10 Days / Feb, Mar & Dec, From $8,995
Botswana's Ultimate Photo Safari
Join Our Expert Photographer-Naturalist on a Journey Through Botswana’s Richest Reserves
Join expert photographer and naturalist guide Dave Luck on an adventure designed to reveal Botswana’s abundant wildlife and staggeringly diverse ecosystems, from the fossilized salt pans of the Kalahari Desert to the emerald waterways of the Okavango Delta. Photograph wildlife in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve as it bursts to life during summer rains; lush grasses lure throngs of wildebeest, springbok, gemsbok and other prey while the region’s legendary black-maned lion, cheetah and other predators follow in close pursuit. In the Okavango Delta we explore diverse habitat encompassing vast floodplains and acacia forests, savoring ample opportunities to capture images of Africa’s legendary animals in action!
- Experience one of the best wildlife photography regions on the planet accompanied by one of Africa’s top photo guides--Dave Luck.
- Glide across the Okavango Delta in a mokoro canoe, perhaps catching a glimpse of the malachite kingfisher or the rare Pel’s fishing owl.
- Walk with and photograph Bushmen in the Kalahari as they share their ancient wisdom and vanishing way of life.
Location of Adventure
Botswana, Southern Africa
Botswana, Southern Africa
Group Size Limit
Approximately 6 Travelers (Feb & Mar) / 8 Travelers (Dec)
Small group sizes are the best way to experience nature, and this is especially true for our photographic adventures. With only 6 travelers on the February and March trips, and 8 on the December trip in two vehicles, you’re assured of plenty of space and personalized attention when you need it. As a small group, we maintain the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions in a way that maximizes the photo opportunities – we'll depart early in the morning to chase the best light, remain at a site of specific photographic interest to fully explore the potential, or move to a new destination when desired. Our expert naturalist and accomplished photographer is always available to answer your questions, provide tips and techniques, and to help you better understand and photograph this amazing region of the world.
4 x 4 Open-Top Land Rovers or Land Cruisers
We use open top 4 x 4 Land Rovers or Land Cruisers, with a unique suspension system and an open-top, open-sided, tiered seating arrangement, specially-designed to maximize game viewing opportunities and comfort. Each vehicle has 10 cushioned passenger seats, one in front next to the driver, followed by three rows of three seats each. Each row is raised slightly higher than the one in front of it, allowing for unobstructed views of scenery and wildlife. For our photo trips, we limit our capacity to just six travelers on our February and March departures, and 8 on our December departure. Vehicle capacity is limited to just four guests, so with larger groups, we enjoy the space afforded by two safari vehicles. A mini-fridge stocked with cold drinks and a small library of bird, mammal and insect reference books and field guides help enhance game drives. Each custom-built vehicle sports front bull bars and runner boards, radio communication, and a full recovery kit including spare tires and a high lift jack. Vehicles are updated or replaced as needed and meticulously maintained to provide our guests with an unmatched safari experience.
Included
Internal scheduled light aircraft flights, additional capacity on charter flights (for camera gear, computers, etc), accommodations, meals from dinner Day 1 to lunch final day, non-alcoholic drinks at camps and in vehicles, house alcoholic beverages in camps, services of NHA Expedition Leader, local guides and lodge staff, some gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, permits & entrance fees, and all taxes.
Not Included
Travel to and from start and end point of trip, premium alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees, optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, souvenirs, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes, optional travel insurance, and required medical evacuation insurance.
Physical Requirements
Easy/Flexible
Our walking activities are usually short and optional. We do, however, recommend that travelers who participate in these programs be of an adventurous spirit, as they will often enjoy the very closest of animal encounters and safari vehicles can sometimes offer a bumpy ride.
Important Information
This trip has several features that make it ideal for those with a special interest in photography. First, it is guided by one of southern Africa’s premier naturalist photographers, Dave Luck, who knows the areas we visit intimately. Second, we travel during the ‘green’ season, when crowds are at a minimum, but photo opportunities abound. Third, we limit our group size to just six travelers in February and March, and eight in December, ensuring plenty of one-on-one time with Dave, lots of room in vehicles for photo equipment, and extra room during game drives for setting up the perfect shot. We also provide extra weight capacity on all charter flight to accommodate your photo gear and related equipment. Changes to the itinerary may occur in order to take advantage of conditions unique to the season and/ or accommodate unexpected changes in water levels; therefore, itineraries may need to be rerouted or redesigned without notice.
Getting There & Getting Home
You must arrive in Maun, Botswana before 12pm on Day 1 and you may depart Maun anytime after 1pm on the final day. We can best serve you if Natural Habitat Adventures' Travel Desk makes these reservations for you as they are intimately familiar with the special requirements of these programs and can arrange the most efficient and cost-effective travel. Please call us at 1-800-543-8917.
