Botswana – Into the Wild – Tour 1

Details

Chobe River National Park

The Chobe National Park is arguably one of the best year-round game viewing and wildlife photography destinations in Southern Africa. The park boundary is a mere 200m from the hotel affording us quick and easy access for game drives and river game cruises.

The Chobe River is the only permanent water source in this part of Northern Botswana which attracts game and birdlife in huge numbers

The river is the only permanent water source and this leads to it having the huge elephant populations who rely on this life-giving force throughout the year. The Chobe is a fantastic safari destination throughout the year. It has the largest elephant population in Africa with a population in excess of 100,000 animals.

Other permanent residents include buffalo, giraffe, hippo, plenty of antelope species as well as a healthy population of lion and leopard which prey upon them. The larger mammals in The Chobe tend to be some of the most relaxed in the region which is even more conducive to great wildlife photography.

During the warmer summer months (Nov to April) it is a birder’s paradise. The Chobe has around 450 different species recorded each year including some very special seasonal migratory visitors such as Carmine Bee Eaters and African Skimmers. Fish Eagles are superabundant along the river.

Chobe River Safari Boats

Our group will have exclusive use of specially designed boats for photographers. Each boat is equipped with 8 padded seats that swivel 360 degrees AND comes with a gimbal mount for your camera set up. 

The Chobe Lodge

The lodge is beautifully located and only has 14 rooms creating a small and intimate atmosphere yet with hospitality and food worthy of awards.

We also have use of a specifically designed editing room where we can work our images together. 

The Okavango Delta 

The Okavango Delta (commonly referred to as the Delta), in Northern Botswana, was named the 1000th location on the UNESCO World Heritage List and one of a handful of delta ecosystems that do not flood into the sea. Instead, The Delta fills with rains from the Angolan Highlands to the north and dissipates into the sands of the Kalahari Desert ultimately evaporating as an inland delta.

The Delta is very flat. In fact, the change in elevation across 15,000km2 (5,800 sq miles) varies by only 2 meters.

The Delta is divided into areas of National Park, community concessions, and private concessions held by safari companies on leases of approximately 20 years. The largest national park area is Moremi with Khwai being the largest community reserve.

The Okavango Camp

The  Photo Camp has four double tents with the camp sleeping a maximum of eight guests. Each tent is a large Meru-style walk-in tent with an ensuite shower, basin, and flushing toilet. The beds are two singles that can be placed together for a rudimentary double bed.

The power for the room is supplied by a solar recharged battery pack that has enough power for lights, recharging of batteries, a fan as well as other electronics such as CPAP machines that require power through the night. During the day these units are recharged should they require a top-up.

There are storage areas for clothes as well as a seating area in front of the tent. The walls of the tent are fitted with large mosquito-proof gauze which aids ventilation and allows the sounds and smells of the African Bush to permeate the tent aiding sleep and enhancing the entire experience.

Hot water for the en suite shower is provided throughout the day, on-demand, by the camp staff and there are biodegradable amenities supplied.

Bearing in mind that the tent is designed to move regularly you will find this an incredibly comfortable place to sleep and rest during your safari. the rest of the time you will be exploring and photographing the game or making the most of the other camp facilities like the Editing Tent, Dining Tent, and of course the fire!