Namibia Celestial Horizons 2027

13 Days / 12 Nights Astrophotography & Adventure Tour

Discover the extraordinary landscapes of Namibia on a 13-day adventure combining landscape photography, wildlife encounters, desert exploration and unforgettable nights beneath some of the world's darkest skies.

From the towering granite formations of Spitzkoppe and the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei to the remote wilderness of NamibRand Nature Reserve, the Atlantic coastline and the ancient Quiver Tree Forest, this journey offers remarkable opportunities to experience and photograph Namibia's diverse landscapes by day and under the stars.

The tour combines comfortable lodge accommodation with wilderness camping, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the landscapes we explore.

26 September – 8 October 2027

Group size: 6-8 participants

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 - 26 September

Arrival in Namibia | Otjiwa Collection - Eagle's Rest

Upon arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, we will meet our guide and travel to Otjiwa Game Reserve, a beautiful wilderness area surrounded by open savannah and rolling hills. If time permits, we will enjoy an afternoon game drive, offering our first opportunity to encounter Namibia's wildlife.

Accommodation: Otjiwa Collection – Eagle's Rest Lodge

Meals included: FB+

Day 2 - 27 September

Spitzkoppe

We continue towards the spectacular granite peaks of Spitzkoppe, one of Namibia's most recognizable natural landmarks. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring its dramatic rock formations and finding compelling compositions for landscape photography, followed by the opportunity to photograph the night sky in this remote desert setting.

Accommodation: Spitzkoppe Rest Camp — camping

Meals included: FB+

Day 3 - 28 September

Walvis Bay & Sandwich Harbour

Today we travel towards the Atlantic coast and the coastal town of Walvis Bay. In the afternoon, we embark on a private 4x4 excursion to Sandwich Harbour, where enormous desert dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean, creating one of Namibia's most extraordinary landscapes.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott, Walvis Bay Pelican Bay

Meals included: FB+

Day 4 - 29 September

Sossusvlei, Deadvlei & Dune 45

Our journey continues through the vast desert landscapes towards Sesriem and the Namib-Naukluft National Park. After a stop in Solitaire, we arrive at our lodge inside the park, visit the nearby Elim Dune for sunset and, weather permitting, enjoy a night photography session around Sesriem Canyon.

Accommodation: Sossus Dune Lodge

Meals included: FB+

Day 5 - 30 September

Sossusvlei, Deadvlei & Dune 45

We set off early to experience sunrise among the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei and the extraordinary white clay pan of Deadvlei, famous for its ancient, sculptural camel thorn trees. Later in the afternoon, we visit Dune 45 to photograph the changing colours of the desert at sunset, with another opportunity for night photography after dark.

Accommodation: Sossus Dune Lodge

Meals included: FB+

Day 6 - 1 October

NamibRand Nature Reserve | Into the Wilderness & Dark Skies

We travel to the spectacular NamibRand Nature Reserve, a vast protected wilderness of dunes, mountains, rocky outcrops and open desert plains. After setting up camp, we have time to relax and explore our surroundings before another night beneath Namibia's magnificent star-filled sky.

Accommodation: NamibRand Family Hideout — camping

Meals included: FB+

Day 7 - 2 October

NamibRand Nature Reserve | Into the Wilderness & Dark Skies

We spend a full day exploring NamibRand on guided morning and afternoon game drives, discovering its unique desert-adapted wildlife and remarkable scenery. As night falls, the reserve's exceptionally dark skies provide an outstanding setting for astrophotography and experiencing the beauty of the southern night sky.

Accommodation: NamibRand Family Hideout — camping

Meals included: FB+

Day 8 - 3 October

Lüderitz & Kolmanskop Ghost Town

We travel south towards the Atlantic coast, passing through the Aus region, known for its free-roaming desert horses. In the afternoon, we explore the historic diamond-mining ghost town of Kolmanskop, where abandoned buildings and drifting sand create extraordinary photographic opportunities. A special permit allows us to remain until one hour after sunset.

Accommodation: Lüderitz Nest Hotel

Please note: Dinner is not included this evening.

Meals included: B&L

Day 9 - 4 October

Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse & Night Photography

The morning is dedicated to exploring Lüderitz and its surroundings before travelling to Aus. After setting up camp, there may be an opportunity for a short hike through the rugged desert landscape. In the evening, we visit the atmospheric Old Desert House for a dedicated night photography session.

Accommodation: Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Campsite — camping

Meals included: FB+

Day 10 - 5 October

Quiver Tree Forest | Ancient Desert Giants

We travel to the Keetmanshoop region and the remarkable Quiver Tree Forest, home to ancient trees with sculptural branches and distinctive silhouettes. As evening approaches, we explore the forest and prepare for night photography, capturing the striking forms of the trees beneath the Namibian sky.

Accommodation: Quivertree Forest Camping Sites — camping

Meals included: FB+

Day 11 - 6 October

Kalahari Desert | Cheetahs & Sunset

Our journey continues to Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, where we experience the distinctive landscapes of Namibia's red-sand Kalahari. The afternoon includes a guided cheetah excursion, followed by a sundowner on the dunes with refreshments and a traditional Namibian snack as the sun sets over the desert.

