Botswana Photo Safari - April 2026
Botswana Luxury Photo Safari
1- 10 April 2026
A small group photography-focussed adventure Khwai, Savuti & Chobe
4 spaces available
Safari Highlights
Why I Created This Safari...
Most people go on safari hoping to come home with incredible photographs — and instead find themselves rushed from sighting to sighting, squeezed into busy vehicles, and trying to learn photography on the fly. It’s overwhelming, and it takes the joy out of the whole experience.
I started running small-group photo safaris because I wanted to offer the opposite.On one of my early trips to Botswana, I realised how different things felt when we slowed down. We stayed with a single leopard for nearly an hour, watching the light change and talking through settings as the moment unfolded. No pressure. No rushing. Just time to breathe and actually connect with what we were photographing.
That experience stuck with me.It made me want to create safaris where guests could learn properly, enjoy the process, and go home with images they’re truly proud of — whether they’re beginners or experienced photographers.
The April 2026 Botswana Photo Safari is built around that idea:small group, unhurried days, beautiful light, and a supportive environment where you can grow your skills and enjoy the magic of the bush without pressure.If you’ve ever wished for a safari that’s slower, calmer, more intentional — and designed for people who genuinely love wildlife and photography — this trip was created with you in mind.
Safari Snapshot
• Dates: 1–10 April 2026
• Duration: 9 nights on safari + 1 night in Maun
• Group Size: Maximum 8 guests - 4 Minimum (guaranteed window seats)
• Destinations: Khwai • Savute • Chobe River
• Style: Luxury mobile photo safari with intimate camps close to the wildlife
• Hosted By: Devon Jenkin & Steven Stockhall
• Photography Level: Suitable for beginners to advanced – guidance tailored to you
• Starting Point: Maun, Botswana
• Ending Point: Kasane, Botswana
• Investment: From USD $7,500 per person sharing
Who this Safari is Perfect For:
This safari is designed for photographers and nature-lovers who want more than a quick checklist of animals. It’s for you if:
• You want to improve your photography and appreciate guidance, not pressure.
• You prefer slow, intentional wildlife encounters over rushing from sighting to sighting.
• You want space and comfort in a vehicle, with a guaranteed window seat and room for gear.
• You value a small group experience where you’re not just a number.
• You love the idea of reviewing images around the fire, learning new techniques each day.
• You want to feel immersed in wild Africa, not stuck in busy tourist areas.
• You’re looking for a supportive, friendly environment, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned shooter.
• You want to come home with photographs you’re proud to print.
Your Journey Through Botswana
Day 1 — Arrival in Maun
Your safari begins in the easy-going safari hub of Maun. You’ll settle into your lodge, meet your guides and fellow travellers, and enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner as we chat through what to expect over the next few days. Nothing starts early today — we ease into it. Tomorrow, the real adventure begins.
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Days 2–4 — Khwai: The Okavango’s Wild Edge
Rise and shine—it’s time to leave Maun behind and dive into paradise! .On the way, you have the option to visit Elephant Havens, an elephant orphan sanctuary where tiny giants steal hearts! Khwai is one of those places that doesn’t take long to get under your skin.You’ll wake to the sound of hippos in the waterways and the soft rustle of the bush coming alive. Days here usually bring close elephant encounters, leopards resting in the shade of trees, and beautiful golden light falling across open floodplains.We don’t rush in Khwai.We follow tracks, watch behaviour, and stay with sightings long enough for something meaningful to happen — a lioness lifting her head, a fish eagle dropping from a branch, elephants crossing the river at dusk.If you’re keen, helicopter flights and mokoro rides offer a completely different angle on this incredible landscape.
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Days 5–7 — Savute: The Land of Predators
Savute feels different the moment you arrive — wide, open country with a rawness you can actually feel.This is where the big moments tend to happen quickly.Dawn often brings lions on the move, hyenas patrolling the marsh, or a leopard slipping between camelthorn trees. As the day builds, huge elephant bulls cross the plains, sometimes with storm clouds gathering in the distance.We position ourselves carefully, working with the light and anticipating the action. Evenings are spent back at camp, going through images together under a sky full of stars — one of everyone’s favourite parts of the trip.
