Date and Time
Saturday 6th – Wednesday 17th June 2026
Duration
Eleven Nights, Twelve Days
Price
£5,995
Workshop Leaders
Melvin Nicholson
Francis Ansing
Maximum Workshop Attendees
8
Meeting Place
Time: 6pm
Saturday 6th June 2026
Hilton Hotel, Windhoek
Exertion Level
Easy/Medium – Most locations within a mile from the car, some much closer. However some of the sand dunes do involve a 20 minute hike and some uphill walking. A reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required.
Photography Locations
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch
Deadvlei
Himba Village
Kolmanskop/Diamond Mining Town
Quiver Tree Forest
Sandwich Harbour 4WD Dune Tour
Sossusvlei
Spitzkoppen
Zeila Shipwreck
Spectacular Photography in Africa
Embark on an extraordinary photographic expedition through Namibia, one of Africa's most visually spectacular destinations, alongside expert tour guides Melvin Nicholson and Francis Ansing.
Sossusvlei & The Namib Desert
Capture the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the ancient Namib Desert, where some of the world's highest dunes create dramatic shadows and curves against endless blue skies.
Deadvlei Clay Pan
Experience the haunting beauty of Deadvlei—this white clay pan serves as nature's gallery, where 900-year-old petrified camel thorn trees stand like sculptures against a canvas of brilliant orange dunes.
Spitzkoppe Rock Formations
The rugged granite monoliths of Spitzkoppe rise from the desert floor like ancient sentinels, their weathered surfaces and distinctive rock arch formations offering compelling subjects for both sunrise and sunset photography.
Quiver Tree Forest
During May through July, witness these remarkable 400-year-old giants burst into vivid yellow blooms, creating a stunning contrast against the arid landscape.
Kolmanskop Ghost Town
Explore the atmospheric abandoned diamond mining town where structures slowly surrender to advancing desert sands, creating surreal scenes of human endeavour being reclaimed by nature.
Himba People Experience
Visit the traditional Himba people of northern Namibia, respectfully documenting their ancient way of life, distinctive red-ochre body paint, and cultural practices.
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch Resort
Stay at this exceptional lodge nestled among mixed savannah trees and shrubs on the edge of the Southern Kalahari, surrounded by imposing red sand dunes.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Saturday 6th June 2026
Hilton Hotel
Windhoek
We will meet you in the bar of the hotel at 6pm. You can take a taxi from the airport to the hotel (30 minute drive, cost around £20).
Once we have all met up, we shall conduct a tour briefing before enjoying a delicious evening meal together to get to know each other.
Day 2 – Sunday 7th June 2026
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch
After breakfast, we shall take the three hour drive south to a wonderful, luxurious game ranch where we can experience cheetahs, white rhinos. giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, oryx, antelopes, springboks, ostriches and meerkats up close.
Day 3 –Monday 8th June 2026
Quiver Tree Forest
After breakfast, we will drive five hours to Keetmanshoop to visit the Quiver Tree Forest in the afternoon and to photograph the trees during sunset. In the evening, there will be an optional star trail photography session in the forest should anyone wish to participate.
Day 4 & 5 – Tuesday 9th & Wednesday 10th June 2026
Luderitz, Kolmanskop
After breakfast, we will drive to west towards the ghost mining town in the southern coast of Namibia. We will spend two nights in Luderitz which will allow us plenty of time to explore and photograph the iconic ghost mining town of Kolmanskop that is being taken back by the sand.
Day 6 & 7 – Thursday 11th & Friday 12th June 2026
Sossusvlei, Dead Trees
After breakfast, we will check out and drive 4 hours to Sossusvlei to photograph the sunset in and around the Dead Valley. We will also visit the famous Deadvlei, a petrified marsh of surreal landscapes.
Day 8 & 9 – Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June 2026
Swakopmund
We will head north to Swakopmund and arrive early in the afternoon. Over the next two days, we will explore the amazing Atlantic Coast as we take a 4WD tour to explore the spectacular sand dunes of Namibia.
Day 10 – Monday 15th June 2026
Spitzkopee
After breakfast, we will head to Spitzkoppe. We will stay there for one evening to allow us to photograph the night sky set against the famous rock arch. We will also visit and take beautiful portrait photographs of the people living at the Himba Village in Spitzkoppe.
Day 11 - Tuesday 16th June 2026
Windhoek
Sunrise will be spent back at the rock arch giving you a second opportunity to capture this stunning part of Namibia in different light and colour before returning to Windhoek for our final night together in Namibia. We will have our farewell dinner in Windhoek.
Day 12 - Wednesday 17th June 2026
Departure
Flight departure from Hosea Kutako International Airport, Windhoek
Melvin Nicholson
Melvin Nicholson is a professional landscape photographer and the founder of Landscape Locations Photo Tours, renowned for his ability to translate drama, mood, and atmosphere into compelling visual stories. Drawn to the outdoors from an early age, he has spent decades exploring coastlines, mountains, and remote wilderness regions in search of expressive light and powerful compositions. His work is defined by bold colour, meticulous detail, and a deep appreciation for the landscapes he photographs.
