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Namibia is one of Africa's mysterious destinations.....

Photograph Africa

From the scorched moonscape of the Fish River Canyon in the south, to the lush waterways of the Kunene, Kavango and Zambezi rivers in the north, Namibia is an extraordinarily beautiful and varied land. With the oldest desert on earth and the treacherous Skeleton Coast, Namibia still manages to sustain an incredible variety of living things, in terrain that is as striking as it is desolated.

In the south, the ashen landscape tilts gently upward from the scarred canyon of the Orange River to reveal vast gravel plains stretching to the horizon. To the west, the Namib Desert forms a barrier between the interior and the shore of the icy Atlantic. Further inland, petrified forests (dating back 250 million years) stand next to fossil riverbeds snaking across the dry land. Prehistoric-looking trees with gnarled branches rise up out of a boulderland of black rock, and ancient welwitschia plants - seemingly half dead - lie baking in the sun.

But suddenly the landscape changes: in Sossusvlei at the southern end of the Namib-Naukluft Park, the highest dunes in the world, rise up to meet the sky, their sands reflecting the ever-changing light; in the east, the gravel plains give way to yellow and gold grasslands, merging with the gentle hills of the Kalahari, the longest continuous stretch of sand in the world.

In the north, the peaks of the Brandberg Mountains and other rocky islands, such as the Spitzkoppe, signpost one of the world's richest collections of rock art. Here also are the desert elephants and black rhinos of Damarland, which, like the creatures of the Namib and Kalahari deserts, and other animals of the fossil riverbeds, have made special adaptations to survive the scorching desert conditions.

In the north, Namibia's wildlife showpiece, Etosha National Park, is home to 114 mammal species, including lion, elephant, giraffe and tens of thousands of antelope. But it is the 340 species of birds, attracted by the ephemeral waters of Etosha Pan, which bring color and vibrance to this great African game reserve, stretching 350 kilometers from east to west. And further east, beyond the Hartmann Mountains of the Kunene Region, a landscape of coneshaped hills gives way to the palm trees and verdant waterways of the Kunene River. All this is the mystery and fascination of a spectacular land that belongs to the 21st century, but which still lies buried in the ancient sands of the past.

Namibia is truly the Jewel of the African Continent.

Kowas Adventure Safaris has developed a few photographic touring safaris from which you can choose from:

Namib Desert and Coastal Safari
Etosha National Park
Hydro Spa
Namib Desert
Etosha / Caprivi Wildlife Excursion
Other Touring Options

OPTION 1: back to top
NAMIB DESERT AND COASTAL SAFARI - 4 Day Safari
Cost:	Adults X 2 - USD 260 per person per day all inclusive
	Adults X 4 - USD 220 per person per day all inclusive
	Children - USD 100 per child per day all inclusive

The main attraction in this region is the Namib Nauklauft and Skeleton Coast parks, with Swakopmund ideally situated between the two.

Day 1
Kowas - Windhoek - Swakopmund (lunch) - Approximately 5 hrs
Afternoon: Visit town / Crystal Gallery

Day 2
Morning - Dolphin cruise

Depart from the Walvisbay Yactclub about 08:30 by boat. The boat excursion will take us to Pelican Point were we will visit a seal colony (thousands of seals).

En-route we will pass a few shipwrecks, many bird colony's like Flamingo, Pelicans and Comorans. The trip will end with Fresh oysters, a snack platter and Champaign to be served on the boat. (Other drinks also available.)

Visit www.mola-mola.com.na

Day 2
Afternoon - Quad Biking

Experience the thrill of riding through the oldest desert in the world on four wheel quid bikes (ATV: All Terrain Vehicle)

Photo courtesy of www.off2africa.com

Day 3 (Cost of the adventure activity is additional)
Flying safari OR Fishing safari
Afternoon - Shopping / aquarium

Flying Safari Options:

Scenic Air - www.scenic-air.com

Sossusvlei - Sea of sand dunes
Experience the diversity of the rock desert and the sand dunes. See the complete picture unfold. This could be the highlight of your holiday. (2,3 hours ex Swakopmund)
Optional: 4x4 day excursions at Sossusvlei

Brandberg, Ugab River, Skeleton Coast
A flight over the flat desert plains to Namibia's highest mountain, the Brandberg, down the Ugab river in search of elephants and other wildlife.

Return low level flight along the coast to Swakopmund. (2,2 hours ex Swakopmund).

