THE NAMIBIA WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP
WITH CHARLY SAVELY AND CAREL STEENKAMP.
APRIL 5 - 12, 2024
SPOTS AVAILABLE: 6
SMALL & INTIMATE 1:3 GUIDE TO GUEST RATIO.
Join Charly Savely and Carel Steenkamp for an unforgettable photography workshop on the spectacular Erindi Private Game Reserve, where we will capture incredible wildlife, stunning astro shots and so much more. Together, we will explore the incredible natural beauty of this reserve, which is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, zebras, giraffes, and many other fascinating creatures. With expert guidance and support from Charly and Carel, you will learn how to capture stunning images of the natural world, as well as how to use your camera to its fullest potential. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, this workshop is perfect for anyone who wants to take their photography skills to the next level while experiencing the beauty of Africa in a truly unique and unforgettable way.
NAMIBIA PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS.
This is one of the best times of the year to view wildlife with lush vegetation with the greatest chance of spectacular sunsets, dynamic landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
During this 7-night, 8-day trip, we'll traverse open grasslands and mountain forests led by an expert local safari guide in search of lions, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, leopards, african wild dogs, and countless other creatures hiding throughout the wilderness of Namibia’s largest private nature reserve.
Spend time with Charly and Carel for in the African Bush on an epic photography safari.
Hone your photography skills up close and personal with the world’s most iconic species.
Gain experience in wildlife and landscape photography in all lighting conditions.
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY LEADERS.
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![Portrait of Charly Savely, wildlife travel photographer with camera & lens.]()
CHARLY SAVELY
Hi, I’m Charly! I’m a photographer, videographer, and conservationist who has documented the beauty and plight of our planet for over a decade. As a Sony Alpha Collective member, I capture the imagination of a global audience. I lead several photography workshops throughout the year from Alaska to Africa and beyond. I currently resides in the beautiful state of Alaska where I am focused and passionate about capturing the disappearing Arctic and conservation of its wildlife, as well as minimalist moments that invoke a sense of calm.
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![Portrait of Carel Steenkamp, a photographer in Iceland.]()
CAREL STEENKAMP
Hello, my name is Carel. I am a professional safari field guide and wildlife photographer born and raised in South Africa. As Erindi Private Game Reserve's Resident Photographer, I am making the most of every opportunity I get to give back to the environment.
Through my photography, I hope to make a positive impact on the world and inspire people to appreciate and protect the natural world. I believe that by sharing the beauty of nature, I can help create a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between humans and the environment.
WHY IS ERINDI SPECIAL?
Erindi is unique because it’s a private reserve. That means there is a strict limit on the number of guests on the reserve at any given time. And Erindi is huge, more than 65,000 Hectares (5 times the size of Manhattan). This gives us an unprecedented opportunity to sit and observe wildlife uninterrupted by the hustle you'll find at most national parks and reserves across Africa. Most days, we might only ever see other humans back at the lodge. Otherwise, it's us and the bush. I promise you, you will compare every other trip you go on, or have been on in Africa, to Erindi.
WHO IS THE NAMIBIA SAFARI FOR?
This photographic safari is open to anyone who wants to improve their photography skills. The only requirement is that you have a camera and you want to learn. You don't have to be a professional photographer and you don't need any real photography experience. You can come to learn from the start if you like and I'll be sure to spend the extra time with you to ensure you can enjoy each wildlife encounter, but also be able to capture incredible portraits with your camera as well.
For those of you who are looking to take your current skills to the next level, you'll find no better setting than out in the bush at Erindi. I'll teach you my distinct methodology for creating aesthetic and artistic portraits of animals that tell a story and connect to important topics like conservation and protecting nature.
WHAT’S THE VIBE?
You can expect the atmosphere to be a balance of light-hearted moments and outbursts of laughter mixed with intimate and often emotional connectivity with nature, shared and experienced with a group of like-minded people who you will soon call your friends.
Every safari / workshop I’ve hosted has resulted in connections that go far beyond the week we spend together. Between everyone who joins. We all love animals and nature, so of course, we're going to get along.
