Namibia.
Wild by nature.
Balance due 30 days before departure.
Ancient landscapes.
Extraordinary encounters.
Discover Namibia in a small group of 10 travellers, with photographic guidance from José D. Riquelme. Sixteen days of towering dunes, wildlife encounters and unforgettable desert skies.
Sculpted by the wind.
Closer to the wild.
Follow your curiosity.
Discover more about the journey
Join our Namibia Photography Workshop for a unique adventure. Explore Africa's best-kept secret through your lens, capturing its hidden treasures from ancient deserts to secluded beaches.
Learn from professional photographers amidst this land of stunning beauty and diverse wildlife. An unforgettable visual experience awaits in Namibia's wild and beautiful landscapes.
Namibia is for photographers, one of Africa’s best kept secrets.
Less known and less visited than the parks of Eastern and Southern Africa, Namibia’s treasures remain more hidden, revealed to those seeking a truly different adventure.
Here, in the middle of one of the oldest deserts in the world, we find an amazing collection of hardy fauna that have managed to adapt to their harsh environment.
Yet this is a land of astonishing beauty, from high sand dunes to wide, dry rivers, from rocky mountains to secluded beaches. We will find a wild and very attractive land.
Namibia Photo Tour
In our Expedition we will offer particular dedication to the photographic part and you will learn the secrets of professional photographers.
We invite you to be part of this journey, which will be an unforgettable visual experience.
Namibia, through our lens.
Your journey, day by day.
Our expert guides will welcome you at Windhoek International Airport (WDH), ensuring a smooth start to your experience. After transferring to the hotel in the city, we will gather for a welcome dinner. During the briefing session, you will receive key details about the expedition, clarifying any doubts and ensuring a full immersion in this photographic adventure.
We start the day early with breakfast and then head to Keetmanshoop, a five-hour journey with stops to enjoy the scenery and take photos. Upon arrival, we check into our accommodation and rest. At sunset, we head to the Quiver Tree Forest for a Milky Way photo session, taking advantage of the incredible night sky and the unique formations of the trees.
We leave early for Lüderitz, a five-hour journey with several stops to enjoy the desert landscape and take photographs. Upon arrival, we check into our accommodation and rest for a bit. In the afternoon, we head to the Lüderitz lighthouse to enjoy the sunset over the ocean, a perfect opportunity for photos. We end the day with dinner at a local restaurant, tasting seafood specialties or traditional dishes before returning to the accommodation to rest.
We head out in the morning to Kolmanskoop, an old abandoned mining town in the middle of the desert, where the houses have been overtaken by sand, creating a surreal landscape with rooms filled with dunes and windows framing the desert. We will explore and take photographs of this fascinating place, known for its history and ghostly appearance. After the visit, we continue our journey to Aus, where we will spend the night. Upon arrival, we will prepare for a night photography session, capturing the beauty of the Milky Way in a clear sky, taking advantage of the incredible desert views with no light pollution.
After breakfast, we will head to Sossusvlei to photograph the sunset near the hotel, a unique visual experience. We will bring a prepared breakfast to be the first ones at Deadvlei at dawn. We will explore the famous Deadvlei, a petrified marsh with a surreal landscape that captivates. We will have lunch at Sossusvlei Lodge. For the more adventurous, the option to photograph the dunes from a hot air balloon adds an exclusive perspective to the second day’s dawn in Deadvlei. At sunset, we will return to the hotel. The nights become magical as we capture the stunning starry sky of Namibia.
After the optional sunrise hot air balloon ride, we will depart for Swakopmund. This day is for travel, and we will photograph the flamingos at sunset. The next day, we will embark on a boat to capture the local wildlife with our cameras. The exciting 4×4 truck excursion through the world’s most spectacular dunes will provide unique and thrilling photographic opportunities at sunset. The nights in Swakopmund will reveal the charm of its nighttime landscapes.
After breakfast, we will explore Spitzkoppe, home to the stunning Stone Arches. The magic of this place is intensified at night, when we will capture the majesty of the arches under a starry sky.
