This site requires Javascript enabled to operate correctly. Please enable Javascript in your browser, or click here

Okavango Delta, Savuti & Chobe River, Botswana - July 2023

Photo Safari with Don Getty & friends - Botswana

Posted on 14th February, 2024

Stu Porter

WILD4 Photo safaris - African Skimmer, Chobe BotswanaBotswana
A very vocal African Skimmer at the start of the breeding season on the Chobe River in Botswana

CUSTOM BOTSWANA PHOTO SAFARI WITH DON GETTY AND FRIENDS

Our safari journey through Botswana took us on an unforgettable adventure, exploring four diverse locations teeming with wildlife and natural wonders.


CAMPING UNDER THE STARS - A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

The first section of the safari (10 nights), began with an enchanting experience as we enjoyed private campsites in secluded areas, nestled under the expansive African sky. As the night descended, the symphony of wilderness sounds enveloped us, signaling the start of an unforgettable adventure exclusive to this Botswana safari.


MOREMI GAME RESERVE - OKAVANGO DELTA (4 NIGHTS)

Our first destination brought us to the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, where we spent four nights immersed in the beauty of the wilderness. Here, we encountered a young shy leopard with its kill safely secured high in a rain tree, it is always a privilege to see one of these elusive predators. Magnificent sunset photos of a giant Baobab tree painted the sky with vibrant colors, while a male lion basked in the perfect afternoon light, showcasing his regal presence. An impressive male leopard patrolling his territory added to the excitement of our stay.


KHWAI COMMUNITY RESERVE (3 NIGHTS)

Next, we ventured to the Khwai Community Reserve for three nights, where we were treated to a spectacle of wildlife sightings. From a mating pair of leopards to the striking presence of a barred owlet against a clear background, every moment was a photographer's dream. We witnessed impalas jumping gracefully, while a stunning young leopard hid atop a termite mound, adding a touch of mystery to our safari. The highlight, however, was discovering a baby leopard cub nestled snugly inside a hollow tree trunk, a precious moment captured forever in our memories.


SAVUTI AREA - CHOBE NATIONAL PARK (4 NIGHTS)

In the dry arid landscapes of the Savuti area in Chobe National Park, we encountered large herds of elephants and witnessed the majesty of lions from both the marsh pride and the pride around Harvey's pans. Among them, the legendary "stumpy" tail lion reigned supreme. A female leopard with her cub at Baobab Island added a sense of maternal warmth to our journey, reminding us of the delicate balance of life in the wilderness.


CHOBE RIVER - PANGOLIN HOTEL AND PHOTO BOATS (3 NIGHTS)

Our final destination was the beautiful Chobe River, where we enjoyed the comforts of the Pangolin Hotel and the exclusive use of one of their amazing photo boats. From this perfect platform, we captured breathtaking photographs of sable antelope, hippos yawning, and large herds of elephants swimming in the river. Incredible sunsets painted the sky, and we marveled at a fish eagle perched on the back of a hippo. An incredible selection of birds allowed us to get up close and photograph their vibrant plumage.

Our return flight from Kasane to Johannesburg marked the conclusion of our incredible adventure. The Botswana photo safari remains one of our most popular experiences, and the diversity of photos captured along the journey serve as a testament to its popularity.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the team at Thru-the-lens Nature Safaris, especially Nkosi & Frank, for their unwavering dedication and exceptional guiding skills, which were instrumental in capturing the remarkable photos we obtained. The mobile tented camp staff, including chefs Kelly & Musa, and camp staff, T-man, Moruti, Mr. T, Lobs & Two, displayed brilliance in their work, providing us with unparalleled care and attention throughout our safari experience.

To Dan, our exceptional boat captain, we express our sincere appreciation for ensuring our safety and positioning us perfectly for capturing breathtaking photos. We also extend our thanks to the outstanding staff at the Pangolin Hotel for their exceptional hospitality and care.

A special thank you to Don for orchestrating yet another unforgettable Botswana safari. It has been a pleasure to accompany you and the groups you bring on these remarkable adventures. To Bruce, Meg, Vicky, Audrey, and Chris, we are grateful for your delightful company and contribution to our Botswana photo safari experience. Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable journey.

