Iconic Namibia | 10-24 May 2020

Included

• Two persons per room (i.e. shared double occupancy), unless single supplement option is exercised and secured at the time of payment of deposit.
• Ground Transport for the entire duration of the tour. 
• All tourism taxes and park entry fees.
• All meals commencing with dinner on 10 May 2020 and finishing with breakfast on 24 May 2020
• All beverages excluding premium wines and liquors.
• Maximum Guide to client ratio of 1:3
• All accommodation/lodging costs.
• 90-min Helicopter Flight at Sossusvlei
• Continuous assistance with your photography and image processing by the guide.
• The services of a highly experienced local guide and driver.
• A highly experienced tour leader with great knowledge and experience of landscape photography.

Not Included

• Airfare to and from Windhoek
• Non-mealtime snacks and drinks
• Credit Card surcharges
• Any purchases of a personal nature
• Travel Insurance

Details Matter - 2020 will be our 9th year running photo tours to Namibia and our recipe is constantly fine-tuned to ensure that our guests have the best possible experience. Every single restaurant, lodge and shoot is meticulously planned on the back of nearly a decade of experience. 

Arrival in Windhoek | 1 Night

Upon arrival in Windhoek, you will be received at the airport by a driver with a name sign and transferred to our lodge, which is situated in the mountains just outside Windhoek.

On the second morning, we’ll have breakfast and then hit the road South towards Quiver Tree Forest, where we’ll spend the next two days.

Quiver Tree Forest | 2 Nights

While Quiver Trees are found throughout much of Namibia, they aren’t always easy to get to as they prefer rocky high-lying terrain like mountain ridges. Quiver Tree Forest offers two locations that have a high density of Quiver trees amongst interesting rock stacks on low-lying, level ground. Both locations are within 5 minutes of our accommodation and easy to explore.
We have the locations to ourselves after sunset, ensuring that we don't have compete with other photographers and tourists or risk them ruining our photos with their lights. 

Fish River Canyon | 1 Night

On the 4th morning, we'll shoot sunrise and get going at an easy pace, for a drive of roughly 90mins to get to our lodge at Fish River Canyon. After a relaxing afternoon, we'll head out to the world's 2nd largest canyon in time for a sunset shoot with a G&T in hand. 

Luderitz | 2 Nights

As the view points at FRC all face west, the 5th morning will be a rest morning. We'll aim to hit the road at 09:00 to make the 4h drive to Luderitz, stopping for lunch in Aus. Once checked into our hotel in Luderitz, we'll grab our camera gear and head to the famous Kolmanskop ghost town for an exploratory afternoon shoot. 
Over the next two days, we'll help you capture the iconic ghost town's most colourful sand-filled rooms and have some creative fun. 
On the 7th morning we'll do a quick sunrise shoot to capture the golden morning light at Kolmanskop, before hitting the long road to Sossusvlei. 

Sossusvlei | 3 Nights

This is a drive of nearly 400km, with about 2/3rds being gravel road. With a lunch stop in Helmeringhausen, this drive usually takes about 5-6 hours and the ETA at Sossusvlei is late afternoon. Upon arrival, we'll check in, brief you on the days to come, have dinner and then get to bed early for a sunrise shoot in Deadvlei the next morning. 

Sossusvlei is one of the world's most photogenic landscapes and there are endless shooting options. We spread everything over our three days to ensure that you get the best possible photographic return on investment. During our time there we will shoot at least one sunrise in Deadvlei and stay late one evening to shoot the stars. We will shoot the iconic towering dune spines, try to throw an Oryx in the mix for scale and also work in the helicopter flights. 

Walvis Bay | 1 Night

On the 10th morning, we will do a final shoot at Sossusvlei and then head further north, back to the coast. Approximate driving time - 6 hours. On arrival in Walvis Bay we'll check into our guesthouse on the lagoon and those who want to shoot the flamingoes, can simply go for a walk along the promenade. 
The next morning you can either choose to sleep in, or again shoot flamingoes and pelicans along the promenade. 