Based in the UK, Melvin has travelled extensively, developing deep knowledge of photographic locations across Japan, Europe, Vietnam, and Namibia. His portfolio includes the acclaimed image “Fogbow,” which earned him significant recognition for capturing a rare and ethereal natural phenomenon with striking clarity and artistry. Whether working under dramatic storm light or the hushed tones of dawn, he brings a patient, considered approach that reveals nature at its most atmospheric.
Alongside his photography, Melvin is a passionate educator and tour leader, guiding photographers of all levels through workshops and international photo tours. Through Landscape Locations Photo Tours, he combines expert location knowledge with personalised instruction, helping participants refine their technical skills and creative vision. Known for his warm, supportive teaching style, he offers unforgettable experiences that inspire photographers to grow, explore, and create meaningful images of their own.
Francis Ansing
Francis Ansing is a full-time landscape photographer and photo tour guide celebrated for capturing the quiet drama, refined minimalism, and emotional depth of Japan’s natural environments. His approach centres on atmosphere, subtlety, and a deep respect for the landscapes and traditions he photographs.
After years of exploring Japan’s diverse regions, Francis has developed extensive knowledge of both iconic and lesser-known photographic locations. From the snowy plains of Hokkaido and the sacred forests of Wakayama to Kyoto’s historic streets and the timeless viewpoints around Mount Fuji, he brings cultural awareness and on-the-ground experience to every tour he leads.
Blending technical precision with a calm, thoughtful shooting style, Francis creates images that invite viewers to slow down, look deeper, and connect with the spirit of Japan. His work has appeared in travel publications and local exhibitions, and he is passionate about helping photographers of all levels discover Japan’s beauty through meaningful, well-crafted experiences.
ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR
There are a total of seven quality hotels/lodges included during our eleven night stay in Namibia. This ensures that we are as close to the locations that we will be photographing as possible meaning less time spent travelling in the minibus.
You will have your own double/twin en-suite room on eight of the eleven nights and shared twin rooms (2 people) for the remaining four nights at Dead Valley Lodge and Spitzkoppen Lodge.
There is no single occupancy supplement charged for the nights you will have your own room
Breakfast is included
Lunch and evening meals are included at Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, Dead Valley Lodge and Spitzkoppen Lodge
See below for a list of the hotels and that we will be staying in.
CLICK on the hotel/lodge name to be directed to their website
Saturday 6th June 2026 (4 Star Hotel - Single Occupancy)
Hilton Hotel, Windhoek
Sunday 7th June 2026 (Luxury Game Ranch - Your Own Room. No Sharing)
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch
Monday 8th June 2026 (3 Star Hotel - Your Own Room. No Sharing)
Birds Mansion Hotel, Keetmanshoop
Tuesday 9th June 2026 (4 Star Hotel - Your Own Room. No Sharing)
The Nest Hotel, Lüderitz
Wednesday 10th June 2026 (4 Star Hotel - Your Own Room. No Sharing)
The Nest Hotel, Lüderitz
Thursday 11th June 2026 (Luxury Chalets - Twin Share)
Dead Valley Lodge, Sossusvlei
Friday 12th June 2026 (Luxury Chalets - Twin Share)
Dead Valley Lodge, Sossusvlei
Saturday 13th June 2026 (3 Star Hotel - Your Own Room. No Sharing)
Atlantic Garden Boutique Hotel, Swakopmund
Sunday 14th June 2026 ((3 Star Hotel - Your Own Room. No Sharing)
Atlantic Garden Boutique Hotel, Swakopmund
Monday 15th June 2026 (Luxury Chalets - Twin Share)
Spitzkoppen Lodge, Spitzkoppe
Tuesday 16th June 2026 (4 Star Hotel - Your Own Room. No Sharing)
Hilton Hotel, Windhoek
We reserve the right to change accommodation for alternative ones of a similar or higher standard if required
TRANSPORT DURING THE WORKSHOP
Transport will be in the form of two specially prepared air conditioned safari Toyota HiLux four wheel drive vehicles with enough space for luggage in the rear compartment.
Maximum of five people per the vehicle.
These vehicles are equipped with the larger 2.8 turbo diesel engine and uprated suspension which makes for a much better ride on the gravel roads than the smaller engine 2.4 turbo diesel Toyotas.
Included
Eleven Nights Accommodation (your own room for eight of the eleven nights and a twin share on the nights at Dead Valley Lodge and Spitzkoppen Lodge. No single occupancy charged)
11 x Breakfasts
4 x Evening Meals (Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, Dead Valley Lodge & Spitzkoppen Lodge)
Daily supply of bottled water
Dedicated 1-2-1 professional photography tuition from two tour guides (Melvin Nicholson & Francis Ansing)
All transport between workshop locations
Amazing four wheel drive Sandwich Harbour dune tour included (worth £125)
Deadvlei daily entrance fees
Quiver Tree Forest entrance fees
Kolmanskop daily entrance fees
Parking fees
Not Included
Collection and drop off at the airport
All meals not listed in the Included section
Alcoholic drinks and other beverages/snacks
Flights
Travel/Camera Insurance
Hotels outside of the tour dates
Laundry
Visa fees
Incidental fees/tipping
