Northern Namibia - July 2018

[Peter Connan]

@buddy4344, if Photo Pills say it will still be visible, then that should be fine.

 

I have never managed good results later than mid-September, but as you know there are many factors that could influence starscapes, some of which are very difficult to see with the naked eye. Probably I have just been unlucky with dust in the air or light pollution.

 

I look forward to you proving me wrong!

[xelas]

On 8/25/2018 at 5:27 PM, buddy4344 said:

A small warning and advice. The GPS and my directions from the travel agent was to take a ‘short cut’ on the D2612. Anton, the manager at Khowarib has a home in Uis and both he and his wife separately warned me that this road is really rough and it is actually just a quick and more comfortable to take the C39 to the C 35 intersection instead, passing through Khorixas.

 

I have to disagree with Anton; we took D2612 in 2017, because Madisa Camp was our overnight location, and I quite liked the road. For sure was narrower then C roads but also much less corrugated, and more scenic, IMO. Onde do drive slower but not that much slower.

 

 

On 8/25/2018 at 5:27 PM, buddy4344 said:

I only booked one night there. My mistake. This place was gorgeous. I loved the grounds, the lodge and the lighting at night. Next time I stay there it will be for at least 2 nights.

 

Same mistake I have made also! Next time it will be 2 nights, only that we will be camping. Still need to get up to that arch.

 

 

On 8/25/2018 at 5:27 PM, buddy4344 said:

The rock formations really brought out the abstract ‘fine art side’ of me and I would have been happy photographing there for days.

 

Have you been to Ameib Ranch? Similar rock formations, and more wildlife will make your clients shutter-happy!

[buddy4344]

3 hours ago, xelas said:

Have you been to Ameib Ranch? Similar rock formations, and more wildlife will make your clients shutter-happy!

 

That's a new one on me. I will research this. Thank you.

[buddy4344]

3 hours ago, xelas said:

I have to disagree with Anton; we took D2612 in 2017,

 

I've found on many of these D roads, it's  partially how lucky you are to travel the roads soon after the road grader/scraper has passed that area.

[buddy4344]

Time in Swako

 

The drive to Swakopmund was an easy one. After the treks we have made, a few hours of driving were nothing. We stayed in Swakopmund for 3 nights. I wasn’t sure how adventurous the group would be in Swako. There are a lot of options. The only one I had pre-arranged was a morning catamaran dolphin cruise with Laramon Tours. I also had told folks that we would photograph flamingos after the cruise. It turned out that this part of the trip gave me some excellent rest and relaxation as the women on the trip really enjoyed shopping for souvenirs and that doesn’t require me to do much. Highly recommended.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After an amazing meal of champagne, oysters, small sandwiches and chicken wings (plus some other goodies), we headed back to the dock. There the clients spent another hours shopping and then we headed to the flamingo area. I had not been here before so i didn't exactly know where to go, but assumed that as long as I stayed along the water, I'd find them. I did, but maybe there are areas with more as we only found about a hundred. It didn't matter, as this time of day was harsh light, so photos were limited anyway. Regardless, everyone was pleased they got to see flamingos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The group also spent some time riding around viewing sand dunes. One or two made a bit of a climb, but the group did not partake in the desert trips to see lizards, snakes, etc. We just enjoyed Swakopmund and Walvis Bay at a leisure pace. While in Swakopmund, we also We had dinners at several nice places, but I was really impressed with The Wreck. Great sunset view, amazing service and excellent views. I definitely plan to return to this restaurant just north of downtown Swako.

 

Next up – N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary