We will lead a small group of photographers to Botswana's  Okavango Delta, one of the continent’s natural, unspoiled and sparsely populated parts of southern Africa for twelve days to photograph panoramic landscapes with elephants, leopards, African fish eagles, lechwe antelope and wild dogs.

We fly out from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe for a siting of the Victoria Falls, surrounded by the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls and head out to the Chobe, where huge elephant herds roam freely on the plains, and hippos and crocodiles crowd the river's marshy channels. Spend a morning photographing wildlife from a pontoon on the Zambezi River and later get an array of land animals, sable antelope, lions and leopards with your long lens.

The next day, head off to Xaranna on a charter flight for a three day stay. This camp offers excellent game viewing and includes hippo, elephant, lion, reedbuck and the perennial impala. This is a ‘mostly’ land camp on the Delta which consistently provides, probably, the best game viewing in the whole of Delta. We head out to the South of the Moremi Game Reserve part of the delta into Nxabega by charter flight and use land and water craft to explore the unspoiled habitat. The maze of channels, lined by reeds and surrounded by wetlands, support herds of elephant and buffalo. The open flat marshy wetlands, untainted by human settlements, provide unparalleled panoramic vistas of a place in Africa where animals roam unperturbed. After four nights we fly to start our homeward bound journey, first on a charter flight to Maun, Botswana and then onto Johannesburg International from where each guest heads back to their destination that same evening.

 STARTING LOCATION   /   ENDING LOCATION

This photo safari starts and ends in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Guests can arrange their homeward flights to depart on the end date after 18:00.

PRICE

$15,800 per person based on double occupancy. Single supplements may be available.

ABOUT THE SAFARI TOUR

The tour accommodates a maximum of 6 photographers. All photographic activity is performed from the safety of the safari vehicle. Within the camp, some walking will be necessary. This photo safari experience is suitable for amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers with reasonable knowledge of the camera functions.

The techniques and explanations, adapted to the situation at hand, provided from time to time can be put into practice and immediately experienced in the field. In addition to the technical knowledge, you will gain a greater appreciation for, and understanding of, the magnificent animals we’ll encounter.

The experienced game rangers on game drives will explain the behavior and lifestyle of the animals as we encounter them, enabling you to take meaningful images depicting the nature of your fascinating subjects.  Each vehicle carries a dedicated tracker constantly on the lookout for clues pointing to animal activity in the vicinity.

WHY YOU SHOULD COME WITH US TO BOTSWANA

WHAT WE DO (AND WHAT WE WANT YOU TO GET FROM THIS EXPEDITION)

We want to take you to the best places to experience our passion for nature, wildlife and photography; to get you to wildlife-rich locations and give you every opportunity to make great images of your subjects while offering suggestions on how to improve your technique. We will identify your photographic skills level and what you’d like to focus on, and then provide specific guidance throughout the safari.  

We carefully select the dates of our workshops to try and make sure we are in each location at the best time of year. In Bostwana, October experiences milder temperatures and reduced foliage on trees to enable more and better images of the animals. At the end of the dry winter, animals congregate round scarcer sources of water providing known spots for animal activity.

Our aim is to make your experience in the wide open spaces of Botswana an unforgettable and memorable one and an expedition from which, as well as getting some great images of magnificent animals, you’ll also go home having had a true adventure with great company in a very special place.

SERVICES AND FACILITIES

From your arrival at the starting location until your departure all regular expenses are covered. This includes

• One night’s stay at the Mondior Hotel at OR Tambo International airport

• Ten nights’ accommodation, local alcoholic beverages and all meals at the lodges in Zimbabwe and Botswana

• Technical guidance of a professional photographer

• Post-processing assistance using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom

• Radio linked vehicles to report animal sightings as they happen

• Air flights between Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Maun, Xaranna and Nxabega airports

