Please note that on some dates the group may start in the Pangolin Chobe Hotel and then end on the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat. Otherwise, the itineraries are identical. This version below assumes the houseboat is first.
When you arrive in the Chobe you will be met and briefed by your dedicated photo host who will be escorting you throughout your time with us. Generally, clients either arrive at Kasane Airport or are transferred from nearby Victoria Falls. The transfer from Victoria Falls will incur an extra transfer fee. You will meet up with the group and then make the short transfer across the river (to the Namibian side) to board our floating Lodge – The Pangolin Voyager.
The Pangolin Voyager cruises up and down a long stretch of the Chobe river with three dedicated mooring points at which you will spend one night. The order in which we visit the mooring points depends on water levels and the conditions of the river.
The houseboat is built over three floors with the 4 cabins at the bottom, a lounge and dining area in the middle and a glorious sun deck on the top floor – a beautiful place for an early morning coffee, mid-afternoon relax with a good book and to admire the African night sky after dinner.
The Cabins
Each of the cabins can be configured as either one double bed or twin beds. There is an ensuite shower and toilet as well as air conditioning, plug points and storage space. The lounge and dining area doubles as an editing suite during the day where you are free to attend image review sessions with the photo host.
The order of the day is very relaxed. We get up early and have a coffee and a snack before heading out on the 8-seater photo boat which is moored alongside the houseboat. Everyone has their own seat which rotates 360 degrees and has a camera mount built into the chair. Watch a video about how the boats look like here. The boats are very wide and stable and this allows the photo host to interact with every client to help them with their photography. Whether you are just getting started in wildlife photography or are more accomplished the photo host is able to tailor his or her tuition to suit your requirements.
After the morning cruise looking for subjects along the river, we return to the houseboat for a well-earned brunch as we set sail for our next destination along the river. We encourage our clients to keep their cameras ready and accessible as we often come across photo opportunities during these cruises.
After brunch, you are free to relax in your cabin, the lounge, the sun deck or join the photo host at the dining table for an image review of the pictured you have taken so far. these sessions are less about post-production and editing and more about analysing your images and seeing how we can help you improve on your techniques. We do not have computers or laptops for you to use so please bring your own to join in these sessions.
A couple of hours before sunset we head out again from our new mooring pint to see what we can find to photograph leading up to the “golden hour” at the end of the day. On all our cruises we take refreshments with us to keep you well hydrated – especially for Sundowners!
The dinner is a three-course meal taken around the dining table lovingly prepared by the galley staff from fresh local ingredients. All meals and drinks are included in your package at both properties. With the National Park on the other bank you can often hear the call of lions and hyena at night! Truly Africa
On the fourth day, after brunch, we will disembark and head back into Botswana to The Pangolin Chobe Hotel for the next part of the safari.