If you're keen to spend quality time immersed in the bush, improve your photo skills, and meet cool new friends, then you'll find all the details about the safari and how to join below.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ON THE SAFARI.
The best approaches for setting your camera and optimizing your workflow to capture wildlife portraits, animals in motion, and environmental portraits of animals.
We'll cover best practices for many different lighting scenarios and specifically how to get the most out of your camera in low light.
How to read animal behavior and anticipate movements in order to create striking compositions across various landscapes and terrain.
Mastery of post-processing techniques for creating balance and consistency across your entire portfolio.
A diverse set of editing skills that you can also apply to photographs you've taken in the past.
Honestly, you'll learn many more skills than I could list, but the bottom line is the knowledge you gain on this trip will change your approach to photography forever.
NAMIBIA SAFARI OVERVIEW.
A MAXIMUM OF 6 GUESTS / 1 VEHICLE!
You'll join Carel, myself, and 5 other guests in a private safari vehicle. The vehicles are open on all sides, spacious with 2 people per row, and have plenty of room for gear.
There are no seating assignments, but we will rotate seating arrangements to ensure each guest has the opportunity to sit with different instructors and in different positions throughout the workshop.
Room Occupancy: All rooms will be shared double rooms with separated single beds and private bathrooms. Guests will be paired up according to gender (unless requested otherwise).
Price: $4999 USD per person.
50% deposit is required to secure your place.
NAMIBIA TRIP ITINERARY.
Arrival to Namibia You should plan to arrive to Namibia on April 5th or any day before.
Day 1 [April 5th] The journey begins when we meet at our accommodation on the first day in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. We’ll have dinner together to introduce ourselves at a local favourite restaurant.
Day 2 [April 6th] Transfer to Erindi, stay at Old Traders Lodge, afternoon game drive. Our first outing into the bush! Although, on the way into the reserve, we're bound to see animals on the way to the Lodge!
Day 3-7 [April 6th - 11th] Our good friends at Erindi Private Game Reserve will be hosting us at the Old Traders Lodge, where each day we’ll be able to make our own schedule with the very best guides.
Day 8 [April 12th] Morning transfer to Windhoek where you'll be dropped off at your hotel/guesthouse, which must be booked separately. I'm happy to recommend places to stay in the city and also encourage you to extend your stay longer than our workshop period in order to explore Namibia further.
Each day we will decide as a group what time to go out into the reserve in search of animals. We have the ability to plan our excursions based on what animals we want to photograph, which will bring us to many different regions of the game reserve. Each day there will be time to rest, edit photos, and discuss any and all other aspects of photography and wildlife conservation.
THE DAY-TO-DAY.
Within the game reserve, we’ll travel in a modified open-air Land Rover Defender, driven by the Erindi Guide. During game drives, we’ll be bringing along snacks and drinks provided by the Lodge and there’s ample opportunity to stop whenever and wherever we want along the way.
Our usual schedule will involve taking advantage of the early morning and late afternoon to photograph the wildlife in the best light. During the middle of the day, there’s the option to relax at the Old Traders Lodge restaurant, which has an observation deck overlooking a watering hole that is often frequented by animals.
FAQ.
WHAT LEVEL OF PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERTISE IS REQUIRED TO JOIN?
This workshop is open to beginners, professionals, and everything in between. The only criteria are that you have a passion for photography and have the motivation to be on the go every day and night.
WHAT ANIMALS CAN WE SEE?
Rhino, Cheetah, Lion, Zebra, Leopard, Foxes, Springbok, Elephant, various birds of prey, beautiful insects and beetles, and many, many, many more varieties of Namibian wildlife!
HOW WILL WE FIND ANIMALS?
The expert guides at Erindi Game Reserve have years of experience tracking and locating animals in the thick rainy season bush and they will be our greatest asset. They’ll be using traditional methods of tracking animals as well as sustainable telemetry tracking of radio-collared animals, used for conservation efforts, research, and to keep the animals safe from encroaching poachers.
RADIO COLLARS?
http://wildlifeact.com/about-wildlife-act/wildlife-tracking-and-monitoring/
WILL I BE IN DANGER AT ANY POINT?
The safari guides at Erindi are professional trained in reading animal behavior and highly qualified in determining safe viewing distances to ensure the safety of guests at all times.