Skeleton Coast | 2 Nights

On the 11th morning, our skeleton coast tour operator will pick us up at a time determined by the tides. Over the next two nights we will head into the absolute wilderness of the Namib Desert. Few people ever go here and almost no photographers have ever gone into this photographic paradise. 
As we want to protect our exclusivity of this adventure, we do not share much detail publicly. Once you have paid your deposit, we will answer any questions you might have. The important information you need to know is all below - 

1. This trip involves extreme dune driving. It is a little bit scary at first, but you'll quickly get used to it and for most people it is an incredible experience. All driving is done by full-time expert dune drivers who do it every day of their life. If you find the descents on the slip face of the high dunes too scary, you are more than welcome to get out and walk down. 
2. There are absolutely zero permanent facilities where we go, but we'll be living a luxury nomad lifestyle - You'll have your own 8x8ft canvas dome tent that is high enough to stand in, with a stretcher, bed roll, pillow and duvet. The camp is shielded by 8ft high wind sails, so if we strike it unlucky with the wind, we'll still be able to sit around a fire with a G&T and look at the stars. There is a completely private toilet tent for those who want to use it - you can also take a walk behind a dune if that's your preference. You will be able to take a hot shower in a private "bathroom tent". 
3. Breakfasts will be a classic english cooked breakfast. Lunches are a make your own sandwich with a wide variety of fresh toppings. Dinners are a classic Southern African barbecue with meat, starch and salad. 
4. There is absolutely zero telecomms in the desert. We will have a satellite phone and we will share its number with the tour participants who would like to stay in contact for emergencies.

This section of coastline holds a vast treasure chest of virgin photographic subjects. What we're willing to share is 1) that we'll be camping right next to a shipwreck on the first night for seascape and astro photography, 2) we'll take you along massive coastal dunes for an incredible view and adrenaline-pumping dune driving. 3) On the 2nd night we'll make camp next to a birdlife oasis (think flamingoes as far as the eye can see) and on the last morning we will try to capture the Brown Hyenas that predate on the birds. 
We should be back in civilization by noon on the 13th day of the tour and you can trust us that your jaw will be hanging on the ground after 48 hours in the desert. 

Walvis Bay | 1 Night

The desert camping experience is very exhausting and you will have sand in places you didn't know you had a place. For this reason we have a rest night in Walvis Bay so you can clean up, rest, download and recharge. 
 
Spitzkoppe | 1 Night

On the 14th morning, those who want to sleep in can do so and those who want to shoot flamingoes on the promenade can also do so. We'll aim to leave Walvis Bay around 11:00, stopping in Swakopmund for a coffee and a light lunch. We should be checked into the exclusive Spitzkoppen lodge by 15:00 and will head to the famous arch for sunset around 16:00. 

On the last morning we'll hit the road towards Windhoek very early in the morning in order to get everyone there in time for the noon and afternoon flights.

End of Tour

If you would prefer to spend another night in Windhoek to remove the stress of catching your flight, we would be more than happy to arrange it for you. 

The tour starts and ends in Windhoek. The only arrangement you have to make is to book your airfare to and from Hosea Kutako International Airport. If you would like to arrive early, depart late or add anything extra to your itinerary, we will be happy to help you arrange this. 

If your international flight is to/from Johannesburg/Cape Town - there are several flights per day between Windhoek and Johannesburg/Cape Town

During this course we will focus on capturing the best possible images and our time and energy will be prioritised towards being out in the field as opposed to sitting indoors doing presentations. While shooting, Hougaard, will be looking over your shoulder to answer any questions and help you out, whether it is a simple issue like which filter to use or a complex one like how to compose the scene. The small group size allows a lot of in-depth tuition tailored for each person's needs and skill level.

In spare time we will download, edit and review the images captured up until that point.

Difficulty Level

This is a photo tour, which means that our time and energy will be focused on shooting, exploring compositions and discussing the destination and images captured. You should have a decent amount of experience shooting landscapes and be 100% comfortable operating your camera in manual mode. 

