We’re going to Namibia...

Are you in?

Around the New Moon...

From August 16th to September 1st 2025, Carel Steenkamp and Antoni Cladera (PhotoPills Masters) will travel across Namibia to photograph the Milky Way and the golden light along with impressive rock formations, giant red sand dunes, natural arches, dead trees, the diverse wildlife and the Himba.

In one of the darkest skies on the planet!

Of course...

We’ll be taking photos all day long...

But...

Can you imagine it?

To photograph the Milky Way and the golden light with iconic mountains, rare rock formations, immense red-sand dunes, hidden natural arches, isolated dead trees, millenary living plants, elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes and the Himba tribe.

We’re dreaming about it!

To achieve it, we’ll use the planning power of PhotoPills and the expert knowledge of Carel Steenkamp and Antoni Cladera to always be at the right place at the right time.

Top secret: we have quite a few legendary photos planned already ;)

The Deal (Only 1 Spot Left)

Since you subscribed to the Priority Access list...

We're offering you a €500 discount on the regular price!

All you have to do is to book the last spot available before Sunday January 26th.

Read carefully all the details of this unique adventure.

And when you’re ready, click here to book your spot.

Please, book as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.

The Adventure

12 PhotoPillers | 2 PhotoPills Masters | Namibia | Endless legendary photos

Warning: This is not a honeymoon... but almost!

We’ll travel in well equipped 4x4 vehicles with private drivers...

And we’ll sleep in comfortable lodges!

Long story short...

We’re recruiting 12 brave PhotoPillers (PhotoPills and photography freaks) that will join us on a 17-day expedition to photograph the Milky Way and the golden light along with the true treasures of Namibia.

This expedition is a non-stop safari to chase legendary photos and you are a key asset!

We have planned tons of photos, and we’ll travel many kilometers to capture them...

But we also want to maximize our flexibility in terms of itinerary and schedule in order to take advantage of all the opportunities that will surely come our way.

If we come across a herd of lionesses hunting or we spot a group of elephants, we’ll make a halt and take advantage of the occasion.

When we are hungry, we’ll stop and eat. When we are tired, we’ll stop and rest (cold beer included)...

You are about to embark on a PhotoPills’ style journey. And it’s not going to be a honeymoon precisely... :P

You’ll be a true PhotoPiller!

Are you in?

Day 1. Saturday, August 16th - Welcome to Namibia!

It’s Saturday morning when you land at Hosea Kutako International Airport, the main airport of Namibia, located 45 km (25 mi) from the capital, Windhoek.

There, our local partner is waiting to pick you up and drive you towards the capital.

Once the whole group of expeditioners is ready, we’ll begin our journey towards the capital.

On this first night, we’ll sleep at The Weinberg Windhoek. With its elegant architecture and lavish designer rooms, it offers luxury and tranquility in the heart of the city.

2:00 pm

Once you’ve checked into the hotel, you’ve got a few awesome options to unwind. You can take a nice, long siesta, chill by the pool, or grab a drink at the gorgeous bar up on the terrace. Any of these will help you bounce back from all that traveling.

5:00 pm

Expedition briefing.

Carel Steenkamp and Antoni Cladera will go over the itinerary for the adventure, explaining the logistics, the locations and some of the photo opportunities we’ve specially planned for you.

They’ll also cover the recommended gear, the shooting techniques and some important safety instructions.

5:30 pm

PhotoPills class!

Get ready to learn lots of tips that will help you master PhotoPills once and for all :)

7:00 pm

Did you hear it? That sound inside? Our stomachs are roaring.

It’s time to have dinner at our hotel’s restaurant.

8:30 pm

It’s been a long day. I bet you can’t wait to go to bed. Enjoy a good and well deserved sleep.

Tomorrow the Namib desert awaits.

Day 2. Sunday, August 17th - The Red Desert

7:00 am

After a big breakfast, we’ll hop into our 4x4s with our own drivers and start heading west – Sossusvlei is our next stop.

Sossusvlei is right in the middle of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, and it’s known for having some of the tallest sand dunes in the world, almost 400 meters (about 1,300 feet) high.

These massive dunes have this rich red color because the iron in the sand has oxidized. You’ll also spot some small plants here and there that get their moisture from the Atlantic breeze, which adds some cool touches of ochre, red, and blue.

1:30 pm

You should be hungry by now so we’ll have lunch at our lodge first (the amazing Dead Valley Lodge) and then we’ll check-in.

4:30 pm

Sossusvlei has so many hidden gems, and we’re going to check them all out and capture them on camera.

So buckle up, we’re heading down this narrow road straight towards these massive dunes.

We’ll take a few breaks along the way to grab some shots of Namibia’s stunning desert views.

And out of all the dunes, there’s one that really stands out: Dune 45. It’s a must-see!

Open PhotoPills to check that...

Golden hour begins at 6:09 pm, Sunset is at 6:40 pm, blue hour begins at 6:55 pm and blue hour ends at 7:04 pm.

The way the light hits the dunes, casting all those shadows, is absolutely stunning.

Grab your camera, this is the perfect chance to capture it with that massive red sand backdrop.

6:50 pm

After Sunset, we’ll head back to our cozy lodge for dinner and a chill evening under the African sky – sounds perfect, right?

Dead Valley Lodge has this awesome restaurant and bar with an incredible view of the rugged landscape all around. You can order whatever you feel like since their à la carte menu has something for everyone.

The chalets are connected by this sandy walkway that takes you to the main area, where you’ll find a restaurant, a lounge, a bar, and a wooden deck with a pool. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak in those amazing desert vibes.

11:00 pm

So, the Moon’s down, about 38% visible, and the sky is completely dark. Remember that lone tree we spotted earlier this afternoon? Yeah, we’re heading towards it now. The Milky Way’s about to line up perfectly, just like you wanted.