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Days 8–10 — Chobe Riverfront: Water, Light & Elephants
Your final chapter unfolds along the Chobe River, a place known for its wildlife-rich riverbanks and huge elephant herds.Here we split our time between land-based photography and a specialised photo boat, giving you unique low-angle access to animals at the water’s edge. You’ll photograph elephants swimming, hippos surfacing, and birdlife in perfect soft light.Sunset on the river is something you don’t forget — warm colours, glassy water, and wildlife all around.
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Day 11 — Departure from Kasane
After breakfast, we make our way to Kasane for your onward journey. You’ll leave with full memory cards, new skills, and a deeper connection to wild Africa.It’s often the moment guests realise: this trip changed the way they’ll photograph wildlife forever.
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Optional Add-On: Victoria Falls Extension (1–2 Nights)
For guests who want to keep the adventure going, you can add a night or two at Victoria Falls, just a short transfer from Kasane.This extension is relaxed, flexible, and a great way to unwind after your safari.
What you can do in Victoria Falls:
• Visit one of the world’s most iconic waterfalls
• Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
• Try activities like helicopter flights, white-water rafting, or bungee jumping
• Browse local markets and explore the town
• Or simply relax at your lodge and soak in the atmosphere.
There’s no set schedule — you can make this part as adventurous or as easy-going as you like.It’s a perfect final chapter for guests who want a little more Africa before heading home.If you’d like help planning this extension, I’ll guide you through the options.
Why this Safari is Different.
You’re not just joining a safari — you’re joining a small group of people who want to slow down, learn, and really immerse themselves in the experience.
Here’s what you can expect:
1. A Calm, Unhurried Safari Experience.
No racing from one sighting to the next. We take our time, read behaviour, and allow moments to unfold naturally — which makes for better photographs and a more meaningful experience.
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2. Real Photography Guidance (At Your Pace).
Whether you’re new to wildlife photography or experienced, you’ll get gentle, practical help whenever you want it — while shooting, reviewing images, or planning settings for the next day. No pressure. No jargon. Just support.
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3. A Small Group That Actually Feels Small.
With a total of 8 guests, you get space in the vehicle, personalised attention, and the chance to connect with people who are just as passionate about wildlife and photography as you are. Everyone has a window seat. Always.
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4. A Camp That Brings You Closer to Wildlife.
Our mobile camp places us right where the wildlife is — not miles away in a busy lodge. It’s comfortable, welcoming, and helps you feel properly connected to the wild spaces we’re exploring.
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5. A Supportive, Friendly Environment.
This isn’t a competitive “photographer’s trip.”It’s relaxed, fun, and ideal for anyone who wants to grow their skills without feeling judged or rushed.
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6. A Chance to Build a Portfolio You’re Proud Of.
By the time you leave Botswana, you won’t just have a memory card full of images — you’ll have a selection of photographs you’ll want to print, share, and remember forever.
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7. Time to Truly Switch Off.
Many guests tell me this is the first time they’ve properly slowed down in years.The combination of nature, photography, and good company creates a sense of calm that stays with you long after the trip ends.
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8. A Trip Designed With Care and Intention
Every element — the locations, the timing, the pacing — is chosen to help you experience Botswana in a way that feels meaningful, inspiring, and personal.
Accommodation on Safari
Mobile Camping...
Simple Comforts, Authentic Adventure
Mobile camping offers a truly unique and immersive safari experience, moving seamlessly with us as we journey through Botswana’s wilderness. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team works tirelessly to break down and rebuild our camp at each new destination, ensuring it’s perfectly set up before our arrival.With exclusive-use sites strategically located in the heart of the action, mobile camping provides unmatched flexibility, allowing us to adapt to wildlife movements and maximize every moment in these incredible habitats. It’s safari living at its finest—intimate, adventurous, and deeply connected to nature.
Basic yet Comfortable...
Everything you need, nothing you don't...