Do not expect presentations on technical basics like how to use manual mode or jpeg vs. RAW.

Is Namibia Safe? 
Our guides have travelled Namibia extensively and never encountered any problems. The only thing to be wary of
is small amounts of cash that might go missing from your room if you leave it lying around. 

Do I need a VISA to enter Namibia?
Most of the major countries in the world do not require a visa to enter Namibia, please see the chart at the bottom of this page to determine if you need a visa.

Will I have cellphone reception?
You will have good cellphone reception at all the destinations for calling/texting. 

Will I have Internet access?
There will be WIFI of various speeds and standards at different hotels. Before and during the trip we will keep you diligently informed of what to expect. If you’d like a sim card for the local cellphone network, we will provide one for you at no extra charge.

What about medicines, diseases and vaccinations?
We will not be visiting any Malaria risk areas, but we advise you consult with your doctor for a professional opinion. We recommend that you take the basic medical supplies like painkillers, antihistamine, insect repellant, disinfectant cream and plasters. Sun tan lotion and lip balm are crucial in the hot and dry environment.

Will there be fresh water available?
The tap water is drinkable at all destinations, but it is safer to drink bottled water as this might avoid a disagreement between your stomach and the local water supply. There will be bottled water available everywhere.

Will I be able to purchase snacks?
We will stop at grocers and cafés on a regular basis so everyone can stock up on drinks and snacks.

What food can I expect?
Namibia’s cuisine is primarily of British influence with a slight German element.
All our destinations serve a hot English breakfast and it usually accompanied by breads, cold meats, fruits, yoghurt and cereal. Most places have an a la carte lunch menu offering sandwiches, salads, burgers etc. Dinners will mostly be three courses, consisting of a salad or soup starter, a meat main course served with a starch and vegetables, followed by a sweet dessert.

What about allergies or dietary preferences?
Most of the lodges are prepared to handle basic allergies and dietary preferences like vegetarian meals. If you have a very rare allergy, please inform us so that we can make the necessary preparations.

Are there any luggage restrictions?
Not really, but please pack considerately. One large suitcase or bag, a large camera bag and tripod is the norm. Most lodges offer laundry services, so you don’t need to pack a fresh set of clothes for every day.

Do I need to bring spending money along?
Although most of your expenses are included, you will need some cash to buy snacks, drinks and souvenirs. You can use Namibian dollars or South African Rands and it is very unlikely that you’ll need more than 10 Euro per day.

Tipping
It is customary in Namibia to tip porters and guides at lodges. You can budget about USD100 for these tips

Do I need a laptop?
A laptop isn’t an absolute must. If you want to learn editing from the guides, you’ll need one. If you are happy just to look while the others practice and to store all your images on memory cards, then you can leave the laptop at home.

Camera

There used to be a time when we could just recommend a good Nikon or Canon camera, but times have certainly changed over the past few years. You need a camera, preferably full frame with good high ISO performance. Our favourites include a 5D4, D850, D810, A7r3, A7r4, A9, but pretty much anything goes. The most important thing is that you can comfortably and confidently operate your camera.

Lenses

You need to cover a focal range of 16-400mm. If you are a keen bird photographer, then it will be worth dragging your 500/600mm along for this trip as well. An astro lens like a 20mm f/1.4 is great to have for all the nighttime scenery - we recommend the Sigma Art 20mm f/1.4 or Nikon 20mm f/1.8. 
What you do NOT need is a macro or fisheye lens. 

Filters

Graduated filters aren’t a necessity, but if you own a set, you can bring it along.
A circular polarizer, especially for your 70-200mm/100-400mm will help a lot. Make sure you have one in your bag that fits your wide angle and telephoto lenses.

Cleaning

Namibia is a very dusty and sandy place, so expect to clean all your lenses daily. Bring enough cleaning liquid and cloths. The best tool for getting sand off camera gear is a paintbrush.

