Namibia 2009 |
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5 APR - 18 APR 2009 (land program 13 days) |
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Workshop Leader: Stefano Levi |
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This african photography workshop will give you the chance of refining your photography techniques in on of the most beautiful spots on Earth. There will be informal evenings with casual lectures but no boring presentations with slides. Instead we wll review some of the images of the day, and share with each other "the catch of the day". This workshop is all about TEAMWORK, FUN and PHOTOGRAPHY. Non-photographing partners are very welcome as well. Accomodations are a mix between mid range lodges and Tented Camps in the style of "Karen Blixen´s out of Africa times" and the rates are based on double occupancy. Most of the lodges and camps have swimming pools, allowing total relaxation every now and then. Everyone will profit from Stefano´s experience as a reportage and people photographer and each other´s knowledge. I cooperate with very reliable and experienced tour operators and offer the best service possible in this part of the continent for a competitive price. Together we will experience the most beautiful spots of Namibia and as a team, we will learn from each other on how to improve our techniques using our own equipment. The workshop suits all range of expertise, from amateur to professional. We cooperate with the very reliable and experienced local operators and offer excellent service in this part of the continent for a very competitive price. The transportation in Namibia will be done by special Jeeps. Some of them have special seats on the roof for game viewing. We guarantee a window seat to everyone and there will be enough space for mobility and equipment. Every participant is supposed to bring his own photografic gear, including chargers, spare batteries, films and digital films. Be aware that in Africa it is difficult to get those items, so please be sure you have EVERYTHING AHEAD!
For early bookers and on request, it will be possible to borrow a digital Nikon digital reflex camera for no additional charge. Also in this case it is recommended that you take care of CFcards and additional accesories. |
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Introduction to Namibia |
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WORKSHOP ITINERARY |
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Day 1 |
INTL FLIGHT TO WINDOEKThere are flight connections to Windoek International Airport from several European Airports. Alternatively it might be cheaper to connect through south-africa (we can assist you with the booking of the flight through our agency, Abendsonne Afrika. Upon arrival you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to Windhoek, to the Olive Grove Guesthouse. More than a guesthouse Olive Grove is a simple and elegant lodge in Windhoek. Depending on your arrival time, there will space for activities before dinner in town where you will meet Stefano and the rest of the group. |
Day 2-3 |
The Namib DesertToday we will start early and drive toward the Namib Desert to experience one of the most spectacular views of southern Africa. Stretching 1,200 miles in length, but averaging a width of only 70 miles, the Namib Desert is home to the highest sand dunes in the world. Here we will photograph the the landscape of the "vleis" at sunrise and climb up to 400 meters high dunes where we will experience peace and absolute silence. We will spend two nights at the Sossusvlei Lodge located only 4 km from the Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei im Namib Naukluft Park , offering 45 bungalows with private shower/WC made out of stone walls and textile roof, reminding of bedouin tents, and providing natural ventilation, in order to avoid ecological unfriendly air-conditioning. Our cook will prepare an african dinner, and we will enjoy the fresh water of the lodge´s swimmingpool, after a hot day. Antelope, scavengers and other mammals frequently visit the waterhole nearby, and this offers very good opportunities for good photographs. |
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Day 4-5 |
THE COAST - Walvis Bay and SwakopsmundToday our journey continues through the mountains crossing the Ghaub and Khuiseb passes towards the coast. For the next two days in Swakopsmund and Walvisbay a series of activities and amenities will keep us very busy. A boat trip in Walvisbay will bring us very close to many marine animals. Entertainment is provided by a large seal colony (thousands!!!) and schools of dolphins swimming alongside the boats. Dolphins sighted are the Heavyside (endemic to this area) and Bottlenose. Additioanally we will sight flamingoes and other endemic species in the area of Walvisbay. For those who are willing to capture Namibia´s landscape from the sky, a scenic flight can be organized (this is an extra activity c.a. 200€ per person for a scenic flight of 1 and 1/2 hour over the Forbidden Coast, possibility to open the airplane´s door for aerial photography) |
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Day 6 |
TWYFELFONTeIN - from the coast to the damaralandOur journey continues to the northern part of the country, reaching Twyfelfontein (uncertain fountain). This region is called Damaraland and is famous for its amenities. At 60 Km from Brandberg we will visit ancient engravings on rocks. More than 2000 of these archeological findings made by the bushmen up to 3300 b.C. Twyfelfontein is one of the richest areas with engravings of this kind. In close proximity to Khorixas lies the Petrified Forest. An accumulation of fossil trees, discovered in the early fifties and today a national monument. The fossil trees are between 240 and 300 million years old. Some of th fossils are spreserved so well, that thy ate often regarded as normal trees. Close by lies "Verbrannter Berg (the burned mountain), a colourful collection of rocks with colors ranging from dark-brown, black and grey. This natural phenomenon resulted approximately 120 million year ago, as volcanic magma cleared its way with black, carbon-containing material. Another peculiar place to visit are the basalt colums called Orgelpfeifen (organ pipes). Perpendicular basalt columns are 130 to 150 million years old and were shaped and smoothened by erosion.
