ICONIC NAMIBIA PHOTO WORKSHOP

Wildlife

Sightseeing

Active

City Life

Culture

Relax

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

A raw 14-day journey across Namibia’s vast and untamed landscapes. This isn’t your fly-in safari. It’s a self-drive adventure built for travelers who want to pitch their own tent under endless desert skies, feel the gravel roads beneath their wheels, and wake up to the sounds of the wild. Expect long drives through shifting dunes and desolate plains, nights around the campfire with a million stars above, and mornings when giraffes and antelopes wander just beyond your campsite. From petrified trees, to the towering dunes diving straight into the ocean, through some of the most wildlife-rich safari in whole Africa, every day pushes you deeper into the raw, unfiltered spirit of this country.

HIGHLIGHTS

A curated photographic journey with expert guidance from international photographer Paolo Sartori
Sunrise shoots at the towering dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadlei’s iconic skeletal trees
Astro photography under some of the darkest skies on Earth
Discover the eerie beauty of Kolmanskop, Namibia’s ghost town reclaimed by sand
Explore the surreal rock formations of Quiver Tree Forest and Giant’s Playground
Two full days of game drives in Etosha National Park — one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves
Stay in intimate lodges and desert camps perfectly positioned for shooting at golden hour
Workshop sessions to review and edit your work along the way

DEPARTURE DATES

May 15 to May 27 2026

£5,200.00

May 4 to May 18 2027

£5,200.00

June 3 to June 15 2027: EARLY BIRD PRICE

£5,200.00

6 available

KEY INFORMATION

DAY 1 – Quiver Tree Forest & Night Skies

Arrival in Windhoek, brief shopping stop for last-minute essentials, then we hit the road heading south. Our first destination: the surreal Quiver Tree Forest. We check into our lodge in time for a golden-hour shoot among the iconic trees, followed by a night photography session under Namibia’s pristine Milky Way skies.

DAY 2 – Luderitz & Kolmanskop Ghost Town

Optional sunrise shoot before we drive east into the desert, crossing the land of the wild Namib horses. By late afternoon, we explore the haunting beauty of Kolmanskop, the diamond-mining ghost town slowly being reclaimed by the sand. Every room tells a different story: a visual playground for any photographer. Sunset shoot, then return to Luderitz.

DAY 3 – Sunrise in Kolmanskop, Onward to the Dunes

Early access to Kolmanskop for exclusive sunrise light. After breakfast in Luderitz, we begin our scenic journey north through the NamibRand Reserve to the Sossusvlei region. Our lodge sits within park boundaries, offering unrivaled access to the dunes, and exclusive golden-hour and dusk sessions without the crowds.

DAY 4 – Sunrise at Deadvlei

We set out before dawn to reach Deadvlei for sunrise — the first light painting the skeletal trees and towering dunes in fiery tones. After a mid-morning return for breakfast, the day continues with editing sessions and one-on-one feedback with Paolo. We head out again in the late afternoon for a sunset shoot among the dunes. Being inside the park gives us a huge advantage for dusk light.

DAY 5 – Solitaire to Swakopmund

After an optional sunrise shoot, we leave the desert behind and head north. The landscape changes dramatically as we reach the cool, misty coast of Swakopmund. After check-in, we explore the Walvis Bay lagoon: a haven for flamingos and other wetland birds. Alternatively, we can shoot sunset on the towering dunes that meet the Atlantic. Dinner is out in town.

DAY 6 – Dunes or Scenic Flight, then Spitzkoppe

A relaxed morning: optional dune session, scenic flight over the Namib (not included), or downtime in town. After lunch, we drive to Spitzkoppe, Namibia’s granite cathedral. We arrive in time to shoot its glowing rock formations in late light. After dinner, a chance to photograph the famous arch under the stars.

DAY 7 – Spitzkoppe Sunrise & Damaraland Drive

Sunrise photography in Spitzkoppe reveals the granite giants at their most majestic. After breakfast, we begin the scenic drive through Damaraland — fewer people, more surreal Mars-like landscapes. We reach our lodge nestled in the riverbeds where desert-adapted elephants roam. A sunset drive offers our first chance to track them.

DAY 8 – Desert Elephants & Rhino Tracking

We set out at dawn with expert trackers, scanning the dry riverbeds for desert-adapted elephants and (with luck) rhinos or even lions. After breakfast, we head to legendary Etosha National Park. Our lodge near a 24-hour floodlit waterhole allows us to witness nocturnal wildlife scenes: elephants, rhinos, lions, and more.

DAY 9 – Etosha Safari & Predator Hotspots

A full day of game drives. We depart before sunrise, hoping to catch predators like lions and hyenas in the early light. After a midday break, we review photos and explore new waterholes for golden-hour wildlife. At night, we return to the waterhole, one of the highlights featured in Night on Earth (Netflix).

