Botswana Photo Safari

Botswana Photo Safari
2023 & 2024

Overview:

This 15 day/ 14 night Botswana itinerary is a wildlife photographers dream. Here we have combined some of Botswana’s most highly regarded photography-centered properties for an incredible Botswana Photographic Safari – Mashatu and Pangolin.

You begin at Mashatu, located in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, which is renowned by photographers worldwide for the high photographic ‘hit’ rate in both the dry and wet seasons. Experience Mashatu’s waterhole photography hides and discuss how to get the best angle or best lighting with their resident expert wildlife photographer. Then, explore the fascinating landscapes of the Okavango Delta from Pangolin Khwai Camp & cruise the Chobe River aboard the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat. Pangolin safaris are geared towards photographers of all levels and focus on wildlife, birding, and both land and water-based photographic environments.

Notes Regarding this itinerary:

Please note: this Custom Design sample itinerary is based on travel in September 2023 for a group of 2 travelers. Please contact Africa Easy with preferred dates of travel and number of travelers.

Please note: Mashatu’s photography hides are an additional cost. Rates are located in the Rates section below.

Please note: the game drives in this itinerary are based on shared game drives with other guests. If you prefer your own fully fitted photographic vehicle (without other guests), we would be happy to get a quote on the upgrade to a private photo safari vehicle, which includes:

– a customized design, equipped with sliding gimble heads allowing for comfortable, quick and well supported photography in a 270 degree radius for each photographer.
– bean bag arches allow you even faster access to get the initial shot.
– cushioned, dust and waterproof bag storage compartments allow for fast access to your lenses and other photographic equipment.
– the vehicle comes with your specialized photographic guide and a Mashatu field ranger

Brief Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrive to Johannesburg. Meet & Greet service on arrival. Private transfer to The Peech Hotel in 1 Standard Room, 2 nights, B&B basis.
Day 02: Day at leisure in Melrose (suburb of Johannesburg). Overnight at The Peech Hotel, B&B basis.
Day 03: Private transfer via Johannesburg Apt to the Lanseria Airport. Fly on a light aircraft flight direct to Mashatu. Transfer with a Mashatu driver to Mashatu Main Camp. Check in for 4 nights in 1 Luxury Suite, FI basis. Afternoon game drive.
Day 04: Morning & afternoon game drives in the Mashatu Game Reserve. Overnight at Mashatu Main Camp, FI basis.
Day 05: Morning & afternoon game drives in the Mashatu Game Reserve. PM Matebole Hide session (extra cost). Overnight at Mashatu Main Camp, FI basis.
Day 06: AM Matebole Hide session (extra cost). PM afternoon game drive in the Mashatu Game Reserve. Overnight at Mashatu Main Camp, FI basis.
Day 07: AM Matebole Hide session (extra cost). Fly on air taxi to Maun. Connect with lodge hopper flight to Okavango Delta. Transfer to Pangolin Khwai Camp. Check in for 3 nights in 1 Tent, FI basis.
Days 08 & 09: On safari in the Okavango Delta. Overnights at Pangolin Khwai Camp, FI basis.
Day 10: Transfer with a Pangolin driver to the airstrip and fly to Kasane, Botswana. Transfer with a Pangolin driver and board the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat for your cruise down the Chobe River. Check in for 4 nights in 1 Cabin, FI basis.
Days 11, 12, 13: On the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat, FI basis.
Day 14: Private transfer with a Pangolin driver back to Kasane Airport. Scheduled flight from Kasane, Botswana to Johannesburg, South Africa. Take hotel shuttle to Johannesburg hotel. Overnight at the Southern Sun Airport Hotel at the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
Day 15: Make your way back via the hotel shuttle to the O.R. Tambo International Airport and connect with your flight home.

Basis of Accommodation-
B&B – Bed & Breakfast Basis = breakfast included with stay, lunch & dinner on own account
HB – Half Board Basis = breakfast & dinner included with stay, lunch on own account
FB – Full Board Basis = breakfast, lunch & dinner included with stay
FI – Fully Inclusive Basis = Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner and all game drives included with stay

Interested in more information? Please contact Africa Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or click here to e-mail the Africa Easy Team.

Botswana Photo Safari
2023 & 2024

Day-by-day Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive to Johannesburg. Transfer to The Peech Hotel for overnight.
Arrive to Johannesburg, South Africa. Upon arrival, you will be met by a Meet & Greet Agent. Clear customs & immigration, collect your luggage and make your way to the arrivals hall where you will meet the transfer driver who will privately transfer you to The Peech Hotel. Check in for 2 nights in a Standard Room on a bed & breakfast basis. Stay includes: breakfast.

