Botswana – Best of Chobe Wildlife Photography Tour [2025]
2 PLACES AVAILABLE! Due to a cancellation we now have 2 places available on our 2025 Botswana tour. If you would like to join the tour please fill out the application form below.
If you’ve ever dreamt about travelling on safari in Africa, coming face to face with elephants and learning all about wildlife photography, our new photography adventure tour in Botswana will make your bucket list wishes come true!
Imagine drifting silently down the Chobe River at the corner of 4 African nations, wild elephants lapping at the river’s edge while giraffes meander on the horizon behind a powerful setting sun.
Lions creep across the plains with herds of buffalo keeping a watchful eye between grazes.
A snort of a hippo blasts nearby as you cheers your fellow adventurers with a sparkling wine, enjoying an African sundowner with camera in hand.
This is the Land of Giants, Chobe National Park in Botswana, home to 120,000 elephants, 400 different bird species, and the latest NOMADasaurus Tour!
In October 2024 we will be bringing a very small group of just 8 people to experience Africa’s best wildlife photo safari with us.
Our group of intrepid explorers will be treated to the unique opportunity of spending a few nights on a luxury houseboat right on the Chobe River, with hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffalo as our neighbours.
We’ll then move to our new base camp, the iconic 4-star lodge owned by Pangolin Photo Safaris, where we’ll enjoy world-class meals and boutique drinks beneath the stars.
The wildlife is the highlight of course, and we’ll be enjoying two safaris every single day, either by boat or truck.
This newest NOMADasaurus itinerary is what wildlife photography lovers dreams are made of, and we’re beyond thrilled to open this adventure up to 8 lucky people.
Why join this tour?
- Experience the Chobe National Park, one of Africa’s most abundant wildlife safari destinations, on an exclusive small group tour.
- Travel at the end of the dry season for enormous wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Take part in a dedicated wildlife photo tour with two professional photographers, with workshops and hands-on guidance.
- Venture out on two safaris every day, choosing between river and land-based excursions.
- Have up to 14 safari excursions total during the tour!
- Our guests cruise the river on custom-built photo boats carrying 8 people, with fully articulating camera mounts and swivel seats.
- The timings of each excursion are structured to be out on safari during the best light.
- Spend three nights onboard a brand new, luxury private houseboat right on the Chobe River.
- Spend three nights in the legendary 4-star Pangolin Safari Lodge in Kasane, Botswana.
- Enjoy an all-inclusive stay in Botswana with meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
- Start the tour in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, one of the world’s 7 Natural Wonders.
- Travel in a small group of only 8 people maximum.
- Alesha and Jarryd, founders of NOMADasaurus, will be your personal tour leaders, and we have a very special guest joining us on the photo tours.
NOMADasaurus Tours was born out of a mission to bring adventurous travellers on the world’s most epic bucket list experiences.
From Antarctica to Kyrgyzstan, we’ve led intrepid explorers to the far-flung reaches of the globe in search of landscapes, culture and wildlife, with a purpose of connection and creating great imagery.
This brand new and personalised 8-day Botswana photography tour is the latest adventure in our range, and if you’ve always wanted to go on a safari in Africa with a small group of friends it doesn’t get much better than this.
We will start off in the beautiful Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, giving guests the chance to explore one of the world’s 7 Natural Wonders.
After an evening of dinner and drinks we are picked up the following morning by our private transfer and taken across the border to Kasane, Botswana.
We’ll then head straight to the pier where we’ll load up our boat and drive to our incredible, luxurious houseboat located on the Chobe River.
The houseboat will be our home for the next two nights, and our group will have the entire place to ourselves.
Starting that afternoon we’ll go out on our first wildlife safari, using a custom-built photography boat to position ourselves in the best possible places to take incredible images of African animals.
The next day we start early with a coffee and light breakfast on the houseboat before hitting the water before sunrise to see what animals we can find.
We’ll have a few hours of wildlife photography with optimum light before heading back to the houseboat for an early lunch and a siesta.
In the afternoon we go out for another boat drive, staying out past sunset to ensure we get the best views on the Chobe with the wildlife.
Dinner and drinks will be had under the stars while floating gently up the Chobe.
Check out our recent experience in the Chobe National Park here:
The next morning we have another boat safari on the river then make our way back to Kasane.
We’ll leave the houseboat and check in to the legendary Pangolin Safari Lodge on the edge of the national park.
The 4-star luxury accommodation will be our base for the next 4 nights, and our activities will be a variety of boat safaris and game drives.
