Botswana Photo Safari

 

A unique photo safari with Roger Nelson

Aug 18 - 31, 2012

 

For wildlife photography there is no better place on earth than Botswana. The high variety and quantity of animals and the low number of tourists make this destination the best place for serious photographers. The big 5 are all here and they are joined by lots of plains animals, birds and reptiles too. Global Travel Photography has selected two of the best locations in Botswana to help you take your photography to the next level – the Okavango Delta and the Chobe River. The special equipment used on this safari limits the trip to only 6 photographers who will come home with jaw dropping photos of African wildlife and landscapes. Both photography workshops and photo processing sessions will be held to help you get the best images possible.

 

Botswana Photo Safari is specifically designed for people that want to experience this unique travel destination while improving their wildlife photography skills. You will start your journey in Johannesburg, South Africa, fly to Maun, Botswana and transfer to a short chartered flight to Pom Pom Camp in the Okavango Delta. Here you will spend 5 days and nights in the heart of the Delta within the Matsebe concession area at the headwaters of the Xudum river system. Morning, evening and nightime game drives will utilize private vehicles with one person per row to ensure good visibility on both sides. You will also have the opportunity to experience the African bush on foot and by mokoro (canoe). The species typically seen here include Baboon, Black-Backed Jackal, Cheetah, Dwarf Mongoose, Elephant, Giraffe, Hippo, Honey Badger, Hyena, Impala, Lechwe, Leopard, Lion, Monkey, Pangolin, Porcupine, Side – Striped Jackal, Spotted – Necked Otter, Tsessebe, Warthog, Wild Dog, Wildebeest and Zebra. Birding enthusiasts will enjoy photographing Pels Fishing Owl, African Fish Eagle, Giant Eagle Owl and White Backed Vultures along with dozens of other species.

 

 

After 5 days in the Delta, you will board another chartered flight to Kasane in the northeastern part of Botswana. You will stay in comfortable accommodations at Chobe Safari Lodge and have the exclusive use of a customized photography boat for 5 days of spectacular photography. Coetzer Nature Photography has built specialized swivel mounted chairs with adjustable posts for Wimberely tripod heads and put them on a boat with a low beam. The result is a very stable platform for big lenses and the ability to maneuver very close to the riverbank for unbeatable wildlife photography. Professional Nikon cameras with 500 mm and 600 mm lenses will even be provided for your use at this location if you do not have your own equipment.

 

 

The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and forms a flood plain in some areas. The result is a vast area that wildlife visits for water and food. You will find Africa’s largest concentration of Elephants here as well as Hippos, Buffalos, Antelopes and Giraffes. There are lots of Crocodiles too and their interaction with other wildlife will make great photos. The birds are plentiful here too and with the huge lenses that you will be able to use, you are sure to capture some amazing shots.

 

 

 

 

You will end your trip at Victoria Falls. No trip to this part of Africa is complete without photographing this world wonder. You will spend two nights at a lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe where you will have several opportunities to photograph the falls from different vantage points. The area is known for adventurous activities too, like white water rafting or bungee jumping, and these make great photos too. A huge craft market is near your hotel if you’re in need of souvenirs. On the last day, you will fly from Victoria Falls back to Johannesburg, South Africa to connect to your international flight home or your next destination.

 

If you want an even better African experience, add the Namibia Photo Tour & Safari to the beginning of this trip, from Aug 6 to 19. Details for this trip are published separately.

 

Trip Ratings

 

Physical Demands: 3      Comfort: 3      Culture Shock: 2

 

• Tour Cost: $12,300 per person

• Single Supplement Fee: $1,200 per person

 

 

For more information, a detailed itinerary and application can be downloaded by clicking on the links below.

 

Botswana Photo Safari Itinerary - 2012

 

Botswana Photo Safari 2012 Application