Okavango, Savuti & Chobe River - Aug 2025

BEST OF BOTSWANA PHOTO SAFARI - AUGUST 2026

The pristine landscapes of the Okavango Delta and Chobe served as the breathtaking setting for our August photographic journey. Our safari kicked off in Johannesburg, where the group met for an initial overnight stay before catching a flight to Maun and then a private charter from Maun into the very centre of the Okavango wilderness.

MOREMI GAME RESERVE (3 NIGHTS)

We began our twelve-day safari in Moremi, where the bush immediately delivered world-class opportunities. Our first morning set a high bar when we came across a mother cheetah using a termite mound as a lookout for her four small cubs—a dream setup for any wildlife photographer. The variety of subjects only grew from there; we were treated to a highly unusual sighting of a Barn Owl out in the bright daylight and spent a quiet, productive morning documenting a handsome male lion as the sun began to warm the plains.

KHWAI COMMUNITY RESERVE (3 NIGHTS)

We then transitioned to the Khwai Community Reserve, a region celebrated for its lush riverbanks and active predator populations. We spent time documenting a zebra with a significant scar on its hip—a vivid survival story from a past lion encounter—and later found a male leopard guarding a kill. A major highlight was tracking two impressive male lions until they reached the river, where we captured them swimming across the Khwai.

SAVUTI, CHOBE NATIONAL PARK (4 NIGHTS)

Our journey continued into the rugged, prehistoric terrain of Savuti. The area’s birdlife was exceptional, offering a wide array of species for our lenses. In addition to a beautiful male leopard found resting high in a tree, we were incredibly fortunate to have a rare, clear encounter with an elusive Aardwolf moving through the grass. These diverse subjects made for a truly well-rounded portfolio in this iconic corner of Chobe.

CHOBE RIVER & PANGOLIN HOTEL (2 NIGHTS)

For the final leg of the safari, we travelled to the Chobe River and settled in at the Pangolin Hotel. Utilizing their custom-built photo boats, we manoeuvred through the waterways to photograph the river's vibrant bird species and a well-camouflaged baby crocodile. We finished the trip on a high note, capturing the famous Chobe elephants as they gathered to drink against the backdrop of a dramatic African sunset.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A sincere thank you to the "Thru The Lens" camp crew and our expert guides, Nkosi and Joe; your field craft and positioning made all the difference.

I also want to thank the Pangolin Hotel team for their hospitality and our skilled boat captain, NJ—working on the water with you is always a highlight.

Lastly, my gratitude goes to Al, Kathy, Stella, Adrian, Karen, and Pokzin for joining this Botswana expedition. It was a pleasure sharing these remarkable wildlife moments with you all.

Stu