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Kudu bull walking close to a safari vehicle in Chobe, Botswana. On an African safari with Photo Safari Company. Image by Eric van Staden.

BOTSWANA SAFARIS & PHOTO TOURS

Botswana is a world-renowned destination for safari enthusiasts, offering an unrivalled combination of breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and exclusive experiences.

 

Known for its commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism, Botswana has become a sanctuary for Africa's most iconic animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos. Whether you're looking for a luxury Botswana safari through the pristine Okavango Delta, enjoying a photo safari in Chobe National Park, or exploring the vast Kalahari Desert, Botswana promises an unforgettable adventure.

 

For those passionate about wildlife photography, Botswana offers some of the best opportunities to capture stunning shots of Africa’s big game, making it an ideal destination for a photo tour. Its varied ecosystems and exclusive, low-impact tourism model ensure an intimate and immersive African safari experience like no other.

The best times to visit Botswana are between May to the end of September for best game viewing.

Capital City - Gaborone

International Airport/s - Sir Seretse Khama International Airport

Economic Stability - Stable

Crime - Low

Currency - Botswana Pula (BWP). *US Dollar is accepted

Health Care - Private Hospitals are well equipped

Malaria - Yes (all areas our safaris visit)

Vaccinations - Recommended (consult your medical professional) 

Medivac Available - Yes

Best Time To Go - May to November

Mokoro canoe on the Okavango Delta with two people looking at the sun shining through the clouds on a Botswana safari.

Botswana’s Stunning Landscapes

Botswana’s diverse landscapes are some of the most scenic and wildlife-rich regions in Africa. Visitors can explore:

  • Okavango Delta: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this inland delta is teeming with wildlife, especially during the seasonal floods. Best visited from May to September.

  • Chobe River & National Park: Known for its massive elephant herds and river safaris, this park offers thrilling wildlife sightings. Best visited from May to October.

  • Makgadikgadi Salt Pans: One of the largest salt flats in the world, offering unique desert landscapes and migratory bird watching. Best visited during the dry season (April to October).

  • Kalahari Desert: A semi-arid desert that showcases the resilience of wildlife and plants. It is home to the iconic San Bushmen, cheetahs, and the black-maned Kalahari lions.

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta, located in northern Botswana, is widely regarded as one of the best safari destinations in Africa, offering an unparalleled wildlife experience. This vast inland delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is formed by seasonal flooding of the Okavango River, creating a lush, biodiverse oasis in the heart of the Kalahari Desert. Known as “Africa’s Last Eden,” the delta is home to a rich array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and over 400 species of birds.

 

The unique landscapes of the delta, with its maze of channels, lagoons, and islands, provide perfect opportunities for mokoro (traditional canoe) safaris, boat excursions, and guided walking safaris, allowing visitors to get up close with nature.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the best time for a photo safari in the Okavango Delta is during the dry season (May to October), when the floodwaters attract large concentrations of wildlife, creating spectacular game-viewing experiences. Visitors can embark on thrilling African wild dog safaris, capturing the coordinated hunts of these remarkable predators, or explore the rich birdlife on specialized birdwatching safaris. The delta’s private concessions offer exclusive access to pristine wilderness areas, where off-road driving and night game drives are allowed, making for unparalleled photographic opportunities.

With luxurious lodges and eco-friendly safari camps scattered across the delta, visitors can enjoy world-class accommodations while contributing to the conservation of this delicate ecosystem. Whether you're on a luxury photo safari or seeking an intimate encounter on a walking safari in the Okavango Delta, the combination of wildlife, landscapes, and exclusivity makes it a top destination for travellers. For those seeking a truly immersive and unique experience, the Okavango Delta is the perfect choice for one of Africa’s best photographic safari destinations.

Leopard lying on a tree branch on an African safari in Botswana with Photo Safari Company

Unique Wildlife of Botswana

Botswana is a haven for wildlife lovers, with many iconic African species and rare animals that thrive in its vast protected areas. Expect to see:

  • Elephants: Chobe National Park hosts one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa.

  • Big Cats: Lions, leopards, and cheetahs can be spotted across various parks.

