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The Best of Namibia with Art Wolfe – Sept 2013

THE BEST OF NAMIBIA WITH ART WOLFE

THE BEST OF NAMIBIA WITH ART WOLFE

Overview

Please note this photo safari is fully “SOLD OUT”.

This photo safari provides a rare opportunity to photograph alongside the legendary American photographer, Art Wolfe.

Learn how to capture the expanse of the Namibia landscape to the smallest details in the Namib desert plus enjoy “one-on-one” tuition with Art as he shows you how he photographs his signature images. While you learn about technique, Art’s approach to composition will transform your photography, not merely add to it.

Namibia is a land of big skies and grand vistas blessed with captivating light; a place where uncluttered horizons seem farther away than you have ever imagined. It is a place of solitude and reflection.

In Sossusvlei, as you drive along a desert road the eastern sky blossoms from steely grey to a riot of reds. Silence falls like a blanket when you stop, the sand squeaking underfoot as you begin your ascent of one of the tallest sand dunes on the planet. As you near the summit, the revelation of beauty is startling. Gazing over the ancient landscape, you reflect on the human empires that have risen and fallen under its steady gaze. It is this timeless, striking beauty that makes Sossusvlei one of Africa’s most inspirational places to photograph.

With an area of just under one million square kilometres and a population density of under 2.5 people per square kilometre, there is hardly another country on the planet where there is such intimate access to the mysterium of life. Namibia is one of the most empty, barren and unbelievably beautiful countries in Africa, perhaps the planet.

It has an austere, dramatic beauty. The landscapes, wildlife and people evoke and release creativity in your photography.

All the elements of its nature: stones, sands, deserts, dunes, rivers and animals are suddenly there anew in the freshest dawn light you will ever come to know. Like few other places, Namibia’s light and colours bring out a sacred presence in the heart of nature. Indeed, it is the very elemental forces you will find in Kaokoveld which inform and elevate creativity as you decide what to include in your frame. You will feel privileged to be there.

You will be treated to some of the most spectacular scenery and nomadic cultures (e.g. the Himba people of Kaokoveld who still dress and live according to ancient customs) .

The country’s coastline is designated a national park! The Namib-Skeleton Coast National Park stretches 1600 kilometres from the Kunene River in the north to the Orange River in the south. It is the only country on earth having its entire coastline protected as a national park.

To capture Namibia’s iconic images generally means a 4WD drive in excess of 4500 kilometres, mostly in desert and mountainous terrain – I have done it twice.

On this tour we will fly to three iconic destinations, Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei in the southwest, Serra Cafema on the border with Angola in the north and Ongava and Etosha in the centre, thus mazimizing time for the primary purpose of you visiting Namibia in the first place – to capture some of the planet’s unrivalled photography.

Highlights – to choose is difficult!

  • Ghost town of Kolmanskop – only for those on the optional pre-tour extension.
  • Dune landscapes of Sossusvlei – with an option to photograph them from the air in a balloon or fixed wing aircraft.
  • Pre-dawn Dead Vlei – a near mystical experience.
  • Sunset in Dead Vlei – when you will capture many of your most memorable images on this trip.
  • Star photography in Dead Vlei – a surreal photographic experience.
  • Skeleton Coast – its ship wrecks are eerie from the air.
  • Remote Damaraland and Kaokoland – where time seems to stop and the panoramic landscapes seem to go on forever.
  • Himba people – and their still intact culture.
  • Ongava private reservation – which has no fences between it and Etosha.
  • Etosha National Park – without doubt, one of the best game reserves in Africa
  • Windhoek city – its German architecture will surprise and delight you.
  • Time each evening to sit, in peace and enjoy the special spirit of Africa.
  • Not more than four photographers allowed per vehicle – you will appreciate the extra space if you use large lenses.
  • You will be accompanied by two passionate and accomplished wildlife photographers who will provide every assistance to you – the legendary Art Wolfe (USA) and Denis Glennon AO (Australia).

Our aim is to ensure you come home with the best possible images and unforgettable memories of a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience photographing in Namibia.

THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI IS CONFINED TO A MAXIMUM OF EIGHT PARTICIPANTS.

DATES & SUMMARY ITINERARY

The photo safari commences on 4th September 2013 and finishes on 14th September 2013, starting and ending in Windhoek, Namibia.

DATE TRANSFER ACCOMMODATION
4 Sept Arrive Windhoek – start of photo safari Galton House.
5 Sept Fly Windhoek/Sossusvlei – charter flight Sossus Dune Lodge– 4 nights
9 Sept Transfer to Serra Cafema Lodge – charter flight Serra Cafema Lodge– 2 nights
11 Sept Transfer to Ongava Reserve – charter flight Ongava Lodge– 3 nights
14 Sept Transfer to Windhoek Airport – charter flight N/A

 

You can also download the more comprehensive itinerary by clicking the DOWNLOAD ITINERARY button in the sidebar.

Costs

The all-inclusive cost is: US$19,950 / AUD$19,450 per person, twin share.

A single supplement of US$2450.00/AUD$2,390 applies, if specifically requested.

Terms of Payment are as follows:

1. A non-refundable 50% deposit together with a completed Registration Form, on or before 31st December 2012.

2. A second non-refundable payment of the balance on or before 31st May 2013.

OPTIONAL PRIVATE EXTENSION – Photograph The Ghost Town of Kolmanskop

Important: This option is confined to four participants and is now fully booked.