We will spend the night in Twyfelfontein, a place rich in culture and home to the desert elephants. The search and photography of these majestic animals will add a special touch to our journey.
We will enter Etosha National Park, one of the largest in the world, for spectacular days of photographic safari. The diversity of African wildlife will be immortalized through our cameras. In the end, we will visit a Himba village, immersing ourselves in their culture and capturing the authenticity of its inhabitants.
We will move to Erindi Park for another day of photographic safari, searching for the elusive African felines. The farewell dinner in Windhoek will be the perfect moment to share our experiences and memories.
After breakfast, you will have time to say goodbye before your departure from Windhoek International Airport. You will reflect on the incredible experiences captured through your lens during this unforgettable photographic journey in Namibia. Until the next adventure!
Nature sets the pace.
Every detail, considered.
Included in your trip
- Airport transfer Windhoek – Hotel – Windhoek Airport
- 15 Nights Accommodation (double accommodation)
- Full Board Meals (except for the first day)
- Catamaran excursion along the coast
- Entrance and accommodation fees in protected areas and National Parks
- Visit to Himba Village • 03 days of 4×4 Safari in Etosha National Park and Erindi
- 4×4 Transfers in all transportation
- Activities in Namibia’s dunes
- Photographic advice throughout the trip led by Jose D. Riquelme
Not included
- International airfare from country of origin to Namibia
- Visa fees
- Drinks
- Tips/gratuities
- Personal first-aid kit
- Travel/health insurance
- Anything not mentioned in the INCLUSIONS list
A room of your own.
Optional airplane flight to photograph the dunes: approximately USD 250.
Where you will stay
During our photographic expedition in Namibia with Ice Monkey Tours, we will be accommodated in a selection of exceptional hotels, carefully chosen for their proximity to Namibia's hidden treasures. Each hotel is picked not only for its convenience to the stunning photographic sites but also for the comfort it provides. As we traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Namibia, our accommodation will vary, ensuring we are always near each day's photographic highlights. In places like the ancient deserts, where we'll discover an amazing array of fauna adapted to the harsh environment, and across diverse settings from high sand dunes to secluded beaches, you will enjoy the comfort of cozy double rooms with private bathrooms. This photographic journey through Namibia's less known but incredibly beautiful landscapes promises to be both unforgettable and comfortable.
Experience in the field.
JOSE D. RIQUELME
José D. Riquelme is an award-winning photographer born in Murcia, Spain, recognized internationally with various awards and accolades such as:
- "Open Nature Winner and Overall Winner" at the Epson Pano Awards 2023.
- "Photographer of the Year 2021" in the night category at the 35awards.
- Four consecutive gold medals at the Trierenberg Super Circuit in Vienna.
- Remarkable Art Work at the Siena International Photo Awards.
- Gold medal at the Pano Epson Awards.
- Finalist at the Xposure International Photography Festival.
- Consistently ranked among the top three landscape and night landscape photographers at the 35awards for three consecutive years, competing with an average of 120,000 participants.
- Special Prize “Amazing Clouds” at The International Landscape Photographer of the Year 2021.
- Winner of the Viewbug "Shooting the Blue Hour" photo contest.
- Winner of Viewbug's Monthly Pro Photo Contest Vol 45.
From dunes to wild horizons.
Ready for the photograph.
- A Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera or a mirrorless camera
- A sturdy tripod with a ball head
- A wide-angle lens, such as a 14-24 mm
- A medium zoom lens, such as a 24-70 mm
- A telephoto lens, like a 70-200 mm,100-400 mm or 200-600 mm lens
- A camera bag to carry all your equipment
- 6-stop ND filter
- A headlamp for night sessions
- Batteries, cleaning kit, and memory cards
- Drone
Namibia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, so June is one of the winter months in this country. Generally, during June, you can expect cool temperatures, especially at night. The average daytime temperatures usually range between 15°C and 25°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, reaching between 0°C and 10°C in some areas.
ATTIRE
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sports sneakers.
- Top: Light t-shirts for the day, with the option of long-sleeved garments for additional sun protection and a thin jacket.
- Layers for the cold night: Sweaters or jackets, and consider a scarf and hat for the cool wind.
- Bottom: Comfortable and long trousers, with a coat for the night.
- Accessories: Hat or cap, sunglasses.
Wi-Fi will be available in all hotels, you can purchase a virtual e-SIM in advance on websites like https://esim.holafly.com/ or other similar services and activate it upon landing in Namibia or buy a SIM card at the airport.
You can exchange your currency for Namibian Dollar (NAD) at the airport.
In Namibia, the type of plug and socket used is type D and type M. Here is a description of each type:
-. Type D: This type of plug has three round pins in a triangular arrangement. It is known as the old Indian plug standard and is used in some parts of Namibia.
-. Type M: This type of plug has three round pins in a line. It is the South African standard and is commonly used in Namibia.
It is advisable to carry an international plug adapter if your electronic devices use a different type of plug. Also, note that the electrical current frequency in Namibia is 50 Hz and the voltage is 220-240 V. Make sure your devices are compatible with this electrical setting or use a converter if necessary.
Make sure to book your flight to Windhoek Airport, the main international airport in Namibia. This will be your point of arrival when starting your experience in Namibia. It is advisable to arrive in Windhoek before 12:00 PM on the day the tour starts to take advantage of the orientation session. Some participants choose to arrive a day before the tour starts, an excellent option to begin the journey rested, especially after a long flight.
Documentation for Tourism in Namibia:
To travel as a tourist to Namibia, it is essential to be aware of the documentation requirements. Here is specific information for tourists:
Visa Exemption:
- Most countries can enter Namibia without a visa for short stays.
- This exemption usually has a specific duration and is intended mainly for tourism purposes. It does not allow for commercial activities or work.
Visa on Arrival (VoA):
- Some countries that do not have a visa exemption can obtain a Visa on Arrival when arriving in Namibia.
- The VoA generally allows for short stays and can be extended according to local regulations.
- There may be a cost associated with obtaining the VoA.
It is crucial to check the updated list of countries eligible for visa exemption and VoA, along with any changes in requirements. Travelers must ensure they comply with the conditions of stay and respect local laws and regulations during their visit to Namibia.
Meals
Meals are included in the tour price. Generally, we will have breakfast at our accommodation and enjoy lunches and dinners at local restaurants. During the day, we may opt for snacks and picnics on some days to streamline and maximize time dedicated to photography.
Memories from the journey.
Nichole Chen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This year I had the pleasure of joining two of Ice Monkey's photography tours led by Jose Riquelme, Iceland and Namibia, and I can't praise the experiences enough! Jose is not just a leader but a true artist and a phenomenal teacher. His talent behind the lens is evident in every shot he captures, and his ability to teach and inspire is unmatched.
Jose's easygoing nature immediately puts everyone at ease, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere that enhances the learning process. The tours themselves were meticulously planned, offering breathtaking locations and unique perspectives that only someone with Jose's local expertise could provide. Whether we were chasing the perfect sunset or capturing the candid moments of wildlife, every outing was an adventure filled with learning and laughter.
I would highly recommend Jose and Ice Monkey's photography tours to anyone looking to improve their skills or simply explore the beauty of the world through a lens. It's an experience that not only enhances your photography but also leaves you with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for the art.
Thank you, Jose, and Ice Monkey, for two incredible journeys into the world of photography!
Juan Pablo Hernandez
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My trip to Namibia with IceMonkey was a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, everything was perfectly organized. The transfers, accommodation, and meals exceeded my expectations. The 4x4 excursions were impressive, and the visit to the Himba village was a culturally enriching experience.
What really stood out was the personalized attention and photographic advice we received from Jose Riquelme. I learned a lot about photography and editing techniques, which significantly improved my skills. Each day was filled with new adventures and opportunities to capture the beauty of Namibia, from its stunning dunes to its diverse wildlife.
If you are looking for a trip that combines adventure, learning, and an authentic experience, I cannot recommend IceMonkey enough. I definitely look forward to traveling with them again in the future.