• All airport transfers and relevant park fees

• Ground transportation of luggage

• Hire of private vehicles and guides for game drives and park fees

• Laundry at the lodges

• Fees, tourism taxes and levies

EXCLUDED

• International flights to and from Johannesburg, South Africa

• Medical inoculations, vaccinations, travel medicines and prophylactics

• Premium alcoholic beverages

• Tips and gratuities for camp staff, guides, rangers and trackers

• Visas and insurances

• Optional personal purchases, tours and extra activities

DETAILED ITINERARY

28 September 2022

The first night at OR Tambo
After arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, you will be transferred to the Mondior Hotel at the Emperor’s Palace adjacent to the Airport for the first night. The 4-star Peermont Mondior hotel at Emperors Palace features 150 spacious rooms and suites furnished in contemporary African elegance and fitted with cutting-edge technology, internet access and digital television. Every room sports tea and coffee facilities and a mini-bar with fridge. The hotel is conveniently located right next to O.R. Tambo International Airport.

29 September 2022

Head north to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The next morning an early flight takes us from OR Tambo to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, a flight that should take just over an hour and half. At Vic Falls, as it is known locally, we check into the Ilala Lodge Hotel. Later that same day we board a helicopter for a flight over the Falls and enjoy a sumptuous dinner meal at The Boma Restaurant and witness the Drum and Dinner Show.

30 September 2022

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to Kasane, Botswana
This morning we take a guided visit to the Victoria Falls. Later that morning we take a short road trip (just over an hour and half) to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe Game Reserve. We lodge at the Chobe under Canvas Camp and experience the bush first hand. We spend the afternoon and early evening shooting wildlife from the river with magnificent silhouettes in the sunset.

1 October 2022

Chobe Game Reserve, Botswana
The day starts early as the bush starts becoming active with wildlife feeding at first light - we’ll be there to photograph the elephants, the lions and the buffalos. Once the day warms up the wildlife activity slows down and we return to camp for breakfast and some photo reviews. That afternoon we head further out in the reserve to see more robust game activity until sunset.

2 October 2022

Chobe Game Reserve to Xaranna Lodge, Botswana
Today we start with a game drive and breakfast. We checkout, head to the local airstrip and take a local charter flight to get us to Xaranna Airstrip. The direct flight takes about 45 mins and a 20 minute drive on a safari vehicle gets us to the Lodge, our home for the three four nights. On arrival we will check-in, have a light meal and prepare to head out on our first safari in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

3 - 4 November 2022

Three nights at Xaranna
Blending seamlessly with its surroundings, the tranquil beauty of Xaranna surprises both guests and occasional wandering animals, startled as rough wooden beams and thatched roofs take shape within leafy groves. The sounds of Africa lull and soothe as elephants splash in the waters, baboons chatter and birds call in the trees.

Every day we have two game drives, one in the morning and one in the evening into the night. Snacks are served before we leave camp and meals are catered at camp or at a surprise venue. Notwithstanding the copious meals routine, time is allocated for guests to review their images and ask questions about how to improve these between breakfast and the afternoon game drive.

While lion are commonly encountered near Xaranna, they are not the only predator found in the area. Although predominantly nocturnal and difficult to spot, leopards are fairly common throughout the Okavango, particularly in dense riverine forest. Apart from the more commonly encountered predators, the Okavango is also a stronghold for the endangered African wild dog, although sightings of this rare animal are relatively uncommon. Exhibiting a fascinating social structure, wild dog live in packs led by a dominant pair with a strict social hierarchy.

One of the most common antelope in the Okavango, the red lechwe is especially adapted for the swampy conditions. Its splayed, elongated hooves give it a sure footing in muddy conditions, allowing it to inhabit the outskirts of the permanent swamps. One of its most sought after species is the huge but elusive Pel’s fishing owl, which roosts in the densest evergreen thickets. A quintessential African sound, the haunting call of the African Fish Eagle can be heard echoing over the channels.

The area hosts a stunning diversity of birdlife including African hawk eagles, goshawks, hornbills, rollers, honeyguides, sunbirds, francolins, vultures and many more.

5 November 2022

Xaranna to Nxabega, Bostwana
A game drive starts the last day at Xaranna. After breakfast we checkout of Xaranna and take a charter flight to Nxabega Airstrip. The direct flight takes about 45 mins and a 20 minute drive on a safari vehicle gets us to Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp, our home for the next four nights. On arrival we will check in, have a light meal and prepare to head out on our first land and water safari in Botswana.

