Namibia: Wildlife , Nature and Indigenous Cultures
1 – 14 August 2026
At David Metcalf Photography we believe it’s important to see the iconic landscapes, but we also like to offer travellers a sense of the travel experience .
In August 2026 we head to Namibia and venture deep into remote regions to live alongside ancient cultures, where you can connect with the people behind the portraits and capture images that tell stories far beyond the postcard views.
This 13-night guided tour of Namibia offers an unforgettable journey through some of the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations, including the world-renowned Etosha National Park,home to an incredible diversity of animals and the scenic Okonjima Nature Reserve. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and game drives, this tour also provides a rich cultural experience, allowing you to engage with Namibia’s fascinating ethnic groups such as the San (Bushmen), Himba, and Damara people, gaining insight into their unique traditions and way of life.
Embark on our extraordinary Namibia cultural photography journey to uncover a land of dramatic beauty and timeless traditions. Framed by endless deserts, rugged mountains and a skeleton-strewn coastline, Namibia is home to some of the planet’s most photogenic tribes and wildlife, all bathed in light that professional photographers dream about.
Photograph the ochre-coated Himba as they tend their cattle in the early morning haze of Kaokoland. Spend time with the San Bushmen of the Kalahari, learning ancient tracking techniques and capturing their intricate click-language conversations around the fire. Seek out the elegant Herero women in their Victorian-inspired dresses against the lunar landscapes of Damaraland. and then the vast wildlife riches of Etosha National Park, every day delivers a new visual masterpiece.
Looking for the ultimate cultural photography adventure in a single, perfectly timed journey? Our escorted Namibia photography tour is designed specifically for keen photographers and those hungry for authentic connection. Begin among the towering red dunes of the world’s oldest desert, then travel north to meet the semi-nomadic Himba in their remote villages, sharing meals and photographing daily life with rare access and respect.
Continue to the wild, rocky deserts of Damaraland to track desert-adapted elephants and photograph ancient San rock art by torchlight, before reaching Etosha’s floodlit waterholes for dramatic night-time wildlife shoots. Led by an award-winning photographer-guide, this small-group trip gives you the best light, the best angles and – most importantly – the cultural depth that turns good photographs into unforgettable ones.
The people of Namibia are guardians of some of Africa’s oldest living cultures. Throughout your journey you’ll be welcomed into homes and villages with genuine curiosity and pride, offered rare insight into traditions that have endured for millennia. This is photography with purpose – images that honour the dignity and resilience of the individuals you meet.
David Metcalf Photography offers small-group cultural photography journeys and tailor-made Namibia trips that place you at the heart of both the landscapes and the people who call them home.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer seeking the shot of a lifetime, or a passionate enthusiast ready to elevate your craft while immersing yourself in profound cultural encounters, or not interested in the photography aspect of the journey, but more the cultural experiences we have the perfect Namibian adventure waiting for you.
Highlights:
Greater Windhoek (Days 1–2) – Explore Namibia’s scenic capital surrounded by golden savannahs and rugged mountains; enjoy birdwatching, leopard tracking, and panoramic views from nearby hills.
Kamanjab (Days 2–3) – Visit the gateway to western Etosha, home to ancient rock art, desert-adapted elephants, and the semi-nomadic Himba people.
Khowarib (Days 3–5) – Discover this remote area between Kaokoland and Damaraland, hike the dramatic Hoanib Gorge, spot desert-adapted rhinos and elephants, and engage with the traditional Himba community.
Grootberg (Days 5–6) – Experience the dramatic escarpment and canyons of Damaraland, enjoy 4×4 drives to scenic viewpoints, and learn about local Himba culture.
Etosha South (Days 6–7) – Enjoy open-vehicle safaris in a private reserve bordering Etosha National Park, with sightings of lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and other iconic wildlife.
Etosha East (Days 7–11) – Explore the vast Etosha Pan and surrounding savannas, home to large herds of game, black rhinos, and flocks of flamingos.
Grootfontein (Days 11–13) – Visit this lush northern town, known for its hiking and cycling trails and the famous Hoba Meteorite—the largest ever found on Earth.
Okonjima Nature Reserve (Days 13–14) – End your journey at this 22,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary, home to the AfriCAT Foundation; enjoy big cat tracking, night drives, and insight into San (Bushmen) culture.
Itinerary
Day 1: Greater Windhoek
Arrive at Hosea Kutako Airport, Windhoek, where your guide will greet you and transfer you to Okapuka Safari Lodge, nestled within 7,300 hectares of pristine savannah. Enjoy views of antelope and warthogs grazing peacefully beneath ancient camel thorn trees as you relax on the terrace.
Day 2: Kamanjab
After breakfast, journey northwest to Kamanjab, gateway to Damaraland and home to the Himba people. Stay at Oppi-Koppi Rest Camp, a charming lodge and bar. In the afternoon, explore the town’s vibrant mix of Himba locals and white farmers—a photographer’s delight.
Day 3: Khowarib
Travel over the scenic Grootberg Pass to the Palmwag Concession, a vast 550,000-hectare wildlife haven. Stop for photos of dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife, from rhinos to giraffes. Overnight at Khowarib Lodge in a tranquil riverside setting. (196 km / 3 hrs)
Day 4: Khowarib
Enjoy a full-day safari in search of Namibia’s famous desert-adapted elephants. Learn how these incredible animals survive in arid conditions, traveling great distances between scarce waterholes.
Day 5: Grootberg
Visit a traditional Himba village for an authentic cultural encounter before heading back through Palmwag to Grootberg Lodge. Perched on the edge of the Klip River Valley, the lodge offers breathtaking views of the Etendeka Plateau. (103 km / 1h 45m)
Day 6: Etosha South
Drive east to Etosha National Park, entering through Andersson Gate. Enjoy your first afternoon game drive, followed by night photography at Okaukuejo’s iconic floodlit waterhole.
Overnight: Okaukuejo Waterhole Chalet (DB&B)
Day 7: Etosha East
Continue your safari eastward to Halali Camp, stopping at major waterholes en route. After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive and capture wildlife under the night lights of Halali’s waterhole.
Overnight: Halali Camp (DB&B)
Days 8–10: Etosha East (Namutoni)
Spend three days exploring the eastern plains around Namutoni Camp. Morning and afternoon drives bring encounters with elephants, lions, and herds of antelope, while evenings offer sunset views at Klein Namutoni.
Overnight: Namutoni Camp (DB&B)
Days 11–12: Grootfontein
Morning game drive before traveling to Grootfontein. The next day, experience a Bushman Excursion—a full day of learning about traditional San hunting, gathering, and bush medicine.
Overnight: Fiume Bush Camp (Full Board & Activities)
Day 13: Okonjima Nature Reserve
After breakfast, drive to Okonjima Nature Reserve, home of the AfriCAT Foundation. Enjoy a sundowner drive in search of leopards and other wildlife, with optional pangolin and endangered species excursions.
Overnight: Okonjima Plains Camp (DB&B + Activities)
Day 14: End of Itinerary
Start your day with coffee and muffins before one last leopard or rhino tracking drive. Return to Windhoek for your departure or stay an extra night depending on your flight schedule. (267 km / 3 hrs)
Includes:
12 Nights accomodation
All Meals
Park Fees
All transport
Local Guides
Excludes:
- Alcohol
- Tips
We require a 500 British Pounds deposit to secure your place.
Please contact me directly if you wish to join , via email davidmetcalf312@gmail.com / davidmetcalfphotography22@gmail.com or WhatsApp +62 8111331255
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