Tripod

It is obvious that you need a tripod for a landscape photography workshop, but this is an area that a lot of people neglect. If you do not own a high quality tripod, please enquire about renting one from us. This also saves you the effort of having to fly with a tripod. 

Backpack

We will be doing a lot of walking with camera gear, so it is critical that you have a comfortable backpack that can take your camera gear, a bottle of water and a warm layer of clothing. 

You can choose between booking electronically or the old fashioned way. We have no preference, whatever is easiest for you.

Old Fashioned - Send a mail to info@gogravel.africa informing us of your intention to join the tour. We’ll send you an invoice and booking form. You can still pay by card or wire transfer, whichever your prefer. 

Electronic - Register on our website, add the tour to your cart, complete payment online. You will still be required to complete and sign a booking form. 

NB - There are often simple hiccups for card payments from outside South Africa. Please advise us of your intention to book using the contact page so that we are on standby to call the card gateway to ensure a smooth payment experience. 

The following pages contain important information on Costs and Terms of Payment, What is or is not included, Cancellation Policy & Fees, Compulsory Insurance, Health Considerations, Liability, Pricing & Currency Fluctuations, Travelling with Camera Gear, etc.

Payment and Cancellation Terms, Travel Insurance & Flight Bookings

Payment and Cancellation Terms

1. This tour is costed in USD and that is thus the only constant price. All prices shown in other currencies are merely for your convenience and are subject to the fluctuation thereof. We do our best to update foreign currency prices regularly, but we advise that you do a calculation at the current exchange rate for an accurate price in your preferred currency.
2. The price of this tour is USD7500.00.
3. In order to secure your spot on this tour, a deposit of $1 500.00 is required. This deposit can be paid via wire transfer or credit card (via Payfast) and it is non-refundable. Please note that your spot on the workshop is NOT confirmed until we have received the deposit payment. Credit card surcharges - we absorb the surcharges of paying the deposit by credit card, but only on the deposit. We ask that you make the final payment by wire transfer, but you can pay it by credit card (via Payfast) should you prefer to do so. If doing so, we have to raise a 5% surcharge on the amount to cover the costs of accepting your payment via an expensive channel.
4. Full Payment must be made 60 days prior to the start of the tour. We will send out a final invoice for the full amount to remind you of the due date in safe time. If we have not received your full payment 60 days prior to the start of the tour and you did not inform us of a valid reason for a late payment, GoGravel reserves the right to consider your booking as cancelled.
5. All wire transfer payments must be indicated in the full USD amount from your side when making the forex payment, with all bank charges for the payee. We can only credit the final amount received in our account to your invoice.
6. Please note that there are a limited number of single occupation spaces available, for which an additional non-refundable single supplement of $950.00 is required when booking. If sharing, we do our absolute best to pair people of the same gender, nationality and age and it is subject to discussion with both parties. 7. When booking within 60 days of the start of the tour, immediate full payment will be required to secure your spot.
8. If you have a valid reason for a late payment like being out of communication or waiting for investments to be cashed out, please inform us.

Travel Insurance & Flight Information

1. We require your full international flight itinerary, including e-ticket, flight numbers, dates, time AND your booking code. This is so that we can keep track of your arrival if any of the flights are delayed.
2. You will have to take out comprehensive travel insurance with medevac cover and provide us with proof thereof. We require the name of the insurer, the policy number and the emergency contact number. This is so that we are prepared when something goes wrong.
3. Cancellation insurance - Obviously no one would book a trip like this and then just cancel for a random reason, but life throws us curve-balls when we least expect it. You would be surprised how many cancellations we get every year due to medical, business or family crises. We strongly advise that you get cancellation insurance to refund your money if bad luck crosses your path.
4. We require a copy of your full flight itinerary or e-ticket as well as your passport number. If something like an airline strike occurs on the day that you’re flying out, we have travel agents who can assist with changing your tickets or booking new ones. When these situations occur, the flights on either side of the strike days fill up rapidly and we need to act quickly to make sure that your journey continues as smoothly as possible. This situation has happened to us on a Patagonia tour while we had no telecoms, but our agents were able to handle it thanks to good preparation. The chances of this happening are small, but we like to be prepared for it if it ever does.

