The okavango delta

The huge marshland area of the Okavango Delta fed by the approximately 1600 km long Okavango river. It originates in the highlands of Angola and flows into the Kalahari. The area, covering about 15.000 km²,  consists of a system of river arms and streams, wooded islands, reed, lily and papyrus fields, grassy plains and savannah. The water takes about half a year to get from Angola to the southernmost point of the Delta near Maun. As a result, the Okavango Delta is the only area in the region with a reversed season. Especially in the dry season the water is at its highest.  As a result, the Okavango Delta is the only region where the season is reversed. In the dry season zebras, gnus,  buffaloes and elephants migrate to the delta again, because the rising water has caused an exuberant growth of plants.

Most of the thousands of islands in the delta are covered with trees, among which the wild date palm, mopane, wild fig tree, sausage tree (kigelia), baobab and tortilis umbrella thorn. Wildlife in the Okavango Delta is overwhelming: not only elephants, waterbucks, buffaloes and warthogs, but also green meerkats, hippos, crocodiles, snakes, turtles, lizards, fish and countless insect species… will cross your path. Great hunters such as lions, hyenas, wild dogs, leopards and cheetahs are also present, as well as rare antelopes such as lechwe and sitatunga. The rhino, already eradicated by poachers in the 1960s, was one of the few missing animals in the delta, but has now fortunately been reintroduced.

The Okavango Delta is a paradise for birdwatchers. More than 400 bird species live in the area, including numerous waterfowl. Bird lovers will get their money’s worth! With a bit of luck they will spot the Pel’s fishing owl, crane, slaty egret, carmine bee-eater, greater swamp warbler, chirping cisticola, Lady Ross turaco, African skimmer, coppery-tailed coucal and undoubtedly the African fish-eagle.

On this unforgettable adventure tour we will explore 4 different areas of the Okavango Delta during the dry season. All the wildlife then concentrates around the Delta for the water; We will camp in the wild, unspoiled nature, however equipped with all the luxuries.

The whole trip we camp in large camping tents that are reminiscent of real hotel rooms: comfortable, neatly made beds and a private bathroom and toilet. And our safari chef also pampers us on a culinary level.  Everything is prepared on the campfire.

Moremi

Moremi Game Reserve is located on the east side of the Okavango Delta and covers about 5000 km², approximately one fifth of the area. Together with Chobe, Moremi belongs to the wildest areas of Botswana with hundreds of animal species.

The first 3 nights we camp in one of the most beautiful areas of Moremi. 

Every day, Moremi brings new safari adventures, as it one of the world’s most visited game reserves, known for its massive wildlife population and landscapes.  The deep and shallow channels and lagoons supply the vegetation and wildlife within the park. The park is without a doubt a defining image of Botswana. Birdwatching is quite amazing in Moremi, as species flock to the park for healthy vegetation. Bird species such as the African fish eagle, African jacana, African hawk eagle, slaty egret, tawny eagle, crested crane, sacred ibis and bateleur migrate to the park, which is a source of massive wildlife. Sitatunga, lechwe, lion, leopard, bushbuck, giraffe, kudu, hyena and large herds of impala, zebra, elephants and buffaloes… may cross our path. We will stay here for 3 nights.

Khwai

The easternmost Khwai River in the Okavango area is of vital importance for the large numbers of animals in this area, especially in the dry season. The Khwai area is adjacent to Chobe National Park and the Khwai River becomes narrower as the river flows deeper into Chobe NP. The water level depends on the water from the Okavango delta. During the dry season the game gathers around the river. The large amount of water has a magnetic attraction to large numbers of elephants, lions, hyenas, leopards and African wild dogs. Fancy a nocturnal game drive? Maybe we’ll spot a genet, spring hare or grazing hippos! Ppredators in action in the dark are much more active! In this area we are also allowed to drive ‘off-road’, so we can position ourselves much better for taking good pictures.

Savute

The Savute area is simply fantastic. The special thing about the Savute Marsh is that for 30 years no water has flowed through it, until now it does again.  In the last 150 years the water in the Savute channel has streamed only 4 times! Water is scarce here and therefore the animals behave very hostile towards each other. Elephants and lions regularly clash here, which is rare elsewhere on the planet. Lion families are exceptionally large here, up to 40 lions per group. This is the area where the National Geographic series ‘Savage Kingdom’ and ‘the Flood’ were filmed.  Once you’ve seen them, you’ll be itching to leave!

Chobe national park

The Chobe River has an unlikely concentration of wildlife. More than 2,000 zebras, 4,000 buffaloes and more than 45,000 elephants live here. We cross the area with our land cruisers and make two photography boat trips here, where we can capture great moments of drinking animals and sometimes even swimming elephants.  The boat is an 8-seater shallow hulled photo boat with customized gimbals and 360 rotational seats. 

Photography

The purpose of this trip is not only to experience this amazing adventure, but also to make beautiful photographs.

Are you a beginning nature photographer? Or an advanced photographer who still has Botswana on his wish list? In both cases you are welcome on this learning trip. Carole provides individual guidance and also gives feedback and tips in the camp to give your images a special finishing touch.  Also for people who do not take pictures, it is the perfect trip to get a taste for it.  Without a camera it is just as much enjoyment!

Accommodation and transport

We’re staying in luxury tents, with private bathroom and toilet… In the middle of nowhere, however featuring all the comforts you need, even with a touch of luxury. While we are enjoying our safari tour, the crew will take care of setting up the camp and prepare a delicious meal. When we return from our game drive, you will feel revived after a nice hot shower, ready to join us around a magnificent campfire.

Two open Land Cruisers will transport us through the nature parks.  Each photographer has a row to himself, so there is plenty of space for the gear and you can shoot from both sides of the car.

In Chobe we will spend the last night in Pangolin lodge.  We fo on two photography boat trips on the Chobe River.  One in the evening, and one in the morning on the last day.

Climate and clothes to wear on safari

Light clothes (weight and colour!) are important for this trip. Take sufficient sun protection precautions (hat, sunscreen…).

Bring a light travel bag in supple material, not heavier than 20 kg. Don’t worry: on safari you can have your clothes washed if necessary. A few weeks before departure the participants will receive a detailed information sheet containing everything you need to know for a carefree trip.

Is this photography trip something for you?

Camping in the wild

Camping in Africa is not nearly as daunting as it may seem. And the chance to get up close and personal with nature is more than enough reason to give it a try.

If you have never camped in the wild before, rest assured, it is completely safe. As long as you keep in mind the do’s and don’ts, you will be absolutely fine. It is a very liberating feeling to live among wildlife. And the animals, they really don’t care about us. As long as we don’t bother them, they will not bother us.

Itinerary

31/10 – arrival at Maun and transport to Moremi

1/11  – whole day safari in Moremi,  lunch in the camp

2/11 – whole day safari in Moremi,  lunch in the camp

3/11 – morning safari in Moremi, drive to Khwai

4/11 – whole day safari in Khwai

5/11 – whole day safari  in Khwai

6/11 – early departure to Savute, safari in Savute

7/11 – whole day safari in Savute

8/11 – whole day safari in Savute

9/11 – morning drive to Pangolin Chobe Hotel, boat trip in the afternoon

10/11 boat trip in the morning – transfer to airport Kasane