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Namibia · Photo safari
Photographic Safaris in Namibia
Bring your camera instead of a rifle. On 40,000 acres of Kalahari bushveld you photograph giraffe, oryx, kudu and zebra – on guided game drives or on foot. In the evening your private chalet, a campfire and a home-cooked dinner are waiting.
40,000 acres
of bushveld and open plains
144 km
from Windhoek airport – pick-up on request
Golden light
at sunrise and sunset
All meals
included in the daily rate
Wildlife photography
A photo safari on a private game farm
Shamwari Damara is a working farm in the Omaheke Region of eastern Namibia, at the edge of the Kalahari. Away from the busy national parks there are no queues of vehicles at a sighting – you can take your time, wait for the right light and photograph the animals in their natural bushveld setting.
These are some of the animals that live on the farm:
- Giraffe
- Kudu
- Oryx (gemsbok)
- Eland
- Red hartebeest
- Blue and black wildebeest
- Zebra
- Springbok
- Waterbuck
- Warthog
- Steenbok and duiker
- Ostrich
Wild animals roam freely, so no sighting can be guaranteed – our team will gladly tell you where animals have been seen recently.
Impressions
Photographed on Shamwari Damara
Click a photo to enlarge it.
Your photo safari
How you explore the farm
Guided game drives
Explore the farm tracks by vehicle with a driver who knows the area – with room for your camera bag.
Walks on safe trails
Photograph tracks, acacia trees, insects and birds at your own pace on the farm's safe hiking trails.
Sunrise and sunset
Low, warm light in the early morning and late afternoon makes the red sand and the acacia silhouettes glow.
Night skies
Far from city lights, clear nights are ideal for photographing the stars and the Milky Way.
Tours with a guide
Ask us about guided tours – we are happy to plan them around your interests.
Evenings at the lodge
Come back to your private chalet, the swimming pool, a campfire and a home-cooked dinner.
When to come
The best time for a photo safari in Namibia
Dry season · May to October
Clear skies, thinner bush and animals gathering near water make wildlife easier to find and photograph. Mornings and nights can be cold, especially in June and July – bring warm layers.
Green season · November to April
After the rains the bush turns green, dramatic clouds build up in the afternoons and many animals have their young. The days are hot – and it is the best time for birds.
What to bring
- A telephoto zoom (around 100–400 mm) for wildlife
- A wide-angle lens for landscapes and night skies
- A tripod for sunsets and star photos
- A bean bag to steady your camera on the vehicle
- Spare batteries, memory cards and a dust cover
- Neutral-coloured clothing, a hat and sun protection
Prices for non-hunting guests
| What | Price |
|---|---|
| Non-hunter, per day | € 150 |
| Children under 12, per day | € 80 |
| Game drive, up to 4 people | € 80 |
The daily rate includes your chalet, all meals, soft drinks and beer in moderation, daily cleaning, laundry and the swimming pool. A government tax of 15% applies.
Questions & answers
Photo safari FAQ
Do I have to hunt to stay at Shamwari Damara?
No. Non-hunting guests are very welcome – on their own, as a couple, as a family or together with hunters. You will find the daily rates for non-hunters on this page and on our rates page.
Can photographers and hunters travel together?
Yes. While the hunters are out with their professional hunter, companions can join a game drive or go for a walk. Tell us your plans and we will organise the days.
When is the best time for a photo safari in Namibia?
For wildlife, the dry season from May to October is ideal: clear skies, thinner bush and animals near water. The green season from November to April brings dramatic skies, young animals and the best birding.
How far is the farm from Windhoek?
The farm is 144 km from Windhoek airport, about 1 hour 45 minutes by road. On request we collect you at the airport.
Are children welcome?
Yes. Children under 12 pay a reduced daily rate – you will find it in the price list on this page.
More to discover
Make the most of your stay
Ready for your photo safari?
Tell us your dates and the number of guests – we will get back to you personally.