Maria Jesus Alolela
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This trip to Namibia with IceMonkey has been a wonderful experience for me... A true spectacle for the senses, full of surprises... very, very exciting... In the company of wonderful people with whom I have learned and shared so much beauty. Comfortable accommodations and good food... (everything very well taken care of). And, of course, magnificent photographers. A beautiful adventure that I will always remember... A thousand thanks 🙏🏻.
Ricardo Gayan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A dream fulfilled beyond expectations.
With my recent trip to Namibia, I achieved my longing to be in the heart of Africa. All my expectations were more than met. The objectives of the trip were carried out with precision, a good atmosphere, excellent accommodations, and professional guidance in both logistical and photographic aspects. The trip offered a variety of themes to enjoy more experiences beyond photography. Quality photo opportunities and a high-standard tourism environment. Additionally, I learned a lot during the moments we had for processing. The IceMonkeys team was magnificent. I am already preparing my next trip with them. It was a pleasure.
Luis Alberto Martínez
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Traveling with IceMonkey is a unique, personalized experience, like taking a trip with friends. I learned a lot about photography and editing, and I hope to continue traveling with Jose Riquelme and IceMonkey.
A few things worth knowing.
The workshop is scheduled for From May 23 to June 7, 2027 . Check our calendar on the registration page for detailed information.
The workshop will take place in Namibia, a unique and stunning landscape that offers a variety of extraordinary photography opportunities.
The workshop is led by José D. Riquelme, founder of IceMonkey Tours, who will share his knowledge and techniques. You will also have the opportunity to learn about aerial photography with drones.
The workshop is designed for photographers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Sessions will be adapted to meet the needs of all participants, including an introduction to using drones for photography.
Absolutely! We recommend that you bring your drone to capture stunning views from the skies over Namibia.
Yes, there will be specific sessions during the workshop dedicated to aerial photography with drones. Our experts will guide you on best practices and techniques for capturing spectacular images from the air.
Yes, our instructors will be happy to provide guidance on selecting and configuring drones for photography, both before and during the event.
Yes, we recommend it for learning editing techniques.
Let’s talk about your trip.
Plan your expedition.
Deposit Policy: A reservation is confirmed upon a deposit of US$ 1,000. No spots will be reserved without the deposit.
Final Payment: The final amount must be paid 30 days before the trip begins.
We understand that attending our workshops requires prior commitment, and also that life events can occur that force you to cancel a trip. Depending on the cancellation date, the following conditions will apply:
- More than 90 days before the start date of the workshop: Full refund of payments made.
- Between 90 and 60 days before the start of the workshop: 50% of the booking will be refunded.
- 60-30 days before the start of the workshop: 35% of the booking will be refunded.
- Within 30 days prior to the start of the workshop: No refund will be made.
Accidents:
- IceMonkey is not responsible for accidents to workshop participants and will not cover medical expenses if necessary. During the workshop, each participant is responsible for their own safety and physical integrity.
- IceMonkey is not responsible for accidents or loss of photographic equipment during the workshop. Each participant is responsible for their own photographic equipment.
Travel insurance is mandatory.
Punctuality:
- Each day of the expedition, all participants must be punctual at the established time. All participants must be at the starting point of the expedition for its beginning. In case of delays due to inconveniences, the participant must communicate with someone from the IceMonkey staff as soon as possible.
- Respect:
Participants may be at different levels of knowledge about the subject, which requires patience when explaining topics that are already familiar to them. The photographic area of each participant must be respected. Disrespect towards a participant or staff member will not be tolerated.
This is a discrimination-free space. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Climate:
- The tour and its itinerary depend on the weather and can change at any moment. We will always be attentive to the best weather conditions to determine where to go and optimize the taking of photographs.
- Price: $ 7,900
- Date: From May 23 to June 7, 2027
- Duration: 16 days / 15 nights
- Languages: english / spanish
- Places: 10
- Activity Level: All levels
- Airport WINDHOEK (WDH) Namibia
Your next extraordinary
photograph starts here.
Your next extraordinary photograph.
Let’s talk about Namibia.
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