photo trip Archivy

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Namibia?

11Nov11.11.2016 By Jan Brezina

Namibia is very diverse and large country, causing big differences in weather and temperatures in different regions. The South is always dry and hot, while the North is usually wet and colder. The weather also changes a lot during the year, but in every season the country has its own charm. So, when is it the best to go to Namibia for photographers?

Namibian Spring (September to November)

Spring boasts a mild climate. In the south of the country and in deserts, the temperatures move in a comfortable range of 25-35 ° C. In the higher-lying areas in the center of the country and in the north, the temperatures may be even 5 to 10 degrees lower. The weather is usually sunny with occasional photogenic clouds, ideal for landscape photographers. Due to intermittent rainfall, the landscape is very green and picturesque.

For lovers of wildlife photography, springtime is the best time to capture newborn and young animals. Although it is relatively hard to spot them especially due to green landscape and tree and brush foliage, the more unique photos you can capture.

Namibian Summer (December to February)

Summer in Namibia is hot, especially in the drier and low-lying areas. In the deserts and in the south, be prepared for temperatures around 100+ °F. The weather in the whole country is dry, sunny with cloudless sky.

From the photographic perspective, summer is the best time for wildlife photography. The animals gather around water holes and there is also minimum foliage on the plants that could make the visibility harder. It’s easiest to photograph large herds and felines in the Etosha National Park or elephants, hippos and rhinos in Cape Corn.

There is more locals travelling by summer because of holidays!

Namibian Autumn (March to May)

Temperatures are returned to the pleasant range as in the spring. In autumn, there is greatest chance of precipitation. The showers are not very frequent, however usually very hearty. The landscape turns green, so it is true landscape photographer’s paradise. Even in the Namib desert, the storms may occur, which offers truly unique shots.

Namibian Winter – rain season (June to August)

Although the day temperatures in most parts of the country will be around pleasant 70 ° F, the night temperatures drop to zero. In some parts of the country, even the snow or frost may be occasionally spotted.

From the photographic perspective, winter is best time for shooting in the deserts and the south areas of the country.

So, When Is the Best Time to Travel to Namibia?

Namibia sure is beautiful all year round. Personally, I prefer to travel to Namibia in either November or March. These times make it a great escape from the chilly weather in the Northern Hemisphere and the weather in Namibia offers the richest mix of landscape and wildlife photography opportunities.

Want to know more about Namibia? You could use a guide? Try our travel photography guide to Namibia. You can get it for 50% off during the week of November 7.- 13. 11.

5 Essential Tips for Visiting Metéora Monasteries

06Sep6.9.2016 By Jan Brezina

Metéora monasteries are located in the northwest corner of Thessaly near the towns Kalampaka and Kastraki. This is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Greece. Metéora means ‘suspended in air’ and it is a name for entire rock community of 24 monasteries on the top of almost inaccessible sandstone cliffs. The area of Meteora was originally settled by monks who lived in caves within the rocks during the 11th Century. It is a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage. The most important monasteries of Metéora are The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, The Holy Monastery of Varlaam, The Holy Monastery of Rousanou, The Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas, The Holy Monastery of St. Stephen and The Monastery of Holy Trinity. All these monasteries are on the top of Metéora rocks.

If you are looking for more in-deep tips, try our Metéora travel photo guide.

Basic facts about Metéora Monasteries

Country: Greece, Prefecture of Trikala, Region of Thessaly
Area: 271.87 ha
Language: Greek
Entrance fee: The entrance fee for all monasteries is 3 Euro per person.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Visit Meteora during shoulder season or off season if you want to make the most of your trip. Otherwise you will be overrun by herds of tourists. Off season starts November and ends in March and during this time, you should have the park for yourself, although it can get a little foggy during fall. Spring might be the best option if you want to get the amazing views without the crowds.

Getting to and around Metéora

Kalambaka is the town at the base of Metéora offers exceptional connectivity and relative short distances to most of Greece’s major population centers, touristic places and transportation hubs. It can be reached by direct train or bus from Athens.

