
Okavango Delta, Savuti & Chobe River, Botswana - June 2022
Photo Tours to Botswana
Photo highlights from the June 2022 Photographic safari to the Okavango Delta, Savuti & Chobe River in Botswana
Posted on 7th February, 2023
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Our safari begins with an overnight in Johannesburg, then we'll fly to Maun, Botswana's safari hub. Over 13 days, we will journey to the Okavango Delta, Savuti, and the mighty Chobe River.
From Maun, a bush pilot flies us directly into Moremi Game Reserve. Aerial views reveal the Delta's vast, pristine landscape. Our private campsite awaits us in central Moremi Game Reserve. Known for picturesque floodplains and lagoons, this region is our home for three nights, immersing us in its untouched beauty.
Next, the Khwai Community Wildlife Concession teems with life. Elephants, hippos, and Red Lechwe graze floodplains. Lions, leopards, and African wild dogs often appear along the river, offering fantastic photo opportunities. We'll dedicate three nights to exploring this eastern part of the Okavango Delta.
We then drive from the Delta through the Mababe Depression, finally reaching Savuti. Famous for high lion and hyena densities, this famous area of the Chobe National Park features low hills, dry marshes, and the Savuti Channel. With resident wild dogs, leopards, lions and possibly cheetahs, Savuti is our base for four nights.
The tour's final leg takes us by plane to the Chobe River for two nights. A specialized photo boat offers morning/afternoon sessions, revealing the river's rich bird and wildlife. After a final morning boat ride, we'll return to Johannesburg, arriving in the mid-afternoon, with ample time for international flight connections.
The Okavango Delta, originating in Angola and flowing through Namibia, forms a vast alluvial fan over the Kalahari sands, uniquely not reaching the sea. Covering 40% of the Delta, Moremi Game Reserve was designated a Protected Game Reserve in 1963 by Chief Moremi to safeguard its wildlife from hunting.
This captivating region, with its floodplains and islands, provides an ideal habitat for diverse carnivores, herbivores, and over 400 bird species.
The Khwai Community Area in Botswana is a wildlife-rich concession situated along the Khwai River, the easternmost major river of the Okavango Delta.
A significant advantage of this area is that it permits off-road driving, offering exceptional access to diverse habitats and wildlife, leading to outstanding photographic opportunities and close encounters with animals.
Savuti, lies within the Chobe National Park (established in 1967). The Savuti area is notable for its large, often dry marsh.
This marsh is all that's left of a huge prehistoric lake, which dried up after earthquakes cut off its water supply.
From time to time, these seismic events happen again, letting floodwaters flow down the Savuti Channel and refill the wide Savuti Marsh.
Starting as a mountain spring in Angola, the Kwando River transforms as it flows through Botswana, becoming the Linyanti River. At the Ngoma border, it's finally known as the Chobe River.
This wide, winding section of the Chobe snakes through swampland and lush islands, eventually meeting the powerful Zambezi River before plunging over Victoria Falls.
The Chobe River draws incredible wildlife. Huge herds of elephants and buffalo cross its waters, which also teem with hippos and crocodiles. Its rich banks and grasslands attract diverse birds and rare antelope like red lechwe and puku.
The very best way to explore the Chobe river is by boat.
At the end of this safari, there is an optional 2-night extension to view and photograph the magnificent Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
** View all details of this extension in the EXTENSION TAB
This safari is limited to a maximum of 6 participants to ensure an intimate experience.
For the land-based portion, two safari vehicles will be utilized, accommodating 3 participants each. This arrangement guarantees ample space for equipment and provides unrestricted access to both sides of the vehicle.
At the Chobe River, the entire group will comfortably fit on one of the specially modified Pangolin Photo Boats, equipped with swivel chairs and gimbal mounts.
Stu Porter will lead the tour, providing expert photographic tuition and guidance where needed. Our professional guides, use their local knowledge and contacts to put us iin the best locations and positions for quality photography.
The safari begins and ends in Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA.
