ABOUT THE SAFARI
The Okavango Delta; famously known as the River of Dreams, is one of Africa’s most prestigious wildlife safari destinations. Famously known for its spectacular scenery and high density of wildlife – especially the predators – the Delta also boasts over 500 species of birds, consisting of both local and migratory. The Okavango flows over 1600km, starting in Angola and running seasonally into Botswana’s northern region, and is home to wildlife such as hippo, crocodile, fish, frogs, water birds, terrapins and many more… Local predators often use the floodplains and marsh areas of the Delta to hunt, making for some rare breath-taking sightings and images. On our journey we will explore the Khwai and Savuti regions where the popular Nat Geo Wild documentary, ‘Savage Kingdom’ was filmed (Chobe National Park) and maybe were lucky enough to meet the famous tree climbing lions of the Marsh Pride! Regarded by many as Africa’s best location for wildlife photography, this is a ‘must do‘ experience for any passionate wildlife enthusiast and photographer who enjoys solace and has a taste for adventure!
Mobile safaris allow you to connect with nature and the Okavango like never before, with exclusive and pristine wilderness sites away from the public [exclusive use for just our group]. Accommodation 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, engaging our guests with Africa’s iconic wildlife while providing the opportunity to capture images that most only dream of.
For the traveller who prefers staying in a standard en-suit dome tent (traditional camping), we do have a more cost effective package available – 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 safari.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS – WHAT TO EXPECT?
Our safari will be based on capturing the essence of the Okavango Delta, with particular focus on lion, leopard and wild dog. However, you can expect to see the following animals on your safari:
- Lion
- Elephant
- Rhino
- Buffalo
- Hippo
- Crocodile
- Giraffe
- Zebra
- Spotted Hyena
- Birds (owls, raptors and lbj’s)
- Occasionally sightings of African Leopard, Africa Wild Dogs, Civets, Genets, African Wild Cat, Cheetah, 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 and 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 you the trip. Solar operated battery packs are also recommended. Laptops however can be charger from a communal charging point (each guest has his/ her own charging point on the vehicle).
With regards to photographic equipment: Botswana’s scenery is some of the most magnificent on the planet, and the best way to capture it is with a wild angle lens (I personally us a 16-35mm). Due to the nature of the Okavango, 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. Bean bags can be requested upon confirmation of booking.
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)
SAFARI ITIENRARY
DAY 1
- 13:00 Depart Maun for Kwhai (Okavango Delta)
- 18:00 Arrive at camp and settle down
- 19:00 Dinner
DAY 2 – 6
- 05:00 Wakeup call
- 05:30 Light Breakfast
- 06:00 Morning Game Drive
- 11:00 Bush Brunch (while on morning drive)
- 13:00 Photographic Workshop
- 16:00 Afternoon/ Evening Game Drive
- 19:00 Dinner
- (Transfer from Khwai to Savuti 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
JOIN US AND DISCOVER THE TRUE BEAUTY OF THE
OKAVANGO DELTA!
AVAILABILITY 2022
September 12 – 18
RATES
USD$ 3 495 (pps)
SADC Rates: ZAR 34 295 (pps)
AVAILABILITY 2023
September 11 – 17
September 19 – 25
RATES
USD$ 3 795 (pps)
SADC Rates: ZAR 37 250 (pps)
SOLO RATES: ADDITIONAL 50%
THIS PACKAGE OFFERS THE FOLLOWING
INCLUDED
- 6 Nights’ Accommodation
- 3 Nights Khwai
- 3 Nights Savuti
- [Wilderness Camps]
- All Meals, Tea’s and Coffee’s
- House Drinks (water, juice, coffee, tea, soft drinks)
- Selection of local alcoholic beveraes (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 – Khwai – Savuti – Maun – Airport)
EXCLUDED
- Staff Gratuities
- Flights
- Beverages not specified
- Laundry
OVERVIEW
Khwai, Okavango. Your first location on the Discover Botswana: Okavango Photo Safari will see you spend 3 nights in the wilderness of the Khwai River. Explore the beautiful floodplains of the Delta which are breathtaking in appearance and host many various species of animals who rely on its constant water supply for shelter and substance. The spectacular views of the Okavango are second to none with the open landscapes and classic fallen trees, excellent for landscape photography (especially when there’s a leopard involved!). Enjoy a delicious coffee break late in the morning, taking in the sights and sounds of the local wilderness and if your lucky you might even have a local visitor!
Savuti, located in the Chobe National Park is famously known for the multitude of films and documentaries about Botswana displaying the high density of predators and their every-day lifestyle. It is here that you could meet the famous Marsh Pride and the tree-climbing lions of Botswana, spend the following 3 nights in pure isolated wilderness. The Savuti’s marsh area is enormous in size and you can often spot a sleeping cat from kilometers away lying in the open or busy stalking prey. The beautiful rocky area of Leopard Rock towers over the Marsh region, creating a unique setting as elephants and buffalo enjoy grazing below.
Mobile Tented Safaris are often the best way of experiencing the true wilderness of the Okavango and really getting the raw nature experience. Your accommodation is that of a Tented Camp with an outdoor en-suit bucket shower and pit toilet. The 4×4 open safari Landcruiser vehicle is perfect for photography, having 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, lion, leopard, hyena 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.