11 Day Best of Botswana Photo Safari

Your adventure commences as you touch down at Kasane International Airport, having journeyed from Johannesburg. As you disembark, a friendly and knowledgeable member of the Pangolin Team awaits to extend a warm welcome and assist you in settling into your Botswana experience.

From the airport, a short transfer will convey you to the magnificent Pangolin Chobe Hotel, an award-winning establishment that sits majestically on a plateau overlooking The Chobe River and the captivating Caprivi floodplains. Here, you'll check in, receive your room assignment, and immediately be immersed in the serene and pristine surroundings.

Upon your arrival, you'll be introduced to your indispensable companion for the duration of your stay – the Pangolin Photo Host. This expert guide is your key to unlocking the secrets of Chobe's remarkable wildlife and ensuring that your photographic journey is both productive and educational.

For those who have yet to acquire their own camera equipment or telephoto lenses, Pangolin thoughtfully offers loaner gear, free of charge, for the entire duration of your stay. Additionally, memory cards are made available to accommodate the countless moments you'll want to capture during your time at the Pangolin Chobe Hotel.

It's important to note that for novice photographers seeking a more comprehensive experience, the Chobe, Delta, and Kalahari Hosted Photo Safari, scheduled on set departure dates, may be an ideal choice. This option not only provides you with cameras but also ensures continuous photography guidance throughout the entire journey.

The Chobe River, surrounding the hotel, unveils a cornucopia of subject matter that evolves with the seasons. During the African Summer months, spanning from November to April, you'll find yourself in the midst of a thriving birding spectacle. Migratory bird species make their annual return, turning the area into a vibrant avian paradise. At this time, the landscape is painted in lush green hues, and adorable baby animals add a dose of charm to your photographic subjects.

As the African Winter months roll around, from May to October, the water sources inland begin to dwindle, prompting larger congregations of elephants to frequent the river. These majestic pachyderms are a sight to behold as they gather for their daily rituals.

Regardless of the specific time you choose for your safari, The Chobe always offers an abundance of photographic opportunities, ensuring that your journey begins with a bang and a memory card filled with "keepers."

In between your exhilarating game activities, you'll also have the opportunity to participate in hosted image review and group editing sessions. To maximize these sessions, it's advisable to bring your own laptop with the latest version of an editing program installed. Adobe Lightroom is the software of choice, and Pangolin provides a free online course to familiarize you with its functions if you're not already acquainted with it.

Your second day dawns with a promise of more breathtaking photography opportunities in the Chobe region. Engage in a variety of land and water-based activities that will allow you to immerse yourself in the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes surrounding The Chobe River.

You'll be capturing images of iconic African species, from the awe-inspiring elephants and powerful buffalo to the graceful hippos, stealthy crocodiles, and elegant antelope. Under the expert guidance of your Pangolin Photo Host, you'll have the opportunity to refine your photography skills, learning how to frame the perfect shot, make use of lighting, and capture the essence of the wilderness.

In between these activities, group image review and editing sessions provide you with an invaluable chance to review and enhance your photographs, with your fellow enthusiasts. These collaborative sessions can be both instructive and inspiring as you learn from one another's perspectives.

On the third day of your stay, you have an enticing option to embark on a day trip to one of the world's most astonishing natural wonders, Victoria Falls. This awe-inspiring spectacle of nature beckons you to experience its grandeur and majesty.

Your day begins with a comfortable and air-conditioned minivan ride, leading you across the border into Zimbabwe. There, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking vistas of Victoria Falls, one of the world's seven natural wonders. The morning adventure allows you to explore the falls, marvel at their immense power, and truly absorb their magnificence.

As your appetite grows, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a sumptuous lunch at one of the recommended dining establishments. Following your meal, consider taking to the skies with an optional helicopter flight. This thrilling experience provides you with a bird's-eye view of the falls and their surroundings, an unforgettable perspective.

Don't forget to explore the craft stalls, where you can browse and shop for unique souvenirs and mementos. Your Victoria Falls excursion promises a day filled with awe and wonder, and you'll return to Botswana in the afternoon, crossing the border once more.

For those who choose not to visit Victoria Falls or have already experienced its splendor, your day will be dedicated to the same morning and afternoon photo safaris as the previous days. The flexibility in your itinerary ensures that you can tailor your experience to suit your personal preferences and desires.

Day four sees you continuing your stay at the luxurious and comfortable Pangolin Chobe Hotel. This elegant establishment offers not only remarkable wildlife experiences but also all-inclusive meals and beverages, encompassing soft drinks and alcoholic options throughout your entire itinerary.

Your room, complete with en-suite facilities, air conditioning, and a choice of double or twin beds, provides a comfortable and welcoming retreat. There's plenty of storage space, and an abundance of plug points ensures that you can keep all your devices charged and ready to capture the moments that lie ahead.

After your morning activity, it will be time to bid adieu to the magnificent Chobe region. You'll be transferred back to Kasane Airport, where you'll board a charter flight to embark on the next thrilling phase of your Best of Botswana Photo Safari. These charter flights usually depart around 11 am, setting the stage for your journey into the renowned Okavango Delta

Your journey continues as you arrive in the remarkable Okavango Delta via a charter flight. This marks the start of a new and exciting chapter in your photography adventure. The Okavango Delta is celebrated for its pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity, offering a unique and diverse ecosystem for exploration. Your journey through the wonders of Botswana enters a new realm of natural beauty and wildlife encounters.