Being in the southern hemisphere is awesome, right? The core of the Milky Way is massive up there. Such an epic sight!

The astronomical twilight begins at 7:30 pm and the Galactic Center is visible from 7:56 pm until 3:58 am. The waning crescent Moon (38%) rises at 3:22 am.

2:00 am

Time to go to bed. Tomorrow we’ll get up very early to reach the mystic Deadvlei before Sunrise.

Photographic pills:

• Sossusvlei red sea of dunes.
• Sunset and golden hour at Sossusvlei.
• Milky Way arch in the desert and group photo.

Day 3. Monday, August 18th - The Dead Forest

5:00 am

Time to get up!

The park gate opens at sunrise, at 7:23 am. That’s when everyone staying outside the park will start heading towards Deadvlei.

Since we're staying in the park, we'll have the chance to reach Deadvlei before the crowds even show up!

Once we make it, our mission is to catch the shadows of the dunes stretching across the white, salty soil of the ancient pan. It’s where those eerie, petrified trees stand frozen in time.

It’s like walking through a dead forest.

The very moment the shadows reach the ground, we’ll be ready to shoot low, almost laying on the ground, to capture the magic golden color of the dunes, as the perfect background for our petrified trees, still in the shadows.

Blue hour begins at 7:00 am, golden hour begins at 7:09 am, Sunrise is at 7:23 am and golden hour ends at 7:54 am.

9:15 am

After a great morning start in Deadvlei, it’s time to start walking back to our vehicles.

We’ll head back to the hotel where we have time to rest or get to know your fellow PhotoPillers.

12:45 pm

Lunch awaits at the lodge. What is it going to be? Namibian food or something more American or European?

And after lunch, we’ll enjoy a bit of down time.

4:45 pm

In the afternoon, we’ll be snapping photos non-stop, so get ready!

As we drive around Sossusvlei, the raw beauty of the desert really hits us, with these giant dunes on both sides of the path.

We’re going to focus on catching the dunes when the Sun hits them from the side, which will give us those strong contrasts between light and shadow. This effect will just get better as the Sun sinks lower, really showing off the dunes' textures and curves.

Moreover, we’ll keep an eye out for cool things between us and the dunes, like the dead trees that Deadvlei is known for, or maybe even an ibex if we’re lucky. These little details will bring more depth and make the shots even more captivating... We actually want to tell the story of the desert’s rugged beauty.

We know this area like the back of our hand, so we’ll hit all the best spots for killer compositions. Between the dunes, trees, desert landscapes, and wildlife, there will be no shortage of photo opportunities.

After Sunset (6:42 pm), we’ll head back to the lodge. But of course, we’ll make a few more stops along the way to squeeze in a few last shots!

Golden hour begins at 6:10 pm, Sunset is at 6:42 pm, blue hour begins at 6:56 pm and blue hour ends at 7:05 pm.

7:45 pm

Dinner and songs under the stars.

9:15 pm

You should go to bed early today. It’s been a long, long day.

But if you have some energy left, there is a cool shot you can take: a Star Trails with the desert landscapes.

Alternatively, you can try to create a new version of the Milky Way arching above the lonely tree...

The astronomical twilight begins at 7:30 pm and the Galactic Center is visible from 7:57 pm until 3:54 am. The Moon (27%) rises at 3:20 am.

12:00 am

Time to go to bed. Tomorrow, we’ll photograph a nearby beautiful dune at Sunrise before heading north, towards the Atlantic ocean.

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise and golden hour at Deadvlei.
• Sunset and golden hour at Sossusvlei.
• Milky Way arch and Star Trails in the desert.

Day 4. Tuesday, August 19th - Golden Dunes and German Architecture

5:00 am

Good morning team!

Pick your camera because we’re heading to Deadvlei again. It’s not far away (remember?), but we need to get there before Sunrise (7:22 am). Hurry up!

Now that you know the terrain, you can try all the compositions and shots that you didn’t have time to capture yesterday, especially in the early morning when the light is just right.

The dunes are going to look amazing with that warm side lighting – it really makes the shadows deep and the highlights pop, which brings out all the cool textures and shapes.

And those trees? They'll stand out perfectly, silhouetted against the bright sand and darker dunes, making them the real stars of the shot.

Blue hour begins at 6:59 am, golden hour begins at 7:08 am, Sunrise is at 7:22 am and golden hour ends at 7:53 am.

10:10 am

Back at the lodge and check-out. Get ready to depart.

11:00 am

We’re back on the road, this time heading north towards the coast. The goal? Spotting pink flamingos and trying out some famous apple pie!

It’s a bit of a journey, but there are some cool spots along the way.

First up, there’s Solitaire, this tiny, dusty settlement right on the edge of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It’s got a few quirky things to check out, like some old Quiver trees and rusty, abandoned cars.

But the real highlight? That apple pie! Definitely worth stopping to stretch our legs and fuel up.

Further north, we’ll pass the Tropic of Capricorn. There's a big sign that makes for a perfect selfie moment. Yeah, it's a bit touristy, but it's a fun way to show everyone back home that you're alive and kicking!

1:00 pm

Stop for lunch “to go” in the desert.

4:30 pm

We finally arrive at our destination by the Atlantic Ocean – The Delight Swakopmund, our hotel for the next two nights. Let’s check-in!

With 44,725 inhabitants, Swakopmund is the fourth largest city in Namibia. Founded in 1892, it’s a true example of German colonial architecture. When you drive along its streets, a strange feeling invades you.

Are you really in Africa?

6:00 pm

Time for the first post-processing class of the expedition!