Epupa Falls and Ovahimba Villages
Enjoy an early morning flight along the Skeleton Coast, heading for Opuwa or Epupa falls.

A Himba guide will accompany you on your village visit, explaining the Ovahimba tradition. Return to Swakopmund after lunch. An unforgettable day! (5 hours ex Swakopmund)

Coastal Impressions
Fly with the seagulls and flamingos. Savour the contrasting Namib Desert and the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean dotted with shipwrecks.

Get a bird's eye view of the Walvis Bay lagoon, the saltpans and Sandwich harbor, famous for its countless numbers of birds. (1 hour ex Swakopmund)

Fishing Safari Options:

Namibia is known to be one of the best shark fishing spots. Come and test your strength against the copper shark (up to 250 pounds). Many other fish species could be caught during this expedition.

Lobster or fresh fish would be enjoyed for lunch. We promote catch and release. Fishing is from the shore, however skiboat fishing is optional.

Day 4
Moon landscape - Windhoek - Kowas

OPTION 2: back to top
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK - 4 Day Safari
The Etosha National Park is one of Africa's great game parks. Still one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Centered around the vast expanse of the Etosha pan, the park is a sanctuary at the largest population of the western sub-species of the black rhino, white rhino, large herds of elephant, the striking black-faced impala, lions and a profusion of other animals and birds. Home to 114 mammal species and 340 bird species are found in the park. A wildlife photographers' dream...!
Cost:	Adults X 2 - USD 250 per person per day all inclusive
	Adults X 4 - USD 220 per person per day all inclusive
	Children - USD 100 per child per day all inclusive

Day 1
Kowas - Windhoek - Otjiwarongo (lunch) - Etosha
Approximately: 6 hrs

Day 2
Visit various waterholes
Lunch
Relax until 17:00
Game drive

Day 3
Drive to next camp - overnight at camp
Visit waterholes on the way
Lunch at camp
Game drive in afternoon

Day 4
Etosha - Otjiwarongo - Windhoek (visit African Craft Centre for shopping) - Kowas

OPTION 3: back to top
HYDRO / SPA - 4 Day Safari
Why don't you treat your wife for four days at one of the most spectacular Hydro/Spa on the beachfront. Owner and personnel are extremely well trained with international qualifications. Activities at the Hydro / Spa
Message, hydrotherapy, lymph drainage, aqua-fitness, reflexology Or just relax in the heated indoor swimming pool / steambath / sauna or jacuzzi.
Cost:	USD 210 per person per day all inclusive

OPTION 4: back to top
NAMIB DESERT - 7 Day Excursion
A combination safari of the world renowned Namib desert, oldest desert in the world and the Etosha National Park, one of Africa's best game parks ensures the best of both worlds.
Cost:	Adults x 2 USD 260 per person per day all inclusive
	Adults x 4 USD 220 per person per day all inclusive
	Children USD 100 per person per day all inclusive

Day 1
Kowas - Windhoek - Swakopmund (lunch)
Afternoon - Sight seeing and shopping in Swakopmund

Day 2
Morning - Dolphin cruise
Afternoon - Quid Bike in dunes

Day 3
Fishing trip or Flying safari at additional cost

Day 4
Swakopmund - Etosha National Park
Afternoon - Game drive / relax

Day 5
Morning - Visit various waterholes
Afternoon - Relax / game drive

Day 6
Drive to the next overnight camp
Visit number of waterholes en-route
Afternoon - game drive

Day 7
Etosha - Windhoek (visit African Arts and Craft Centre for shopping) - Kowas

OPTION 5: back to top
ETOSHA / CAPRIVI WILDLIFE EXCURSION - 7 Day Excursion
...for a breathtaking experience. You will visit the world renowned Etosha National Park, a wildlife paradise. From here we will depart to the Northeast of Namibia, an area situated close to the well-known Okavango Delta. Another wildlife paradise where you will see wildlife that doesn't occur in Etosha, namely: Buffalo, Roan antelope, Sable, Hippo, Crocodile, Letchwe, Busbuck, Oribi and Sitatunga. For fishermen, the Tigerfish can also be caught in the area. This is truly a breathtaking experience.
Cost:	Adults x 2 USD 250 per person per day all inclusive
	Adults x 4 USD 210 per person per day all inclusive
	Children USD 100 per person per day all inclusive

Day 1
Kowas - Windhoek - Otjiwarongo (lunch) - Etosha

Day 2
Morning - Various waterholes
Afternoon - Game drive

Day 3
Drive to the next overnight camp. Will visit a number of waterholes en-route
Afternoon - Relax (next day will be long driving...)