DAY 10 – Eastern Etosha & Private Reserve

A final morning game drive in central Etosha, focusing on lions, then we transfer to a private reserve bordering the park. Here, guides are allowed to go off-road for better viewing and photography angles. An afternoon game drive offers the chance for up-close encounters with more elusive wildlife.

DAY 11 – Leopards, Cheetahs & Sunset Safari

Morning and sunset game drives in the private reserve focus on tracking leopards and cheetahs. In between, we relax at the lodge and continue our photo reviews and Q&As. The golden light of dusk often brings predators into motion: have your long lenses ready.

DAY 12 – Return to Windhoek

Final sunrise safari before we drive south to Windhoek. The journey takes about six hours with a break along the way. Once back in town, we settle into our guesthouse and gather for a final dinner together: a celebration of the landscapes, light, and wildlife that defined our Namibian adventure.

DAY 13 – Departure

A calm morning for last-minute shopping or strolling around Windhoek before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home: memory cards full, hearts fuller

You’ll fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, Namibia and we pick you up there. If you are traveling from different time zones or landing later than 9 AM, we recommend flying to Windhoek one day prior to the start of the workshop in order to get rested and adapt to the new time zone. Let us know if this is your case and we’ll be happy to arrange airport transfer and accommodation for you.

Accommodation & Meals

12 nights in comfortable lodges (shared double occupancy unless single supplement is requested and confirmed)
Two meals per day (breakfast and dinner), starting with dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 13
Snacks and beverages during game drives

Transport & Transfers

All ground transport for the duration of the trip in a specially modified Land Cruiser
Dedicated safari vehicle with guaranteed window seat for each guest
Airport pickup on Day 1 and drop-off on Day 13

Activities & Entrances

10 private safari game drives across Damaraland, Etosha, and private reserves
All entrance fees to national parks, reserves, and conservancies

Photography Support

Continuous assistance with photography and post-processing by Paolo Sartori
Ample time for Q&A and one-on-one sessions throughout the trip
Access to private WhatsApp and Facebook groups before and after the workshop

Airfare to and from Windhoek, Namibia
On the nights of Day 5 in Swakopmund and Day 12 in Windhoek we will have dinner at a restaurant; both dinners are not included
Mealtime drinks
Non-mealtime snacks and drinks
Any purchases of a personal nature
Tips and optional extra activities
All wines and liquors
Travel Insurance (mandatory)
Personal transfer to catch up with the group in case you will arrive in WDH later than 10AM on Day 1

Easy

Participants should be comfortable with heat and occasional walking. Most locations require short walks of up to 20 minutes. Optional dune climbs in Sossusvlei can take up to 1 hour.
Open to amateur, enthusiast, and semi-pro photographers. No prior workshop experience required.

In May, Namibia enters the start of its dry winter season — one of the best times to visit. Days are typically warm, with temperatures ranging between 23 and 30 °C (73.4 to86 °F), while nights and early mornings can be quite chilly, especially in the desert or higher altitude areas, where temperatures may drop below 10 °C (50 °F) and sometimes approach freezing. Rainfall is rare, and skies are usually clear, offering excellent conditions for photography, particularly at sunrise, sunset, and night.

Clothing & Footwear

Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot and dry desert conditions
Warm layer (fleece and light down jacket) for cool mornings and evenings
Light long-sleeve shirts and trousers for sun protection and to guard against dust and insects
Windbreaker or light waterproof jacket for occasional coastal fog or drizzle
Sturdy walking/hiking shoes with good grip for dunes, rocky terrain, and desert hikes
Comfortable sandals or flip-flops for downtime
Hat and sunglasses for sun protection, especially during desert excursions

Gear & Accessories

Sunscreen (high SPF, water-resistant)
Hat & sunglasses
Headlamp (useful for early morning or evening desert walks, with spare batteries)
Reusable water bottle
Insect repellent

Travel Essentials

Travel insurance covering 4x4 driving and wildlife activities
Power plug adapter for Namibia (Type D / Type M sockets, 220–240 V)
Power bank for charging devices on long drives and remote areas

Photography Equipment

Camera body (DSLR or mirrorless, manual settings required)
Lenses:
- Wide angle (15–35mm or 24–70mm) for landscapes
- Telephoto zoom (70–200mm, 100–400mm, or 200–600mm) for wildlife
- Fast wide-angle prime (20mm or 24mm f/1.4–f/2.8) for astrophotography
- Optional: Prime telephoto (400mm–600mm)
Circular polarizer filter
Solid tripod (preferably with a leveling base)
Extra batteries and memory cards (enough for full days without recharge)

Computer & Backup

Laptop with Adobe Lightroom or CaptureOne
External hard drive (SSD or portable HDD) for backup
Card reader and cables

Physical Requirements & Experience

Q: Do I need to be fit to join?
A: You should be comfortable with long travel days. Most photography spots are easy to access, with short walks of up to 20 minutes. A longer dune hike in Sossusvlei is optional and can take up to 1 hour. Moderate fitness is more than enough.