Cancellation Terms

1. The deposit is not refundable under any circumstance. When you book a spot on the tour, we make all the necessary bookings with all the third parties and pay their required deposit. Most of the deposits we pay are not refundable and thus we cannot refund your deposit. Whatever we still hold is used to defray the administrative work of changing all the bookings made on your behalf. The only exception will be if you can find a substitute to attend the workshop in your place, but this will incur a 10% administration fee.
2. If you need to cancel your participation once you have made full payment, a 75% refund (excluding deposit) will be given up to 30 days prior to the start of the tour.
3. GoGravel reserves the right to cancel the tour if it is necessary or advisable due to events such as outbreak of conflict, government intervention, expiry of concessions or access right or insufficient booking numbers being available. The operation of the tour is at the sole discretion of GoGravel, having in mind the welfare of all participants and the safe and prudent operation of the itinerary and program. In such a case all monies paid by participants for the tour, in holding by GoGravel, will be refunded to the participants. This excludes deposits or full payments made to 3rd parties involved in the tour like lodges, charter companies or travel agents.

The client who signifies his acceptance of a booking does so on behalf of himself and persons under his authority, which means that all are bound by the terms and conditions of GoGravel as if they had made the application themselves.

GoGravel

Go Gravel Photo Safaris CC (2011/4517) trading as Go Gravel Photo Safaris is a company registered in Namibia with sole director Frederick Jandre Germishuizen. Go Gravel Photo Safaris will assist guide participants on the tour as advertised on this webpage.

Payment Terms

1. This tour will start on the 10th of May 2020 and the all-inclusive cost is $7500.00 per person, sharing. The price for anyone paying from a South African/Namibian account by EFT is ZAR/NAD 105 000.00. This price is exclusively for local EFT payments.
2. This tour is costed in USD and that is thus the only fixed price. All prices shown in other currencies are subject to the fluctuation thereof. We do our best to update foreign currency prices regularly, but we advise that you do a calculation at the current exchange rate for an accurate price in your preferred currency.
3. As stipulated in the payment and cancellation terms, a non-refundable deposit of $1 500.00 is payable when booking (R22500.00 for local EFT payments).
4. A final payment of $6000.00 will be payable 60 days prior to the start of the tour, 10 March 2020 (R82 500.00 for local EFT payments). 
5. A limited number of single occupancy spots are available for the duration of the tour on a first come, first serve basis at a price of $950.00 (R14 000.00 for local EFT payments). The full single supplement is payable upon booking.

Included in the Tour

1. Sharing Double Occupancy, unless single supplement option is excercised.
2. Ground Transport for the entire duration of the tour in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, driven by a professional Namibian driver.
3. Concession fees to spend 2 nights in the Namib desert wilderness.
4. All tourism taxes and park entry fees.
5. All meals commencing with dinner on 10 May 2020 and finishing with breakfast on 24 May 2020.
6. All accommodation/lodging costs.
7. Continuous assistance with your photography and image processing by the guide.
8. The services of a highly experienced local guide and driver.
9. A highly experienced tour leader with great knowledge and experience of landscape photography.
10. 90-minute doors off helicopter flight at Sossusvlei in a Robinson R44 or similar helicopter.
11. All beverages except premium wines and liquors.

Not Included in the Tour

1. Airfare to and from Namibia 
2. Travel Insurance 
3. Non-meal-time snacks and drinks
4. Travel visas and associated costs, if applicable.
5. Expenses of a personal nature, not specifically included above.
6. Credit card surcharges
7. Guarantee of any specific weather conditions or wildlife sightings