The Ghost Town of Kolmanskop Option is scheduled for 1 – 4 September i.e. before the tour commences. Please note, due to other commitments, it is not planned that Art Wolfe will participate in this optional private extension. The extension includes:

1. Transfer from Windhoek Airport to Galton House, Windhoek on 31st Aug 2013. [This cost is included in the main tour].

2. Overnight accommodation at Galton House on 31st August 2013.

3. Road transfers Galton House/Windhoek Airport and Luderitz Airport/Luderitz Nest Hotel on 1st Sept 2013.

4. Private charter flight: Windhoek/Luderitz, on 1st Sept 2013 and Luderitz/Windhoek on 4th Sept 2013. Precise flight details will be provided in Windhoek & Luderitz; expect to depart Windhoek at approx. 10.00am and Luderitz at approx. 11.00am. The charter flight has been arranged to maximize the time for photography at Kolmanskop/Ludertiz, as direct Windhoek/Luderitz flights occur on only three days per week.

5. Accommodation at Luderitz Nest Hotel on nights 1, 2, & 3rd Sept 2013.

6. All dinners & breakfasts at Galton House and Luderitz Nest Hotel. [Note, to maximize flexibility for photographing at Kolmanskop, lunches are not scheduled. There is a small, but quite good cafe at Kolmanskop].

7. Use of private vehicle (Toyoto Fortuner or similar high clearance vehicle) for group whilst in Luderitz/Kolmanskop.

8. Iconic Images/C4 Images naturalist/guide, Vernon Swanepoel and Denis Glennon AO will host, guide, transfer participants for the duration of stay at Luderitz/Kolmanskop.

9. A minimum of five photo shoots in the Ghost Town of Kolmanskop. Shoots at other locations around Luderitz can be discussed and agreed between participants on-site.

10. Photo permits for Kolmanskop (these permits will be deemed to be for “non-commercial” photography).

The cost for this option is US$3240.00/AUD$3,175, 50% payable on registration and 50% payable on or before Friday 31st May 2013.

A single supplement of AUD$345 applies, if specifically requested.

If You Would Like More Details

If you would like to discuss any aspect of international flights for the photo safari, please contact the booking agent, Flightworld, 200 St. Georges Tce., Perth and request to speak to Mrs Khush Suntoke. Alternatively you can email Khush at khush@flightworld.com.au.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the photo safari, before making a decision to join us, please contact either:

Denis Glennon AO on 0418 923 103 or denis@denisglennon.com

Ensure you download the comprehensive itinerary containing most of the information you will initially need, by clicking on “DOWNLOAD ITINERARY’ in the box on the right hand side.

If this photo safari is not for you, perhaps you might consider forwarding the information to a friend at Canon Oceania, who may like to know about it.

Pre-departure Information & Checklists

To assist you prepare for this photo safari I have compiled a comprehensive, downloadable and printable PDF. It contains helpful information on:

  1. Travelling with and looking after photographic equipment in Africa.
  2. Downloading and backing-up images every day.
  3. Power supply in Namibia for charging batteries, laptop, mobile phone, etc.
  4. Vehicle etiquette and consideration for fellow passengers and photographers.
  5. Keeping healthy in Africa.
  6. Money Matters in Namibia.
  7. Immigration and Customs at Windhoek International Airport, South Africa.
  8. Arrangements to meet you on arrival at Windhoek International Airport.
  9. Travel documents, personal items & clothing checklist
  10. Personal medical items checklist.
  11. Camera equipment checklist – this is a comprehensive list and you should not be overwhelmed.
  12. Summary itinerary.
  13. Your Tour Leaders/Assistants
  14. Guide to paying gratuities on this photo safari.
  15. Denis’ choice of lenses and other camera equipment for this photo safari.

The information in this PDF will help you to remember to pack your selection of camera equipment and other essential items so that you return home with a great collection of iconic images, and many magnificent memories.

To download and print a copy of this PDF, click: Pre-departure Information & Checklists for Namibia with AW – Sept 2013



View Sossusvlei – Namibia in a larger map

Sossusvlei - Namibia

QUERIES & CONTACTS

If you would like to discuss any aspect of international flights for the photo safari, please contact the booking agent, Flightworld, 200 St. Georges Tce., Perth and request to speak to Mrs Khush Suntoke. Alternatively you can email Khush at khush@flightworld.com.au.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the photo safari, before making a decision to join us, please contact either:

Denis Glennon AO on 0418 923 103 or denis@denisglennon.com, or

Jay Collier on 0410 608 790 or jay.collier@canon.com.au

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Download the PDF containing full details on payment terms and registration, the itinerary, what is/is not included, cancellation policy and fees, compulsory travel insurance, health considerations, responsibility, liability, and packing camera gear for travel.

Download: The Very Best of Namibia with Art Wolfe (Printable PDF)

REGISTRATION FORM

To reserve a place, download, complete and return the form to Our World Travel.

Download: REGISTRATION FORM (PrintablePDF)

AFFILIATIONS

Iconic Images is the exclusive representative/agent for C4 Photo Safaris, South Africa, in Australia & New Zealand.

C4 Photo Safaris provides the on-ground logistics for Iconic Images' photo safaris/tours in Africa and is a SATSA member. The SATSA logo signifies that C4 Photo Safaris offers services that are of the highest quality and the company is deemed to be a credible and reliable provider of services to the tourism industry in South Africa. These services are independently audited on an annual basis. SATSA members are bonded, providing a financial guarantee of deposits held against the involuntary liquidation of a SATSA member.

AIPP Australian Institute of Professional Photographers SATSA Southern Africa Tourism Services Association C4 Images & Safaris
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