Warmest regards,

Stu

See some amazing wildlife photography by Don Getty, on his website here: dongettywildlifephotography.com

Okavango Delta Photographic tours with WILD4
The shy young Leopard perched up high in a Rain Tree - a typical tree in the Okavango Delta
Okavango Delta Photographic tours with WILD4
As the Leopard descended, it paused to look at us. The lighting conditions presented a great opportunity for a black & white image.
Okavango Delta Photographic tours with WILD4
One of just a few Baobab trees in the Moremi Game Reserve, the perfect place to stop for a sunset
Okavango Delta Photographic tours with WILD4
Two Southern Giraffe, Moremi Game Reserve
Okavango Delta Photographic tours with WILD4
Sunset and palm tree, Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta
Okavango Delta Photographic tours with WILD4
Our camp under the stars in the Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
Herd of Cape (or African) Buffalo, Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
Male Lion in gorgeous afternoon light. He had his eyes fixed on a Greater Kudu that was walking in his direction.
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
The Greater Kudu felt something was not right and decided to flee to a safer area.
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
Large male Leopard on a teritorial patrol, Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
The male Leopard that was part of a mating pair in the Khwai Community area of the Okavango Delta
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
Barred Owlet on the perfect perch, Khwai Community area of the Okavango Delta
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
Female Leopard scanning an open flood plain, Khwai Community area of the Okavango Delta
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
Female Impala leaping, Khwai Community area of the Okavango Delta
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
Young Leopard hiding on a termite mound, Khwai Community area of the Okavango Delta
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
African Wilddogs at the Khwai River, Khwai Community area of the Okavango Delta
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
Red Lechwe, common antelope of the Okavango Detla, Khwai Community area of the Okavango Delta
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
Small Leopard cub hiding in a hollowed out tree trunk, Khwai Community area of the Okavango Delta
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
Big Bull Elephants at Marabou Pan in Savuti, Chobe National Park
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
Africa's largest flying bird, the Kori Bustard, Savuti, Chobe National Park
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
Lions near Pump Pan, Savuti, Chobe National Park
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
A male Lion drinks from Pump Pan, Savuti, Chobe National Park
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
Male Lion drinking, Savuti, Chobe National Park
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
The legendary male lion "stumpy", pictured here following a female
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
Burchell's Sandgrouse collecting water in their breast feathers to take back to their nest, Savuti, Chobe National Park
BOtswana photographic tours with Stu Porter
A Roan Antelope runs at the sight of a Lion, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Martial Eagle landing, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Steenbok mating display, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Giraffe flicking water after drinking, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Captain Frank and his team at Pump Pan, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Elephants kicking up dust at sunset, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Male Lion on patrol in the early morning light, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Herd of Elephants approaching Marabou Pan, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Elephant with her calf, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
a Male Common Ostrich drinks with the big boys, Marabou Pan, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Elephants at sunset drinking from Pump Pan, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Giraffe at sunset, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
A Southern Ground Hornbill on patrol, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Two male Lions at Pump Pan, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Male Lion, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Lioness with a sleepy cub, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Southern White-crowned Shrike, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Leopard in the landscape near the Baobab Island, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
Leopard, Baobab Island, Savuti, Chobe National Park
WILD4 African Photo Safaris
The Baobab Island, Savuti, Chobe National Park
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
Evenings in the mobile camp are special, sitting around a warm campfire & listening to the sounds of the African night, Savuti, Chobe National Park
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
A Sable Antelope, Chobe River, Botswana
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
A herd of Elephants enters the cool waters of the Chobe River
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
Hippo yawning, Chobe River, Botswana
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
Young Chacma Baboon, Chobe River, Botswana
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
Sunset over the Chobe River
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
Purple Heron, Chobe River, Botswana
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
African Fish Eagle perched on a Hippo.. a first for me and everyone else on the trip
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
Male African Pied Kingfisher hovering right above us, Chobe River, Botswana
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
African Fish Eagle taking off, Chobe River, Botswana
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
Herd of Elephants, Chobe River, Botswana
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
Female African Pied Kingfisher, Chobe River, Botswana
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
Striated Heron (Green-backed), Chobe River, Botswana
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
An African Openbill with a frog, Chobe River, Botswana
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
African (Cape) Buffalo, Chobe River, Botswana
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
Young elephant calf, Chobe River, Botswana
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
White-crowned Lapwing, Chobe River, Botswana
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
Grey Go-away Bird, Chobe River, Botswana
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
Elephant in the Chobe River, Chobe River, Botswana
Copyright Stu Porter Photography
African Fish Eagle in flight just above the Chobe River