Travel Insurance Is Compulsory

1. Due to the remote destinations visited for this photo tour, participants are required to purchase emergency evacuation insurance coverage at their expense. To emphasize, emergency evacuation insurance is MANDATORY for this photo tour. You will have to supply your policy document to us to be allowed on the tour.
2. If you are unsure about where to purchase this cover, most general insurers, banks and travel agencies sell travel insurance. A lot of banks offer it complimentary when using your credit card to purchase plane tickets. Simply contact your insurance broker or bank to find out more.
3. If you pay for this photo tour or your airfare using your credit card and you opt to use the general travel insurance associated with major credit cards, we urge you to check that this cover provides fully for emergency evacuation. Also, please ensure that all pre-existing medical conditions, if any, are made known to the insurance underwriter at the time of application for your insurance for this photo safari. These precautions will avoid any delays in the event that an emergency evacuation or other medical services are called upon, under your policy. We recommend you disclose your participation in this photo tour to your insurer.

Health Considerations

1. This photo tour is designed to be within the capabilities of average people in good health. Some of the time participants may be required to walk over uneven terrain or trails, stepping into and out of high safari type vehicles and occasionally hiking. All with a load of sometimes heavy camera equipment. If you have concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness as it relates to this photo tour, please contact us to clarify any uncertainties.
2. By paying the initial non-refundable deposit, you warrant that, to the best of your knowledge you do not have any physical or other disability that would create a risk for you or other participants.
3. GoGravel Photo Safaris assumes no responsibility for medical care. We will advise the lodges/hotels of any dietary requirements or restrictions for individual participants, if sufficient notice is provided, but we do not assume responsibility for the delivery of such special dietary requirements.
4. If you sustain an injury or become ill on the photo tour, GoGravel Photo Safaris reserves the right to continue the photo tour for the benefit of other participants. GoGravel Photo Safaris will make every effort to assist you while at the same time trying to minimize interruption to the photo tour.
5. GoGravel Photo Safaris reserves the absolute discretion, in the event of behaviour detrimental to other participants, to decline any person’s participation at any time during the photo tour and cancel that person’s participation in the photo tour, in which case any refund will be on a recoverable cost basis only.

Responsibility

1. GoGravel Photo Safaris and/or its agents act only as agents for the participants in this photo tour, in regard to travel arrangements including, but not limited to, day tours, photography, sightseeing, meals, lodging and transportation, whether by railroad, vehicle, motor coach, boat, ship or aircraft. To the fullest extent permitted by law, GoGravel Photo Safaris and/or its agents, disclaim liability for injury, damage, loss, or delay which may be occasioned by reason of a defect in any vehicle or for any other reason whatsoever, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the participant or in carrying out the arrangements of the photo tour.

2. GoGravel Photo Safaris and/or its agents accepts no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or other changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine or other causes.

3. All such losses or expenses are borne by the participant, as the photo tour costs provide for arrangements only for the times and locations stated. Baggage, including photographic equipment is at the participant’s risk entirely, and as an insurable risk.

4. Reasonable care has been taken to compile the information in this and the other documents pertaining to this photo tour, but circumstances change. For example, airline schedule changes, airline fuel charges, taxes and operational costs are subject to change. GoGravel Photo Safaris and/or its agents are not responsible for changes that occur and reserve the right to change the price of the photo tour up to the date of commencement.

5. The right is reserved by GoGravel Photo Safaris to (i) substitute hotels/lodges/tents/camps of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary or transport where deemed necessary or caused by changes in schedules or equipment substitution; (ii) cancel the photo tour prior to departure, in which case a refund as explained under cancellation point 3 will be given. However, in such event GoGravel Photo Safaris and/or its agents will not be responsible for any other trip preparation expenses such as penalized or non-refundable air tickets, visa fees and medical related expenses); (iii) substitute photo tour leader(s) for the leader(s) originally specified, in which case the substitution is not a basis for participant cancellation or refund, and (iv) accept or refuse any person as a participant in the photo tour.

Liability

1. GoGravel Photo Safaris does not accept any liability of whatever nature, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, for the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party providers. To the fullest extent permitted by law, GoGravel disclaims liability in contract, tort or otherwise for any injury, damage, loss (including consequential loss), delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by force majeure or any other event which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on the part of GoGravel Photo Safaris.