Zimanga & the Chobe River Photo Safari - Sept 2027
September 13th - 26th, 2027
The Wildlife
Accommodation
Photo Safari Map
Hides to Houseboat: Photograph Zimanga and Chobe's Ultimate Wildlife
Your adventure commences with a meet-and-greet and an overnight stay at an airport hotel in Johannesburg. You will be accompanied by your dedicated photo host, Mike Tilley, as the group flies to Durban, followed by a scenic road transfer to the Zimanga Private Game Reserve.
Part I: Zimanga Private Game Reserve (7 Nights)
Spend seven nights at Zimanga, enjoying a balance of traditional open-vehicle game drives and focused sessions in the renowned photographic hides. Each guest is guaranteed two dedicated nights in the unique overnight hides for exclusive nocturnal opportunities.
Part II: Chobe River & Pangolin Voyager (3 Nights)
The group then flies from Durban back to Johannesburg, connecting immediately to Kasane, near the Chobe River. A swift transfer through the border post leads you to the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat. You will enjoy exclusive use of the houseboat for three nights, venturing out onto the waterways in a smaller, specialised photo boat equipped with swivel chairs and gimbal mounts.
Departure
The main safari concludes with a return flight to Johannesburg. Alternatively, you may choose an exciting 2-night extension to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, flying home from there. Full details on the extension are available in the EXTENSION TAB.
ZIMANGA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (7 nights)
Situated deep within KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, Zimanga is a conservation area that has been specifically engineered to serve the needs of wildlife photographers regardless of their expertise. It invites visitors who desire a deeper immersion into the wilderness and a highly personalized, relaxed pace of exploration.
Covering almost 70 square kilometers (27 square miles) of pristine Zululand bushveld, featuring beautiful fever tree woodlands and undulating terrain, the reserve is bisected by the Mkuze River. This waterway acts as a vital lifeline for a magnificent variety of fauna and avifauna, notably including the Big Cats like lion, leopard, and cheetah, as well as elephant.
This thriving environment affords unparalleled chances for securing spectacular images of African wildlife.
The journey at Zimanga is thoughtfully structured, providing not only classic open-vehicle game drives but also up-close, discreet access from a series of innovative, custom-built photographic hides.
This distinctive dual offering has been perfected to fulfill the creative ambitions of wildlife photographers, delivering an immersive and rewarding expedition that genuinely captures the spirit of the African wild.
CHOBE RIVER - PANGOLIN VOYAGER HOUSEBOAT (3 nights)
Originating as a mountain spring in Angola, the Kwando River undergoes a transformation as it traverses Botswana, first becoming the Linyanti River. Upon reaching the Ngoma border, it assumes its final identity as the mighty Chobe River.
This broad and meandering stretch of the Chobe carves its way through extensive swampland and fertile islands, ultimately merging with the powerful Zambezi River.
The Chobe River acts as a magnet for spectacular wildlife. Enormous congregations of elephants and buffalo regularly cross its channels, which are also dense with hippos and crocodiles. Its abundant banks and grasslands attract a rich variety of birds and sought-after antelopes, including red lechwe and puku.
The ultimate way to experience the Chobe River is during three nights aboard the incredible Pangolin Voyager Houseboat. All photographic and wildlife viewing activities are expertly conducted from the comfort of a smaller, specialized photo boat, ensuring intimate and focused encounters with the river's dynamic ecosystem.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
This safari is limited to a maximum of 6 participants to ensure an intimate experience.
For the land-based portion at Zimanga, the group of 6 will be divided into two groups of 3. This will allow each group to have space and intimate small group experiences. Activities will be divided equally between game drives in a private safari vehicle and visits to the famous Zimanga hides.
At the Chobe River, the group will have exclusive use of the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat, from which all activities will be conducted in a smaller specialised photo boat with swivel chairs and gimbal mounts that can accommodate the entire group.
Mike Tilley will lead the tour, providing expert photographic tuition and guidance where needed. Mike will work together with the guide and boat captain to put you in the best locations and positions for quality photography.
The safari begins and ends in Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA.
You will have an excellent chance to see and photograph the following animals on this incredible combo photo safari.
Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, White Rhino, Hippo, Jackal, Crocodile, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Red Lechwe, Sable Antelope, Chacma Baboon, Vervet Monkey, Warthog, and an astounding variety of birdlife.
