KALAHARI PHOTO SAFARI

Join Rhulani Safaris on a Kalahari Photo Safari and experience the brutal beauty of the everchanging Kalahari Desert.

The Kalahari Desert: the largest expanse of sand in the world, stretching from the Skeleton Coast and Namib Desert of Namibia, through the northern regions of South Africa and eventually swallows up the great Okavango Delta of Botswana. There are few places that rival the Kalahari’s incredible yet simplistic beauty, and also few places that test your resolve as this seemingly unending Desert.

During the dry seasons the desert may seem a barren wasteland, void of beauty and inspiration, however that quickly changes simply after the first rains. It is during this time of plenty that our Kalahari Photo Safari takes place, showcasing the Desert in a vibrance of color, texture and creativity.

As dramatic skies fill the heavens, reflecting the redness of dune and antelope lambs run freely in the green grass unawares of the lurking danger, the photographic opportunities become endless and seemingly around every corner. Our Kalahari green season photo safari is a must-see for any desert wildlife enthusiast!

WHAT TO EXPECT

As with any wilderness park, there can be no guarantee’s, however a promise of adventure is always possible in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert.

During the summer months is when the Kalahari Desert truly comes to life. With the scattered storms comes a variety of colours, textures and even animals! Antelope (such as springbok and wildebeest) young fill the sands, their playfulness provides the photography endless opportunities, as well as the predators an easy meal.

Although January – March is still considered rainy months, the desert has an average annual rainfall of only 200mm, which is less than half of its Kruger Park counterpart. Scattered storms fill the sky like colossal slugs, leaving a wet trail behind them, however it is the beauty and attraction of water that also brings this safari experience to life.

If you don’t mind the possibility of getting slightly wet on drive, this is a safari you will thoroughly enjoy. Not only do the skies light up in breathtaking colours, however capturing a subject during a downpour creates a unique element to the images and this will be one of the focal points of the safari.

YOUR EXPERIENCE

Accommodation will be at the TaShebube Rooiputs Lodge southern Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the comfortable Desert Suite. Game drives are done in the Land Rover Open Safari Vehicle, however it does have a roof for protection against the sun. With its location in the heart of big cat territory and dunes and calcrete (rocky) ridges providing spectacular silhouettes against the backdrop of a dramatic sky, the photography opportunities are plentiful.

Rooiputs is a rustic camp that captivates you with its isolation in the desert dunes on the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. A passport to enter from the South African side is not required, unless you plan to leave the Park and enter into Botswana by the Kaa Gate.

This safari has a particular focus on the desert dwelling cats of the Kalahari, including lion, leopard, cheetah and African wild cat. Animals such as oryx, wildebeest, various species of raptors and reptiles (particularly Cape cobra) may also be expected.

Apart from the wildlife, the green season provides spectacular landscape opportunities, with the flowering devils thorn, various insects and vibrant emerald in the rivers also creating a lively, unique and colorful ambiance.

Your photographic guide will assist with photo tips on the drives as well as during post processing ‘Art of Wildlife Photography’ workshops. There will be group and on-one-on workshops offered during the 6 night stay at Rooiputs.

We do recommend flying into Upington Airport and renting a vehicle to drive through to Twee Rivieren entrance where you will check-in on the Botswana side (no passport needed). You will then drive the 15km (approximately) to Rooiputs Lodge on the Nossob Road. Transfers can be organized at additional cost.

2025 AVAILABILITY 

January 20 – 26 

RATES

USD$ 3795pps

SADC P26 025pps