atravelynn

Tourist skies, ha ha. That alone is worth $.02 or more. I would be combining with Etosha.

andybiggs

Yeah, I would be in Namibia in August/September/October if I wanted both Etosha and clear(er) skies in my plans. If you wait until December you can start to get an increase in cloud activity, as well as some seriously warm days.

atravelynn

I certainly don't want to experience what happened one August in Chitabe when my guide stated, "The sky is practicing cloudy." More like the overcast you referred to, Andy, but a lovely description of the weather nonetheless.

sdb2

Hi Andy-

If you've got another $.02 left in you , can you give me your thoughts on what would be a good full day excursion from Swakopmund? I'll be there for a day and a half and I'm most interested in photo opportunities, birds and/or scenery. Sandwich Harbour seems to be a popular destination. Thanks for any advice.

Best, Steve

sdb2

Forgot to mention I'll be there in mid-August. Steve

andybiggs

Steve, Sandwich Harbor would be my first recommendation, actually. Just south of that area is where the Lange Wand (Long Wall) of sand begins, where the tall sand dunes almost meet the sea. Very amazing place that is difficult to see unless you are from an airplane. Here is a quick pic:

http://tinyurl.com/lel749

andybiggs

"The sky is practicing cloudy." Awesome quote!

sdb2

Thanks, Andy. Sandwich Harbour it will be. And thanks for the photo---beautiful. I hope that when I'm there "The sky is practicing sunny, with occasional big, puffy clouds."

Steve

andybiggs

I have to say that there is always the chance of coastal fog, which has messed up many of my visits to the area by plane. There is some great fishing there, in case you are interested.

Here is one of my own images from there area:

http://tinyurl.com/ltxnu5

sdb2

That's one stunning photograph you made!! (I take it you were in a plane---looks like it could have been an exciting ride.)

I know, no guarantees on the weather. I'll just hope for the best.

Steve

Kugellager

I agree with andy on the clouds. Nice storm clouds over a desert or fluffy cumulus are excellent in most any situation.

I also believe for some desert photography (like Namibia, the Sahara and other sandy places) cloudless skies can help to translate the vastness and/or desolation of the place. In those situations lighting becomes the most imporatant factor...A circular polarizer works wonders as well.

When we were there we saw no clouds to speak of the entire week.

];')

atravelynn

Enchanting photo.

Marija

Thanks for the photos, Andy.

atravelynn

Continuing this informative conversation from 3 years ago, what about late November/early December for views of the dunes and for pictures? Should a 3-4 night stay be planned in case of rain during this timeframe or is it a bad idea to go in Nov/Dec if picturesque desert dunes are a goal?

BIKINI_GURL69

You should probably start a new thread instead of adding to one that is 3 years old.

atravelynn

Normally I would start a new one, but

1) I started the old one.

2) It's still the same question, with a specific timeframe added--LATE NOV OR EARLY DEC.

3) The question is a valid now as a few years back, unlike something time sensitive such as asking about flooding in the Okavango Delta a specific year.

4) This keeps all the comments on time of year for Namibian dunes in one place for future researchers.

sdb2

atravelynn, I wasn't there at that time so I can't answer, but I came across the link below. The link shows photos taken in November so maybe you can get an idea. Some would say that having clouds in the photos is not a bad thing. I think I'd be tempted to stay only 2 nights (I'm referring to the Sossusvlei area) which would give you 2 days for your photos, best taken in the early morning---I don't think there's much else to so there and it should get pretty hot then. You could always go to the coast as a second stop, say the Sandwich Harbour area, and do some photography on the dunes there as well.


http://www.wildlifephotography.nl/so...-november-2006

atravelynn

Looks good to me from those photos. Bright, warm, sunny. Might I call it BIKINI weather?

Thanks sdb2.

Cheweyhead

We are going to Sossusvlei in 28 days. Chilly weather - I think. Really looking forward to it though. Zambia afterwards.

mkhonzo

Actually when the winds blow the dunes shift, so no it is never the same...

Namibia is however a most photogenic country with attractive contrasts throughout. I don't think there is a particular time of day, day of the week, week of the month or month of the year when it is better or worse for a photograph.

Your eye will lead you and your picture will appeal to whomever see its beauty.