During our time at the lodge we’ll also have a series of Adobe Lightroom editing workshops and will provide photo assistance throughout the entire itinerary.
This tour is all-inclusive once we enter Botswana, and you will be treated to world-class meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and 4-star accommodation.
You will be accompanied by the founders of NOMADasaurus, Alesha and Jarryd, throughout your adventure, and we’ll have licensed local guides and drivers to look after us and search for wildlife while out on safari.
In addition we’ll also have a very special guest joining us to provide incredible wildlife photography tips and insights from life in Botswana.
While this is an African safari tour, there is a major focus on photography, and rather than rushing through the park day by day trying to tick off as many animals as we can see, this trip is about slowing down and really studying each animal’s behaviour.
This not only provides greater photography opportunities, but also allows us to really enjoy every moment with these beautiful creatures.
The boats we use for our river safaris are also designed with photographers in mind, with special articulating tripod mounts and swivel chairs so everybody gets the best seat in the house.
Being a photographer is not mandatory for this tour, but at least a basic interest in wildlife photography would greatly enhance your experience.
General wildlife lovers will still thoroughly enjoy this itinerary.
This is going to be an incredible adventure to discover the highlights of the Chobe National Park in Botswana – truly one of the most sensational wildlife destinations in the world.
- 2025 Botswana Tour Dates: 6th September – 13th September
- Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
- Start: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Finish: Kasane, Botswana
- Maximum Group Size: 8 people
- Fitness Level: Low
2025 BEST OF CHOBE BOTSWANA PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
This is the very exciting, custom itinerary that we have put together for our first ever wildlife photo safari tour of Botswana.
Here are some of the incredible things we will see and do over the 8 days:
WILDLIFE
Large Animals
Some of the animals we may encounter are:
- African elephants
- Lions
- Leopards
- Giraffes
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- Buffalo
- Antelope
- Zebra
- Hyena
Birds
Some of the birds we may encounter are:
- African fish eagle
- African skimmer
- Long-toed lapwing
- African spoonbill
- Malachite kingfisher
- Southern carmine bee eater
- Lilac breasted roller
- African jacana
- Pied kingfisher
ACTIVITIES
River Safaris
Explore the Chobe River on a custom-built photography boat designed for optimum viewing.
Game Drives
Enjoy the Chobe National Park in an open-top safari vehicle, providing uninterrupted views of wildlife.
Photography Workshops
Take part in daily workshops on photography held by Alesha and Jarryd, as well as our very special guest.
Group Meals and Experiences
Come as strangers and leave as family – our group will have private use of the entire houseboat and special dinners together.
THE ITINERARY
Here is the complete day-by-day itinerary for our amazing Botswana photography tour.
Legend: B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner)
6th September – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Accommodation – 3-Star Hotel
Our tour starts in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, with the meeting point being our beautiful 3-star hotel just 400m from the legendary falls. We will have a welcome dinner that evening to meet our fellow guests and get to know each other.
If you have not been to Victoria Falls before we recommend arriving a day or two early to make the most of all the activities you can do here. Airport transfers to the hotel are not included but can be arranged.
- Meals Included: None
7th September – Victoria Falls to Our Chobe Houseboat, Botswana
Accommodation – Luxury Houseboat
We’ll have breakfast at our hotel before leaving mid-morning to cross the border to Botswana. After a short 1.5 hour drive we will arrive in Kasane, where we’ll meet our local guide and jump in a boat to be transferred to our floating base for the next two nights, a stunning luxury houseboat that sits over the border in Namibia. We’ll enjoy lunch on the houseboat and then get ready for our first afternoon river safari on the Chobe. Loading into the boat we’ll spend the next few hours searching for the big and small wildlife that calls the Chobe home. Dinner will be had on the houseboat after the safari.
- Meals Included: B, L, D
- Activities: Afternoon river safari
8th and 9th September – Chobe Houseboat
Accommodation – Luxury Houseboat
For the next two days we’ll wake before sunrise to have a light breakfast and coffee before jumping in our photography boats and heading out for more river safaris. The goal is to be on the river well before the sun comes up to allow for the best light for photography. We’ll cruise around looking for all kinds of animals, big and small, and morning is a perfect time for birdwatching here too. We’ll have tea and coffee on the river then come back to the houseboat for an early lunch and relaxation time.
In the afternoons we’ll have another light snack and then head out for another boat safari. Enjoying sunset on the river, we’ll return to our houseboat for an evening cocktail and dinner.
We will navigate further up the Chobe River using our houseboat as a floating base, exploring areas that very few visitors will ever have the chance to see.
