PODAS Namibia Master Class

Photograph the epic desert landscapes of Namibia

The goal of this workshop is to photograph the breathtaking desert landscapes of Namibia at three unique and beautiful locations. This will be a flying safari. We will maximize our safari by flying from location to location. This will enable us to carry an adequate amount of camera baggage and eliminate long drives.

Highlights
– This private flying safari covers fascinating attractions in Namibia and offers stunning landscape from the air.
– We will fly to three amazing destinations in southern, central and northern Namibia: Sossusvlei, Serra Cafema and the deserted mining town of Kolmanskop.
– The Namib Desert may well be the world's oldest desert. The apricot-colored dunes at Sossusvlei are some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth. Herds of mountain zebra, gemsbok and springbok roam the area.
– In all the parks you will have the opportunity to spend quality photographic time.
– Finish on a high note in the magnificent northern landscapes along the Serra Cafema mountain range near Angola.  

Like all PODAS workshops, this session is carefully planned to provide the optimal learning experience; the combination of place, people and high-performance photography gear combine to create an environment guaranteed to inspire and delight.

* Please note there is a luggage limit of 66lbs (30kg) per person on the charter flight so please pre-pack your luggage accordingly in soft-sided bags. These restrictions should be strictly adhered to. As this is primarily a landscape photography trip, you will not need a large selection of lenses. Laundry service is available at all lodges and camps on this safari.

PODAS Instructor
Andy Biggs is an avid adventurer, conservationist, teacher, and outdoor photographer whose photography celebrates the African landscape and its rich wildlife, people, and culture. With a deep respect and understanding for African wildlife, Andy shows us the world of the Serengeti with striking emotional depth. His photographic safaris allow the traveler to not only enhance their understanding of photography, lighting, and wildlife, but to develop a life-long admiration for Africa 's beauty and culture.

AGENDA 

September 23 - Windhoek, Namibia
On arrival at Windhoek you will be met and taken to your hotel.
The Olive Grove is situated close to the city center in a quiet, peaceful area. There are 9 en-suite rooms all featuring direct dial telephone, private safe, multi-channel satellite television, and air conditioning.
One of Olive Grove's main features is the large veranda in front of every room, with tables and chairs for al fresco dining. The open air lounge, spa bath, plunge pool and tranquil garden all invite the visitor to unwind and relax under Namibia's open skies. The inside lounge is decorated with comfortable chairs and a fireplace in front of which to relax.

September 24 - Windhoek to Luderitz
Today you will be driven to the airport for your scenic private charter scenic flight to Luderitz. Upon arrival you will be taken to your hotel. The coastal town of Luderitz is a small enclave within the Sperrgebiet (restricted Diamond Area). An optional excursion offers visitors the unique opportunity of entering the Diamond Area to visit Bogenfels, the 55 m high rock arch which juts into the sea, the modern diamond mine and old ghost town at Elizabeth Bay and the seal colony at Atlas Bay. Visitors can also explore the ghost town of Pomona and the legendary valley of Maerchental (fairy-tale valley), where early prospectors collected diamonds by moonlight. Afternoon at leisure, walking the town of Luderitz.

September 25 - Luderitz
Today you take an excursion to Kolmanskop Ghost Town. The ghost town's crumbling ruins bear little resemblance to its former glory. The former stately homes, their grandeur now scoured and demolished by the wind, are gradually being enveloped by the encroaching sand dunes. The mining company restored a number of the buildings and established a museum for viewing by tourists.

September 26 - Luderitz to Sossusvlei
After an additional early morning shoot at Kolmanskop, you will take a scenic private charter scenic flight to the Namib-Naukluft, where the tallest sand dunes in the world can be found. Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your lodge.

The Namib-Naukluft Park covers 19,215 square miles (50,000 km2) of desert savannah grasslands, gypsum and quartz plains, granite mountains, an estuarine lagoon, a canyon and huge, drifting apricot-colored dunes. The five main regions of the park are the Namib, Sandvis, Naukluft, Sesriem and Sossusvlei areas.
The Kuiseb River runs through the center of the park from east to west and acts as a natural boundary separating the northern grayish-white gravel plains from the southern deserts. Herds of mountain zebra, gemsbok, springbok and flocks of ostrich roam the region. Many small, fascinating creatures have uniquely adapted to this environment and help make this one of the most interesting deserts in the world. The dunes are home to numerous unique creatures, such as the translucent Palmato gecko, shovel-nosed lizard and Namib golden mole.