Day 02: Full day at leisure in Johannesburg. Overnight at The Peech Hotel
Spend the full day at your leisure in Johannesburg. Overnight at The Peech Hotel, on a B&B basis.

About Johannesburg:
Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organized tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.

Day 03: Fly to the Mashatu Game Reserve. PM Game Drive. Overnight at Mashatu Main Lodge
After breakfast at The Peech Hotel (included), you will be met and privately transferred to the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport. Once at the Johannesburg Airport, transfer to the Lanseria Airport and fly on a scheduled shuttle flight to Mashatu, Botswana.

Note: Flights are operational on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and are based on minimum 2 guests. Guests weight: Male = 85kg (187lb), female = 65kg (143lb). Guests weighing more than 160kg (350lb) must inform Angel Gabriel at least 10 days prior to the flight departure date. Luggage is strictly 15kg (33lb) plus 6kg (13lb) carry on per person (soft bags only).

On arrival, and after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met and assisted by a Mashatu representative and driven to Mashatu Main Camp.

Upon arrival at Mashatu Main Camp, check in for 4 nights in 1 Luxury Suite, on a fully inclusive basis. Stay includes: all meals, house local beer, wine & spirits during your stay, snacks, 2 scheduled safari activities daily and scheduled transfer from/to airstrip. Lodge activities include: game drives. Photography hides are an additional cost (see Rates section for rates).

Enjoy an afternoon game drive with other safari guests before dinner at Mashatu and overnight.

Day 04: AM & PM Game Drives. Overnight at Mashatu Main Camp.
Enjoy shared morning & afternoon game drives with other guests in Mashatu Game Reserve and breakfast in the morning. All meals and overnight at Mashatu Main Camp, on a fully inclusive basis.

Day 05: AM Game Drive. PM Matebole Hide Session (extra cost). Overnight at Mashatu Main Camp
Enjoy a shared morning game drive with other guests in Mashatu Game Reserve and breakfast in the morning.

In the afternoon, you will have your first photo hide session in the Matebole Hide (extra cost, see rates section below) OR have an afternoon game drive with other guests in the Mashatu Game Reserve. All meals and your overnight at Mashatu Main Camp, on a fully inclusive basis.

Day 06: AM Matebole Hide Session (extra cost). PM Game Drive. Overnight at Mashatu Main Camp
Enjoy another Matebole Hide Session this morning (extra cost) OR have a morning game drive with other guests in the Mashatu Game Reserve. Later, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Mashatu Game Reserve. All meals and overnight at Mashatu Main Camp, on a fully inclusive basis.

Day 07: AM Matebole Hide Session (extra cost). Fly via Maun to the Khwai Private Reserve. Overnight at Pangolin Khwai Camp
Enjoy your last morning Matebole Hide Session (extra cost, see rates section below) OR have a morning game drive with other guests in the Mashatu Game Reserve. Transfer with a Mashatu representative to the airstrip and fly on an air taxi flight to Maun, Botswana.

Luggage is strictly 15kg (33lb) plus 6kg (13lb) carry on per person (soft bags only).

On arrival in Maun, connect with your lodge hopper flight to the Khwai Airstrip.

Luggage allowance is 20kgs per person in a soft bag whose dimensions should not exceed 25cm (10in) wide, 30cm (12in) high and 62cm (24in) long). This includes hand luggage and camera equipment. In order to avoid having to purchase an additional seat Mack Air must be advised in advance of travel if a passenger weighs 110 kg (242 lbs) or more. There may be up to three stops en-route to a passenger’s final destination.

On arrival at the Khwai Airstrip, you will be met by a Pangolin Khwai Camp representative and transferred to camp.

Check in to Pangolin Khwai Camp for 3 nights in 1 Tent on a Fully Inclusive basis. Stay includes: meals (brunch, high tea and dinner), local brand drinks, 2 scheduled safari activities daily, return airstrip transfers. Camp activities include: morning and late afternoon game drives, one mokoro activity per stay and walking subject to availability of a walking guide. Maximum 4 guests per vehicle.

Days 08 & 09: On safari in the Khwai Private Reserve. Overnights at Pangolin Khwai Camp
2 full days on safari in the Khwai Private Reserve. All meals & overnights at Pangolin Khwai Camp, on a fully inclusive basis.

