Take a photographic safari in the Namib Desert

Kanaan Desert Retreat is the perfect place to take a photographic safari. Set in a protected reserve in the Namib Desert, we’re blessed with three different ecosystems: vast open grasslands, red-hued sand dunes and the Tiras Mountains. It’s a paradise for landscape photographers – we’ve had camera crews from the BBC, Animal Planet and National Geographic come to film and photograph the area’s scenery and wildlife.

The tours are led by me, Francois, a professional photographer and co-manager of Kanaan Desert Retreat. I start by asking what kind of photos you want to capture so I can tailor the experience to your needs. The trip includes two three-hour drives, usually an early-morning drive and another at sunset, ending with a star photography session. You can get brilliant images of the Milky Way and twinkling constellations out here in the Namib Desert.

Guests have taken incredible pictures on the photographic safaris, particularly of the sunsets and sunrises. You can frame petrified trees in the foreground against a backdrop of the desert and mountains. Although the landscapes take centre-stage, we occasionally encounter wildlife; I’ve taken atmospheric snaps of oryx in the morning mist and even a leopard stalking through the dunes. We cater to everyone from beginners to professional photographers – I’d recommend bringing a wide-angle lens and a tripod to get the best shots.