Accommodation: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch — camping

Meals included: FB+

Day 12 - 7 October

San Bushmen Experience | Windhoek

We begin the day with a guided cultural walk with members of the San community, learning about traditional tracking skills, survival techniques, medicinal plants and life in the desert. Afterwards, we travel to Windhoek, Namibia's capital, where we spend our final night.

Accommodation: The Windhoek Luxury Suites

Meals included: FB+

Day 13 - 8 October

Departure from Namibia

After breakfast, a transfer takes us to Hosea Kutako International Airport for our departure flight, bringing our Namibian adventure to an end.

Meals included: Breakfast

FB+: Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

B,B&L: Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

B&B: Bed and Breakfast

Price: $5,950 USD

To secure your place in the photo tour, a non-refundable deposit of $1,400 USD is required.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

13-day guided journey through Namibia, from arrival to departure
Professional tour guide and camping assistant guide
Accommodation in lodges, hotels and campsites as outlined in the itinerary
Camping equipment, excluding sleeping bags
Meals as specified in the itinerary
All park fees
All activities listed in the itinerary
Air-conditioned vehicles
Private 4x4 Sandwich Harbour excursion, with a maximum of three guests per vehicle

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

International flights
Beverages and drinks
Tips and gratuities
Personal travel and medical insurance
Personal expenses and other personal items
Sleeping bags for camping (available to rent at approximately N$40 per bag per day)

ACCOMMODATION

The tour includes 6 nights in lodge or hotel accommodation and 6 nights of camping (including tents, beds, mattresses, sleeping bags).

Prices are based on two people sharing a room where applicable.
Single supplement: $450 per person

HOW TO BOOK

To secure your place in the photo tour, a non-refundable deposit of $1,400 USD is required.

$1,400 USD

DEPOSIT & PAYMENT TERMS

A 25% non-refundable deposit of the total tour price is required upon confirmation of your booking.
The remaining 75% balance is due 60 days before departure.
For bookings made within 60 days of departure, full payment is required immediately.
Payments are subject to the payment instructions provided on your invoice. Bank transfer charges, including sending and receiving fees, are the responsibility of the participant.
According to the local operator's payment terms, bookings quoted in USD must be paid by SWIFT/wire transfer to the designated Namibian USD bank account specified on the invoice.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. Booking and Confirmation

All bookings are subject to availability. Provisional reservations may be held for up to 10 working days, subject to supplier confirmation. A booking is confirmed only after the required deposit has been received.

2. Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted in writing.

The following cancellation charges apply according to the local operator's published terms:

From confirmation up to 91 days before departure: 25% of the total service price.
90–61 days before departure: 50% of the total service price.
60 days or fewer before departure: 100% of the total service price.

No refunds are provided for late arrivals, no-shows or early departures. Participants are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellation and trip interruption.

3. Travel Insurance

All participants must have valid travel insurance covering medical expenses, emergency evacuation, baggage loss, cancellation or curtailment, and personal accidents.

The local operator provides emergency medical evacuation transport to the nearest primary medical facility until hospital admission. Any further medical expenses remain the responsibility of the participant or their insurance provider.

4. Passports, Visas and Health

Participants are responsible for ensuring that their passports and visas meet the entry requirements for Namibia and any other destinations involved in their journey.

Participants must be medically fit to travel and are responsible for any necessary vaccinations, medication and health precautions. Anti-malaria precautions should be considered where applicable.

5. Itinerary Changes

The itinerary may be amended due to circumstances beyond the operator's control, including weather conditions, road conditions, airline schedule changes, mechanical breakdowns, accidents or political instability.

Alternative arrangements will be made where possible. Changes requested by participants are subject to availability and may incur additional charges. Any revised quotation must be confirmed in writing.

6. Safety and Conduct

Participants must follow the instructions of the tour guide regarding safety and group welfare and comply with applicable laws, customs and regulations.

Any participant whose conduct endangers others, causes significant disruption or violates the law may be removed from the tour without a refund, in accordance with the operator's terms.

7. Liability

The local tour operator acts as an agent for service providers and is subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant accommodation providers, transport companies and other contractors.

Participation is subject to the operator's published liability provisions. Any legal disputes are governed by the laws and jurisdiction of the Republic of Namibia.

8. Acceptance of Terms

By making a payment towards the tour, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood and accepted the applicable booking terms and conditions.

Your Group Leader

Mihail Minkov is an award-winning astrophotographer. His fascination with the stars began in childhood, as he gazed at the night sky in awe. In recent years, he has dedicated much of his free time to capturing the beauty of the cosmos, particularly the Milky Way through his camera.

Mihail has received numerous accolades from prestigious international astrophotography and night photography competitions. In 2020, NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day featured his work on May 20. Two years later, in 2022, four of his images were selected for recognition, with one earning second place in the renowned Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, organized by the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. In both 2023 and 2024, he was named one of the top 25 Milky Way photographers in the world by the highly regarded Milky Way Photographer of the Year competition.

Over the past three years, Mihail has been organizing hands-on astrophotography workshops, helping photographers of all levels learn how to capture the night sky. He offers in-person and online masterclasses focused on post-processing techniques for landscape astrophotography using Adobe products. His images have been featured by major global media outlets, including National Geographic, Forbes, The Times, The Guardian, BBC Earth, Daily Mail, Sky News, Bored Panda, and many others.