For getting around Metéora, you have 4 options – you can either rent a bicycle, scooter or car or go by bus. Getting around in car can be comfortable, but parking might be a challenge since you can only park in certain areas inside the park. The best option might be the scooter as it is cheap to rent, easy to park and definitely more comfortable for the climb up to the monasteries than bicycle.

Where to Stay and Eat

The nearest town of Kalambaka is the best choice and there are many hotels available. The town offers also many really nice restaurants, the region is well known around Greece for its traditional cuisine and especially the quality of its meats. The nearby village of Kastraki also offers a wide range of restaurants and taverns to choose from for lunch or dinner made with locally produced ingredients.

Meteora Monasteries — Photo by Brendan Van Son

How Much Time to Spend

Plan to spend at least a full day at Metéora Monasteries, a full weekend is our recommendation. You will delight in the play of light on the rocks and their changing moods. On sunny mornings, the red roof tiles of the monasteries glisten in sharp contrast to the weather-stained grayness of the rocks. The late afternoon sun bathes the landscape with a golden glow. At nighttime, the rocks are dramatically illuminated by spotlights.

Visiting the Monasteries

Most of the monasteries are open to public from 10am to 4pm, depending on the season. The entrance fee to each is 3 Euro per person. To enter the monasteries you must respect a special dress code: long sleeves, covered shoulders, long sleeves, long pants or skirts. Find out more attire tips here. Remember to carry bottled water, especially if you are visiting the monasteries by foot. There are refreshment vendors along the road by the monasteries but their prices are excessive.

Are you looking for more travel tips for Meteora? Download our Fripito app for free to iPhone or Android phone and explore more than 30 photo spots selected by Brendan Van Son!

Top 5 Places to Visit at Themes Bank in London (South of the River)

05Sep5.9.2016 By Jan Brezina

London – The metropolis on the river Thames is one of the most picturesque places in the world. True paradise for every photographer. Magnificent architecture, colourful markets and cultural diversity are just some of the attractive spots and potentially amazing destinations one can find in less than a mile. So, it is all up to you to decide what to shoot first. But maybe you would like a professional advice, and thus you could have a chance to take unique photos of the vibrant city like London? In our guide, you can find the absolutely best places for a real adventure. That may result with some of the best pictures of city anyone has ever made.

1. London Eye

London’s Southbank is our location since it is a real hotspot with places like marvellous London Eye. Eye used to be the largest Ferris wheel in the world. It is still the largest in Europe but also one of the best viewing points in entire city.

2. Tower Bridge

The bridge crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and has become an iconic symbol of London. Bridge is also one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. It is one of the most visited attractions in London and has stood over the River Thames since 1894. The bridge deck is freely accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians. Check the new Tower Bridge’s Glass Walkway, one of London’s most unique experiences.

3. Borough Market

Perhaps the most colourful destination for every photographer in the city is the famous Borough Market. In this magnificent place, one can capture not only food sellers and their products but also human engagement and determination to show you magnificent culinary knowledge.

4. City Hall

The south bank of the river Thames is indeed a paradise for photographers, and one of the most interesting spots is surely the house of the Mayor of London, the great City Hall. Its magnificent and environmentally friendly architecture will enthral and inspire you to make unique photos, the ones no one else has ever made.

5. The O2 Arena

The world’s busiest indoor arena, with numerous events being organised throughout the whole year is a frequent spot for many photographers who visit city. The grandiose building of the O2 Arena, named after its primary sponsor, is a place where almost all social gatherings occur on a daily basis.

Therefore, in case you decide to visit the city on the Thames, then spring and fall are the best options, for the city will inevitably offer you the best pictures during these two seasons of the year.

Looking for more photogenic location at London, offline map, exact navigation and tons of photo tips for London? Download our travel photo guide app and enjoy exploration of South bank of Themes river. Fripito app is free of charge at iPhone and Android.