, Namibia 2019 – Part 1

Namibia 2019 – Part 1

I led another enjoyable photography tour of Namibia at the end of March. I had 7 guests and they were a great group of people. I hired two 4x4s, and took a couple of walkie talkies so that we could communicate with each other when driving. There was great banter and teasing between the occupants of the two cars which led to much laughter along the way 🙂 The weather was so much hotter than when I was there last September when we all froze for the first week due to a rare cold weather front up from the Cape. This time I ensured high temperatures by packing a hot water bottle, warm hat & gloves and a couple of fleeces and padded jacket!

I didn’t think I’d take many photos as this was my third trip to the same locations, but of course I couldn’t resist. Here’s a selection:

, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
Most of us arrived in Windhoek two days before our tour started, so we went to the local craft market. The two images on the left are painted on a wall and I really liked the paintings on the right.
Quiver Trees
Having struggled to find our way back to the car in the pitch black last year, I had the literally bright idea of taking glow sticks this time. Placing them on the route in to the forest at night worked really well and we were easily able to trace our way back, collecting them up as we went.
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
Our very quirky accommodation. Who’d have though that there would be igloos in Namibia?
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
I love this abandoned town. Each time I go, I see something new to photograph, and the sand constantly changes its shape due to the high winds that are often prevalent.
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
A little DIY and it will be fixed up in no time! The lengths photographers will go to to capture that perfect photograph knows no bounds!
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
Details. The air is so dry that the wood doesn’t rot here.
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
I love the pattern on the sand here. The roof is missing over this room and the beams cast these great shadows.
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
This is nearly the whole town. It’s a very bleak place to have lived.

We were lucky enough to see some desert horses not too far from the road as we drove along. They are surprisingly friendly but probably desperate for food and water; it’s hard to understand just how they can survive out here.

, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1

We drove nearly 3000km over two weeks, much of it on virtually empty gravel roads.

, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
As there are so few cars on these roads I had plenty of time to set up a tripod in the middle of the road, set the timer, and stroll in to a group photo 🙂
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
Photo credit Nian Huei.

We did have a tyre blow out on one of these roads, but with help from one of my lovely guests, we had it changed and back on our way within a very short space of time. Thanks Doug!

, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
A selection of road signposts. Thanks Maria Abson for the montage.

There was exciting wildlife to be seen on our journey, and at one of our destinations we were taken out for a couple of drives into 33,000 hectares of unspoilt nature. Contrasting landscapes are never-ending, with rippled sand dunes glowing in the magical light of sunrise and sunset, mountains perfectly framing breathtaking views, rocky outcrops studded with quiver trees and stunning savannah and desert vistas.

, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
I only had a moment when the ostriches were lined up on the brow of the hill before they disappeared.
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
A short while later and further on our drive these Oryx were also heading up a slope, so we stopped and waited for them to be on the top.

Dead trees are always a firm favourite of mine to photograph.

, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
Put a group of photographers in the same place and they’ll all find something different to capture!
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
A ‘lone tree’ was a favourite thing to photograph on this trip for a few of the group.
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
The light at sunrise is beautiful.
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
Cheetah on the sand dunes in the early morning light.

Away from our inland destinations, and we stopped for two nights at the coast where we enjoyed a harbour cruise and sand dunes experience.

, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
This seal was in hot pursuit of our boat!
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
Taking in the view from a higher vantage point than normal!
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
I love pelicans. These are so used to landing on the boats we could even stroke them. They are silky soft on the top of their heads.
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
Above and below: Pelican feathers
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
, Namibia 2019 – Part 1
I’ve been practicing at capturing birds in flight. I don’t find it easy!

Part 2 to follow soon………

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