PHOTOS OF NAMIBIA THAT WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO VISIT NOW

Last Updated on 24th March 2024 by Bejal

You only have to look in glossy coffee-table books to see the incredible wildlife and landscape photos of Namibia. Many people who travel to Namibia truly don’t know what to expect but the photos of Namibia you see in books, magazines, television and online are just a more than real representation of what to expect in person. 

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This photo journal captures some of the most thought inspiring photos of Namibia during a 14 night road trip itinerary traveling through the country, from landscapes to wildlife. Plenty of inspiration is included with related guide information and ideas on how to plan and what to include when travelling through Namibia.

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Visualise deep orange, red sand dunes, bright blue skies, moon-like debris, acres upon acres of light hued gravel and stone parts scattered with trees and bushes, mountains that provide an aw-inspiring backdrop. Sunsets and sunrises like you’ve never witnessed before and then there’s the wildlife. Hope to the world’s most incredible endanger black rhino population as well as a plethora of desert-adapted animals. Game reserves and National Parks to get lost in. Namibia is an ‘out of this world’ experience, it feel surreal but it IS REAL!

Related Article: How to Plan The Best Self-Drive Namibia Itinerary

Truly and honestly, it would be very difficult to take really bad photos of Namibia. The colours of the desert, are enhanced by the golden hour spread at sunrise and sunset. A deep orange, red glow like you’ve never experienced. 

The surroundings are expanse, allow your camera to capture the silence, the feeling of being alone with just the sound of nature echoing in the background, with the odd call of a jackal.

This country is the second least densely populated country in the world and only has a population of around two million.

Capturing Photos of Namibia: Basic Photography Equipment 

To capture some great images, you need the right equipment right? Not always true as Namibia will give you the most incredible muses which can be caught using an iPhone or  similar mobile phone camera, a standard point and shoot camera will also be a great option. 

However, if you intend to photograph wildlife, this is a whole different game. The wildlife is going to be some distance away from you and to really catch the detail of the features of wildlife, it’s best to invest in a zoom lens. A mobile phone camera simply won’t cut the distance shots. It is not necessary to go out purchase a whole new list of camera equipment but here is what we use on many of our travels.

Smart Phone

The iPhone, is very handy for taking videos of landscapes as well as animals. A mobile phone is also very useful with downloading Google maps when driving so do take yours along.

Camera & Lens

A good camera such as a DSLR or mirrorless camera will make all the difference in getting some fantastic quality images, especially of the wildlife. The Nikon Zfc is a great mirrorless option with a vintage camera feel and is light too. The Nikon Z 24-70mm F4 S Lens is great as a grab and go everyday lens but also takes fantastic wide angle images.

A telephoto lens is highly recommended for wildlife photography, especially in places such as Etosha where animals can be some distance away. The Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens is perfect with the Nikon Zfc mentioned above and will require a Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens – Nikon Fit and Nikon FTZ II Mount Adapter to ensure a snug fit.

Be-lavie Tip: Buying a zoom lens for photography will be the best investment ever for your photograph quality. If you want to splash out on anything for the trip, this will elevate your photography.

Tripod

Wildlife photography with a telephoto lens reduces shake and captures sharper images with a tripod. Try and search for a lightweight tripod. Manfrotto generally have a great range of tripods.

Memory Cards & Spare Camera Battery

Always carry a battery charger as well as a spare camera battery with you. You don’t want the camera battery to die in the middle of a wonderful wildlife scene!

Take a few memory cards with you such as the SanDisk Extreme PRO 64GB SDXC Memory Card up to 170MB/s, you can end up filling these fast in Namibia because the wildlife and landscapes are such great photo opportunities.

As a guide you may be taking around 300 photos a day especially when on game drives.

Photography Backpack

A photography backpack is essential if you’re planning to take shots of landscapes and wildlife. It’s a good idea to have your photography backpack double up as a daily bag so you can also carry a refillable water bottle, snacks, binoculars as well as a camera, lenses, spare batteries etc.