DAY 1 - Arrival in Johannesburg
Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. Overnight.
Your safari commences with a meet-and-greet at the airport, followed by an escort to an airport hotel conveniently located within walking distance of the arrivals hall.
Mike Tilley (your photo host) and the other members of the group will gather to welcome you for dinner at the hotel.
You will stay for 1 night in Johannesburg at CITY LODGE O.R. TAMBO
(Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
DAY 2 - Fly to Durban, road transfer to Zimanga
Fly from Johannesburg (JNB) to Durban (DUR). Road transfer to Zimanga
Following breakfast, fly on a domestic flight to Durban's King Shaka Airport.
Upon arrival, our group will be greeted at the airport, and a road transfer will take you to Zimanga in time for lunch.
You will stay for 7 nights at ZIMANGA in luxury en-suite rooms.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 3 - Zimanga
Whilst at Zimanga, the group will be split into two groups of three. Each group will get to do the same activities. These will be a mix of game drives in an open safari vehicle as well as visits to the famous hides of Zimanga.
Morning and afternoon activities based on a roster designed by the rangers at Zimanga.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 4 - Zimanga
Photographic activities at Zimanga
Morning and afternoon activities based on a roster designed by the rangers at Zimanga.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 5 - Zimanga
Photographic activities at Zimanga
Morning and afternoon activities based on a roster designed by the rangers at Zimanga.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 6 - Zimanga
Photographic activities at Zimanga
Morning and afternoon activities based on a roster designed by the rangers at Zimanga.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 7 - Zimanga
Photographic activities at Zimanga
Morning and afternoon activities based on a roster designed by the rangers at Zimanga.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 8 - Zimanga
Photographic activities at Zimanga
Morning and afternoon activities based on a roster designed by the rangers at Zimanga.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 9 - Overnight in Ballito
Final morning activity at Zimanga then road transfer back to Ballito (near King Shaka Airport) for an overnight stay in a hotel.
Each group will enjoy their final activity at Zimanga, after which you will check out and drive back to Ballito for an overnight stay at Coco de Mer.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
DAY 10 - Fly from Durban to JHB then Fly to Kasane (Botswana)
Transfer to Durban Airport and fly to JHB. Then fly to Kasane in Botswana. Transfer to the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat
Today you will catch two flights to get you to the Chobe River. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the border post to allow you to cross into Namibia. (the reason for this is that the Housboat is moored on the Namibian side of the Chobe River). Travel by small boat to the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat. This will be your new home for three nights.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
DAY 11 - Pangolin Voyager Houseboat
Photographic activities on the Chobe River
Morning and afternoon photo boat excursions on the Chobe River.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 12 - Pangolin Voyager Houseboat
Photographic activities on the Chobe River
Morning and afternoon photo boat excursions on the Chobe River.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 13 - Fly to JHB & Depart
Final morning on the Chobe River, then fly back to JHB to depart - OR optional extension to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
Morning photo boat excursion, then transfer to the Kasane Airport for the flight back to JHB.... OR - if you wanted to add a 2 night stay at the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, this could be done.. please let us know at the time of your booking.
This marks the end of your amazing photo safari.
(Brunch included)
Two night optional extension to the VICTORIA FALLS in Zimbabwe
OVERVIEW
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
THE VICTORIA FALLS
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.
Itinerary
Day 1
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)
Day 2
Full day to explore the area
Full day spent at Victoria Falls, visiting the Falls and doing optional activities.
Day 3
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.
Included
Road Transfers
2 nights in Victoria Falls
Not Included
Visa fees
Laundry not indicated
Meals & drinks not indicated
Entrance fees to view the Falls
All other activities
Tips for hotel staff, drivers/guides
STEP 1 - PLEASE READ OUR BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
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.
STEP 2 - GET IN TOUCH
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.
STEP 3 - AWAIT A REPLY FROM US & THEN CREATE YOUR CLIENT ACCOUNT
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.
STEP 4 - COMPLETE A 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.
STEP 5 - SEND YOUR DEPOSIT
Deposits can be paid via credit card, 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.
STEP 6 - FINAL BALANCE 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.
- Tour Leader
-
Mike Tilley