For one night we will stay at the Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, a newly construsted setting with 56 en-suite rooms with shower and WC. The lounge is an ideal place to relax. During leisure, you can simply laze around the swimming pool. |
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Day 7 |
From Damaraland to the KaokoveldOur journey continues toward the Kaokoveld, a very remote zone in the north of Namibia, famous for its tribes: the Himba. Today we will spend the night in a camping close to Opuwo. On the way we will have the chance of spotting wildlife. The Damaraland is also the region where the very rare species of desert elephant can be spotted. These elephants have adapted to the harsch environment of the desert, and nowadays only few of them remain alive. |
Day 8 |
THE HIMBA TRIBESToday is dedicated to the extraordinary experience of visiting a Himba village. The Himba are an ethnic group of about 20,000 to 50,000 people, living in northern Namibia, in the Kunene region (Kaokoveld). They are a nomadic, pastoral people, closely related to the Herero, and speak the same language. This will be a fantastic opportunity for everyone to document with photographs and video their way of living. |
Young Himba with Child |
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The Himba |
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Day 9 |
From Opuwo to EtoshaWe will travel southwards crossing the Damaraland to the western border of the Etosha National Park. Today we will have the chance of game viewing at the Hobarere private Lodge where we will stay for the night today. Here animals gather to the nearby waterhole and we will have the chance once more to see wildlife for very close. The Hobatere Lodge lies in the Damaraland, confining on the western part of the Etosha National Park. On the 32,000 ha area there are 12 Bungalows. The double rooms, all with shower and WC. A small library offers books for relaxing in the lodges´bar, wher it is possible to enjoy cocktails on a veranda, while 300 meters away from the swimming pool there is a observation post, very close to a waterhole, where wildlife observation is possible by day and by night. Additionally the lodge offers extra activities such as game driving (not included in this package). |
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Day 10-11 |
Etosha National ParkThe next two days are a deep dive into the animal world of Namibia. The Etosha National Park offers astonishing possibilities to view wild animals in their natural environment. Etosha National Park is one of Southern Africa's finest and most important Game Reserves. Ccovering an area of 22 270 square km, it is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish. Etosha, meaning "Great White Place", is dominated by a massive mineral pan. The pan is part of the Kalahari Basin, the floor of which was formed around 1000 million years ago. The game viewing in Etosha National Park is excellent. We will have the chace of spotting many buck species, elephants, giraffes, rhinos and lions. With a bit of luck we'll also see leopard and cheetah. For two nights we will lodge at the Etosha Safari Camp which is the ideal place to stay if visiting the National Park, only 10 Km from the Andersson Gate (Okaukuejo). The en-suite safari bungalows transmit the "safari-feeling" in the style of "out of Africa". The Veranda overloos the savanna is an ideal place to relax. The food is fresh and excellent and an Internet Cafe' will allow us to send pictures at home. |
Day 12 |
Frans Indongo Lodge, OtjiwarrongoFrom the Etosha park travelling southwards, we will reach the Frans Indongo Lodge. Here we will have the opportunity of doing some very interesting activities! The natural habitat of Cheetah in the wild has shrunk dramatically all over the world. Thus the fastest terrestrial animal on the planet has become a highly endangered species. With about 2,500 animals, Namibia boasts the largest Cheetah population on earth. In order to protect Cheetah in Namibia, the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) was founded in 1990. The CCF information centre is as entertaining as instructive and definitely worthwhile. Cheetah which no longer can be released into the wilds for various reasons, are kept in large enclosures next to the centre. We will be able to take stunning pictures of the big cats. |
Video source: Cheetah Conservation Fund, Namibia |
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Day 13 |
Otjiwarrongo - WindoekThe last day of our journey through Namibia, we will travel south towards Windhoek and stop at a very characteristic and traditional wood market on our way. Arrival to Windoek during the late afrtenoon, for the international flight back home. |
COST |
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The cost of this Photographic Workshop will be 2240 € (based on a group of maximum 10 people and double room occupancy) all-inclusive of described workshop activities, lunches, Naturalistic Guides and Drivers other than international flight, drinks, tips, laundry and personal items. Supplement for Single Room occupancy: 170€. Please notice that this is only a quotation and pricing might be subject to changes in 2009, since inflation raises at a pace of 10-15% per year in Namibia and local operators raise prices accordingly. In order to reserve this trip the agency will need a prepayment of 25% at least 90 days prior to departure. In case of cancellation this anmount will be refundable within the policy of your own travel cancellation insurance. This policy is necessary due to the overbooking of the lodges and camps, and because a prepayment 90 days prior to departure is necessary in order to hold the reservations and guarantee lowest prices possible. We recommend that you take care of our own travel/cancellation insurance in order to be covered for the entired trip. Also medical insurance is highly recommended in order to ensure cost-free hospitalization and/or tranfer home in the unfortunate case of. These insurances are usually not expensive, but prevent you a lot of trouble in unfortunate situations. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
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Health and Vaccinations |
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We want to make sure you stay healty and happy throughout the whole jorney. For any question, please do not hesitate contacting us. Due to the hot and dry climate Namibia is virtually free of tropical diseases; therefore health certificates are not normally required. Vaccination requirements change from time to time. We suggest you consult your local doctor or health department. However, you should ensure your polio vaccination is up-to-date before travelling to Namibia and if necessary refresh your vaccination. It is recommended to carry proof of the vaccination with you. |
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HOW TO BOOK |
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You would like to take part to this tour. What to do next? Contact me by email and reserve a place for this trip. Because I like to give very personal attention to our customers, I would appreciate if you could write something about yourself. |
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
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Flexibility is key for a successful workshop. The described itinerary may be affected by changes due to unpredictable circumstances (Cultural, political, environmental or related to migration of animals). Remember that Africa is not like Europe and although changes of itinerary are normally not the case, this is a possibility to take in account and we reserve the right of doing so. We will inform you for any changes I will make sure to inform everyone as soon as possible in case of changes. Our workshop groups are small to mantain highest standards of quality and teaching. This means space is limited. If you would like to participate please book well in advance because free spots fill up very quickly. If you have any questions before registering, send us an e-mail with any inquiries to safari@stefanolevi.com or to info@abendsonneafrika.de
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