Ultimate Namibia by Air, April 2025
We are offering our first Namibia trip in a very long time and this trip is a no holds barred trip. It combines the three most sought after locations in Namibia and all also some of the most remote. This is a small group trip with limited availability, in order for us to have ample weight allowance on the aircraft for our photographic gear. The goal of this adventure is to photograph the breathtaking desert landscapes of Namibia in three unique and beautiful locations. This will be an adventure to remote locations and we will maximize our time out on safari by flying from location to location. This will enable us to carry an adequate amount of camera baggage, as well as eliminating unnecessary long drives.
TRIP Highlights
This private flying safari covers fascinating attractions in Namibia while enjoying much of the stunning landscape from the air.
We will fly to three amazing destinations in the central and northern Namibia: Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast Serra Cafema
The Namib Desert may well be the world's oldest desert. The apricot-colored dunes at Sossusvlei are some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth. Herds of mountain zebra, gemsbok and springbok roam the area.
Finish on a high note in the magnificent northern landscapes along the Serra Cafema mountain range near Angola.
The Schedule
April 1, 2025
The Olive Exclusive - Windhoek, Namibia
On arrival at Windhoek you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
The Olive Exclusive is situated close to the city center in a quiet, peaceful area. There are only 7 suites in this boutique hotel, the nicest in Windhoek. Relax, get settled in and we encourage you to arrive a day earlier if you have the time.
April 2, 2025 - Sossusvlei
Today we will take a private charter scenic flight to the Namib-Naukluft, where the tallest sand dunes in the world can be found. Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your lodge.
The Namib-Naukluft Park covers 19,215 square miles (50,000 km2) of desert savannah grasslands, gypsum and quartz plains, granite mountains, an estuarine lagoon, a canyon and huge, drifting apricot-colored dunes. The five main regions of the park are the Namib, Sandvis, Naukluft, Sesriem and Sossusvlei areas.
The Kuiseb River runs through the center of the park from east to west and acts as a natural boundary separating the northern grayish-white gravel plains from the southern deserts. Herds of mountain zebra, gemsbok, springbok and flocks of ostrich roam the region. Many small, fascinating creatures have uniquely adapted to this environment and help make this one of the most interesting deserts in the world. The dunes are home to numerous unique creatures, such as the translucent Palmato gecko, shovel-nosed lizard and Namib golden mole.
Sossusvlei, in the southern region, has the highest sand dunes in the world, exceeding 1,000 feet (300 m). The base of the second highest sand dune in the world can be closely approached by vehicle. The hike along the knife-edge rim to the top is strenuous, requiring 60–90 minutes of taking two steps up and sliding one step down. The view from the top into other valleys and of the mountains beyond is marvelous. Even up there, colorful beetles, ants and other desert critters roam about. Sunrise on these magnificent and colorful dunes is spectacular. Ballooning safaris are offered.
Little Kulala is situated on the boundary of Sossusvlei. Each "Kulala" offers en suite facilities and a private veranda with stunning views of the famous Sossusvlei dunes. In addition, your own rooftop sleeping area allows you a unique opportunity to enjoy a night under the spectacular desert sky.
PLEASE NOTE* There is a luggage limit of 66lbs (30kg) per person on the charter flight so please pre-pack your luggage accordingly in soft-sided bags. These restrictions should be strictly adhered to. As this is primarily a landscape photography trip, you will not need a large selection of lenses. Laundry service is available at all lodges and camps on this safari.
April 3, 2025 - Sossusvlei
Early entrance into Sossusvlei park for a sunrise at Dead Vlei.
April 4, 2025 - Sossusvlei
Full day of photography.
April 5, 2025 - Sossusvlei to the Skeleton Coast
Today morning we will take a scenic flight over the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei and the Atlantic Ocean. We will fly up the coastline of Namibia, often referred to as the Skeleton Coast, and when we land we will be greeted by our camp guides and will be driven to Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp.
The Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is situated in the heart of one of the planet's most inhospitable, but hauntingly beautiful places. It is wild, desolate and uninhabited. It has everything from roaring sand dunes and windswept plains, to towering canyons and salt pans, seal colonies and remnants of shipwrecks. Fresh water springs and the early morning mist off the Atlantic Ocean sustain a surprising amount of life, from large mammals to the extraordinary welwitschia plant. Secret water seeps attract wildlife, so we can see desert adapted elephant, oryx, springbok, giraffe, ostrich, Hartmann's mountain zebra, and if very fortunate the brown hyena. The terrain is rugged and harsh, hence this camp will be enjoyed by those who are looking for a true wilderness experience, in some of the most spectacular scenery in southern Africa.
April 6, 2025 - Hoanib Skeleton Coast
Full day of photography. Typically we will drive the Hoanib River, seeking desert adapted wildlife that eke out an existence in this stark environment. With dramatic landscapes all around us, we are seeking unique wildlife sightings as well as landscapes. We stop often and we are looking in all directions for that unique photograph.
April 7, 2025 - Hoanib Skeleton Coast
Full day of photography
April 8, 2025 - Hoanib Skeleton Coast to Serra Cafema
Today morning we will take a scenic flight father north up the Skeleton Coast and slightly inland to Serra Cafema, what we refer to as the most remote camp in Africa.
This region is shared with the wonderful and colourful Himba people who are some of the last true nomadic people of Africa. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water and creates an oasis along its banks surrounded by rugged mountains and sand dunes.
The Serra Cafema Camp is situated in the remote northern area of the Skeleton Coast . Spend the next three days exploring one of the planet's driest deserts. Activities include traversing the sand dunes in 4x4 Landrovers enjoying the breath-taking landscape scenes with Springbok, Ostrich and Oryx dotted here and there, and boating on the Kunene River where you can watch for the Kunene crocodiles.
Walking in the remote mountain and river valleys are also a highlight. Serra Cafema is often visited by the native Ovahimba families who live in the nearby vicinity, which gives you the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and traditions. One of the highlights of Serra Cafema is the optional carefully guided quad-bike excursions that tread lightly on the dunes.
Serra Cafema Camp is set under big shady Albida trees overlooking the Kunene River and comprises 8 canvas and thatched chalets that are raised off the ground, each with its own en-suite bathroom. There is a small swimming pool, dining room and bar.
April 9, 2025 - Serra Cafema
Full day of photography in and around the Serra Cafema area.
April 10, 2025 - Serra Cafema
Full day of photography in and around the Serra Cafema area.
April 11, 2025 - Serra Cafema to Windhoek
Take a private charter flight back to Windhoek. Connect to your onward scheduled flight. If your flight departs in the evening or perhaps the next morning, we will help arrange additional time in Windhoek at our favorite hotel, The Olive Exclusive.
Note: If you would like to spend some extra time in Cape Town, either before or after this trip, we can arrange this for you, in conjunction with time in the wine country. It is a perfect way to begin and end time in Namibia.
The Cost
The cost of this all-inclusive safari is $16,990 per person. The same rate applies for each participant regardless of whether they are doing photography or not. This fee includes everything from when you arrive in Namibia until you leave.
Due to the limited number of spaces available, if a solo guest is willing to share a room and we can match with another guest of the same gender, we will do so. If a solo guest is unwilling to share, then a single supplement of $2,400 will be charged.
What Do I Do Next?
Our groups are small, so space is limited. If this exciting trip has your name on it; if you're excited by the thought of becoming a member of this trip, then now is the time to register. Remember, there will be limited space available for this workshop. When they're spoken for, that's it. If you have any questions before registering, send us an e-mail with any inquiries to hello@andybiggs.com.
Trip Details
Safari Leader: Andy Biggs
Dates: April 1-11, 2025
Cost: $16,990 per person sharing
Single supplement: $2,400
What's Included?
All accommodation, meals and drinks
All flights between camps
Additional luggage allowance on the flights
All daily activities
Daily laundry
What is Not Included?
International airfare and/or other transportation between your home and Windhoek, Namibia (we assist with these, depending on where you would like to begin your journey)
International airfare from Capetown or Johannesburg to Namibia
Visas (if applicable)
Travel Insurance
Gratuities of staff
Pre and post safari tours