Honeymoon Shoot |Jonas & Bea | Kambaku Safari Lodge
I have been checking the weather all week and even emailed Kambaku on the morning of the shoot to find out what the weather and roads were like. All good, and very little rain. As I left Otjiwarongo that afternoon, I knew things were about to get interesting. I drove in one of the strongest winds I have ever experienced. Not a single car managed to pass me, and I was driving at only 60km/hour. As soon as I turned onto the gravel roads, I knew that the little rain of this morning was something of the past. It was soaking wet. It was still dripping when I stopped at Kambaku Safari Lodge and any hope of catching a golden hour was quickly disappearing. I grabbed a cup of coffee, met up with Jonas and Bea, and decided to continue with the shoot. We would see how the weather unfold and take it step by step.
I left in a vehicle with a guide, and we waited at the first spot for Jonas and Bea to bring the horses. From the get-go, I realised that Kambaku had done these types of shoots before. They knew what to look for, where to stop and how to get the horses to look at their best. This was going to be fun. And Jonas and Bea were the perfect models for this session. Beautifully in love, they had only eyes for each other and their stunning horses.
After the first photos, we drove to a spot where they knew would be open veld for me to photograph them coming in from the bush. But we had another surprise waiting. A herd of blue wildebeest (gnu) were also grazing nearby and I could get a few photos of Jonas & Bea riding between the wildebeest. How amazing?! While still busy here, we got word on the radio that the big giraffe herd was also back in the area, and we headed towards them. With the little ones having a ball of a time after the rains, these giraffe photos will always remain a favourite. Curious by nature, they stood and watched as Jonas and Bea meandered through the bushveld towards them. When the giraffes got tired, we decided to move back to the lodge. The sun had no way to get through the clouds and it was quickly getting dark.
At the lodge near the waterhole, we waited for Jonas & Bea to return, while they set up a sundowner for them. Though it started dripping again, these two love birds made the best of the moment and enjoyed their horses, nature and of course, champagne.
Special Thanks
I must give a special thank you to Arina-Sarah, who arranged this session in Germany. Sarah is one of Bea’s best friends and decided that a photoshoot in Namibia, while Jonas & Bea were on honeymoon would be the best wedding gift ever. Reaching out, we started planning and arranging. Though we did not have the best weather, I’m sure we still made the best of it.
Another big thank you must go to Kambaku. This was easily the best-arranged photo session ever. It is not often that I arrive at a location where the staff is hundred per cent geared for a photo shoot. These girls and boys knew exactly what was required and how to make sure everyone got the most from the experience. It’s the little things – and they pulled out every stop. Well done to the staff of Kambaku Safari Lodge.
Kambaku Safari Lodge & Wildlife Reserve
Kambaku Wildlife Reserve is located about 90km from Otjiwarongo to the northeast of this northern town. The reserve has a very natural approach with horse rides into nature, guided walks and even spa treatments.
While visiting I realised that Kambaku is to many people a destination on its own. They stay here for a week or more, visiting the nearby Etosha National Park and Thonningii Wine Farm from here. Many visitors are also longtime friends, returning year after year for more of the Kambaku magic telling stories and tales one can only share from years of experience.
I had the privilege to go on a nature walk the morning after the photo session. You can read all about it here and learn more about the Kambaku Safari Lodge & Wildlife Reserve.
Chat to Me | Namibian Elopement Photographer
My name is Mariëtte du Toit and when I’m not out and about on a photoshoot, I like to call myself a travel architect planning the best Namibian journeys. I absolutely love getting to know my couples, chatting to them about life, dreams and of course, their Namibian elopement.
If you would like me to document your elopement, and maybe even plan your journey to Namibia, click here!
More Fabulous love stories