WHAT ARE THE CHANGES I WILL BE EATEN BY A LION?
Probably pretty low.
WHAT CAMERA GEAR SHOULD I BRING?
We suggest bringing at minimum a DSLR/Mirrorless body (2 bodies would be best) and at least a 70-200mm telephoto lens, a wide-angle (i.e. 16-35mm or 24-70mm), and extra batteries, rain gear, and a tripod. If you have access to a super-telephoto lens, bring it for sure, but we’ll have the ability to get quite close to the wildlife and a 500mm definitely is NOT a requirement to capture amazing shots. Sigma and Tamron both make a great 150-500 (or similar) that is affordable. I've used them myself in the past for a few years.
WILL I BE AT RISK OF MALARIA?
There is very minimal to no risk of contracting Malaria at Erindi.
WHAT IS A GAME DRIVE?
A game drive involves driving an open safari vehicle into the African wilderness in search of wildlife. Typically a game drive departs just before sunrise and/or several hours before sunset in order to view animals when they're most active. A game drive is a safe method of viewing wildlife from the elevated viewing area within the vehicle. Professional guides with vast knowledge about the local wildlife and landscape will ensure the safety of participants.
IS NAMIBIA DANGERS AND ARE THERE ANY TRAVEL RISKS?
Namibia is a very safe country, but standard safety protocols should be taken when traveling to any place you’ve never visited before. Be aware and be cautious. However, there are no major risks associated with traveling to Namibia and you’ll find yourself quite comfortable during your visit.
DO I NEED A VISA?
Most countries only need a “visa on arrival” for traveling to Namibia. However, it’s crucial that you check with your embassy in order to confirm if you need to apply for a visa ahead of time or if you can simply pick up a visa on arrival to Namibia.
DRONE USAGE?
Unfortunately, laws surrounding drone usage in Namibia are constantly changing and for this reason, we do not recommend bringing a drone as it may be held up in customs upon entry into the country.
CAN WE STAY LONGER AFTER THE WORKSHOP?
Of course! You can stay as long as your visa allows. Carel and I will be happy to make suggestions of locations to visit after the workshop if you decide to explore Namibia further! It’s an amazing country with many worthy places to see!
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?
During this time of the year, Erindi is at the tail end of the rainy season. Temperatures will be warm and there will possibly be a slight mixture of rain (possible) and sun providing unique conditions for photography. The days can be quite warm on our way back to the Lodge in the morning and nights can be cooler, thus we recommend bringing several layers of clothes, especially a warm thermal for early morning and evening drives in the open vehicle.
I READ ONLINE THAT THE RAINY SEASON IS BAD FOR VIEWING ANIMALS...?
The rainy season… A highly underrated time to photograph wildlife…
We'll be visiting Erindi during the transitional period when the first wave of seasonal rains might possibly occur. As such, we'll have the opportunity to mix the ability to easily spot animals in the dry grass and leafless brush with stormy skies and newly budding trees. Since the reserve is so large only some areas might receive potentially more rain than others and might already be green when we arrive depending on the extent of rainfall. This is also the time of the year when many animals begin to birth their young. Exciting!
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AND I’LL BE HAPPY TO HELP.
My Email charly@charlysavely.com
WHAT’S INCLUDED.
All meals and accommodation for the duration of the workshop (Old-Traders Lodge at Erindi and Guesthouse in Windhoek)
All game-drives at Erindi Private Game Reserve
Advice and lessons on technical aspects of photography (wildlife, portraiture, landscape, aerial, etc.)
Transfer to your hotel/guesthouse in Windhoek on final day of the trip
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED.
Airfare to/from Namibia
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and snacks (except some light snacks and refreshments served during game drives)
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THERE IS ONLY 6 SPOTS REMAINING.
Available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
WHY THE QUESTIONNAIRE?
I love to meet new people and my most cherished moments out in the bush are with new friends with whom I get to share the most incredible encounters with wildlife. For me, it's important to understand who you are and your reasons for wanting to join the safari, so that I can understand beforehand your expectations. This helps me to create the most epic experience and ensures we're both on the same page 🤍