- Meals Included: B, L, D
- Activities: Morning and afternoon river safari
10th September – Kasane, Botswana
Accommodation – Pangolin Safari Lodge
We’ll start the day with another pre-sunrise boat safari, focusing on getting better photos and different experiences from the day before, and then will head back to the houseboat to pack our bags and move to the mainland.
After transferring to Kasane down the river we’ll head to our new accommodation for the next 4 nights, the splendid and luxurious Pangolin Safari Lodge. Once you’re settled in your room we’ll have a light snack here then jump in the open-top game vehicles for a land-based safari in search of different wildlife experiences.
Returning just after sunset we’ll have dinner and drinks at the lodge before calling it a night.
- Meals Included: B, L, D
- Activities: Morning river safari and afternoon game drive.
11th and 12th September – Kasane, Botswana
Accommodation – Pangolin Safari Lodge
While the structure of the next 2 days is the same, the experiences will likely be quite different depending on what we find in the park. We can opt for river or land safaris in the morning and afternoon, searching for more big mammals and colourful birdlife.
In the few hours between safaris we’ll conduct personalised photo editing workshops where you’ll learn how we use Adobe Lightroom to bring our creative images to life, and we can also help you editing your own images if you’d like.
At night we’ll have drinks and dinner under the stars.
- Meals Included: B, L, D
- Activities: Morning and afternoon river or land safaris, Lightroom editing workshops
13th September – Kasane, Botswana
It’s our last day together and depending on your flight out of Kasane you can either enjoy one final safari or relax at the lodge. You will be transferred to the Kasane Airport in time for your departure, or if you would like to return to Victoria Falls we can arrange a transfer for you.
If you would like to continue your safari adventures in Africa we can help book a very exclusive fly-in fly-out 5-star luxury safari experience in either the Okavango Delta or Kalahari Desert as an optional add-on to your Chobe tour.
It’s not good bye but see you later, and as we part ways in Kasane our group will now be fantastic friends.
- Meals Included: B
- Activities: Morning safari if you have time before your flight
Wildlife Photography on Our Botswana Tour
This tour is very much a photo safari, meaning that during our twice-daily river and game drives we will put a large focus on capturing fantastic and unique imagery of wildlife.
The boats we use for the river safaris have been custom-built by the team at Pangolin to cater for photographers, and there are fully articulating tripods mounted to the floor and swivel seats to allow for optimum wildlife viewing on any angle.
The boats also sit very low to the water, allowing for incredible eye-level photography and low angles.
When we encounter an animal we will position the boats, and the game vehicles, to allow for the best angles for photography without interfering with the wildlife.
We will also spend a much longer amount of time with each animal than most other tour companies offer. This is so we can study the animal’s behaviour and maximise the opportunities for unique photography.
This isn’t a ‘tick the animal off my list and move on’ type of safari. This is designed for people who genuinely want to leave Botswana with fantastic photos and for those who love observing animals in their native habitat.
There will be a minimum of two professional photographers on each boat, and one per vehicle, to assist guests with using their cameras, dialling in correct settings and providing photography guidance at all times.
We’ll also be conducting photography workshops at the safari lodge.
Being a wildlife photographer is not mandatory to join this tour, and on our recent scouting mission to test out this product we met a number of people who were happy just observing the wildlife up close and through binoculars.
Before booking this tour though do keep in mind that it is a photo safari, making it more in-depth and at a slower pace when compared to a standard African safari.
What’s Included
- Accommodation: Twin share in a 3-star hotel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, twin share in a luxury private houseboat on the Chobe River and twin share in a 4-star safari lodge in Kasane, Botswana.
- All meals mentioned in the itinerary.
- Transfers: Our group will be transferred from our hotel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to our houseboat in Chobe, Botswana. Transfers to the hotel after our houseboat stay is also included.
- Airport transfer: A transfer to the Kasane airport is included on the day our tour ends. Transfers to and from Victoria Falls Airport can be organised at an additional cost.
- All activities included in the itinerary.
- English-speaking, certified and experienced local guides.
- Photography workshops and advice.
- Two trip leaders (Jarryd and Alesha from NOMADasaurus)
- All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included as part of the package once we arrive to our lodging in Botswana.
- All national park fees and permits.
What’s Not Included
- International airfares to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and from Kasane, Botswana.
- Travel insurance (mandatory to join our tour). We recommend CoverMore for Australians and New Zealanders, and World Nomads for other nationalities, but please do your own research on travel insurance providers.
- Dinner at our accommodation in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
- Optional activities in Victoria Falls.
- Tips for drivers and local guide (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Botswana a safe country?