Arrive at either Shinde or Kanana camps in the Okavango Delta, both owned and operated by Ker and Downey Botswana. These private concessions offer the privilege of off-roading for unique wildlife sightings and conducting night drives.

The concessions are similar in size, providing ample space for excellent game viewing from game viewer vehicles. Each camp offers 8 rooms and follows a policy of no more than four guests per game viewer. Game viewer vehicles are equipped with beanbag mounts and deep trays in front of each seat, ensuring a secure place for your camera while on drives.

The safari guides have been extensively trained to understand the specific needs of wildlife photographers, including optimal positioning for the right light and anticipation of animal movements and behaviors.

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary wildlife photography opportunities provided by the Shinde or Kanana concessions.

Both concessions have thriving populations of big cats, including several resident lion prides.
Regular sightings of elusive leopards, wild dogs, and cheetahs offer thrilling photographic moments. Capture iconic Okavango Delta species, such as red lechwe grazing in shallow waterways, alongside an abundance of other plains game like giraffes, zebras, kudus, waterbucks, and impressive buffalo.

Your game drives, led by expert guides, focus on positioning for the best light and anticipating animal behavior to optimize your photographic opportunities.

Continue your wildlife photography journey in the private concessions of Shinde or Kanana.
Game drives offer opportunities for off-roading and in-depth exploration, providing access to special wildlife moments.
Benefit from the expertise of your guides as they help you position for ideal lighting conditions and predict animal behavior.

Delve deeper into the private concessions of Shinde or Kanana, taking advantage of off-roading capabilities. Explore the savannah landscapes and track down remarkable wildlife moments, ensuring unique photographic opportunities.

Enjoy night drives, which unveil the nocturnal world of the Okavango Delta, offering a chance to capture elusive nocturnal creatures under the starry skies.

Depending on water levels during your time of travel, embark on an optional mokoro trip, a traditional dugout canoe experience.

Glide along the meandering water channels, observing aquatic and avian life unique to the Okavango Delta. This serene experience adds diversity to your photographic portfolio and provides a contrast to terrestrial wildlife encounters.

During this segment of the safari, there is no dedicated Pangolin Photo Host in residence, as the focus shifts toward providing a wildlife photography holiday experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Okavango Delta and capture its remarkable wildlife through your lens.

You will be in the capable hands of experienced guides and within the pristine wilderness of Botswana's private concessions.

Arrival at Dinaka Camp in the Kalahari
After an exciting and wildlife-filled experience in The Chobe and Okavango Delta, your safari transitions into a more relaxed environment in the Kalahari Desert.

The Kalahari is characterized by its arid nature, where animals tend to congregate around waterholes, creating perfect opportunities for hide photography. Dinaka Camp, your chosen partner in the Kalahari, is located on a private reserve bordering the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

The landscape here is distinct from the previous destinations, with slightly denser and thornier bush and a unique mix of wildlife species adapted to the desert ecosystem.
Expect to encounter animals like oryx, springbok, brown hyenas, black-maned lions, black-backed jackals, and cheetahs. Dinaka Camp, owned and managed by Ker and Downey, is known for its luxury and serves as a well-deserved haven for relaxation at this stage of your journey.

The communal areas of the camp are exceptional, and the spacious rooms feature private verandas overlooking a popular waterhole. Game viewer vehicles are equipped with beanbag camera mounts, and a maximum of four guests are allowed per vehicle for game drives.

Embrace the unique environment of the Kalahari and enjoy wildlife photography opportunities.

Dinaka Camp provides access to a sunken "bunker type" waterhole hide, capable of seating up to eight photographers at a time, although typically used by four at a time.
From this hide, you'll capture images of animals quenching their thirst at water level right in front of you.

It's a truly special experience to photograph from this hidden vantage point and observe wildlife interactions up close.

Experience the Kalahari from a different perspective with a guided walk through the bush led by resident Bushman guides. Learn about their traditional subsistence way of life, which thrives in this seemingly stark environment.

The walk may culminate in a demonstration of traditional fire-making techniques and storytelling as the sunsets, offering cultural insights. Enjoy flexible timing for game activities, allowing for earlier starts or later finishes to make the most of your time at Dinaka.

Use your downtime by the pool, relax on the deck with a good book, and always keep your camera nearby in case wildlife makes an appearance at the camp's waterhole.

On your final day at Dinaka, prepare for your departure to Maun airport, which serves as an excellent transportation hub.

While this marks the end of your safari, remember that there are opportunities to extend your journey. Daily flights between Maun and destinations like Cape Town and Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, are available. Consider exploring South Africa further by transferring across the border and continuing your adventure at Jaci's Tree Lodge in Madikwe, a wonderful addition to your safari experience.

Your time in the Kalahari allows you to unwind in luxury, capture memorable photographs, and gain insight into the traditional way of life of the local Bushmen. It's the perfect way to conclude your safari adventure.