Q: What level of photography experience is required?
A: This workshop is perfect for amateur, enthusiast, and semi-professional photographers. Paolo Sartori will tailor his guidance to your experience level and creative goals.

Photography & Learning

Q: What will I learn?
A: Throughout the workshop, You’ll develop skills in landscape, wildlife, and night photography: mastering light, exposure, and composition across different scenarios. Paolo Sartori will guide you through lens selection, panorama and astro techniques, and post-production workflows to help you shoot and process stronger, more intentional images.

Q: Will there be individual attention?
A: Absolutely. With a maximum of 6 participants, you’ll receive continuous hands-on support and one-on-one feedback throughout the trip.

Q: What gear should I bring?
A: We recommend a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a range of lenses (wide-angle, telephoto, and ideally a fast prime for night shots), a sturdy tripod, extra batteries and cards, and a laptop for editing.

Wildlife & Destinations

Q: What kind of wildlife will we see?
A: Namibia is rich in wildlife. You can expect to see oryx, zebras, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, flamingos, and more. Our guides and carefully timed drives give you the best possible chances, though sightings are never guaranteed: that’s part of the adventure!

Q: What locations will we visit?
A: From the surreal silhouettes of Quiver Tree Forest to the haunting beauty of Kolmanskop’s abandoned homes, this journey spans some of Namibia’s most iconic and remote landscapes. You’ll explore the coastal charm of Lüderitz, the towering dunes and petrified trees of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, and the Atlantic wetlands of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Further inland, we’ll photograph Spitzkoppe’s fiery granite peaks, track desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland, and spend several days on safari in Etosha National Park, home to four of Africa’s Big Five.

Accommodation & Comfort

Q: Will there be Wi-Fi?
A: Most lodges and guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, though it may be slow in remote areas. Mobile data works in cities and popular spots, and local SIM cards are cheap and easy to purchase.

Q: Will I share a room?
A: Yes, all accommodations are based on double occupancy. You can request a single room for an additional fee (availability depends on the location).

Travel & Logistics

Q: Do I need a visa for Namibia?
A: Yes. Most nationalities can get a Visa on Arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport for around €80. You can also apply in advance via Namibia’s official eVisa portal. Check your local regulations before travel.

Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: Yes, it is mandatory. Your policy must cover medical emergencies, evacuation, and all workshop activities (safaris, hikes, 4x4 off-road, etc.).

Q: How do I get to the starting point?
A: You’ll fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek. We’ll pick you up there on Day 1. If you’re landing after 9:00 AM, we recommend arriving the day before—just let us know and we’ll help arrange transfer and hotel.

Q: Can I extend my trip before or after?
A: Absolutely. Whether you want to revisit Kolmanskop, spend time in Windhoek, or explore more of Namibia, we’ll be happy to help you plan it.

Food & Special Requirements

Q: What’s the food like?
A: Expect hearty meals: grilled meats, fresh vegetables, maize-based sides, and Namibian stews likepotjiekos. Vegetarian and vegan options are available in most places, though they can be limited in remote areas. Please inform us of any dietary needs in advance.

Q: Are drinks and snacks included?
A: Two meals per day (breakfast and dinner) are included, except for dinners on Day 5 and Day 12 when we dine out in town. Water and snacks are provided during game drives. Alcohol and mealtime drinks are not included.

Travel With

PAOLO SARTORI

Paolo Sartori

Born in the Italian Alps, Paolo grew up skiing, climbing, and exploring the mountains that would shape his eye for storytelling. Today he’s an award-winning photographer and filmmaker whose work bridges adventure, conservation, and human connection. After years of expeditions around the world, he’s found a deep bond with Africa — a land of raw beauty and endless stories. Whether he’s documenting wildlife in Namibia or leading Esploro’s photo workshops, Paolo brings a filmmaker’s sense of narrative and a photographer’s instinct for light, always focused on one thing: telling stories that matter.

BOOKING & CANCELLATION

A deposit is required to confirm your spot. Remaining balance is due 30 days before departure. If life happens and you need to change plans, cancellations made up to 60 days prior are eligible for a refund, depending on timing and conditions. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and adventure activities is required.
Full details in Terms & Conditions