  • Birdlife: Botswana is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 500 bird species, including fish eagles and pelicans.

  • Endangered Species: Wild dogs and rhinos are among the protected species in Botswana’s national parks.

  • Aquatic Life: The Okavango Delta supports rich aquatic ecosystems, with hippos, crocodiles, and numerous fish species.

Chobe River & National Park

The Chobe River and Chobe National Park in northern Botswana are renowned for offering one of the most extraordinary safari experiences in Africa. Known as the "Land of Giants," Chobe is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in the world, with herds sometimes numbering in the hundreds. This premier wildlife destination spans a diverse range of ecosystems, from lush floodplains and riverine woodlands to drier savannahs, making it one of Africa's best safari destinations for witnessing a variety of species. The Chobe River, which forms the northern boundary of the park, provides life to the region's rich wildlife, particularly during the dry season when animals flock to its waters.

The best time to visit Chobe National Park is from May to October, during the dry season, when large herds of elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife congregate along the river. For photographers, the Chobe River offers excellent opportunities for capturing wildlife from unique angles on boat safaris. From the water, you can get close to elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, while also spotting waterbirds and large mammals coming to drink. Chobe photo safaris are particularly popular due to the incredible density of wildlife, especially along the riverfront.

Chobe also offers classic game drives, where visitors can explore the diverse landscapes and encounter lions, leopards, and large herds of herbivores. The park's proximity to the Chobe River makes it a great place for a luxury safari, where you can enjoy world-class accommodations with stunning views of the river and its wildlife. Many lodges and camps in the area provide tailored photo safari experiences, allowing guests to capture the best light and vantage points for iconic African wildlife photography.

For those looking for a more immersive experience, walking safaris in Chobe are a great way to connect with the land and explore the smaller wonders of the ecosystem, from tracking animals to identifying plants and insects. In addition to its famous elephants, Chobe is also home to large predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas, as well as a healthy population of African wild dogs. This abundance of predators makes Chobe National Park one of the best places in Africa to observe predator-prey interactions in the wild.

With a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury riverside lodges to eco-friendly camps, visitors can enjoy eco-conscious safaris in Chobe National Park while contributing to local conservation efforts. Whether you're embarking on a boat safari along the Chobe River or a thrilling game drive, this park offers one of the most rewarding and dynamic wildlife experiences in Africa, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and unforgettable African safari.

Four young lions drinking in a group by the rivers edge on an African safari in Botswana with Photo Safari Company

Botswana Safari Experiences

Botswana offers a variety of safari experiences, allowing visitors to tailor their adventure:

  • Mokoro Canoe Safaris: Traditional canoe trips in the Okavango Delta, offering a serene way to explore the waterways.

  • Walking Safaris: Get up close to wildlife while exploring Botswana’s bush on foot.

  • Game Drives: Guided vehicle safaris through national parks and reserves, offering close encounters with wildlife.

  • Photographic Safaris: Led by our professional guides, these safaris are designed to help photographers capture Botswana’s wildlife and landscapes in perfect light.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

A Unique Safari Experience in Botswana

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, located in North-Eastern Botswana, are one of the largest salt flats in the world, offering a safari experience unlike any other. This vast, otherworldly landscape, once an ancient lake, now spans over 12,000 square kilometers, creating an awe-inspiring expanse of white, cracked earth that stretches as far as the eye can see. While the Makgadikgadi might seem barren at first glance, it is teeming with life, especially during the wet season, when seasonal rains transform the salt pans into a lush habitat that attracts wildlife, making it one of Africa's best safari destinations for unique landscapes and rare wildlife encounters.

The best time to visit the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans depends on the experience you’re seeking. From November to April, during the wet season, the pans come alive with water and attract huge herds of zebra and wildebeest, part of the second-largest zebra migration in Africa. This season also brings migratory birds, including flamingos that flock to the seasonal lakes, making it an ideal time for birdwatching safaris in Makgadikgadi. In contrast, the dry season (May to October) offers the quintessential salt pan experience, where the stark, endless horizon provides incredible photographic opportunities, particularly at sunset.