Carel and Antoni will share with you their editing workflows to help you bring your photos to the next level!

7:30 pm

Tonight we’ll have dinner at the hotel... or at a local restaurant, among tall palm trees.

10:00 pm

Bed time. Tomorrow is the Secret Day :P

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Deadvlei.
• Settlement of Solitaire.
• Tropic of Capricorn.

Day 5. Wednesday, August 20th - The Secret

I’ve been giving you many details of this crazy expedition to Namibia.

Maybe even too many...

But on August 20th we’ll do something completely different. So different and fun that we’ve decided to keep it secret.

You'll have to be there, with us, to figure it out :P

Day 6. Thursday, August 21st - The Majestic Spitzkoppe

8:00 am

We can have a relaxed and jam packed breakfast at the hotel.

10:30 am

Let’s hop to the vehicles! Today we’re going east, we’re going to Spitzkoppe.

With a height of 1,728 m (5,600 ft), Spitzkoppe is one of the icons of Namibia. This stunning rock formation is located in the desert of Namib, between the towns of Swakopmund and Usakos... And its shape inspired its nickname: the "Matterhorn" of Africa.

Spitzkoppe hides many secrets. And our mission is to discover them.

12:30 pm

The luxurious Spitzkoppen Lodge is located at the heart of the Grosse and Kleine Spitzkoppe mountains.

Both of these mountains are pretty key when it comes to understanding how hunter-gatherer communities used to live and survive here, before livestock came onto the scene a thousand years ago. There’s actually proof of this at over 40 different rock-art sites.

And besides the historical stuff, the area has a deep cultural and spiritual meaning, which is why the Spitzkoppe is such a special heritage spot for Namibians.

We’ve really picked the perfect spot to stay. After lunch at the lodge's amazing restaurant, we can chill out and relax for a while.

2:00 pm

Check-in and some time to relax.

5:00 pm

It’s time to go scouting.

Just a few minutes drive from the lodge, we find a hidden (but at the same time famous) natural bridge.

We’ll scout the area around the Bridge to find cool compositions and angles for both Sunset and the Milky Way.

This is a great occasion to take your smartphone and use the Augmented Reality views included in to come up with multiple photo ideas in natural light, with the Sun, the Milky Way and Star Trails.

6:00 pm

We’re at the right shooting spot, waiting for the Sun to set. Our composition is ready with the natural arch and the Spitzkoppe mountain range right where we want it to be. It’s time to press the shutter and create an amazing shot, which will be one of the greatest images of our Namibian adventure.

Golden hour begins at 6:16 pm, Sunset is at 6:46 pm, blue hour begins at 7:00 pm and blue hour ends at 7:09 pm.

8:00 pm

Delicious dinner at Spitzkoppen Lodge.

11:30 pm

The Milky Way dance begins. You’ll notice that its position varies throughout the night: first horizontal, then diagonal and finally vertical.

We’ll spend as much time as we need to photograph our galaxy and its core with the stone bridge.

The astronomical twilight begins at 7:35 pm and the Galactic Center is visible from 8:01 pm until 3:38 am. It's almost the New Moon phase (4.4%).

2:20 am

Off to bed. It feels so good to sleep under the stars!

Photographic pills:

• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour with Spitzkoppe and the natural bridge.
• Milky Way and the natural bridge.

Day 7. Friday, August 22nd - The Bushman Paintings

6:25 am

Good morning!

The Sunrise with the amazing Spitzkoppe awaits.

The plan is to photograph it in the distance... And as we get closer and closer the views are more and more stunning.

But first, there is an acacia that we need to find.

Actually, it’s not only one acacia, but a few. These trees are strategically located and you can create a beautiful composition (and a panorama!) by placing a small acacia right in the middle of the view of Spitzkoppe.

We’ll scout the area until we find the African trees, so we can capture our Sunrise shot here.

During the Sunrise, the light hits our subject from the side, enhancing its volume, texture and golden and red tones. Spectacular!

Blue hour begins at 6:54 am, golden hour begins at 7:03 am, Sunrise is at 7:17 am and golden hour ends at 7:48 am.

8:30 am

Breakfast at the lodge and down time.

10:00 am

We’re visiting the Bushman’s rock paintings.

As I said, Spitzkoppe hides many secrets. And we’ll spend the morning discovering the hidden ancient art among many other interesting features.

12:30 pm

Back to the lodge, where our lunch is ready.

2:00 pm

Now, we can relax for a while.

It’s a beautiful day. And life is good...

5:10 pm

At Sunset, we drive to a secluded area featuring a couple of Quiver trees...

Time to put on your explorer hat because Spitzkoppe is full of hidden gems. One of them is a Quiver tree, and apparently, it’s not easy to spot, but it’s out there waiting to be discovered.

Fun fact: the Quiver tree (Aloidendron dichotomum) comes from South Africa and Namibia. Despite the name, it's not really a tree – it’s a type of aloe, a succulent that can grow up to 30 feet tall!

The goal is to find this tree and get some awesome Milky Way shots with it. Maybe even a panorama with the entire Milky Way arch above the tree? Just throwing that out there!

Golden hour begins at 6:16 pm, Sunset is at 6:46 pm, blue hour begins at 7:00 pm and blue hour ends at 7:09 pm.

7:30 pm

Dinner at the lodge while we’re waiting for the stars to appear in the sky.

11:00 pm

We’re back at the Quiver tree.

We can’t help but photograph it under the Milky Way one last time. Or maybe you prefer to capture the stars trailing above it?

The astronomical twilight begins at 7:36 pm and the Galactic Center is visible from 8:01 pm until 3:34 am. The thin Moon (1%) will be below the horizon.

2:00 am

Bed time!

Tomorrow we’re heading north, in search of the Desert Elephant.