Day 4
Etosha - Rundu (lunch) - Mahango River Lodge
Relax at swimming pool on river bank

Day 5
Game drive alongside the Kavango River (Game like elephant, buffalo, roan, sable, Letchwe, Sitatunga, hippo, crocodile, etc can be seen on this drive.)
Afternoon - Sundowner boat cruise

Day 6
Visit Popa Waterfalls / game drive
Afternoon - Tiger fishing trip

Day 7
Mahango Game Reserve - Rundu - Otjiwarongo (lunch) - Windhoek - Kowas 7 hours drive

OTHER TOURING OPTIONS: back to top
VICTORIA FALLS Visit Victoria Falls (from Namibia) with Air Namibia (Namibian official airliner). (Depart Friday morning, return to Namibia Sunday later afternoon)
TEN DAY SAFARI TO CAPRIVI Magnificent Chobe Game Reserve and Victoria Falls. (Driving safari).Contact us for more details.

As lighting conditions in Namibia are optimal, slow film is a good bet, as it gives better grain and good color saturation. Because the light is often harsh, it is advisable to have all lenses fitted with UV or haze filters. When it is really bright, underexposing by half a stop or more will invariably give a better picture
A major problem in Namibia is dust, and in the desert where the wind often blows, flying sand. Mechanical cameras are therefore a better bet than electronic ones. Equipment should be covered when not in use, and cleaned after a day's shooting, for which you need a blower brush, cleaning fluid and lens tissue
In most cases telephoto lenses are essential to obtain good wildlife shots, especially of birds. For best results these lenses need to be kept steady, either by using a tripod, or if in a vehicle, with a bean bag or window support. When photographing in a game reserve such as the Etosha National Park, a good policy is to spend several hours at a waterhole simply waiting. There are large numbers of game, and plenty of action, so the more patient you are, the better your changes of coming away with good photographs, possibly even winners
We know all the waterholes and the favorite wildlife spots and as an avid photographer you do not want to miss our outdoor excursions

Bird-life:

Africa's bird-life is far richer in species than many of the other continents. 658 bird species (representing 72% of the total number of Southern African species), have been identified in Namibia alone. The largest bird occurring on the continent is the flightless Ostrich which carries its small head high in the air on a 3-meter long neck. Ostriches can reach a mass of about 150 kg and run at a speed of up to 70 km/h.

A large number of vultures, eagles and other birds of pr Bird Photography ey occur in Namibia. Quite remarkable, is the huge variety of bustards, ranging from the Kori Bustard, called Pau (peacock) in Afrikaans, and the Ludwig's Bustard. Occurring in the Namib Desert, to the Korhaan having such a wide distribution that every 200 meters a clucking bird will raise warning all the game in the area with its stringent, cackling vocalizations.

Quite spectacular are the huge nests of social weavers, which live together in "apartment blocks". Other weaver species skillfully build their own individual nests, hanging down like bowls from extreme branches of trees, bouncing in the wind. Various subspecies of the Toko, the bird with the giant bill, occur in Namibia.

Many of Namibia's bird species have restricted world ranges or are only readily seen in Namibia. The key to the country's diversity of bird-life is the variety of habitats, ranging from they hyper-arid Namib Desert, the less daunting Kalahari and western escarpment, to the sub-humid woodlands, wetlands and forests of the north-eastern Caprivi region. Together with the rich marine and coastal environments, particularly in the central coastal regions around Walvis Bay, these habitats combine to provide a birding experience for enthusiasts and beginners alike.

Photographing Namibia wildlife and birdlife Rollers, starlings and bee-eaters impress with their colorful plumage. There are a number of stork species, including the European stork that spends its winter vacation in the sub-region. Herons, Ibis, Pelicans, miscellaneous crane species (Crowned Crane, Blue Crane, and Wattle Crane), and Flamingos occur in areas where surface waters are available. Marabu's, Secretary-Birds (a bird of prey) and the big Hornbills are often seen wandering around in the bush. In total, 900 bird species have been identified in the sub-region and described in ornithological guides.

± 160 bird species occur at Kowas Adventure Safaris. This is a true paradise for keen bird watchers.