Chobe – Hwange – Victoria Falls Photo Safari
Join me for an 11‑night photo safari that brings together three of Southern Africa’s most iconic locations. We begin on the Chobe River in Botswana with water‑level photography of elephants, hippos, crocodiles and incredible birdlife. Then we travel into Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, where open landscapes, predators and elephants dominate the dry season. We end at Victoria Falls, giving you time to photograph one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and gently land before flying home. This safari is designed for photographers who want variety in a single journey: water, wildlife, dust, golden light and the power of the Falls.
Three unforgettable photographic environments
Chobe River
Chobe is all about eye‑level photography on the water. Therefore, we work from specialised Pangolin boats with 360‑degree rotation and stable gimbals. This allows us to photograph swimming elephants, hippos, crocodiles and birds from a unique low angle. Early mornings and late afternoons bring soft light, reflections, backlit hippos and dramatic silhouettes across the river.
Hwange National Park
Hwange offers a completely different atmosphere. Here, dry plains, teak woodlands and open pans provide space, dust and warm colours. The lion population is strong, and there is a real chance of encountering cheetahs, leopards and even wild dogs. Elephants gather at waterholes throughout the day, and the golden light mixed with dust creates the kind of scenes photographers dream about.
Victoria Falls
At the end of the safari we slow down at Victoria Falls. You can photograph the Falls from different viewpoints and in different light, walk the rainforest trails or simply let everything you experienced settle before the journey home.
See all other upcoming trips on my African photo safaris page.
This trip is designed for nature‑loving photographers who want time, space and expert guidance to create powerful images – and to simply enjoy being in the wild.
Photography on this safari
This trip is designed for photographers of all levels. On the Chobe River, we focus on light, reflections, movement and creative techniques. Depending on conditions, we work on over‑ and under‑exposing, shooting high key and low key, panning, managing highlights on the water and capturing fast‑moving subjects.
In Hwange, however, we shift to a more classic wildlife approach. We work with predators, elephants and open spaces. Dry season conditions often fill the air with dust, which turns into warm, glowing layers when the sun is low. We stay with scenes longer, waiting for light, mood and behaviour to come together.
Between activities I teach Lightroom and Photoshop in a simple, natural way. I share my workflow from the first selection to the final image and help you find your own visual voice. My goal is to help you create photographs that feel personal and true to the moment, whether you are just starting or refining an established style.
Itinerary
Why photographers choose this itinerary
Camps
Pangolin Chobe Hotel – Above the river
Perched on a plateau overlooking the Chobe River and Caprivi floodplains, the Pangolin Chobe Hotel is our first base on this safari. With only 14 rooms and a design built around a wildlife photography gallery, it feels more like a creative studio than a traditional lodge. From here we head out on game drives into Chobe National Park and boat cruises on the river, returning to sundowners on the deck and image review sessions in the cool of the gallery. It is the perfect place to ease into the rhythm of Africa and start filling your memory cards.
Highlights:
– Custom-built photo boats with 360-degree rotating seats and gimbals
– Wildlife photography gallery and deck overlooking the Chobe floodplains
– Game drives into Chobe National Park
Pangolin Voyager Houseboat – Living on the Chobe
For the next part of the journey we move onto the Pangolin Voyager, a comfortable floating lodge moored on the Namibian side of the Chobe River. With just five cabins and a relaxed, homely atmosphere, it is like having your own moving camp on the water. We are already on the river for first and last light, so we can slip out on the custom-built photo boats while the water is still calm and the sky is soft. Between cruises you can watch elephants and birds from the deck, download and back up images, or simply sit and listen to the sounds of the river.
Highlights:
– Already on the water for first and last light photography
– Five cabins only, we have the voyager all to ourselves
– Watch elephants and hippos from your deck between photo sessions
Inzila Camp – Wild Hwange on foot
In Hwange we stay at Inzila, a simple but comfortable mobile camp set in unfenced wilderness. There are no barriers between you and the bush, only canvas and stars. Our host here is Adam Jones, one of Hwange’s most respected professional guides and a passionate photographer himself. With Adam we explore by vehicle and on foot. We follow tracks, visit quiet pans and often have sightings all to ourselves. Evenings are spent around the fire with good food and stories from the day, with the calls of lions and hyenas as our soundtrack.
Highlights:
– Guided by Adam Jones, professional guide and passionate photographer.
– Walking safaris and vehicle game drives in unfenced wilderness.
– Authentic mobile camp under canvas with no fences, just stars.
Insika Lodge – A gentle landing at Victoria Falls
We end our safari at Insika Lodge, a beautiful boutique hotel tucked into woodland close to Victoria Falls. Modern African design, spacious rooms and peaceful gardens make this the ideal place to rest after time in the bush. From Insika it is easy to visit the Falls, join a sunset cruise or explore the town. Between activities you can relax by the pool, enjoy the spa or simply sit on the deck. Let everything you have experienced in Chobe and Hwange settle in before you fly home.
Highlights:
– Modern boutique lodge with spa, pool and spacious rooms.
– Close to Victoria Falls, Zambezi River and all town excursions.
– Perfect place to decompress and reflect before flying home.
Book Now
Chobe – Hwange – Victoria Falls Photo Safari
October 2026
8 Oct – 19 Oct 2026
Price: USD 9950,- per person sharing,
11 nights · Chobe – Hwange – Victoria Falls
Small Group, 4 – 6 guests
Status: Open for bookings
Chobe – Hwange – Victoria Falls Photo Safari
October 2027
3 Oct- 14 Oct 2027
Price: USD 9950,- per person sharing
11 nights · Victoria Falls – Hwange – Chobe
Small Group, 4 – 6 guests
Status: Open for bookings
What’s included
Included
- Accommodation as described
- All meals
- Drinks in camp, local alcoholic beverages
- All scheduled game drives, walks and boat sessions
- Park fees and conservation levies
- Internal flights Vic Falls – Hwange and Hwange – Vic Falls
- Dedicated photographic guidance from Carole throughout the safari
Not Included
- International flights to/from Zimbabwe
- Visas, travel insurance
- Medical insurance
- Premium drinks and champagne
- Tips for camp staff and guides
- Items of a personal nature
The quiet wellness of the wild
Spending 12 days on a Chobe – Hwange – Victoria Falls photo safari also has a gentle, surprising effect on your body and mind.
Many guests notice:
- A deep mental reset – Your days follow sunrise and sunset instead of emails and notifications. Very soon your nervous system slows down to the rhythm of the bush.
- A soft digital detox – Wi‑Fi is limited and optional. The screen you look at most is the horizon, not your phone.
- Disconnect to truly reconnect – With fewer distractions, conversations become deeper and laughter comes easier. Many guests reconnect with parts of themselves they had forgotten.
- Better, wilder sleep – Fresh air, natural light and the sounds of the night often lead to the best sleep people have had in years.
- Nature’s own stress relief – Watching elephants at the water, listening to birds at dawn and sitting quietly by the river calms the body in a way that is hard to find at home.
- Sun on your skin and dust on your shoes – Gentle walking, natural light and Vitamin D work quietly in the background, leaving you feeling grounded and energised.
Photography may be the reason you decide to book. In the end, the real treasure is how you feel when you go home. Clearer, calmer and still carrying a little of the Chobe and Hwange magic inside you.