoring - post production - how to correctly edit your images and prepare it for printing.
Dinner will be prepared at the Municipal Rest Camp.

DAY SEVEN

Wake up with coffee and rusks
Breakfast will be prepared at the Municipal Rest Camp.

Departure time: 10:00
Distance to travel: 93km
Driving time: 1 hour 45min
Stopping time: not specified
Estimated travelling time: 2 hours
Estimated arrival time: 12:00

We leave Swakopmund to travel in a south-eastern direction to a fantastic spot along the Kuiseb River where we will spend some time interacting with the local Topnaars. Their community is nestled between rugged rocky scenes abruptly changing to a sea of sand where it meets the river.
Red sand dunes and cultural photography is a highlight at this destination. (This is not a charity fund-raiser)

Set up camp on arrival.
Practical photography - time to shoot, ask questions and practice what you've learnt.
Dinner and photography talks around the campfire.

DAY EIGHT

Wake up with coffee and rusks - before the crack of dawn.
Practical photography - time to shoot, ask questions and practice what you've learnt.
Breakfast will be prepared after our practical photography session.

Departure time: 10:00
Distance to travel: 56km
Driving time: 1 hour 30min
Stopping time: not specified
Estimated travelling time: 3 hours
Estimated arrival time: 13:00

From the Kuiseb river we will continue east to Homeb campsite.
The road passes by small settlements of the Topnaars and eventually takes us past Gobabeb, the research centre in the Namib Naukluft Park.
At Homeb we will camp under beautiful Ana trees which serves as an important foodsource and protection for many small animals and birds. It also offers comfortable shady campsites.

Set up camp on arrival.
Practical photography - time to shoot, ask questions and practice what you've learnt.
Dinner and photography talks around the campfire.

DAY NINE

Camp day - no driving for today
We are able to drive short distances to specific locations where you would like to take photographs when the lighting is ideal. There are many hiking oppertunities around the campsite.

Wake up with coffee and rusks - before the crack of dawn.
Practical photography - time to shoot, ask questions and practice what you’ve learnt.
Breakfast will be prepared after our practical photography session.
Casual Photography tutoring - choosing the right equipment.
Dinner and photography talks around the campfire.

DAY TEN

Wake up with coffee and rusks - before the crack of dawn.
Practical photography - time to shoot, ask questions and practice what you’ve learnt.
Breakfast will be prepared after our practical photography session.

Departure time: 10:00
Distance to travel: 95km
Driving time: 2 hours 30min
Stopping time: not specified
Etsimated travelling time: 4 hours
Estimated arrival time: 14:00

Today we will travel in an easterly direction, then travelling north to Ganab campsite where a cluster of Camel Thorn trees welcome us.

Set up camp on arrival.
Practical photography - time to shoot, ask questions and practice what you've learnt.
Dinner and photography talks around the campfire.

DAY ELEVEN

Breakfast will be prepared early to allow enough time to take down camp.

Departure time: 10:00
Distance to travel: 205km
Driving time: 4 hours
Stopping time: 1 hour
Estimated travelling time: 5 hours
Estimated arrival time: 15:00

From Ganab we will drive east towards Gamsberg nature reserve via the C26. The road curves in a northern direction as we make our way back to Windhoek.

The day to day route:

naukluft_park_itinerary

the DATE

10-Night 11-Day photographic camping safari

This safari can extended to included a visit to the enormous rippling sand dunes of Sossusvlei.
Safaris are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The status will indicate the percentage booked.
If a safari has been booked for any percentage, it can not be booked for a private safari.
Please contact us for future dates or to book a CUSTOM-MADE safari.

Dates	Status
21 May 2013 - 31 May 2013	Available
5 July 2013 - 15 July 2013	Available
14 May 2014 - 23 May 2014	Available
1 July 2014 - 10 July 2014	Available

the COST

Below is a detailed layout of the cost. There are a number of factors influencing the prices therefore we encourage you to study the table thoroughly.

Rates are quoted in ZAR (South African Rand).
There is no minimum required number of people (12 people maximum).
Rates are fixed for all guests whether you participate in the workshop or not.
Due to the nature of our safaris we can not accommodate children under the age of 15 with OPEN safaris. We welcome children on PRIVATE safaris or CUSTOM-made safaris.
Only a non-refundable deposit of R3,000 p/p will ensure your safari is booked.
Your invoice will be sent 30 days prior to the safari departure. The outstanding balance is then due 14 days before the safari.
With an OPEN safari, the outstanding balance will be influenced by the total amount of guests on the safari (the more people joining, the less your balance will be).
Payments can be made via PayPal or electronic transfers.
Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Please ensure that you have read and understand the terms and conditions.