We return to the Camp at the end of the day. This being a private concession, we are allowed to be out beyond sunset and longer if interesting sightings are found.

6 - 8 November 2022

Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp, Bostwana
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp is located on the edge of the Okavango Delta in a 7,000 hectare exclusive wildlife concession bordering Moremi Game Reserve.

Each morning at sunrise, after a coffee and a rusk, we head out to search the wide plains for big cats and elephants. We break mid-morning for some warm drinks in the open plains, after which we seek carmine bee eaters, lilac breasted rollers, and malachite kingfishers. We return to camp for a warm breakfast and to marvel on the images taken during the outing. Time is allocated for guests to review their images and ask questions about how to improve the images during the morning until early afternoon. Before heading out for the afternoon drive, we have a quick, light snack and set about getting more fantastic images on the waterways either by motor boat or mokoro (pole canoe). At sunset we return for pre-dinner drinks and dinner followed by an early evening to re-charge our batteries.

On the last day of our stay at Nxabega, after breakfast we head out to the local airstrip for a short 45 mins flight to Maun.  

9 November 2020

Nxabega Airstrip to Maun, Botswana to Johannesburg, South Africa
This morning we take in our last game drive, have breakfast, check out and proceed to the Nxabega Airstrip for a chartered flight to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. The direct flight to Johannesburg International Airport from Maun leaves at about 14:00 and will be in Johannesburg by 15:30. International departures can be arranged to leave that evening heading home or to another customized trip extension. It is here, in Johannesburg, that our photo safari ends.

FEES AND TERMS OF PAYMENT
 

COST & TERMS OF PAYMENT

The 12 day (11 nights) all-inclusive photographic safari tour requires a payment of $15,800 per person.

Costs are per person sharing.

A deposit of $1,000 per guest is required at the time of booking. Balance is payable, by check or wire transfer, no later than 90 days before the start of the tour. Cancellations more than 90 days prior to departure will be refunded in full (less the processing fee of $250). Cancellations within 90 days prior to departure will be refunded in full (less the processing fee) provided we can find another guest to take your place.

As a limited number of spaces are available, if a guest is unwilling to share with another guest of the same gender, then a single supplement will be charged. Although we will try to accommodate requests for single occupancy, this cannot be guaranteed.

We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary if circumstances warrant such an action. We will attempt to notify participants of changes with as much notice as possible. Changes having an impact on the schedule or on costs will be borne by the participants.

TERMS AND CONSIDERATIONS

 PHYSICAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

This is a great opportunity for you to take pictures of the environment and observe animals in the wild. Most travelling is undertaken in air-conditioned vehicles but some images are best taken away from the vehicle and involve moderate walking. Climbing the dunes is optional – you should be able to climb into and out of a safari vehicle and walk unaided for short distances. Guests must complete a standard liability waiver before participating in this safari.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This safari tour visits two luxurious and well appointed lodges on the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The safari departs from Johannesburg International airport (OR Tambo) to Maun, Botswana and returns to OR Tambo from Maun, Botswana on commercial flights. This has been determined as the most convenient and cost-effective manner to visit the region. Please note that minor changes to the itinerary and/or flight schedules may occur due to local conditions and to better accommodate our group. You will be informed, to the extent possible, in advance of any such changes.

MANDATORY MEDICAL EVACUATION INSURANCE

Some of the areas we visit are wild and at a distance from major cities; it is a condition of this booking for guests to carry their own medical evacuation insurance. You will be asked to provide independent documentary evidence of such cover, failing which cover will be provided for you at your cost and added to your account.

Please provide the office with the insurance company’s name, contact number and your individual policy number. Thank you for understanding that this policy exists in the interest of our guests’ safety.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS TO AND FROM THE STARTING LOCATION

This safari starts and ends in Johannesburg, South Africa. Your travel arrangements must ensure that you arrive in Johannesburg no later than 6pm on the first day of the tour. That evening the group will meet for a group introduction and welcome cocktails offered by the organizers. This tour ends at 4pm on the last day – please arrange departures from OR Tambo International Airport no earlier than after 6 pm on the final day. If you plan to participate in any add-on side trip, the routing will determine the itinerary at the time of reservation.