Namibia is a special destination for wildlife photography all year round, but every season gives you different photos. One month you photograph animals at a waterhole in a dry landscape, another month you work under dramatic cloudy skies. The best time therefore depends mainly on what you want to capture.
The dry season: June to October
In the dry season little water is available, and many animals gather around the waterholes. Vegetation is sparse, so animals are also easier to spot. Especially in Etosha, July to September are popular months for that reason.
For photographers this period also has a downside. The sky is often clear blue and the sun quickly becomes harsh, so the best light only lasts a short time around sunrise and sunset.
The wet season: December to March
Most rain falls in the summer months, with February usually the wettest. The landscape turns green and the sky gets much more character. Because there is water everywhere, animals spread out more across the area, and finding them often takes more knowledge and patience. On the other hand, this is the season of young animals.
The transition months: our choice
Our photo tours take place in March/April and October/November, at the transition between the seasons. That is a deliberate choice, and it is all about the light. October and November mark the transition to the wet season: the rain slowly returns, and with it the impressive skies. That makes for spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Thanks to the clouds, the light also stays good for much longer, so you can keep making beautiful photos during the safaris for longer than in the middle of the dry season.
Which period suits you?
Lots of animals around waterholes: July to October.
Green landscapes and young animals: the wet season, up to March.
Dramatic skies and longer good light: the transition months, such as October and November.
It is still nature: weather and animals are never entirely predictable. That is why it helps to be flexible and to have a guide who knows the area well.
Going to Namibia yourself?
View the dates and availability of our photo tours, or read more about the photo tour to Onguma in October and April. Want to know more about the country itself first? Then read our blog about Namibia as a wildlife destination.