For those seeking a truly immersive adventure, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans safari offers unique activities such as quad biking across the salt flats and sleeping under the stars, which provide a surreal and unforgettable way to experience the vastness of this remarkable environment. The dry season also allows visitors to embark on walking safaris with the San Bushmen, learning about the local culture and survival skills in this extreme environment. This cultural connection makes Makgadikgadi one of the best destinations for those looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path safari experience.

Makgadikgadi is also home to some rare and fascinating wildlife. The pans’ edges and nearby grasslands support populations of meerkats, brown hyenas, and even desert-adapted species like the elusive aardvark. Visitors on a photo safari in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans can capture these unique animals against the dramatic backdrop of the salt flats, creating unforgettable images of Botswana’s wildlife.

 

Additionally, the pans are known for their sightings of Africa's rarest carnivores, such as the brown hyena, making it a sought-after location for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Luxury camps and eco-friendly lodges, offer a blend of comfort and adventure, allowing visitors to relax in style while exploring one of the most remote and pristine environments in Botswana. Many of these accommodations are designed with photographers in mind, providing access to prime wildlife viewing locations and expert guides who can tailor your experience to ensure you capture the perfect shot.

Whether you're after the thrill of a quad bike safari, the serenity of stargazing in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, or a close encounter with meerkats and other wildlife, this unique region offers an extraordinary safari experience. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are a must-visit for those seeking something different, where the combination of striking landscapes, rich cultural history, and diverse wildlife creates one of the most memorable and photographic safari destinations in Africa.

Okavango Delta winding river on an African safari in Botswana with Photo Safari Company

Recommended Safari Lodges in Botswana

Experience Botswana's wilderness in style at these exclusive camps and lodges, offering rustic and luxurious accommodations and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

  • Linyanti Bush Camp (African Bush Camps): Located in the private Linyanti concession, this camp provides an intimate and remote safari experience with exceptional views over the Linyanti wetlands. Guests can enjoy walking safaris, night drives, and luxurious tented accommodations.

  • Khwai Leadwood (African Bush Camps): Nestled along the Khwai River in the Okavango Delta, this camp offers excellent game viewing, traditional mokoro excursions, and walking safaris. The camp features beautifully appointed tented suites and an eco-friendly design.

  • Karangoma Camp (Wild Expeditions): Situated in the north-eastern Okavango Delta, Karangoma Camp offers six spacious, beautifully designed tented suites overlooking floodplains. The camp provides a unique combination of traditional cultural experiences with the Bukakhwe San people and thrilling game viewing of large mammals like elephants, lions, and wild dogs. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, boating, and mekoro trips.

Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert, a vast semi-arid sandy savannah stretching across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, offers a truly unique and captivating safari experience. While often overshadowed by Botswana’s more famous destinations like the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari provides an equally remarkable, but distinctly different, adventure. Known for its red dunes, sparse vegetation, and dramatic sunsets, the Kalahari is home to a surprising abundance of wildlife, making it one of Africa's best safari destinations for desert landscapes and rare species.

The best time to visit the Kalahari Desert is during the wet season (November to March), when seasonal rains transform the desert into a green wonderland, attracting wildlife and birds to the area. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Africa, comes alive with migratory herds of springbok, oryx, and wildebeest, along with predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. This is also the best time for a photo safari in the Kalahari, as the vibrant contrast between the desert's red sands and lush green vegetation creates stunning photographic opportunities.

One of the most famous inhabitants of the Kalahari is the black-maned Kalahari lion, which can often be seen patrolling the expansive plains. These lions are larger and more powerful than their counterparts in other regions, making them a key highlight of any safari in the Kalahari. Cheetah safaris in the Kalahari are also popular, as the wide-open spaces of the desert provide the perfect terrain for these swift predators to hunt. For those interested in rare species, the Kalahari is home to some of Africa's more elusive creatures, including the honey badger, bat-eared fox, and aardvark.

In addition to game drives, the Kalahari Desert safari experience offers unique activities that are specific to the desert environment. Visitors can embark on guided walks with the San Bushmen, one of Africa's oldest indigenous cultures, to learn about their ancient traditions and how they have survived in the harsh desert conditions for thousands of years. These cultural walking safaris provide an in-depth look at the desert’s flora and fauna, as well as the unique survival skills passed down through generations.