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour with Spitzkoppe and an acacia tree.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour with the Quiver tree.
• Milky Way (and Star Trails) and the Quiver tree.

Day 8. Saturday, August 23rd - Going North...

5:30 am

Time to wake up!

Grab your gear and gather with your fellow PhotoPillers.

We’re heading to our Sunrise location to get the most out of the coming light!

Fortunately, there’s a very cool spot near the hotel, so it’s not a very long drive.

Blue hour begins at 6:54 am, golden hour begins at 7:02 am, Sunrise is at 7:16 am and golden hour ends at 7:47 am.

8:30 am

We’re back at the lodge for breakfast.

10:00 am

Once our stomachs are full, it’s time to do the check-out and put our bags in the 4x4.

We’re heading north, past the impressive Brandberg mountains and towards Angola.

It’s a 5-hour drive to our next lodge, the Palmwag Lodge.

12:00 pm

On our way north, we’ll pass the Brandberg mountains.

Brandberg means “fire mountain” in German. The massive granite mountain range got its name due to the scarlet color it gets at Sunrise and at Sunset.

Look! There you have it!

The desert and the Brandberg mountains. The mountain range has an almost perfect 32 km (20 mi) circular shape and it includes the highest point in Namibia, the King’s Stone (Königstein), with a height of 2,600 m (8,550 ft).

Take your cameras out, it’s time to shoot.

1:00 pm

Stop for lunch.

3:45 pm

We finally arrive at the Palmwag Lodge where we’ll enjoy a well deserved rest.

6:00 pm

We’ve had a long day today.

Maybe it’s a good idea to chill a bit and enjoy the beautiful Sunset while enjoying a cold beer or a glass of wine at the lodge.

It will be the perfect occasion to rest and share stories with your fellow PhotoPillers…

7:30 pm

Dinner at the lodge.

9:00 pm

Bed time!

Tonight we’ll see desert elephants in our dreams. Tomorrow we’ll photograph them.

Photographic pills:

• Optional Sunrise at Spitzkoppe.
• Brandberg mountains.

Day 9. Sunday, August 24th - The Desert Elephant Quest

6:00 am

Wake up!

We’ll have an early breakfast today!

7:00 am

We'll hop into some special vehicles and head out with a local guide to try and track down the rare desert elephants.

These elephants are seriously tough. They've adapted to the harsh desert environment and can survive with barely any water. Because of these extreme conditions, they've developed some unique features – they're leaner, taller, and even have wider hooves compared to other African elephants.

They're not exactly easy to find, so we’ll be spending the entire day on safari, following their tracks and relying on our guide's expertise to spot them.

Blue hour begins at 6:56 am, golden hour begins at 7:05 am, Sunrise is at 7:19 am and golden hour ends at 7:49 am.

1:00 pm

When we get hungry, we'll find a nice spot, settle in, and enjoy the amazing lunch the chef has whipped up just for us.

2:00 pm

Check that out – more elephants!

Later this afternoon, we’re going to keep exploring and snapping pictures of the desert elephants throughout the area.

And who knows what else we might come across? There’s a good chance we’ll see some zebras, springboks, gemsboks, steenboks, maybe even ostriches, giraffes, baboons, and tons of different birds too.

3:00 pm

Back to the lodge and free time.

My suggestion: just chill!

If you still have some energy, we can still try to find a nice spot near the lodge for a Sunset shot.

Golden hour begins at 6:24 pm, Sunset is at 6:54 pm, blue hour begins at 7:08 pm and blue hour ends at 7:16 pm.

7:30 pm

Dinner at the lodge.

9:00 pm

It’s been a long long day. So the plan is to just relax at the lodge while enjoying a cold beer under the stars. Tempting, isn’t it?

Of course, if you have some energy left you can always photograph the Milky Way :)

The astronomical twilight begins at 7:42 pm and the Galactic Center is visible from 8:07 pm until 3:26 am. There’s a very thin Moon today (1.2%).

11:00 pm

Bed time!

Tomorrow we’ll continue our adventure.

Photographic pills:

• The desert elephant.
• Zebra, springbok, gemsbok, steenbok, ostrich, giraffe, baboons, and a wide range of birdlife.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour near the lodge.
• Milky Way near the lodge.

Day 10. Monday, August 25th - The Hobatere Gems

7:00 am

We get up early in the morning and go straight to have a delicious breakfast.

9:50 am

After checking-out from the hotel, we start driving towards our destination – Hobatere Lodge, located towards the east.

12:50 pm

We’re finally there and we’re feeling hungry. It’s lunch time!

2:20 pm

After lunch and checking-in, we have some time to relax and prepare ourselves for what’s coming up next...

5:00 pm

Time for an amazing afternoon game drive!

Hobatere Lodge is tucked away on the western side of Etosha National Park, and it’s a gem.

It gives us exclusive access to a private area full of wildlife. We’ll find all sorts of animals here, and the scenery constantly shifts from open plains to thick bush, making it an awesome spot for wildlife photography.

We’ll probably see some of the classics like lions, elephants, giraffes, and a bunch of different types of antelope. Keep your eyes wide open for the rare Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, too!

And as the day winds down, we’ll try to spot some of the more secretive animals – think aardvarks, Bat-eared Foxes, Cape Foxes, aardwolves, and genets.

Golden hour begins at 6:23 pm, Sunset is at 6:53 pm, blue hour begins at 7:06 pm and blue hour ends at 7:15 pm.

8:10 pm

Back to the hotel where our chef has set a super nice dinner for us.

10:00 pm

After dinner, you can photograph the waterhole during the night...

There you can wait patiently for a large variety of wildlife that comes to drink and refresh after a long day under the Sun.