A sturdy back pack that also looks great and blends in with a safari environment is a bonus but not essential. Our preferred back pack is one that has compartments for the lends and camera body. A waterproof cover is also a great idea in case of any showers.

Related Article: A Complete Packing Guide For Namibia

Windhoek

The capital of Namibia, Windhoek, is usually used a transit location at the start of end of a Namibia road-trip itinerary however it is worth spending at least 48 hours here.

Related Article: How To Best Spend 24 Hours in Windhoek

Accommodation & Tours

Windhoek Hotel Recommendation: Elegant Guest House

Sossusvlei

The home of the world’s oldest desert, the Namib-Nakluft National park and Sesriem in particular, have the most photographed images of the country. orange dunes, dead trees, white salt pans and incredible sunsets.

Related Reading: A Complete Guide on How To Best Visit Sossusvlei

Accommodation & Tours

Swakopmund Hotel Recommendation: Desert Homestead Lodge

Swakopmund, Walvis Bay & Sandwich Harbour

Famously known as Namibia’s adventure capital, there’s lots to do along Swakopmund’s coastline including taking a day trip to the wonderful Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbour but you can also take part in some high octane activities such as skydiving, kayaking and hiring quad biked to name a few.

Related Article: The Most Popular Things to do in Swakopmund

Accommodation & Tours

Swakopmund Hotel Recommendation: Elegant Guest House

Skeleton Coast

Henties Bay is a great stop off just as you drive up the main road out of Swakopmund and en route to the Skeleton Coast and Damaraland.

Damaraland

A region located in the north west of Namibia known for it’s moon-like landscapes and desert adapted wildlife.

Related Article: The Best of Damaraland: Landscapes & Wildlife

Accommodation & Tours

Damaraland Recommended Lodges: Desert Rhino Camp and Damaraland Camp

Etosha National Park

Namibia is known for its incredible wildlife with the majority of it located in Etosha National Park in the northern part of the country. There are over 40 waterholes at Etosha which makes this the ideal spot to get a glimpse of wild animals. Additionally if you are road tripping through the country, you will come across wildlife everywhere. Giraffe and elephants crossing the roads, Oryx and springbok right outside your lodge, ostrich with many birds perching in the trees or rock formations.

Here is the best of the wildlife spotted at Etosha National Park.

Related Article: A complete Guide to the Best of Etosha National Park

Accommodation & Tours

Etosha Lodge Recommendation: Ongava Lodge

BABY GIRAFFE AND A DAZZLE OF GIRAFFES AT OKAUKUEKO WATERHOLE

FEMALE CHEETAH WITH SPRINGBOK KILL AS SHE TEACHES HER CUBS TO HUNT

GIRAFFE AT ONGAVA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Sunrise & Sunsets in Namibia

If there is one thing that makes you rise early it has to be the Namibia sunrises. But when it comes to sunsets, Namibia does them right. Many sunsets are enjoyed on a game drive with sundowners from most lodges and accommodations.

Photos of Namibia: Safety Tips

• Always keep a good distance from the wildlife. Don’t attempt to get close. Rhinos will almost always charge at you.
• Listen to your safari guide at all times, They will stop at the best stops for you to see wildlife and capture great photo and video content.
• If your lodge offers a photography safari session, it’s well worth considering the splash out! You’ll be going out with a professional wildlife photographer who can give you all the tips and tricks you’ll need for amazing photos and videography.
• Ensure you put your lens cap on when not using your camera – the sand will get everywhere
• Ensure you have a bag to store your camera in during game drives, especially in the evenings when it can get windy and sandy.
• Lock away any SD cards and batteries in your safe at your accommodation.

Photos of Namibia Round-Up

Namibia is one of the most photogenic countries on this planet, Vast open spaces, never-ending plains, sand dunes, moon scapes, the most stunning wildlife you will ever set your eyes on. This is one trip you need to be prepared to capture a huge amount of photography. Be prepared and sensible but most of all be safe when capturing images. Don’t get too close to the wildlife (that’s what the zoo lens is for!) and take advice from your guide. Oh and don’t forget to experiment with your photography style – Namibia is the perfect muse!

Travel Planning Resources For Your Trip

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