Botswana Okavango Photo Safari, December 2024
In December 2024 Andy will lead a private group of into Botswana's Okavango Delta, one of Africa's best and most remote wildlife areas. This small group safari combines some of the finest wildlife photography anywhere and at two of Botswana's best safari areas. We have selected specific camps in Botswana's Okavango Delta and Linyanti regions to create a private safari geared specifically toward serious photography and game viewing.
Safari Highlights
We have private vehicles throughout the entire safari, with only 1 person per row of seating (the vehicles have 3 rows behind the driver, plus a seat next to the driver if you want to be lower down to the ground.)
Knowledgeable and passionate safari guides in Botswana will drive and guide us in open vehicles to help us get the images we are after.
This safari offers superb game viewing and photographic opportunities in some of the best areas in Africa.
This itinerary focuses on a real wildlife experience in very private game drive areas.
Is This Safari For You?
Here are some key points to help you decide:
1. We welcome photographers of all levels. This safari will be conducive to learning from one another and include instruction that will suit everyone’s photographic needs. No question is off limits, no inquiry too basic.
2. We love photographing in the field. We spend most our time and effort on safari activity and making images. We do meet daily to review images and discuss technique, but this is not a “classroom-intensive” trip. Our "classroom sessions" are optional (although the review sessions are valuable and there is not a more beautiful classroom).
3. Non-photographer or videographer spouses / travel companions will love these safaris. We have specialist guides leading all safari activities and optional activities (boating, walks, etc.) are also available at any time.
The Schedule
Days 1-5 (4 Nights) - December 1-5
Okavango Explorers Camp - Linyanti Region, Botswana
Today you will fly from the city of your choice (typically either Johannesburg or Capetown, with our assistance) and will be met in the Maun, Botswana when you arrive. You will then gather and take a short air transfer to Okavango Explorers Camp.
Okavango Explorers Camp is situated within the private Selinda Reserve, a legendary wildlife region that is best known for its large numbers of predators - especially lions, hyenas and wild dogs.
Set in one of the most pristine wilderness areas left on our planet, Okavango Explorers Camp rests on the banks of the Selinda Spillway, an important water source for wildlife. The private 320,000 acre Selinda Reserve boasts elephants by the thousands, regular sightings of African wild dogs as well as the famous Selinda Lion Pride recently feature in the National Geographic film “Birth of a Pride” by Dereck and Beverly Joubert. The area has a sense of remoteness, a true spirit of Africa, and is a great example of Botswana bush embodying a variety of species and rare animals. Selinda Camp’s design pays homage first and foremost to Water, with splashes of blue and crystal-clear swimming pools offering views over the equally immaculate Selinda Spillway to ease your arrival, usually by boat.
We have sole use of this camp throughout our stay, including all the safari vehicles, professional guides and camp staff.
Days 5-9 (4 nights) - December 5-9
Duba Explorers Camp - Okavango Delta, Botswana
Our flight from Okavango Explorers Camp to Duba Explorers Camp is a short plane ride, taking us over the beautiful Okavango Delta. On arrival at the Duba airstrip, we will be met and transferred on a short drive to the camp.
Duba Explorers Camp is located in the heart of the Okavango Delta and is one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Botswana.
The Okavango Delta is home to a large number of species, including semi-aquatic animals, such as the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga. Families of hippo hide in the deeper channels and lagoons, while the unique Delta environment supports many minute but beautiful species, including multicolored frogs and incandescent dragonflies. The area supports the continent’s largest surviving concentration of elephant and buffalo, which roam the open woodlands.
One of the most common antelope in the Okavango, the red lechwe is especially adapted for the swampy conditions it lives in. Its splayed, elongated hooves give it a sure footing, allowing it to inhabit the outskirts of the permanent swamps. The Okavango is also a stronghold for the endangered African wild dog, which is a highly sought after photographic opportunity. Exhibiting a fascinating social structure, wild dog live in packs led by a dominant pair, with a strict social hierarchy. Although particularly nocturnal and difficult to spot, leopard live in the dense riverine thickets of the Delta.
With an incredible wealth of species, the Okavango is a haven for birding enthusiasts. One of its most sought after species is the huge but elusive Pel’s fishing owl, which roosts in the densest evergreen thickets. A quintessential African sound, the haunting call of the fish eagle can be heard echoing over the channels of the Okavango. The Delta also boasts the largest population of the endangered wattled crane, a large and beautiful species. The African jacana, with its extraordinarily long toes, skims along the top of floating vegetation, giving the impression that it is walking on water.
Day 9 - December 9
We will have a flight back to Maun, Botswana after the morning safari activity and connect onward with your scheduled flight back to either Johannesburg or Capetown. International flights may be scheduled to depart that evening (if feasible) to home destinations or an additional night hotel stay can be arranged for you upon request (recommended). See note below regarding travel extensions.
Days 9-11 - Extension to Victoria Falls - December 9-11
We would love for you to join us to Victoria Falls extension! We will fly to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and our guides will pick us up and will drive us to Mpala Jena, a small an luxurious camp on the banks of the Zambezi River and upstream of Victoria Falls. For the next two days we will have game drives, afternoons on the Zambezi River looking for subjects coming down to the river to drink and will make a visit to Victoria Falls. The best way to visit the Victoria Falls is to stay on the Zambezi River and we have the most amazing camp as our base for our two nights.
Day 11 - December 11
We will have a drive to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), where you can fly back to either Cape Town or Johannesburg (we can help facilitate these flights for you) and continue onward to home.
NOTE: Customized extensions to this safari, including Johannesburg, Cape Town and other destinations may be arranged through us as desired. Ask us for further information.
The Cost
The cost of this all-inclusive safari is $12,990 per person. The same rate applies for each participant regardless of whether they are doing photography or not. This fee includes everything from when you arrive in Botswana until you leave.
Due to the limited number of spaces available, if a solo guest is willing to share a room and we can match with another guest of the same gender, we will do so. If a solo guest is unwilling to share, then a single supplement of $1,800 will be charged.
The extension to Victoria Falls is $2,390 and if you desire your own room a single supplement of $900 will be charged.
Please note: We will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or wildlife migrations) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. We reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participant.
What Do I Do Next?
Our groups are small, so space is limited. If this exciting trip has your name on it; if you're excited by the thought of becoming a member of this trip, then now is the time to register. Remember, there will be limited space available for this workshop. When they're spoken for, that's it. If you have any questions before registering, send us an e-mail with any inquiries to hello@andybiggs.com.
Trip Details
Safari Leader: Andy Biggs
Dates: December 1-9, 2024 (Main Safari)
December 9-11, 2024 (Victoria Falls extension)
Cost: $12,990 (Main Safari) and $2,390 (Victoria Falls extension)
Single supplement: $1,800 (Main Safari) and $900 (Victoria Falls extension)
What's Included?
All accommodation, meals and drinks
Private round-trip air charters from Maun to safari camps and back
Additional luggage allowance on the flights / air charters within Botswana
All safari activities
Services of the lodge guides & staff
Relevant park fees
Daily laundry
What is Not Included?
International airfare and/or other transportation between your home and Maun, Botswana (we assist with these, depending on where you would like to begin your journey)
International airfare from Capetown or Johannesburg to Botswana
Visas (if applicable)
Travel Insurance
Gratuities
Optional extra activities (helicopter flights, etc.)
Pre and post safari tours