12:00 am

Let’s go to bed!

After so many emotions, you’re surely tired and need some well deserved rest.

Photographic pills:

• Lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra, different types of antelope, aardvark, bat-eared fox, cape fox, aardwolf, and genet.
• Wildlife at night with the waterhole next to the lodge.

Day 11. Tuesday, August 26th - The Waterfalls

6:50 am

If you’re brave enough to get up early in the morning, you can benefit from the amazing light and catch some animals drinking by the waterhole.

It’s a rare opportunity you shouldn’t miss!

Blue hour begins at 6:53 am, golden hour begins at 7:01 am, Sunrise is at 7:15 am and golden hour ends at 7:45 am.

9:00 am

After a nice and healthy breakfast, we check-out from the hotel and we head to the vehicles.

We continue our adventure north, towards Angola... We’re going to Epupa, to photograph the beautiful Epupa waterfalls, the baobab trees and the Himba!

Today we’re going to travel many kilometers. But believe me, it’ll be worth it.

We want to enjoy a more authentic experience with the Himba, fleeing tourist places.

To achieve this we'll enter a spectacular territory (less known) until we reach the border with Angola. There we'll settle very close to the Epupa waterfalls (on the Kunene river) which, despite not having much water at this time of year, is a spectacular place to photograph the Sunset (the Sun sets at 6:59 pm).

11:10 am

We stop for lunch along the way and cool off.

After an hour or so, we’ll continue our journey.

3:00 pm

We’ve finally arrived at the comfortable safari-style tents of Epupa Camp, close to the Kunene River and close to the Epupa Falls.

After the check-in, take some time to rest.

5:35 pm

Epupa Falls, also called Monte Negro Falls in Angola, is this amazing spot where the Kunene River creates a series of waterfalls right on the border between Angola and Namibia.

The river stretches out over 1.5 km (almost a mile), and the tallest drop is about 37 meters (121 feet). It's pretty impressive when you see it in person.

The name Epupa actually comes from the word in the Herero language which refers to the foam the falling water makes.

It’s time to find the perfect spots for Sunset photos. It’s all about capturing the river, the waterfalls, and those iconic baobab trees.

Golden hour begins at 6:30 pm, Sunset is at 6:59 pm, blue hour begins at 7:13 pm and blue hour ends at 7:21 pm.

8:00 pm

After all those amazing shots and having worked so hard to capture them, we deserve a delicious dinner, don’t we?

10:00 pm

After a great day, it's time to rest.

Tomorrow we'll visit the Himbas.

Photographic pills:

• Photographic opportunities on the way to the Angolan border.
• Sunset at Epupa waterfalls.

Day 12. Wednesday, August 27th - The Himba

6:30 am

Time to start our drive to meet the friendly Himba people!

The Himba are an ancient tribe in Namibia, closely related to the Herero. They are tall, beautiful and super friendly. Their skin is rubbed with red ochre and their hairstyle is unique and beautifully decorated.

The Himba live a semi-nomadic life, breeding cattle and goats. They’ve learned to survive in the harsh conditions of the desert.

We’ll spend the morning with the Himba, learning their traditions and taking photographs.

Blue hour begins at 6:55 am, golden hour begins at 7:03 am, Sunrise is at 7:17 am and golden hour ends at 7:46 am.

8:00 am

Once we return to our lodge, we’ll enjoy a nice breakfast.

9:00 am

How about trying something totally different this time?

Ever thought about rafting on the Kunene River?

We’ll be cruising down the river at a chill pace, surrounded by stunning views. There’s plenty of time to soak it all in – spot some cool birds, watch crocs lounging in the sun, and snap some amazing photos along the way.

Rafting on the Kunene is one of those experiences that’s hard to top.

And don’t worry if you’ve never rafted before! Our guide’s got us covered with instructions and a quick safety briefing. They’ll hook us up with helmets, life jackets, and even dry bags for our cameras and stuff.

12:30 pm

A super energetic lunch awaits us after having paddled hard.

Then it’s siesta (nap) time!

5:30 pm

Let’s go back to the Himba village! You surely want to take advantage of the beautiful Namibian golden hour to capture some amazing portraits.

Besides that, we have a very important mission to take care of... We need to find among the members of the tribe some volunteer(s) that we can use as models to photograph them at night, under the stars.

Golden hour begins at 6:30 pm, Sunset is at 6:59 pm, blue hour begins at 7:13 pm and blue hour ends at 7:21 pm.

7:30 pm

Dinner at Epupa Camp.

9:00 pm

If the negotiations have gone well in the afternoon, we’ll spend the night with our hosts, the Himba, photographing them under the stars.

The astronomical twilight begins at 7:47 pm and the Galactic Center is visible from 8:12 pm until 3:09 am. The Moon (19%) will be below the horizon.

11:10 am

Bed time!

Tomorrow we’ll start our journey south towards Etosha National park, a true wildlife realm.

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Epupa waterfalls.
• Crocodiles and birds while rafting.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour with the Himba.
• Milky Way with the Himba.

Day 13. Thursday, August 28th - Western Etosha

6:40 am

We have an early start today!

Let’s go all together to Epupa falls one last time...

We’ve already photographed it in the afternoon and now it’s time to do it with the morning light.

Blue hour begins at 6:54 am, golden hour begins at 7:03 am, Sunrise is at 7:16 am and golden hour ends at 7:45 am.

8:10 am

We’ll have breakfast first and then we’ll check-out.

9:00 am

And now, let’s get into our vehicles... We're going to Etosha National Park!

Etosha covers over 22,000 km of breathtaking scenery, and it's packed with wildlife! You’ve got 114 different types of mammals roaming around, including four of the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos. Oh, and if you’re into birdwatching, you’re in for a treat – there are more than 400 bird species to spot, plus 110 species of reptiles. Seriously, it's teeming with life!