Sossusvlei, in the southern region, has the highest sand dunes in the world, exceeding 1,000 feet (300 m). The base of the second highest sand dune in the world can be closely approached by vehicle. The hike along the knife-edge rim to the top is strenuous, requiring 60–90 minutes of taking two steps up and sliding one step down. The view from the top into other valleys and of the mountains beyond is marvelous. Even up there, colorful beetles, ants and other desert critters roam about. Sunrise on these magnificent and colorful dunes is spectacular. Ballooning safaris are offered.

Kulala Desert Lodge is situated on the boundary of Sossusvlei. Each "Kulala" offers ensuite facilities and a private veranda with stunning views of the famous Sossusvlei dunes. In addition, your own rooftop sleeping area allows you a unique opportunity to enjoy a night under the spectacular desert sky.

September 27 - Sossusvlei
Early entrance into Sossusvlei park for a sunrise at Dead Vlei.

September 28 - Sossusvlei
Full day of photography.

September 29 - Sossusvlei to Serra Cafema
This morning you will take a scenic flight over the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei and the Atlantic Ocean. When you arrive in Serra Cafema you will be taken to your camp. This region is shared with the wonderful and colourful Himba people who are some of the last true nomadic people of Africa. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water and creates an oasis along its banks surrounded by rugged mountains and sand dunes.

The Serra Cafema Camp is situated in the remote northern area of the Skeleton Coast. You'll spend the next three days exploring one of the planet's driest deserts. Activities include traversing the sand dunes in 4x4 Landrovers enjoying the breath-taking landscape scenes with Springbok, Ostrich and Oryx dotted here and there, and boating on the Kunene River where you can watch for the Kunene crocodiles.

Walking in the remote mountain and river valleys are also a highlight. Serra Cafema is often visited by the native Ovahimba families who live in the nearby vicinity, which gives you the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and traditions. One of the highlights of Serra Cafema is the optional carefully guided quad-bike excursions that tread lightly on the dunes.

Serra Cafema Camp is set under big shady Albida trees overlooking the Kunene River and comprises 8 canvas and thatched chalets that are raised off the ground, each with its own en-suite bathroom. There is a small swimming pool, dining room and bar.

September 30 and October 1 - Serra Cafema
Full days of photography in and around the Serra Cafema area.

October 2 - Serra Cafema to Windhoek
Take a private charter flight back to Windhoek. Relax at the Nest Hotel for your last night in Namibia. Find time to process photographs and congregate for a farewell dinner.

October 3 - Windhoek
Depart Windhoek for home.

The Cost
The cost of this all-inclusive trip is U.S. $16,000 per person (excluding airfare to Windhoek, Namibia). The same rate applies for each participant regardless of whether they are doing photography and participating in the workshop, or not. This fee includes all in-country ground and air transportation as well as hotel accommodations (double occupancy) and all meals.

Please note: This trip is designed for photographers. Though non-photographer spouses are of course welcome, and alternate activities will be scheduled if possible, our primary emphasis will be traveling to the best locations for the best light, and this will often mean long days of both travel and shooting.
You should therefore consider joining this expedition only if you are a passionate photographer willing to put yourself out a bit. This is not a vacation sightseeing trip, but rather is a safari designed for those who'll go the extra mile (or kilometer) to get the images they've been dreaming about.

We will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or wildlife migrations) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. We reserve the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participant.

What is Not Included?
- Additional tips for staff such as guides and camp staff
- Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, insurance and airport taxes
- Laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature
- Cost of hospitalization and evacuation if necessary

What to bring
Once you are registered we will stay in touch with you preparing you for the workshop. Your fee covers transportation to and from photographic locations, instruction, hotel room, meals, beverages. Please bring your Phase One equipment, a sturdy tripod, CF cards and your laptop.

How Do I register?
Our groups are small, so space is limited. If this exciting trip has your name on it then now is the time to register.
Please register online here.

If you have any questions before registering, please send us an e-mail with any inquiries to kwr@phaseone.com.