**PLEASE NOTE: For this safari, luggage must be in soft duffel bags, not hard cases, due to charter flight and road travel requirements. A TOTAL allowance of 35kg (80lb) per person is included.
You will have an excellent chance to see and photograph the following animals on this incredible photo safari to Botswana:
Lion, Leopard, African Wild Dog, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Hippo, Spotted Hyena, Jackal, Crocodile, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Red Lechwe, Sable Antelope, Chacma Baboon, Vervet Monkey, Warthog, and an astounding variety of birdlife.
Arrive in Johannesburg at OR TAMBO International Airport, meet & greet and escorted to hotel for an overnight stay
To accommodate the morning departure on DAY 2, the group needs to assemble in Johannesburg a day prior. This precautionary measure accounts for any potential flight delays.
Upon your arrival, our meet & greet representative will be stationed at the arrivals hall, identifiable by a board bearing your name. They will promptly guide you to the conveniently located airport hotel, which is easily accessible on foot.
Your accommodation for the night will be provided at the OR Tambo City Lodge Hotel, inclusive of bed and breakfast.
Fly from Johannesburg (JNB) to Maun in Botswana (MUB). Charter flight into the Okavango Delta
The flight to Maun, Botswana, is scheduled for late morning, allowing us ample time for breakfast and a short briefing. We will then all proceed to the airport for check-in.
Upon arrival in Maun, Botswana, we'll transfer via a charter flight to allow us access to the heart of the Okavango Delta.
Our adventure entails a 6-night stay in the Okavango Delta, immersing ourselves in the wilderness at two distinct locations. We will be staying in a PRIVATE MOBILE TENTED CAMP - **please take a look at the accommodation photographs.
The initial three nights will be spent in the central section of the MOREMI GAME RESERVE, housed within a mobile expedition tent featuring your own private drop toilet and bucket shower.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(** Laundry services are available - but they are limited**)
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the central section of Moremi Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the central section of Moremi Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
Move to the Khwai Community Wildlife Concession and explore a different section of the Okavango Delta
As we enjoy another full day of photography, the camp team diligently disassembles the camp, moving it to the Khwai Community Wildlife Concession. By day's end, we'll discover the camp expertly set up in a captivating new location, with a warm campfire and a delectable dinner awaiting our arrival.
We spend three nights in Khwai, where we'll stay in the same mobile expedition tents.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(** Laundry services are available - but they are limited**)
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the northern section of Moremi Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the northern section of Moremi Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
Move camp to the Savuti area of the Chobe National Park
While the camp team commences the process of dismantling the camp once again, we embark on another full day of photography, pausing for lunch in the Mababe Depression. As the day concludes, we return to our freshly set up camp in the breathtaking Savuti wilderness area. This arid, dry region stands in stark contrast to the lush lagoons of the Okavango Delta.
We spend four nights in Savuti, where we'll stay in the same mobile expedition tents.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(** Laundry services are available - but they are limited**)
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Savuti
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Savuti
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Savuti
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
Final morning in Savuti. Charter flight to Kasane Airport (Chobe River)
Enjoy a last morning of photography in Savuti before embarking on a charter flight from the local airstrip to the Chobe River, signifying the conclusion of the mobile camping segment of this photo safari.
Upon arrival at the Kasane airport, we'll be greeted and transferred a short distance to our final destination, the Pangolin Hotel, just in time for lunch.
We then gear up for our initial 3-hour afternoon boat excursion on the Chobe River aboard the specially crafted Pangolin Photo Boat.
After witnessing the sunset along the river, we'll return to the hotel to conclude the day's explorations.
We will stay for 2 nights at the PANGOLIN CHOBE HOTEL in an en-suite room.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(Laundry services included)
3hr Morning & 3hr Afternoon photo boat rides on the Chobe River
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography from the specially designed Pangolin Photo Boat.
