In May, 2019, I traveled to Namibia in southern Africa to explore its landscape, wildlife, and culture. It was a very memorable small-group trip purchased from The Africa Adventure Company in Florida state, U.S.A. I relied on the service and the local knowledge of our excellent guide Stewart Matsopo.
Open spaces
Introduction
The Republic of Namibia is a large country (825,615 km2) with a small population (2,606,971) in southern Africa that borders South Africa. It has stunningly beautiful wide-open spaces, fantastic wildlife, and fascinating culture.
Big sand dune
Sossusvlei
This area of the Namib Desert is in the Namib-Naukluft Park. Massive sand dunes surround Deadvlei, which was on my wish list to see. I stayed at the Sossus Dune Lodge inside the park. The wall's material was canvas. Roof was thatch. Floor was wood. Hot, dry, and strong wind blew across the desert landscape. In the afternoon sun, my room reached 93o Fahrenheit (34o Celsius).
People
People
Opportunities to meet Namibian people were rare due to the nature of group travel. I met some Namibians during shopping and a visit to a village.
Flamingos
Swakopmund and Walvis Bay
In Walvis Bay, flamingos gathered at this seaside town. I stayed at the hotel, The Delight Swakopmund, in Swakopmund. The cold Atlantic Ocean current caused the air temperature to be cool enough at night that I had to use the heater in my hotel room.
Rock engravings
Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves ancient rock engravings that are thousands of years old. I stayed at Camp Kipwe.
Black-backed jackal
Etosha National Park
This park in northwestern Namibia showcases the diverse wildlife in northern Namibia. All the animals are well-adapted to the desert climate. I stayed at the Etosha Mountain Lodge and then the Onguma Tree Top Camp.
Photographic Tools
- camera: Olympus OM-D E-M1.
- lens: M.Zuiko ED 12-40mm f2.8 Pro.
- lens: M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm f2.8 Pro
- teleconverter: M.Zuiko Digital MC-14 1.4x
- tripod: Slik Pro 714CF II.
- filter holder: Conklin Z-Pro.
- filter: Singh-Ray graduated neutral density.
- filter: Sigma circular polarizer.
- memory: SanDisk SD cards.
- bag: Lowepro Nova 4.
- software: Olympus Workspace, GIMP.