On top of all that, you’ll find some pretty special antelopes too. There’s the striking black-faced impala, the graceful roan antelope, and the adorable Damara dik-dik, which is the tiniest antelope in southern Africa, standing at just 40 cm tall.

Wait... did you hear that? That’s a lion’s roar! How cool is that?

11:50 am

Short stop to get our lunch on the fly. The driving is not done yet!

2:30 pm

We're staying at Dolomite Camp in Etosha, and it's pretty exclusive since it gives only a handful of people access to the park's western side, which is usually off-limits.

We’ll be staying in these super comfy, permanent luxury tents that sit on a raised platform, giving us an awesome view of the vast plains of Etosha National Park in Namibia.

The best part? This area hasn’t had much human interference, so animals like the black rhino and black-faced impala have made it their home.

There are tons of waterholes around here, so we’re bound to see elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions, springboks, gemsboks, and red hartebeests. The birdlife is off the charts, and if you’re into plants, the seasonal flowers on Dolomite Hill are definitely something special.

The camp itself is perched on a small hill, giving you stunning views to go along with all the luxurious details. It’s not fenced in, so animals can wander through the camp freely, but don’t worry – personal escorts are always around to keep us safe.

And there’s more! This area is home to three special types of antelope: the black-faced impala, the elegant roan antelope, and the tiny Damara dik-dik... So cute!

4:00 pm

An afternoon game drive is a must! Since the area is very restricted, it means fewer people and better chances of seeing animals up close.

The guides here really know their stuff and will take us through this beautiful, untouched spot.

Plus, with all the waterholes around, there’s a good chance we’ll come across a whole range of wildlife.

Oh, and check it out – two zebras are fighting over there!

Golden hour begins at 6:16 pm, Sunset is at 6:46 pm, blue hour begins at 6:59 pm and blue hour ends at 7:08 pm.

7:20 pm

Dinner time!

The food here is really tasty and filling, and the staff are super friendly – always welcoming you with a smile.

Later on, if you just want to chill and chat with other people, the bar area is perfect for that.

9:00 pm

As we close our eyes we visualize all the photos and experiences lived so far.

Rest well my friends, tomorrow we’ll cross Etosha towards Okaukuejo, where several magical waterholes await.

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Epupa waterfalls.
• Namibian landscapes on our way to Etosha.
• Sunrise and golden hour with wildlife in western Etosha.

Day 14. Friday, August 29th - The Etosha Big 4

7:10 am

Are you in for a Sunrise shooting session at Dolomite Camp?

Cool!

We’re about to start driving looking for wildlife. The expert guide will take us to the best waterholes.

Blue hour begins at 6:50 am, golden hour begins at 6:58 am, Sunrise is at 7:12 am and golden hour ends at 7:42 am.

9:10 am

You should be hungry by now... So let’s have a delicious breakfast at Dolomite Camp.

Check-out and off to the vehicles!

Today we’re heading east, across Etosha in a full day photo-safari towards Okaukuejo (pronounced oka-KOO-yo), our resort in the park.

We’ll be among elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, oryxes, hyaenas, lions... photographing them.

10:00 am

This part of the park is pretty awesome, especially if you're into rugged landscapes and wildlife. It’s not as crowded as other safari spots, so you get a more laid-back, peaceful experience.

As we go through, we'll check out some waterholes and open plains, which are perfect for spotting and snapping pics of all kinds of animals. Since it’s the dry season, they’re a big deal for animals, so you’ll see lots of different species coming by.

The goal is to capture the cool moments – whether it's a huge herd or just one animal by itself. And with the rocky dolomite outcrops and wide plains in the background, your photos are going to have some seriously stunning scenery.

We'll stop for lunch when we’re hungry, and we’ll continue our safari in Etosha until the afternoon.

3:30 pm

We arrive at Okaukuejo, a resort with all the comforts within Etosha: restaurant, swimming pool, bar... and its famous flood-lit waterhole.

And the good news is that we’ll be staying in comfortable Chalets next to the waterhole :)

We check-in and we take some time to relax.

5:30 pm

Let’s set up our tripods at the waterhole. You definitely want to get ready for some amazing light during Sunset.

Golden hour begins at 6:18 pm, Sunset is at 6:47 pm, blue hour begins at 7:01 pm and blue hour ends at 7:10 pm.

7:30 pm

Dinner at Okaukuejo restaurant.

9:30 pm

As I mentioned before, in Okaukuejo there is a spectacular waterhole. There we can wait for the night to come while watching a large variety of wildlife that comes to drink and refresh after a long day under the Sun.

Unfortunately the lights at the waterhole will play against our plan to photograph the Milky Way along with the wildlife in a single exposure...

11:30 pm

While you’re trying to get to sleep you hear the wind, a lion roaring... And the noise of some PhotoPillers’ camera shutters photographing the Milky Way.

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise and golden hour at Dolomite Camp.
• African savanna and the opportunities that arise on the way to Okaukuejo.
• Wildlife in Etosha.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour with wildlife at the Okaukuejo’s waterhole.
• Night shooting session with wildlife at the Okaukuejo’s waterhole.

Day 15. Saturday, August 30th - The Wonders of Etosha

7:00 am

The gate opens right at sunrise, at 7:06 am, and we'll be at the front of the line, ready to get in as soon as it does. The idea is to head straight to a nearby waterhole to catch some wildlife during that perfect golden hour light.

Now, the waterhole could either be totally quiet or full of action – it's always a bit of a gamble. But that’s the thing with wildlife photography. The first rule? Always be ready at your spot, just waiting for the magic to happen.

Look over there! There's an elephant heading our way!

