African Photographic Safaris 

...in Namibia with Kowas Adventure Safaris

Namibia is one of Africa’s mysterious destinations.....

The Namib is the oldest living desert in the world and one of Namibia’s natural wonders. (A desert plant which has caused much interest amongst botanists worldwide is the living fossil plant, Welwitchiamiabilis, endemic to the Namib Desert and one of the oldest plants known to man!).  If you are looking for a destination different to anything you have ever experienced, this is the trip you want to make. Because Kowas Adventure Safaris offers only the best in hotels, pensions and game lodges, (NO BACK PACKING), you know that you are in the best up market holiday hands ever. 

• Namibia is a land full of contrasts and wide-open spaces. The tranquil beauty of the surroundings will make your stay unforgettable…Never a dull moment! If you are a keen photographer, the most important aspect to remember is to bring enough film. Normal film is freely available in towns and rest camps, while some specialized film can be purchased in photographic outlets in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. The same principle applies to batteries. Keep in mind that spare batteries also need regular replacing. It is advisable to keep film in a cool box. Especially when visiting during the summer

• As lighting conditions in Namibia are optimal, slow film is a good bet, as it gives better grain and good color saturation. Because the light is often harsh, it is advisable to have all lenses fitted with UV or haze filters. When it is really bright, underexposing by half a stop or more will invariably give a better picture

• A major problem in Namibia is dust, and in the desert where the wind often blows, flying sand. Mechanical cameras are therefore a better bet than electronic ones. Equipment should be covered when not in use, and cleaned after a day’s shooting, for which you need a blower brush, cleaning fluid and lens tissue

• In most cases telephoto lenses are essential to obtain good wildlife shots, especially of birds. For best results these lenses need to be kept steady, either by using a tripod, or if in a vehicle, with a bean bag or window support. When photographing in a game reserve such as the Etosha National Park, a good policy is to spend several hours at a waterhole simply waiting. There are large numbers of game, and plenty of action, so the more patient you are, the better your changes of coming away with good photographs, possibly even winners

• We know all the waterholes and the favorite wildlife spots and as an avid photographer you do not want to miss our outdoor excursions

Bird-life:

Africa’s bird-life is far richer in species than many of the other continents. 658 bird species (representing 72% of the total number of Southern African species), have been identified in Namibia alone. The largest bird occurring on the continent is the flightless Ostrich which carries its small head high in the air on a 3-meter long neck. Ostriches can reach a mass of about 150 kg and run at a speed of up to 70 km/h.

A large number of vultures, eagles and other birds of prey occur in Namibia. Quite remarkable, is the huge variety of bustards, ranging from the Kori Bustard, called Pau (peacock) in Afrikaans, and the Ludwig’s Bustard. Occurring in the Namib Desert, to the Korhaan having such a wide distribution that every 200 meters a clucking bird will raise warning all the game in the area with its stringent, cackling vocalizations.

Quite spectacular are the huge nests of social weavers, which live together in "apartment blocks". Other weaver species skillfully build their own individual nests, hanging down like bowls from extreme branches of trees, bouncing in the wind. Various subspecies of the Toko, the bird with the giant bill, occur in Namibia.

Many of Namibia’s bird species have restricted world ranges or are only readily seen in Namibia. The key to the country’s diversity of bird-life is the variety of habitats, ranging from they hyper-arid Namib Desert, the less daunting Kalahari and western escarpment, to the sub-humid woodlands, wetlands and forests of the north-eastern Caprivi region. Together with the rich marine and coastal environments, particularly in the central coastal regions around Walvis Bay, these habitats combine to provide a birding experience for enthusiasts and beginners alike.

Rollers, starlings and bee-eaters impress with their colorful plumage. There are a number of stork species, including the European stork that spends its winter vacation in the sub-region. Herons, Ibis, Pelicans, miscellaneous crane species (Crowned Crane, Blue Crane, and Wattle Crane), and Flamingos occur in areas where surface waters are available. Marabu's, Secretary-Birds (a bird of prey) and the big Hornbills are often seen wandering around in the bush. In total, 900 bird species have been identified in the sub-region and described in ornithological guides.

± 160 bird species occur at Kowas Adventure Safaris. This is a true paradise for keen bird watchers.

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