OWN VEHICLE - 4x4

Prices are structured to be most economical for 4, or 7 to 12 people. (note prices in orange)

	1 Person	2 or 3 Persons	4 Persons	5 or 6 Persons	7 to 12 Persons
OPEN	-	R12,500 p/p	R6,900 p/p	R7,400 p/p	R6,900 p/p
PRIVATE	R25,500 p/p	R14,400 p/p	R8,300 p/p	R8,400 p/p	R7,100 p/p
Max No. of vehicle(s)	1	2	2	3	5

What’s included: (for the duration of the safari and/or distance to be travelled with thombe SAFARI)

Park and entrance fees
Accommodation
Access to charge batteries and laptops
x2 Meals per day (brunch and dinner)
Drinking water
x2 Guides / photographers
Workshop
Course notes

What’s not included:

Fuel
Toll gates and/or road tax
Camping equipment
International and/or local airfare
Visas (if applicable)
Travel Insurance
Additional transportation or travelling costs
Pre- and post- safari tours, activities or accommodation
Items of a personal nature (gifts, toiletries etc.)
Beverages (alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic)
Snacks
Equipment rentals
Gratuities

RENT VEHICLE - 4x4

Prices are structured to be most economical for 4 pax per vehicle. (note prices in orange)
Vehicles comfortably accommodate 4 people; however it can fit 5 people.
The roof-top tents can sleep 2 people per tent.
Each vehicle is fitted with 2 tents to sleep 4 people.
An additional ground tent will be provided for a 5th person, if applicable.

	OPEN			PRIVATE
	1x 4x4	2x 4x4's	3x 4x4's	1x 4x4	2x 4x4's	3x 4x4's
1 Person	-	-	-	R52,500 p/p	-	-
2 Persons	R26,000 p/p	R39,500 p/p	-	R27,900 p/p	R41,400 p/p	-
3 Persons	R21,500 p/p	R30,500 p/p	R39,500 p/p	R23,400 p/p	R32,400 p/p	R41,400 p/p
4 Persons	R13,700 p/p	R20,400 p/p	R27,200 p/p	R15,000 p/p	R21,800 p/p	R28,600 p/p
5 Persons	R12,800 p/p	R18,200 p/p	R23,600 p/p	R13,800 p/p	R19,200 p/p	R24,600 p/p
6 Persons	-	R16,400 p/p	R20,900 p/p	-	R17,400 p/p	R21,900 p/p
7 Persons	-	R14,700 p/p	R18,500 p/p	-	R14,800 p/p	R18,700 p/p
8 Persons	-	R13,700 p/p	R17,100 p/p	-	R13,900 p/p	R17,300 p/p
9 Persons	-	R13,400 p/p	R15,900 p/p	-	R13,100 p/p	R16,100 p/p
10 Persons	-	-	R15,000 p/p	-	-	R15,200 p/p
11 Persons	-	-	R14,300 p/p	-	-	R14,500 p/p
12 Persons	-	-	R13,700 p/p	-	-	R13,900 p/p

What’s included: (for the duration of the safari and/or distance to be travelled with thombe SAFARI)

Fully equipped 4x4 vehicle
Fuel
Toll gates and/or road tax
Park and entrance fees
Accommodation
Camping equipment
Access to charge batteries and laptops
x2 Meals per day (brunch and dinner)
Drinking water
x2 Guides / photographers
Workshop (not compulsory)
Course notes

What’s not included:

International and/or local airfare
Visas (if applicable)
Travel Insurance
Additional transportation costs or extended vehicle hire
Pre- and post- safari tours, activities or accommodation
Items of a personal nature (gifts, toiletries etc.)
Beverages (alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic)
Snacks
Equipment rentals
Gratuities

Definitions

OPEN safari:
A safari that is open to any member of the public. Everyone on safari will not necessarily know each other.

PRIVATE safari:
A safari that is booked for a private group of people such as family or friends travelling together, with no other members of the public joining the group.

CUSTOM-MADE safari:
A safari that is organised according to your preference and specific needs, locations and/or dates. Please contact us for more info.

PDF downloads

Naukluft Park safari e-book
Download a detailed pdf document of the Naukluft Park safari with ALL the information provided here.

Booking from
Download a booking form for the Naukluft Park safari.

Important info
Download a detailed pdf document with information regarding what to bring, general health and safety and suggested links.

the MAP

the WEATHER

The Namib Naukluft National Park is one of the world’s driest deserts which results in a dry and warm country, free from rain for most of the year. Rain normally occurs between October and April yet it is still a rare sight. It is common to find coastal fog closer to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. Summer temperatures can easily rise up to mid 30’s or low 40’s. Winter nights can drop below freezing but usually has an average of 5°C.

Summer (November to February) - Days are hot with moderate nights.
Winter (June to August) - Days are mild with cold nights that can drop below freezing.
Autumn & Spring (March to May & September to October) - Pleasant days and cool nights.

Below is a summary of the average annual climate and rainfall in the Naukluft Park area.
Please note that temperatures may fluctuate with 5°C or even 10°C either way for consecutive days.
GMT +2 from the 1st Sunday in September to the 1st Sunday in April / GMT +1 from the 1st Sunday in April to the 1st Sunday in September

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Min (°C)	14	15	16	14	13	12	10	7	9	10	12	13
Max (°C)	30	30	32	31	29	27	26	24	26	28	30	29
Rain (mm)	0	21	6	6	0	6	0	0	0	0	0	0
Rainfall (day/s)	1	3	5	2	1	2	1	1	3	1	1	0
Sunrise (hh:mm)	06:26	06:47	07:01	06:13	06:26	06:38	06:40	06:24	06:56	06:27	06:07	06:08
Sunset (hh:mm)	19:51	19:39	19:15	17:46	17:26	17:22	17:31	17:43	18:53	19:04	19:21	19:41