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 10 AM, we recommend flying to Windhoek one day prior.

Accommodation & Meals

• 9 nights in comfortable lodges (shared double occupancy unless single supplement is requested and confirmed; note: in some locations single rooms may not be available)
• Two meals per day (breakfast and dinner), starting with dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 10
• Snacks and beverages during game drives

Transport & Transfers

• All ground transport for the duration of the trip in a specially modified Toyota Land Cruiser
• Dedicated safari vehicle with guaranteed window seat for each guest
• Airport pickup on Day 1 and drop-off on Day 10

Activities & Entrances

• 18 private safari game drives across Damaraland, Etosha National Park, 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
• 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.
Open to amateur, enthusiast, and semi-pro photographers. No prior workshop experience required.

In October, northern Namibia enters the end of its long dry season — a prime time for wildlife viewing as animals gather around shrinking water sources. Expect hot, dry days, with average daytime temperatures between 30–35 °C (86–95 °F). In some areas, it may even reach 38 °C (100 °F) during midday. Early mornings and evenings are more pleasant, ranging from 12–18 °C (54–64 °F). Skies are typically clear, offering excellent light for sunrise, sunset, and night photography. Rain is rare, though humidity may start to increase slightly towards the end of the month.

Clothing & Footwear

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot and dry savannah 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
• Sturdy walking/hiking shoes with good grip
• Comfortable sandals or flip-flops for downtime
• Hat and sunglasses for sun protection

Gear & Accessories

• Sunscreen (high SPF, water-resistant)
• Headlamp, 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

Photography & Learning

Q: What will I learn?
A: This workshop is designed to build your confidence in wildlife photography and visual storytelling. You'll get hands-on guidance from Paolo Sartori on exposure, composition, lens choice, and capturing striking animal behavior in raw, natural settings. We’ll also cover post-production basics, backup strategies, and file organization.

Q: Will there be one-on-one feedback?
A: Yes. With a maximum of 6 participants, Paolo will have time to work closely with each guest in the field and during review sessions. Expect real-time feedback, evening editing discussions, and ongoing tips to elevate your images.

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. (See full checklist above.)

Wildlife & Destinations

Q: What kind of wildlife will we see?
A: Expect to encounter a wide variety of mammals and birds: giraffes, elephants, zebras, springboks, kudu, oryx, and predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and both black and white rhinos. October is peak dry season, so many animals gather at waterholes, giving us the best chances for incredible sightings.

Q: What regions will we visit?
A: We’ll travel through some of Namibia’s best wildlife areas, including Damaraland (home to desert elephants and lions), Etosha National Park, Onguma Private Reserve, and Okonjima, a stronghold for leopards and rare species.

Q: Why October?
A: The dry season is at its height. Waterholes become key wildlife gathering points, giving us more predictable viewing opportunities and the chance to witness high-density animal behavior in great light.

Accommodation & Comfort

Q: What’s the camping setup like?
A: We’ll sleep in comfortable lodges throughout the trip (shared double occupancy unless you secure a single room in advance). All locations have been chosen for both comfort and proximity to prime wildlife areas.

Q: Is it physically demanding?
A: Not at all. Most of the time is spent in safari vehicles, with occasional walks around lodges or camps. If you enjoy long days of shooting and the thrill of being in the wild, you’ll love this trip.

Q: Will I share a room or vehicle?
A: Yes. Rooms are shared unless you book a single supplement (limited availability). Each guest has a guaranteed window seat in our modified Land Cruiser to ensure the best photographic angles.

Q: Is Wi-Fi and charging available?
A: Wi-Fi may be available in some lodges, but expect limited connectivity. Power outlets are available for charging gear, and we recommend bringing a power bank for backup.

Travel & Logistics

Q: How do I get to the starting point?
A: The trip begins and ends in Windhoek, Namibia. You’ll fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH). Airport pickup and drop-off are included. If you plan to arrive early, we can help with accommodation and
transfers.

Q: Do I need a visa for Namibia and South Africa?
A: Most nationalities can get a Visa on Arrival at the airport or apply online in advance. Check your country’s requirements before departure.

Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: Yes, it’s mandatory. Your policy must cover medical emergencies, evacuation, and activities like 4x4 off-road travel and wildlife photography.

Food & Special Requirements

Q: Are meals included?
A: Yes, breakfast and dinner are included each day from the evening of Day 1 to the morning of Day 10. Snacks and beverages are also provided during game drives. A farewell dinner in Windhoek is optional and not included.

Q: Can dietary needs be accommodated?
A: Vegetarian options are available, but please inform us in advance. Vegan or special diets may be limited in remote areas, so we recommend bringing specific snacks if needed.

Q: Are drinks and snacks included?
A: Water, tea, coffee, and basic snacks are provided during drives. Alcohol and soft drinks are not included but can be purchased before entering the park.

Before & After the Trip

Q: Can I arrive early or extend my trip?
A: Absolutely. If you wish to explore more of Namibia before or after the workshop, we’re happy to assist with logistics, bookings, and recommendations.

Q: Will there be a group chat or shared folder?
A: Yes! We’ll create a private WhatsApp group for pre-trip coordination and updates, as well as a post-trip space to share edits and keep in touch.