Namibia, which lies on the west coast of Southern Africa, is one of the most visually incredible places on the planet. But with exposure that films like “Mad Max: Fury Road” have brought, what once was a rarely touched diamond in the rough is quickly falling onto the bucket lists of young and creative photographers and filmmakers. Luckily for those creatives looking for a guide on what to do when in Namibia, I spent five weeks on an incredible road trip there with Tessa Kit Zawadzki creating what would become a Productions of the World Travel Guide.
I like to think that photographer and filmmaker Matt Porteous read our guide before he and his girlfriend visited Namibia last year, and that I had a hand in making the beautiful film you see above. Chances are, I had nothing to do with it, but nonetheless, I was captivated while watching the visuals pass before my eyes. It reminded me of why Namibia is one of my favorite locations in the world, and that it is deserving of the attention it has been getting as of late. And luckily we have talented visual artists like Porteous bringing us along for the ride.
Below is a collection of my favorite images that Tessa Kit Zawadzki and myself took during our travels. Hopefully, after watching Porteous’ film and viewing our photos, you will understand why Namibia is a visual artist’s dreamland.
See more from Porteous on his website, Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo.
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Follow Tessa Kit Zawadzki on Instagram, Facebook and her website.
The sand dunes that back Swakopmund and the surrounding coastline seem to venture off as far as the eye can see. Photo by Michael Bonocore
There is no more impressive site in Namibia then where the dunes meet the sea. The perfect photographer’s view can be achieved by taking a scenic flight on Scenic Air. Photo by Tessa Kit Zawadzki.
Dune 45 in Sossusvlei is one of the best places in Namibia to watch the sunset, but be prepared to be battered by blistering sand thanks to the strong winds that arrive in the late afternoon. Photo by Tessa Kit Zawadzki.
The rugged Skeleton Coast is home to countless shipwrecks, battered and beaten and left to decay in this remote corner of Namibia. Photo by Tessa Kit Zawadzki.
A family of zebras block the road in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Photo by Michael Bonocore
A male and female lion wait for their young male offspring to return from their night hunt in Etosha National Park. Photo by Tessa Kit Zawadzki.
A family of Elephants arrive at a watering hole in Etosha National Park for an afternoon bath. Photo by Tessa Kit Zawadzki.
The Black Rhino, one of the most endangered species in the world, finds a safe sanctuary in Etosha National Park. Poaching has been almost non-existent in Namibia for the last two decades. Photo by Michael Bonocore.
Deadvlei is one of the most photographed locations in Namibia, but you wouldn’t know it as you may be the only person around as the morning sun lights up the sand dunes behind the dead Camel Thorn Trees. Photo by Tessa Kit Zawadzki.
While driving at night is not recommended, using your adventure vehicle in night photo compositions is always recommended. Taken at the Gondwana Klein-Aus Vista. Photo by Michael Bonocore.
Often, you can drive down the dusty, deserted roads throughout Namibia without seeing another car or person for hours. Photo by Michael Bonocore.
The Milky Way rises over our home built into the rocks at the Gondwana Collection Klein-Aus Vista. Photo by Michael Bonocore.
Sea lions line the shores of Walvis Bay during an early morning kayak expedition with Eco Marine Tours. Photo by Michael Bonocore.
The Kolmanskop Ghost Town provides an eerie backdrop for early morning photography. Photo by Michael Bonocore.
The Milky Way Rises Over Our Outdoor Bed At The Gondwanna Collection Namib Dune Star Camp. Photo by Michael Bonocore.