Five Iconic Namibian Locations

5 Iconic locations to consider when booking a photoshoot in namibia

Whether you are a family or a couple, visiting for the 3rd time or braving it for the first time, Namibia’s landscapes offer so much more than what is visible through a car window. Now imagine driving past those deep red dunes and on a wimp decide that this is the ideal location for a photo shoot. You get out and have the time of your life in the soft Namib sand while doing a photoshoot – all at the same time! Not only will you walk away with sand in your shoes (thanks Dido) but you will also have photos to help you return to the memories made while in Namibia.

Below I’ll be sharing five of my favourite locations in Namibia for photoshoots. They also happen to some of the most iconic Namibian locations. Locations where I had wished I had a photographer and that I wasn’t the photographer. Each location offers a myriad of opportunities for the couple looking to elope, the family on holiday or the couple on their honeymoon. There is a location or an activity for your every need. And the best part? I would love to meet you there.

1. Iconic Sossusvlei / Deadvlei

Can you imagine saying your “I do’s” here amongst trees that have stood through the tests of time? Or letting your kids run wild and free in these dunes while a photographer captures the essence of your holiday in Namibia?

I can tell you one thing though, every single time that I have visited this magical place, I wished that there was another photographer but myself to capture us.

Located on the edge of the dune belt, Sossusvlei is an out-of-this-world experience. Whether you wake up at the break of dawn to go and climb the biggest dune your legs (and lungs) can manage or whether you go out on a balloon ride over this ancient desert, Sossusvlei will make your heart melt and your soul long for more. And then, when you have done all the climbing you can possibly do in one day, you walk into Deadvlei and the magic starts all over again.

There is a reason so many couples decide to elope here – or close by at one of the private establishments. These red dunes are addictive – no matter the age of the visitor.

2. Etosha National Park & Surrounds

There is just something magical about these stretches of white sand and just about nothing else.

Etosha National Park is known for its incredible wildlife, but it isn’t just the wildlife that attracts people. The variety of private lodges and camps surrounding the park is part of the magic. Take Onguma Fort for example – what I wouldn’t give to sit on that deck right now? Now just imagine you and your loved ones here, on holiday. And while you have the time of your life, you have a photographer capturing the memories of a lifetime for you.

3. Private Reserves

Why visit a private reserve if you can visit Etosha National Park? Well, there are a whole lot of reasons, but I’ll stick to the reasons that convince me.

You get to do activities that would otherwise be impossible – like walks on the reserve, learning specifics about cats or even visiting a rhino sanctuary and getting up close and personal with a baby rhino.
Special requests like a family photoshoot or an elopement – private establishments will often go out of their way to make your dream come true.

4. Namibia's Skeleton Coast

From the beautiful rock formation at Bogenfells all the way up to Terrace Bay where the waves roll endlessly over the rocks, the Skeleton Coast offers endless photo opportunities. Some locations are better suited to families, like Sandwich Harbour above. Take a full day to explore the beauty and history of this little private harbour south of Walvisbay. Book a photographer and get double the value as your family enjoys the riches that Namibia has to offer.

Considering an elopement along the coast? Why not say your I do’s under the arch of Bogenfells? You will have photos to die for and memories to last you a lifetime.

5. Spitzkoppe

Each and every location lends itself to either a magical elopement or a genuinely fun family shoot. And every single one will be completely different from the other. Spitzkoppe is all about rocks, climbing and adventure. Right on the edge of the Namib Desert, these rocks offer a million and one little photo opportunities. From kissing under a rock arch to children searching for geckos on rocky slopes (I did say it was an adventure…), the possibilities are endless and every single one will be beautiful.

Spitzkoppe is often seen as a day visit, but every single time I stay here for a night or two, I wish I had more time to explore. Unique, exquisite and incredibly photogenic, Spitzkoppe is worth your every consideration.

Conclusion

These are not the only locations, and I can probably get to 10 locations without thinking too hard. But these 5 locations do have something in common and that is that they form part of the main travel circuit in Namibia.

First time to Namibia? I recommend any or all of these five locations for a photoshoot. But if you have been to Namibia before – drop me a line and we can chat about the other options available.

I also like to work with a travel agent based here in Namibia. Having an agent here on the ground will offer you the best value for money with advice and service a phone call away should you get into trouble. ATI Holidays is your one-stop agent. Guided tours, safaris, self-drives – these boys and girls know Namibia and what it has to offer like the back of their hands.