3hr Morning boat ride. Breakfast. Fly back to Johannesburg - OR optional extension to VICTORIA FALLS
After our fourth and final photo boat ride on the Chobe River, we head back to the hotel for a delightful breakfast. Following this, we catch the return flight to Johannesburg.
Arriving in Johannesburg in the mid-afternoon, you'll have ample time to seamlessly connect with your international flight home.
VICTORIA FALLS
Should you opt for the 2-night extension to witness the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, we can make the necessary arrangements on your behalf. Instead of accompanying the group to the airport, you will embark on a road transfer across the border into Zimbabwe, reaching Victoria Falls in time for lunch. * Please note that Stu Porter will not be participating in the extension to Victoria Falls.
** View all details of this extension in the EXTENSION TAB
With one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World only 3 hours away by road, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of our 2-night extension to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
After your final morning photoshoot on the boat & breakfast, we will arrange for you to take a road transfer from Kasane, through the Kazangula border crossing and into Zimbabwe. You will arrive at your lodge in Victoria Falls in time for lunch.
You will have the opportunity to visit this famous waterfall as well as partake in the many activities that are on offer at the Falls, such as helicopter rides, white water rafting, sunset cruises, game drives, night drives, walk with Lions, elephant rides and more. All of these can be arranged on arrival by the lodge reception staff.
After your two night stay, you will have a road transfer to the Victoria Falls airport for your flight back to Johannesburg, arriving in the mid-afternoon.
If you are interested in doing this 2-night extension to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, then please let us know at the time of your enquiry.
PRICE:
$ Please enquire
David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary and explorer, is believed to have been the first European to view the falls on 16 November 1855. Livingstone named his sighting in honour of Queen Victoria, but the Sotho language name, Mosi-oa-Tunya "The Smoke That Thunders", continues in common usage. The World Heritage List officially recognises both names.
While it is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, the Victoria Falls are classified the largest, based on its combined width of 1,708 metres (5,604 ft) and height of 108 metres (354 ft), resulting in the world's largest sheet of falling water. The Victoria Falls are roughly twice the height of North America's Niagara Falls and well over twice its width.
The river that flows over the falls is the Zambezi. This is Africa's 4th longest river with its source in Zambia. It flows through 6 different countries before it empties into the Indian Ocean on Africa's East Coast.
Road transfer from Chobe River across the border into Zimbabwe. Reach Victoria Falls for lunch
Depart after breakfast from Chobe by road to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. You would arrive at your hotel in time for lunch - visit the falls in the afternoon (overnight Victoria Falls)
You will stay for 2 nights in Victoria Falls at ILALA LODGE
(Bed & Breakfast only)
Full day to explore the area
Full day spent at Victoria Falls, visiting the Falls and doing optional activities.
Final morning activity then depart for Johannesburg from Victoria Falls Airport
Depart after a final morning activity and breakfast for Victoria Falls airport - fly back to Johannesburg arriving in the mid-afternoon. Connect with your international flight home.
Road Transfers
2 nights in Victoria Falls
Visa fees
Laundry not indicated
Meals & drinks not indicated
Entrance fees to view the Falls
All other activities
Tips for hotel staff, drivers/guides
We first recommend that you read and become familiar with our booking terms & conditions, which can be found on this page, under the PRICES box.
Get in touch with us to confirm that there are still spaces available on the photo safari that you are interested in. Click on the “ENQUIRE NOW” button above.
Once we confirm with you that there is space available, and you would like to join the safari, we will send you a direct link via email. Follow this unique link to sign up to our CLIENT AREA. After you have registered with your name, email address and a password of your choice, you will then be asked to complete our online booking form.
As soon as we receive your completed booking form/s (1 per participant) then you will be required to send us the deposit to secure your place on the safari.
Deposits can be paid via credit card, PayPal or international bank transfer. We will notify you as soon as your deposit arrives. Places on the safari will only be confirmed once we have received both a completed booking form and deposit payment.
As soon as your booking form and deposit are with us, we will update your CLIENT AREA to display the outstanding balance amount. This amount will be due 90 days before the start date of the safari.