Yes. Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa, and we will be staying at a very secure lodge on the outskirts of town.
Wildlife is a concern anywhere in Kasane, especially when it comes to baboons, so take normal precautions when walking around. We will discuss this with our guests when we meet in Victoria Falls.
Do I need a visa to visit Zimbabwe and Botswana?
What is the food like at the lodge?
I’m a vegetarian. Will I be ok with the food here?
Yes, vegetarians, vegans and all dietary requirements are fully catered for at the Victoria Falls hotel, houseboat and safari lodge.
I’m travelling on my own. Will I be paired with another person?
All of the rooms on our tour are twin share, and if you are travelling on your own we will pair you with another guest of the same gender.
Is there a single supplement?
A single supplement may be available in Victoria Falls and at the safari lodge, but is not guaranteed. There are no single supplements available on the houseboat as it only has 5 rooms and we are occupying all of them.
If you would like a single supplement after booking your position please email us and we will check availability at the hotel and lodge for you.
Will there be WiFi or phone service?
There is wifi and cell service in Victoria Falls and at our safari lodge in Kasane. We do not have wifi onboard the houseboat, and cell service may be patchy as we travel deep into the national park.
The tour guide, leader and drivers will have access to phones in case of emergency. If you would like to purchase a local SIM card we recommend you do so on the day of arrival in Kasane.
Personally we use an eSim in Botswana without any issues.
What transfers are included in the tour?
We will provide a transfer for you from our hotel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to Kasane, Botswana at the beginning of the tour. When the tour ends we will include a transfer to Kasane International Airport.
Transfers to and from Victoria Falls International Airport can be arranged for an additional fee.
How do I get to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe?
Victoria Falls has an international airport, servicing daily flights to capital cities such as Nairobi, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Windhoek.
What is the weather like in September in Botswana?
September is the first month of spring in Botswana and considered ‘peak season’ for safaris. The weather is warming up, with temperatures in the 30s common.
The Chobe River is approaching its lowest point before the upcoming rains, meaning the game viewing is superb as huge numbers of wildlife gather by the Chobe River to drink.
It is also an excellent time to enjoy birdwatching in the Chobe National Park.
Do I need to be a photographer to join the tour?
While you do not need to be a photographer to join the tour, there is a large photography element built into the itinerary and safari design.
Having at least a minor interest in wildlife photography, while not mandatory, will help ensure you thoroughly enjoy every aspect of the tour.
What kind of fitness level is required to join this tour?
A low level of fitness is required to join this tour. Weather will be hot during the day however and you will be required to climb in and out of boats and safari vehicles, so a moderate amount of mobility is necessary.
Is there an age limit for this tour?
There is a minimum age of 18 to join this tour. There is no maximum age limit to join, but please keep in mind the fitness levels as specified above.
Botswana Tour Cost – USD $5,250
(Maximum 8 People)
- A non-refundable deposit of USD$1,200 is required to secure your position on this tour.
- The remainder of the cost is required by 6th of June, 2025
- Payment can be made via bank transfer in USD, AUD or EUR.
As places are limited we will be sending out payment details in order of when the registration forms have been received. The earlier you complete the form, the sooner we will send you the payment information.
Once you receive the payment information you will have 24 hours to pay the deposit before we forward details to the next person in line. For this reason we recommend only completing the registration details once you’re ready to pay the deposit. Thanks very much for your understanding.
Payment plans are available.
Cancellation Policy
If for any reason you need to cancel your position on this tour you will forfeit your deposit (we will be using the deposit to pay for accommodation as soon as it is received). We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance with trip cancellation options.
If you have already paid in full this is the percentage of refund available:
- Before 31st March 2025 – 100% of total trip cost (minus deposit)
- Between 1st April and 30th April 2025 — 70% of total trip cost (minus deposit)
- Between 1st May and 5th June 2025 – 50% of total trip cost (minus deposit)
- After 6th June 2025 – No refund available.
If we cancel this tour for any reason, whether it is personal or political, you will receive 100% of your money back, including deposit.
September 6th Tour – 2 Spaces Remaining
Botswana Safari: Best of Chobe Wildlife Photography Tour
Dates for our 2025 Botswana - Best of Chobe Safari Photography Tour have now been released and applications are now open!
Product Brand: NOMADasaurus Tours
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: $5250
Product In-Stock: PreOrder
10
Pros
- Professional photography instruction
- Small group of 8 people
- Luxury safari lodge and houseboat
- Epic wildlife encounters
- 8 days, 7 nights
- Max: 8 People
- USD $5,250