Photographic Expedition
BOTSWANA
Chobe Photo Safari
Price
Duration
Departure
Group Size
About
CHOBE PHOTO
safari
Step into the wild beauty of Botswana’s Chobe region with this all-inclusive, guided photography safari. This 7-day journey blends land and water-based adventures, luxurious accommodations, and expert photography tuition. From big-game drives in Chobe National Park to peaceful river cruises on a solar-powered floating lodge, this is a photographic safari unlike any other.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or a seasoned photographer refining your craft, our small group format and personalized guidance ensure an enriching experience at every level.
About
ALL YOU NEED TO know
ABOUT THIS TOUR
Land & Water | Boutique Lodge + Floating Safari
This safari isn’t just about witnessing Botswana’s iconic wildlife, it’s about engaging with it through your lens in ways few ever do. With exclusive access to prime locations by land and water, you’ll have the rare opportunity to photograph everything from elephants bathing at sunrise to predators on the prowl at dusk. The combination of a boutique lodge and an intimate floating safari base ensures both comfort and variety, while daily tuition and image reviews support your growth as a photographer, all in one of Africa’s most photogenic settings.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
The key to getting the most out of any photographic safari begins before you even arrive — by knowing your camera gear well enough to use it instinctively. That said, I know modern photography can feel overwhelming at times, especially when juggling settings, techniques, and fast-moving wildlife. That’s exactly why my approach is hands-on, practical, and always supportive.
Whether you’re still learning the basics or keen to master more advanced techniques, I will be there to guide you with personalised instruction in the field. From understanding exposure and achieving sharp focus to creative techniques like panning, backlighting, and storytelling composition, you’ll get the one-on-one time you need — without feeling rushed or left behind.
And because my groups are small, there’s ample time for photo feedback sessions, editing guidance, and learning how to manage your workflow. It’s not just about shooting, it’s about growing as a visual storyteller, in one of the most inspiring locations Africa has to offer.
What to Bring – Your Chobe Photo Kit
There’s no single camera setup that works for every destination, but there are smart choices for this particular safari that will help you be ready for the moment when the action unfolds. Here are some essentials and tips to help you pack with purpose:
Must Haves
- Two camera bodies – One to shoot with, one as a backup. This helps avoid changing lenses in dusty conditions and gives peace of mind.
- Telephoto lens – A lens with a reach of at least 400mm is ideal for wildlife. If birds are a focus, even longer (500–600mm) is better.
- Wide-angle lens – Something in the 14–35mm range is great for capturing environmental shots, dramatic skies, and close-up scenes with context.
- Mid-range zoom (70–200mm) – Versatile for both wildlife and portraits, especially when animals are near.
- General purpose lens – A 24–70mm or 24–105mm zoom covers a lot of ground and is perfect for travel and cultural images.
- Spare batteries and memory cards – Bring more than you think you need. Chargers too, preferably two.
- Lens cleaning kit – Dust and smudges are inevitable.
- Copy of your camera manual – It can save the day!
- A laptop with editing software (like Lightroom or Camera Raw) – For reviewing and backing up your images, plus an external hard drive for added security.
- Small camera backpack or daypack – Weatherproof and comfortable for moving between boat and vehicle.
Optional but Useful
- Tripod – Not always necessary for this safari, but a small, sturdy one can be useful for landscapes or low-light shots if you’re planning to do long exposures.
- Flash – With a remote trigger for creative or macro work.
- Polarizing filter – Great for reducing glare, especially on water surfaces during river cruises.
- Rain cover for gear – The weather can change quickly in the bush.
Lens Selection by Subject
| Subject | Recommended Lenses |
|---|---|
| Wildlife | Telephoto 400mm+, Mid-range Zoom 70–200mm |
| Birds | 500mm–600mm telephoto (fixed or zoom) |
| Landscapes | Wide-angle 14–35mm, sturdy tripod, polariser |
| Culture/People | 24–70mm, 50mm prime, mid-range zoom |
| Macro subjects | Macro lens (90–105mm), flash with trigger |
Final Tip: Travel Light, But Smart
You don’t need to bring everything you own, just the right tools for the kind of photography you want to do. If you’re unsure what to prioritize for the Chobe safari, feel free to reach out and I will be happy to advise based on your specific goals and camera system.
Your journey with me isn’t just about taking better photos, it’s about transforming how you see the natural world, one frame at a time.
INCLUDED
- Photography Workshop with Lesley
- 3 nights at The Pangolin Chobe Hotel (ensuite room, air-conditioned)
- 3 nights aboard The Pangolin Voyager Houseboat (ensuite cabin, air-conditioned)
- All road and river transfers between accommodations
- All meals during your stay (breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner)
- Pickup and drop-off from Kasane Airport or Victoria Falls (extra transfer fee)
- Game drives in Chobe National Park River cruises on the Southern Channel and Chobe River Private mooring points for overnight houseboat stays
- Twice-daily photographic activities (game drives & river cruises)
- Camera support mounts in vehicles and boat
- Daily image review sessions and one-on-one photo tuition
- Non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks included
EXCLUDED
- Camera equipment
- International or domestic flights to and from Kasane or Victoria Falls A
- Any required visas for Botswana or Namibia
- Applicable border crossing fees
- Personal laptop (required for editing and image review sessions)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Medical expenses, vaccinations etc.
- Gratuities for guides and staff (at your discretion)
- Single supplement
RICH BIODIVERSITY
PHOTO opportunities
This Botswana Chobe photo safari, which includes both land-based game drives and Chobe River cruises, is in one of the most wildlife-rich areas in Africa. Here’s a list of key species – likely sightings based on the region’s biodiversity and seasonal patterns:
Read More
???? What You Can Expect to Photograph
Big Game & Iconic Wildlife
- Elephants often in massive herds, often crossing the Chobe River
- Powerful Cape buffalo, often in large groups
- Lions on the prowl or resting in golden light
- Leopards – elusive but frequently sighted
- Hippos in and out of the water
- Nile crocodiles sunning along the riverbanks
- Giraffes, zebras, and an array of striking antelope species
- Warthogs and baboons providing great behavioral shots
Birdlife Highlights
- African fish eagles – iconic and vocal, often seen mid-flight
- Malachite and pied kingfishers – small, colorful, and photogenic
- Goliath herons, spoonbills, jacanas, and egrets
- Bee-eaters, rollers, hornbills, and sunbirds
- Seasonal migratory species (Nov–Mar) for birding enthusiasts
Special Sightings (Seasonal or Lucky)
- African wild dogs – rare but thrilling when spotted
- Cheetahs in open terrain (less common but possible)
- Sable and roan antelope in the forest reserves
- Nocturnal species like genets, civets, or honey badgers (occasionally seen)
Why Chobe is a Photographer’s Dream
- Low-angle photography from boat-based safaris
- Stunning golden hour light for dramatic scenes
- Classic elephant river crossings at sunset
- Action-packed predator sightings
- Beautiful reflections on calm water
- Ideal conditions for bird-in-flight photography
- Dust, light, and backdrops perfect for storytelling images
What’s SPECIAL ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
GET READY FOR
AFRICA’S wildlife
✓ Ideal for photographers of all levels
✓ Professional photographic guidance
✓ One-of-a-kind floating lodge experience
✓ Unrushed, intimate wildlife encounters
✓ Stunning settings both on land and water
✓ Small group size for personalized attention