During the dry season (April to October), the Kalahari Desert's harsh beauty is on full display, with endless horizons, star-studded night skies, and the eerie silence of the desert making it an unforgettable destination for those seeking solitude and tranquility. Stargazing in the Kalahari is a must-do activity, as the remote desert location offers some of the clearest skies in Africa. Many of the luxury lodges in the Kalahari provide stargazing decks and evening talks on astronomy, adding another layer of magic to the safari experience.

For a more adventurous experience, visitors can explore the Kalahari on quad bike safaris, allowing them to cover greater distances and access more remote areas of the desert. This is particularly popular in the drier months, when the sands are firm, and the wildlife concentrates around waterholes.

Whether you’re looking for close encounters with Kalahari lions, a cultural journey with the San Bushmen, or simply a peaceful retreat in one of Africa's most remote regions, the Kalahari Desert safari offers a unique blend of wildlife, culture, and adventure. With its luxury camps and eco-friendly lodges providing world-class accommodations, the Kalahari is an essential stop for those looking to experience a photographic safari in one of Africa’s most iconic desert landscapes.

Impala crossing the Chobe river on an African safari in Botswana with Photo Safari Company

Botswana Safari Tips for Photographers

To make the most of your photo safari in Botswana, follow these expert tips:

  • Camera Gear: Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with telephoto lenses (200-400mm) for wildlife and a wide-angle lens for landscapes.

  • Best Times for Photography: Early morning and late afternoon (golden hours) provide the best lighting conditions.

  • Patience and Preparedness: Wildlife photography requires patience. Ensure your camera settings are ready for spontaneous wildlife movements.

  • Respect for Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from animals and avoid disturbing them for a photo.

Botswana - Seasonal Information

MAY - JUNE

Cool & Dry Season

Autumn / Winter

TEMPERATURES

May - July | Cool

Wintery cool.

WEATHER

Temperatures are cooling down.

Early mornings temps 8-10°C

Afternoons Mid/high 20°C

Nights 15°C.

GAME VIEWING

May - July | Good

BEST PHOTOGRAPHY TIMES

Early mornings & late afternoons.

Night times for full moon photography of the falls.

GAME MOVEMENTS

The bush is beginning to dry out. Water sources in the bush are lessening, therefore game is starting to venture to viewing waterholes.

ANIMALS

Big 5 (Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino,  Leopard)

Elephant | Antelope | Cats | Hyena | Wild Dog | Birds | Reptiles

JULY - AUGUST

Cool & Dry Season

Autumn / Winter

TEMPERATURES

July - Aug | Cool

Wintery cool.

WEATHER

Temperatures are cooling down.

Early mornings temps 15°C

Afternoons Mid/high 25°C

Nights 18°C.

GAME VIEWING

July - Aug | Good

BEST PHOTOGRAPHY TIMES

Early mornings & late afternoons.

Night times for full moon photography of the falls.

GAME MOVEMENTS

The bush is beginning to dry out. Water sources in the bush are lessening, therefore game is starting to venture to viewing waterholes.

ANIMALS

Big 5 (Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino,  Leopard)

Elephant | Antelope | Cats | Hyena | Wild Dog | Birds | Reptiles

SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER

Hot & Dry Season

Summer

TEMPERATURES

September - November | Hot

Hottest months.

WEATHER

Temperatures are cooling down.

Early mornings temps 15°C

Afternoons Mid/high 30°C

Nights 18°C.

GAME VIEWING

September - November | Exceptional

Best time of the year to see game.

BEST PHOTOGRAPHY TIMES

Early mornings & late afternoons.

Night times for nocturnal animals, especially cats and hyena.

GAME MOVEMENTS

The bush is very dry. Water sources in the bush are scarce, therefore game frequent viewing waterholes throughout the day & night.

ANIMALS

Big 5 (Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino,  Leopard)

Elephant | Antelope | Cats | Hyena | Wild Dog | Birds | Reptiles

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