Blue hour begins at 6:43 am, golden hour begins at 6:52 am, Sunrise is at 7:06 am and golden hour ends at 7:35 am.

8:30 am

Breakfast at the resort. You can rest a bit until our next game drive.

10:00 am

OK, let’s go back to the vehicles!

Thanks to our guide’s expertise, today we’ll explore the most frequented waterholes on the west side of Etosha.

12:30 pm

At some point we'll stop for lunch at Halali Camp.

2:00 pm

Time to continue our safari through the Etosha savanna. But keep your eyes open in case something unexpected suddenly happens.

By the way...

It’s out of the question to get off the vehicle In Etosha. It’s big cats’ territory!

We’ll continue going up and down Etosha in search of all kinds of wildlife.

6:50 pm

Before the golden hour begins, we’ll be back at the Okaukuejo Campsite. Next to the waterhole to be more precise.

Why?

Well...

Because according to the Sun will set to the right of the waterhole, giving us a great opportunity to photograph giraffes, elephants or even rhinos along with the golden light of the setting Sun.

Golden hour begins at 6:18 pm, Sunset is at 6:48 pm, blue hour begins at 7:01 pm and blue hour ends at 7:10 pm.

7:20 pm

Dinner time at the resort!

9:25 pm

Why not go back again to the waterwhole? The truth is we never get tired of photographing the thirsty wildlife.

The astronomical twilight begins at 7:36 pm and the Galactic Center is visible from 8:01 pm until 2:52 am. The Moon (46%) sets at 1:03 pm.

11:00 pm

Bed time!

Rest well my friend. Because tomorrow another exciting day awaits!

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise and golden hour with wildlife at a waterhole near Okaukuejo.
• Wildlife in Etosha.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour with wildlife at the waterhole of Okaukuejo.

Day 16. Sunday, August 31st - The Leopard Quest

6:00 am

It's our last morning in Etosha, and today, we're heading south on a mission to spot some leopards.

The Sun’s just about to rise at 7:05 am, and as soon as the gates of Okaukuejo open, we’re back out into the wild. Cameras in hand, we’re ready for any chance to snap a shot of a lioness, an elephant, or even an impala, all bathed in that beautiful morning golden light.

Blue hour begins at 6:42 am, golden hour begins at 6:51 am, Sunrise is at 7:05 am and golden hour ends at 7:34 am.

9:30 am

After another delicious breakfast whipped up by the resort’s chef, we’ll be all set to hit the road.

We’ve got a 3-hour drive ahead to our next stop.

As we make our way through Etosha, we’ll get to take in the wildlife and snap some great photos.

Next, we’ll pass through Anderson Gate and head south to Okonjima Wildlife Reserve, where we’ll settle into some cozy rooms for our last night of this expedition.

Okonjima is a massive 20,000-hectare reserve, nestled in the stunning Omboroko Mountains. It’s packed with wildlife and has amazing scenery. Plus, it’s the home base for The AfriCat Foundation, known for its efforts in protecting Namibia’s predators.

12:30 pm

As soon as we arrive at our accommodation, Okonjima Plains Camp, we have lunch.

We need a lot of energy for what’s coming this afternoon!

1:30 pm

We check in, take some time to relax and then prepare our gear for our afternoon game drive.

3:30 pm

Okonjima is home to a lot of leopards, but seeing them isn’t exactly simple. That’s why we’ll be hopping onto these cool safari vehicles, and with the help of a guide who really knows their stuff, we’ll head out into the savanna to track them down.

The idea is to spend the afternoon snapping photos of this smart and elusive cat. Should be pretty exciting!

Note: Several leopards, brown hyenas, and pangolins in the Okonjima Nature Reserve are fitted with collars or tags. These animals are central to research efforts focused on understanding wildlife ecology, particularly predator behavior and the conservation of threatened species within the reserve.

Golden hour begins at 6:18 pm, Sunset is at 6:48 pm, blue hour begins at 7:01 pm and blue hour ends at 7:10 pm.

7:30 pm

It’s hard to believe the trip is almost over. But before we say goodbye, we’re planning something really special – dinner out under the stars.

We’re heading to a secluded spot in the lodge, where everything will be ready for us. It’s not your typical restaurant, and we don’t have to lift a finger to cook. There’s a local chef who’s going to blow us away.

It’ll be our final dinner in Namibia, and honestly, it’s one of those moments we’ll carry with us forever.

9:00 pm

And after dinner... it’s time to go to sleep. Tomorrow is our last Sunrise together.

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at a waterhole near Okonjima.
• Leopards, hyaenas, pangolins and more in Okonjima.
• Bush dinner group photo.

Day 17. Monday, September 1st - The Farewell

6:00 am

Time to get up!

It's our last morning, and we’ve got to make the most of it. We’ll hop back on Okonjima's safari trucks and head out on the lookout for leopards.

You never know with them – they're often on the hunt at dawn, so we might just get lucky and catch one in action with its prey.

We’ll be ready, cameras out, just in case today’s our lucky day!

Blue hour begins at 6:42 am, golden hour begins at 6:50 am, Sunrise is at 7:04 am and golden hour ends at 7:33 am.

10:40 am

After we have breakfast together one last time, we’ll head over to Windhoek.

Okonjima is about a three-hour drive from the airport. If you can, book an afternoon flight, that way you won’t miss out on the morning game drive. Or even better, spend an extra night in Windhoek and leave on Tuesday.

It’s that time to say goodbye.

Take care, my friends, until we meet again!

Life keeps moving...

Book Now and Save €500 (Only 1 Spot Left)

To book your spot to join the expedition to Namibia at a reduced price of €12,000 (the official price is €12,500), a €3,000 deposit is required by Sunday January 26th.

