On the Road Again: Anette Travels to Namibia, Africa in March 2019

Tourists Navigate the Sossusvlei Sand Dunes of Namibia, Africa. • Photograph by Anette Mossbacher

“Namibia is the hidden jewel of Africa. This is why I visit often, and I also lead photo adventure tours here as well. It is still pristine territory – an experience that no one will ever forget!” – Anette

A female lion locks eyes with my camera, as she stalks me in Etosha National Park • Photograph by Anette Mossbacher

Have you heard of Namibia?

This beautiful country lies in the southern one-third of the African continent. It is to the northwest of South Africa, where I currently call home, and to the west of Botswana.

I have traveled here many times due to its extensive natural resources and wildlife.

Here you will find amazing landscapes including the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, and the Sossusvlei Sand Dunes to name a few.

The wildlife here is diverse and plentiful. For the photographer, it is significant to realize that Namibia holds a significant cheetah population. It is really something to experience a cheetah in full stride while on the hunt. There are also plenty of other game including rhino, giraffes, lions, zebras, and elephants to name a few.

Namibia is an ever-evolving story, which is why I return often to photograph.

After every trip, I plunge through my photographs, and inevitably, I believe that I can find better light, or a better angle, or a more dramatic moment.

In truth, I really just want to go back and take more pictures!

Two young elephant bulls fight in the late afternoon light in Etosha National Park. • Photograph by Anette Mossbacher

I will be spending eight days in the Etosha National Park, where I hope to photograph several new species.

Map courtesy • Etosha National Park, their website offers free downloadable maps.

The Hoanib River Bed is home to Desert Elephants, as well as many other amazing animals, such as giraffes and springboks. • by Anette Mossbacher

I will also spend time in Hoanib River Bed. Here, among other animals, I will search for the allusive Desert Elephant and Desert Lion. They are extremely difficult to spot in the harsh landscape.

Picture courtesy • Screenshot of Google maps showing the location of Hoanib river in Namibia

I love to drive up through the riverbed. To both sides, left and right, mountains jut dramatically up into the sky. Dust is everywhere. In all of my trips this spot, I have never witnessed any water in the riverbed.

If you dream of Africa, this is the place. Off road for sure, it is desolate and remote. Wildlife here is not used to human interaction, and will occasionally become aggressive towards vehicles.

It is a good idea to travel with company here!

Elephant and rhinos seek water as the glow of dusk settles into a complete darkness. The landscape reverberates with the sounds of wild nocturnal animals waking up. • Photograph by Anette Mossbacher

Next, I will be off to Swakopmund

Swakopmund is a beautiful coastal city that is home to a number of tiny creatures that I wish to photograph: Namaqua Chameleon, Sidewinder snake, Shovel-snouted lizard, the Cartwheeling spider, and the Palmetto gecko.

Don’t be fooled by their diminutive size. These creatures are elusive. Despite previous attempts, I have never captured a single frame of any of them.

I see this as a challenge, and I think this may be my lucky trip! Will you keep your fingers crossed for me?

This zebra rests, while finding safety in the middle of the herd. Taken in Etosha National Park • Photograph by Anette Mossbacher

Wildlife is always a primary interest in my personal travels, as well as my photography workshops, and my privately led photo adventure tours.

However, I am always keen to capture unique landscape photography as well.

Epupa Falls with Baobab trees. The Epupa Falls are created by the Cunene River on the border of Angola and Namibia, in the Kaokoland area of the Kunene Region. • Photograph by Anette Mossbacher

The areas of exquisite landscape that I will be visiting on this trip include; Epupa Water Falls and Sossusvlei / Namib Naukluft National Park.

Early morning light skims across several Acacia trees in the Sossusvlei Dead Vlei of the southern part of the Namib Desert, in the Namib-Naukluft National Park of Namibia. This area is surrounded by beautiful red sand dunes. In my line of work, you must get up very early! • Photograph by Anette Mossbacher

While in Swakopmond, I plan to photograph from the air. I will rent a small plane and capture a bird’s eye view of the Skeleton Coast and the Namib Naukluft National Park.

Aerial photography is so much fun. If you’ve never tried it, you must join me on a tour, and I will teach you the ropes to these exciting photographs from above.

The red sand dunes of the Skeleton Coast, as viewed from the air. • Photograph by Anette Mossbacher

My last stop will be the Sossusvlei Landscape

My last stop on this trip will be the Sossusvlei landscape. This landscape is stunning! The area is surrounded by blood red sand dunes. Many of the black dead Acacia trees, which dot the Clay & Salt Pan (sometimes referred to as “Camel Thorn Trees”), are over 900 years old.

I sometimes refer to this area as “Dead Shot” – meaning it has been over-photographed.

However, this is the thing about Africa. Nothing stays the same. Every day can offer a new composition never before seen.

So… Off, I go!

See you next time – when I am “On the Road Again”.