DISCOVER BOTSWANA

KALAHARI PHOTO SAFARI

Discover Botswana with Rhulani Safari’s Kalahari photo safari led by Armand Grobler.

Admire the Botswana scenery through the lens of a camera and capture some incredible Kalahari photos. A photo safari is a unique experience that you won’t ever forget.

ABOUT OUR BOTSWANA SAFARI

There are few natural wonders that rival the immensity of Botswana’s Kalahari region. This desert oasis is where the Okavango Delta flows into a sandy grave. And despite its arid landscape, the Kalahari streams with abundant life, from tiny insects to roaming giants.

Seeing your first Kalahari black-maned lion or elephant drinking in the setting sun – dwarfed by the vast open landscapes is a memory that lasts a lifetime. And it is precisely this unique environment that makes our Kalahari Photo Safari so special.

This African safari will take you across the Nxai Pan National Park and Central Kalahari Game Reserve, where our main focus will be on capturing the true essence of these arid locations. Scheduled departure dates have been specifically chosen around the drier season for better game viewing and animal interactions, as wildlife regularly congregates around the few water holes.

Mobile safaris allow you to connect with nature and the Kalahari like never before, with exclusive and pristine wilderness sites away from the public [exclusive use for just our group].

The accommodation options are large, multi-room, en-suit Meru tents with a touch of luxury, combining comfort, privacy, and raw nature into an experience that will last a lifetime.

Our Discover Botswana safaris are our most wild and adventurous tours. They engage our guests with Africa’s iconic wildlife while providing the opportunity to capture wildlife images that most only dream of.

We have a more cost-effective package for travelers who prefer staying in a standard en-suite dome tent (traditional camping). Please email us for more information on this option.

This safari is all-inclusive – of meals, drinks, and specified local alcoholic beverages. Should you have particular preferences, please confirm prior to the safari.

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS – WHAT TO EXPECT?

Our safari is based on capturing the essence of the Kalahari, particularly lions and elephants. However, you can expect to see the following on your trip:

Lion
Elephant
Cheetah
Giraffe
Zebra
Spotted Hyena
Birds (various local species)
Occasionally sightings of Leopard, African Wild Dogs, Genets, African Wild Cat, Honey Badger

WHAT EQUIPMENT TO BRING?

I always say, ‘Bring what you can,’ because you never know what situation you may find yourself in and must therefore be as ready as possible.

However, this isn’t always possible; therefore, I have written from my experience what the best set of equipment includes.

Despite having power sources in the vehicles, it is preferred to bring a sufficient number of batteries to last the trip. Solar-operated battery packs are also recommended. Laptops, however, can be charged from a communal charging point (each guest has his/ her charging point on the vehicle).

Regarding photographic equipment: Botswana’s scenery is some of the most magnificent on the planet, and the best way to capture it is with a wide-angle lens (I personally use a 16-35mm).

Due to the nature of the Kalahari, off-roading is not always possible. Therefore a larger zoom lens [500mm or greater] can come into good use, especially for birding photography.

The safari vehicle is fitted with a canvas roof, so keep that in mind – larger and heavier lenses may be slightly difficult to handle. Opportunities to get out of the vehicle are possible to photograph from an eye-level perspective, so I would strongly suggest a monopod or tripod.

I would suggest the following:

DSLR/ Mirrorless Cameras – film photography is not recommended.
Lenses
- 16-35mm f/2.8 (or wider)
- 100-400mm (most frequent lenses on safari)
- 500mm f/2.8 (optimum for close-ups)
- 150-600 f/5.6-6.4 (also provides a great range without having to switch lenses)
Flash Speedlights (with flash bracket)
Magmod Flash Magnifier
Bean bags (can be organized upon booking)

KALAHARI SAFARI ITINERARY

To give you a better idea of what our Kalahari safaris entail, here’s a breakdown of what each day will look like.

DAY 1

13:00 Depart Maun for Nxai Pan National Park
18:00 Arrive at camp and settle down
19:00 Dinner

DAY 2 to 6

05:00 Wakeup call
05:30 Light Breakfast
06:00 Morning Game Drive
11:00 Kalahari Brunch (while on morning drive)
13:00 Photographic Workshop
16:00 Afternoon/ Evening Game Drive
19:00 Dinner
(Transfer from Nxai Pan to Central Kalahari on Day 4)

DAY 7

05:00 Wakeup Call
05:30 Light Breakfast
06:00 Morning Game Drive
08:00 Transfer back to Maun
13:00 Arrive at Maun

Times may vary slightly depending on season*

Experience an adventure like no other with Rhulani Safaris and take home some magnificent Kalahari photos.

JOIN US AND DISCOVER THE TRUE BEAUTY OF THE

KALAHARI!

2023 AVAILABLE DATES

September 27 – 03 October

2023 RATES

USD$ 3 795 (pps)

SADC Rates: ZAR 37 250 (pps)

SOLO RATES: ADDITIONAL 50%

THIS SAFARI PACKAGE OFFERS THE FOLLOWING

Experience the true beauty of the Kalahari with a photo safari.

INCLUDED

6 Nights’ Accommodation
- 3 Nights Nxai Pans
- 3 Nights Central Kalahari
- [Wilderness Camps]
All Meals, Tea’s and Coffee’s
House Drinks (water, juice, coffee, tea, soft drinks)
Selection of local alcoholic beverages (must be organized prior to safari)
Photography Workshop and Tutoring
Photographic Guide (Armand Grobler)
12 Game Drives (6 Morning / 6 Afternoon)
All Transfers (Airport – Maun – Nxai – Central Kalahari – Maun – Airport)

EXCLUDED

Staff Gratuities
Flights
Beverages not specified
Laundry

PHOTO SAFARI BOTSWANA OVERVIEW

The natural beauty of Botswana’s Kalahari region is difficult to describe and beyond comprehension. The magnitude of vast landscapes is truly inspiring and immersing – even the giants are consumed in its vastness.

Nxai Pan National Park is particularly famous for its elephant populations and quality sightings – often referred to as the best place in Africa to photograph them!

During the dry seasons, interaction between lion and elephant is quite frequent at the water holes, as lions know they have the monopoly and often lay and wait for the opportunity to hunt. These photographic opportunities are rarely found elsewhere, and have certainly captured the heart of many wildlife photographers privileged enough to experience Nxai Pans.

Central Kalahari is almost a planet on its own. The feeling of isolation is almost overwhelming, especially while traveling through Deception Valley. Sightings in Central Kalahari may not be as abundant as Nxai Pans. However, a high density of lion and cheetah regularly provides guests with beautiful photographic opportunities. You may even be lucky enough to see Kalahari Wild Dogs!

Mobile Tented Safaris are often the best way of experiencing the true wilderness of the Okavango and really getting the raw nature experience.

During our Discover Botswana safari, your accommodation is that of a Tented Camp with an outdoor en-suite bucket shower and a pit toilet. The 4×4 open safari Landcruiser vehicle is perfect for photography. It offers a 360-degree view with a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle for your comfort.

Camps are un-fenced and local visitors such as elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, and honey badgers frequently stop by throughout the night to say hello! More budget ‘Standard Camping’ options are available for those who prefer a slightly more traditional experience.