The balance payment will be made via three payments due on the following dates:

• January 26th, 2025
• March 23rd, 2025
• April 27th, 2025

Please, finalise your booking as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.

BOOK NOW

What’s included in the price

• PhotoPills Welcome kit.
• Pick up at Windhoek airport and transfer to the hotel. Transfer to Windhoek airport at the end of the adventure.
• A 17-day expedition photographing the essence of Namibia with the Milky Way and the golden light.
• 17 days of learning, fun and adventure with Carel Steenkamp, Antoni Cladera and the funniest geek community – the PhotoPillers.
• Full immersion in the PhotoPills method (Imagine.Plan.Shoot!).
• Private transportation in two 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser Safari Vehicles (11 seater each).
• All vehicle costs including fuel.
• All park entry fees.
• Activities:
• Secret day special activities (super fun).
• Bushman paintings discovery.
• Desert Elephant tracking.
• Game drive at Hobatere.
• Rafting in the Kunene River at Epupa Falls.
• Himba village photography.
• 2x Leopard tracking in Okonjima.
• All activities that can be done with NTS guide and vehicle are included.
• All lodging sharing with another PhotoPiller (optional €1,400 single supplement upon availability):
• 1 night at The Weinberg Windhoek (bed and breakfast).
• 2 nights at Dead Valley Lodge (dinner, lunch, bed and breakfast).
• 2 nights at The Delight Swakopmund (bed and breakfast).
• 2 nights at Spitzkoppen Lodge (dinner, bed and breakfast).
• 2 nights at Palmwag Lodge (bed and breakfast).
• 1 night at Hobatere Lodge (dinner, bed and breakfast).
• 2 nights at Epupa Camp (dinner, bed and breakfast).
• 1 night at Dolomite Camp (dinner, bed and breakfast).
• 2 nights at Okaukuejo Resort (bed and breakfast).
• 1 night at Okonjima Plains Camp (dinner, bed and breakfast).
• Farewell kraal dinner in the African savanna on August 31st.

What’s not included

• Flights to/from Namibia.
• International medical and travel insurance coverage (mandatory).
• All meals and beverages, except those expressly indicated in the "What’s included in the price" section.
• Tips.
• Alcohol.
• Laundry.
• Anything not mentioned in the “What’s included in the price” section.

Do you want an example of how huge this will be?

This is a glimpse to what happened in the PhotoPills Expedition to Iceland. We had so many adventures and so much fun... We can’t wait for Namibia!

But you don’t have to take our word for granted. Here’s what some PhotoPillers say about the PhotoPills adventures:

“I went to Iceland expecting to have the opportunity to photograph the marvelous landscape and master nightscapes. What I encountered was so much more – 14 kindred souls from across the globe who share a passion for photography. Together we expanded our creative boundaries, learned from one another and had an insane amount of fun in the process. I am confident that everyone came away from the experience a better photographer.”

“From the very moment the guys from PhotoPills announced the expedition to Iceland... I didn’t think it twice! I was using PhotoPills but not at its full capacity, so I had no better chance to learn from the creators of this amazing app. The experience was even more amazing than anything I could have imagined. In Iceland, I discovered a bunch of folks as crazy about photography as I am. I had a blast!

Photography is a continuous learning process, you always find something new that motivates you to improve. And this adventure made me improve more than I could imagine.”

"The PhotoPills guys know how to create a fantastic experience. They bring an infectiously fun energy and are always willing to drop some handy photography knowledge on you that you will take with you. You take their trip and you'll for sure have a good time, get some amazing pics and leave a better photographer."

“During my experience in Iceland I lived wonderful moments and had surprises that were beyond the expected. It completely exceeded my initial expectations! Sharing knowledge, experiences and ways of working and living photography with such a great group has been one of the most enriching life experiences I have ever had.

Who he said that learning and knowledge sharing can not be wonderfully fun?”

“I can't say enough about what a fantastic time I had during the PhotoPills Iceland photo tour! The guys from PhotoPills and Donal Boyd were so knowledgeable, accommodating, and especially lots of fun. Never a dull moment – nonstop action and shooting of amazing landscapes for 10 days. I came away with enough images and memories to last a lifetime!”

FAQs

What’s the temperature in Namibia in August-September?

August and September are very nice months. It’s dry and the skies are clear.

During the day it’s not too hot nor too cold. It cools down at night though. Temperature varies depending on the area but you should expect the range to be between 50ºF (10ºC) and 86ºF (30ºC).

It’s key to wear in layers to be able to adapt to any temperature change.

Nights in the desert can be cold!

What do you recommend I bring along for the expedition?

Your sense of adventure and fun, your camera and your sense of humor, of course.

Besides that? A few months before the expedition begins, we’ll send you an Information Package that will give you further details and suggestions about what to bring (gear, clothing, etc.).

Is travel insurance included in the price of the expedition?

No. Participants are suggested to purchase national or international medical and travel insurance coverage.

Also, we recommend you to choose a travel insurance that:

• Covers trip cancellation costs.
• Covers Covid-19 health, travel and cancellation costs.

What is the cancellation policy?

We hope you don’t need to cancel your spot, but if a situation arises where you don’t have a choice, our cancellation policy is the following.

If you decide not to go on the Expedition, you might have to pay a fee. This fee would be the cost of the Expedition, but we’ll take off any money we save or make if we’re able to fill your spot with someone else.

However, if there are unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination or nearby that significantly affect the execution of the Expedition or the transportation of passengers to the destination, no penalty will be applied, and we will refund all payments you have made toward the Expedition.

Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made.

Credits: All images by Antoni Caldera, Marco Grassi, Laura Oppelt, Martí Amengual and Donal Boyd.