The Pangolin Khwai Camp offers an amazing range of activities during your stay. They offer both water and land-based activities. On the reserve they have a seasonal mokoro station from where you will depart on the most iconic Delta experience – punting through the channels of the Okavango in a traditional dug-out canoe (mokoro). Please note though that the mokoro activity is only available when the water levels are at their fullest – generally from April through to October.
For the game drives they have three photo adapted game viewers in the camp. With a maximum of 12 clients in camp at any one time, this means a maximum of 4 clients per vehicle on all game drives. Having only 4 people in a vehicle leaves plenty of room for kit and maneuverability. A limited number of 4 people per vehicle normally attracts a private vehicle surcharge at many of the other camps in the area.

Day 10: Fly to Kasane and Transfer to the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat
After breakfast and a morning game drive (time permitting), at a time to be advised by camp management, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your light aircraft scheduled flight to the Kasane Airport in Botswana.

Please note: Luggage allowance is 20kgs per person in a soft bag whose dimensions should not exceed 25cm (10in) wide, 30cm (12in) high and 62cm (24in) long). This includes hand luggage and camera equipment. In order to avoid having to purchase an additional seat Mack Air must be advised in advance of travel if a passenger weighs 110 kg (242 lbs.) or more. There may be up to two stops en-route to a passenger’s final destination.

About Kasane:
Northern Botswana’s little town of Kasane is an entry point into the beating heart of Africa. Nestled in a loop of the Chobe River, the town has a sleepy, relaxed feel and is made up of a few garages, shops and banks, as well as a number of lodges and guest houses. Relatively unremarkable, Kasane’s importance is grounded in its strategic location: it lies at the juncture where Botswana meets Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia. This unpretentiously simple town provides passage between some of Africa’s premier safari destinations, scenic locations and heart-stopping adventure hubs. Chobe National Park, famed for its impressive elephant population and iconic images of majestic beasts frolicking in the waters, is accessed via the Sidudu Gate.

Further afield, (90 kilometers away), the mighty Zambezi pounds into Batoka Gorge at the magnificent Victoria Falls – an unforgettable vision of loveliness and an adrenaline hotspot. Kasane is home to an international airport, and 6 kilometers to the East, you find the two Kazungula border posts, one between Zimbabwe, the other Zambia. This town is the administrative center of the Chobe District, but most importantly, a magical gateway into an exciting world where memories are created to be cherished forever after.

Upon arrival in Kasane, you will be met by a Pangolin representative and driven to the Voyager Houseboat. Check in for 4 nights in 1 cabin, on a fully inclusive basis. Stay includes: all meals, local brand drinks and return Kasane Airport transfers. Activities include: tender boat excursions, walks and cultural excursions on Impalila Island. Please note: No camera equipment or tuition is offered on-board unless clients are booked on a specific workshop.

Days 11, 12 & 13: On board the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat
Spend three full days on the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat. All meals and overnights aboard the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat, on a fully inclusive basis.

During the day there is a multitude of activities on offer. They have 1 eight-seater custom built photo boat with fully rotating chairs and fitted with state of the art camera mounts moored alongside. Generally, they take this boat out at first light and again in the late afternoon for up to three hours each time. The Chobe River offers excellent photographic and game viewing opportunities throughout the year from the famous Chobe elephants to smaller inhabitants like tiny Malachite Kingfishers that flit along the banks.
During the day they will be happy to organize a visit to a local village or a guided walk on Impalila island to see the magnificent Baobab trees (an extra cost). Alternatively, there is no better place to relax and unwind with a good book than the sun deck on the upper level of the houseboat.
All of the guides on the Voyager are highly trained with an encyclopedic knowledge of the river and its inhabitants and are only too happy to help seek out specific photographic subjects for our guests.

Day 14: Fly to Johannesburg – Overnight at Southern Sun OR Tambo Airport Hotel
After breakfast aboard the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat, you will be transferred by a Pangolin representative to the Kasane Airport for your flight to Johannesburg, South Africa: SA8307; BBK/JNB; 14:00/15:55.

On arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa, clear customs and immigration and collect your luggage and make your way via the complimentary hotel shuttle to the Southern Sun O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel. Check in for 1 night in 1 Standard Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis at the Southern Sun O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel, located adjacent to the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Day 15: Hotel Shuttle to OR Tambo Airport & Fly Home
After breakfast at the hotel, make your way back to the O.R. Tambo International Airport via the complimentary hotel shuttle and connect with your flight home.

Note: The above itinerary and arranged sightseeing is subject to change. Please contact us with your preferred travel dates and goals to confirm your trip.

