Photography by Toine IJsseldijk

NAMIBIA

Wild deserts, wildlife, and cultures across southern Africa’s most dramatic landscapes

Namibia – Landscapes, Wildlife and People

Namibia is shaped by vast arid landscapes, wide horizons, and a close relationship between land, wildlife, and people.

From the towering dunes of the Namib Desert and the immense salt pan of Etosha National Park to the remote riverbeds of Damaraland and Kaokoland, Namibia offers some of the most striking and varied environments in southern Africa. These dry landscapes are home to desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants, lions and giraffes that move across ephemeral river valleys.

In contrast to the arid west, the far northeast along the Kavango River and the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) reveals a greener Namibia of rivers, floodplains and woodlands, where wildlife and birdlife gather along permanent water systems.

Exploring Namibia Through Photography

This site explores Namibia through photographic journeys across its landscapes, wildlife regions and traditional cultures.

The galleries and stories below document environments ranging from the dunes of the Namib Desert and the wildlife plains of Etosha to the remote riverbeds of Damaraland and Kaokoland. Alongside landscapes and wildlife, several projects also focus on communities closely connected to these environments, including the Himba people of northwestern Namibia and the Ju’/Hoansi San of the Kalahari.

Together these galleries and stories offer a visual overview of Namibia — from desert and savanna to river systems and traditional cultures.

Namibia Destinations and Regions

Namibia’s landscapes are remarkably diverse, ranging from the vast desert dunes of the Namib to wildlife-rich savannas and remote river systems in the northwest. Each region reveals a different side of the country’s natural environment and cultural traditions.

The destinations explored on this site highlight several of Namibia’s most distinctive landscapes and ecosystems.

Etosha National Park

One of Africa’s great wildlife reserves, centered around the immense Etosha salt pan and a network of waterholes that attract elephants, lions, giraffes and black rhino.

Damaraland and Kaokoland

Remote desert landscapes of mountains and dry riverbeds where desert-adapted elephants and lions move through valleys such as the Aba Huab and Hoanib.

The Namib Desert and Sossusvlei

Towering red dunes and ancient desert landscapes in one of the oldest deserts on Earth.

The Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip)

A lush contrast to Namibia’s deserts, where the Kavango, Kwando and Zambezi rivers support wetlands rich in wildlife and birdlife.

Traditional Cultures

Communities such as the Himba of northwestern Namibia and the Ju’/Hoansi San of the Kalahari maintain deep cultural connections to the landscapes they inhabit.

- PHOTO GALLERIES -

visual collections

Namibia Photo Galleries

Namibia, Sossusvlei
Namibia - Photographic Overview
A Ju'/Hoansi San women in the Kalahari desert of Namibia
Ju/'Hoansi San Tribe
Himba, tribe,Namibia, Opuwo,woman,otjize
Himba Tribe
Spitzkoppe, Namibia
Spitzkoppe & Doros Crater
flamingoes,Africa, Namibia, Walvisbay
Swakopmund & Walvisbay
Zambezi Region: Mahango & Kavango River
Zambezi Region: Mahango & Kavango River
Giraffes on the move in a dry riverbed near Puros in remote Kaokoland
Puros & Kaokoland
Palmwag Conservancy
Palmwag Conservancy
Hoanib, Mega, Namibia
Hoanib Riverbed
desert adapted elephant reaching high into thorn tree in Damaraland Namibia
Aba-Huab Riverbed
Sossusvlei & the Namib Desert
Sossusvlei & the Namib Desert
Etosha, Namibia
Etosha National Park

- PHOTO STORIES -

visual journals

Namibia Stories & Photo Essays

Aba-Huab riverbed in Damaraland, Namibia
Damaraland & Kaokoland Riverbeds
Etosha National Park in Namibia
Etosha National Park, Namibia
A Ju'/Hoansi San women in the Kalahari desert of Namibia
The Ju/'Hoansi San Tribe
The Himba Tribe
The Himba Tribe
Himba, Mega, Namibia, Puros
The Himba Tribe: Otjize

- TRIP REPORTS -

visual journeys

Namibia Safari Trips

Driving through the Namib Desert in Kaokoland, Namibia
Namibia & South Africa - 2024
A 30 day self-drive camping safari trip: Caprivi, Etosha, Puros, Kaokoland riverbeds, Spitzkoppe, Sossusvlei, Kgalagadi, and San & Himba communities
Self drive camping safari through Botswana
Namibia & Botswana - 2018
A 4 week self-drive camping safari: Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Walvisbay, Palmwag, Etosha, Caprivi, Chobe, Victoria Falls, Savuti, Khwai, and Moremi
Puros in Kaokoland, Namibia
Namibia Safari Trip - 2019
A 17 day self-drive camping safari trip, visiting Spitzkoppe, the riverbeds in Kaokoland, Puros, and Etosha

These journeys explore Namibia through remote deserts, wildlife reserves and traditional communities across one of Africa’s most visually striking landscapes.

Namibia Travel and Photography FAQ

Where is Namibia located?

Namibia is located in southwestern Africa, bordered by Angola, Botswana, South Africa and the Atlantic Ocean.

What is Namibia famous for?

Namibia is known for the Namib Desert, the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, wildlife in Etosha National Park and remote regions such as Damaraland and Kaokoland.

When is the best time to visit Namibia?

The dry season between May and October is often considered the best time for wildlife viewing, especially in Etosha National Park.

What wildlife can be seen in Namibia?

Namibia is home to elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs and a wide range of desert-adapted wildlife.

Ever thought about going to Namibia?

  • Are you still dreaming of an authentic, original and adventurous trip to Namibia?

  • Do you like this type of adventure, or perhaps a bit more comfort?

  • Do you not want to organise such a trip all by yourself?

  • Do you prefer a professional guide to go with you?

  • Then reach out to me to discuss!