AE- CDNF2019

Botswana Photo Safari
2023 & 2024

Based on September 2023 Rates:

Safari Package Rate: Approx. $12,545.00 per person sharing

Extra Services (not included in safari package rate):
Hide Session: inquire regarding rates
Private Photographic Vehicle & Guide: Inquire regarding rates

Flights within Africa Airfare (not included in safari package rate):$470.00 approx. per person

Based on September 2024 Rates:

Safari Package Rate: Approx. $12,995.00 per person sharing

Extra Services (not included in safari package rate):
Hide Session: inquire regarding rates
Private Photographic Vehicle & Guide: Inquire regarding rates

Flights within Africa Airfare (not included in safari package rate):$470.00 approx. per person

Fares are subject to change until booked.

Please note: Please note: this Custom Design sample itinerary – Botswana Photo Focus Safari and it is based on travel in September 2023 for a group of 2 travelers sharing accommodation. Suggested safari travel months for this itinerary is June – October 2023 & 2024. Please contact Africa Easy with preferred dates of travel and number of travelers.

– Rates are based on per person sharing and are approximate until the time of booking.
– Accommodation is subject to change based on availability on dates requested.
– Rates are quoted in USD and subject to change without prior notice due to circumstances beyond our control; i.e. fuel increases, currency fluctuations, etc.
– The above rate is subject to seasonal adjustments

Flights:

Flights within Africa:

Scheduled Regional & Domestic Flights:
The following scheduled flights will be required for the above itinerary. Africa Easy will book these flights for you. Please note: these flights are not included in the safari package rate. We have quoted the airfare separately in the rates section below.

DAY 14: SA8307; BBK/JNB; 14:00/15:55

Light Aircraft Lodge Hopper Flights:
The following light aircraft lodge hopper flights are included in the safari package.

DAY 3: Lanseria / Limpopo Valley
DAY 7: Limpopo Valley/ Maun
DAY 7: Maun/ Khwai
DAY 10: Khwai/Kasane

International Airfare:
Africa Easy does not make international air reservations and international air is not included in your quote. However, please do let us know if you would like assistance with booking your international air. We would be happy to put you in touch with our airline partner, Exito Travel to assist you with your international air reservation.

Included:

– VIP Meet & Greet at the JNB Airport
– Private transfer JNB Airport to The Peech Hotel & return
– The Peech Hotel, 1 Standard Room for 2 nights, B&B basis
– Scheduled light aircraft shuttle flight Lanseria/Limpopo (with transfer from JNB Airport to Lanseria)
– Mashatu Main Camp, 4 nights in 1 Luxury Suite, FI basis. Stay includes: all meals, house local beer, wine & spirits during your stay, snacks, 2 scheduled safari activities daily and scheduled transfer from/to airstrip. Lodge activities include: game drives.
– Scheduled light aircraft air taxi from Mashatu to Maun
– Scheduled light aircraft scheduled flight from Maun to Khwai Airstrip
– Pangolin Khwai Camp, 3 nights in 1 Tent, FI basis. Stay includes: meals (brunch, high tea and dinner), local brand drinks, 2 scheduled safari activities daily, return airstrip transfers. Camp activities include: morning and late afternoon game drives, one mokoro activity per stay and walking subject to availability of a walking guide. Maximum 4 guests per vehicle.
– Scheduled light aircraft scheduled flight from Khwai Airstrip to Kasane Airport & return
– Transfer from Kasane Airport to Pangolin Voyager Houseboat & return
– Pangolin Voyager Houseboat, 4 nights in 1 Cabin, FI basis. Stay includes: all meals, local brand drinks and return Kasane Airport transfers. Activities include: tender boat excursions, walks and cultural excursions on Impalila Island. Please note: No camera equipment or tuition is offered on-board unless clients are booked on a specific workshop.
– Southern Sun OR Tambo Airport Hotel, 1 night in 1 Standard Room, B&B basis. Stay includes: breakfast & R/T shuttle transfers from/to OR Tambo International Airport.

Not Included

– Lunches, dinners and alcoholic drinks in Johannesburg
– Scheduled regional flight from Kasane Airport/ Johannesburg (quoted separately in the rates section)
– International Air
– Travel Insurance
– Visa or passport fees
– Travel medicines and inoculations
– Any transfers, tours or activities not listed in the included listing
– Porterage
– Gratuities
– Any new Government Taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control
– Photographic Hide sessions at Mashatu (quoted separately in rates section as is based on availability over the dates and how many hide visits are requested)

Deposit & Payments

A completed & signed Africa Easy Reservation Form, along with your 25% safari package deposit and full regional and/or domestic air payment (if applicable) is required at the time of booking.

Reservations

This itinerary is subject to the availability of all services at the time of making a reservation. No space is being held at this time. Please contact Africa Easy for the full terms and conditions that apply. We are happy to answer questions and discuss your trip.

Interested in more information? Please contact Africa Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or click here to e-mail the Africa Easy Team.