Comfortable beds to rest after thrilling days of wildlife encounters, eco-friendly long-drop toilets, and the charm of hot bucket showers under open skies—what more could you ask for? Our mobile camp embraces a basic yet cozy approach, offering everything you need for an authentic safari adventure.Every detail of this camp is designed with efficiency in mind. The ability to break it down and rebuild it seamlessly allows us to follow the wildlife and adapt to the natural flow of our journey, bringing you closer to the action in comfort and style. Experience the perfect balance of simplicity and adventure!
Dining under Canvas...
Food for the Soul
Get ready to savor wonderful three-course meals served in the comfort of our dining tent. Our talented chef ensures that every meal is a culinary delight, keeping you fully fueled and energized for the next day’s adventure.Bush catering is an art, and our team takes great pride in mastering it. From hearty breakfasts to gourmet dinners, each dish is prepared with care, creativity, and the freshest ingredients. Dining in the heart of the wilderness has never been this indulgent!
Dates and Rates
- 1 April 2026 - 10 April 2026
- Price starts from US$7500 p.p. sharing - single travellers will be catered for without single supplement where possible*
*we are logistically limited to the amount of equipment we can move with and you may be required to share accomodation. - Additional add-ons to the safari are available - please check for options below.
- Bookings will happen through Earth Ark Travel - my local Botswana travel agency partner - owned and operated by co-guide Steven Stockhall.
What's included
Included:
- 1 x night in Maun on Bed and Breakfast basis
- 9 x nights fully inclusive mobile safari.
- 1 x Chobe River boat excursion
- Photo guiding by Devon Jenkin & Steven Stockhall
- Photo editing tuition
- All park fees and permits
Excluded:
- All Flights
- Travel and Medical Insurance
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Extra activities
- Single supplement (if required)
Getting here
International Flights
To help keep your costs lower, we recommend booking your own international flights to and from Maun. However, if you need assistance, my trusted booking partner, Earth Ark Travel, will be happy to guide you. The required international flights are:
FROM SOUTH AFRICA
- Maun airport is serviced daily by AIRLINK from Johannesburg. Most international flights will arrive in Johannesburg in time to connect to this flight
FROM ETHIOPIA
- Air Ethiopia services Maun International Airport three times a week. We have timed this safari to coincide with one of these services, connecting Addis Ababa to Maun on Wednesday 1st of April.
FROM KASANE
- Connect onto Johannesburg or Cape town for long haul international flights.
FROM VICTORIA FALLS
- Connect onto Johannesburg, Cape Town, Addis Ababa or Nairobi for long haul flights
Optional Add-ons
Doors-Off Helicopter Flight Add-On (Khwai)
Elevate your safari with a doors-off helicopter flight during the Khwai portion. Experience golden-hour views over floodplains and waterways, with uninhibited vistas perfect for photography. Flights are 30 or 45 minutes, with group minimums of two. Estimated cost: from ~USD $280 per person. Pricing varies depending on duration, timing, and number of passengers.
Mokoro Experience - Khwai
Glide silently through the tranquil waterways of Khwai on a mokoro excursion, a truly immersive way to experience the Okavango Delta during the green season. Available by prior booking, this traditional dugout canoe safari offers a unique, low-angle perspective, perfect for photographing elephants wading, red lechwe splashing, and vibrant birdlife. With an expert poler guiding you through hidden lagoons and waterlily-strewn channels, you’ll move quietly, soaking in the pristine wilderness. A mokoro safari is an unforgettable highlight of the green season safari experience.
Visit Elephant Havens – A Sanctuary for Orphaned Elephants
On our journey to Khwai, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Elephant Havens, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants. This incredible organization works tirelessly to protect Africa’s gentle giants through habitat conservation, community outreach, and the reintroduction of young elephants into the wild.
During this visit, you’ll witness firsthand the remarkable care these young elephants receive, learn about the challenges of human-wildlife conflict, and understand how conservation efforts are shaping a future where elephants and communities can coexist. You’ll also have the chance to capture heartwarming close-up photos of these little survivors as they play, interact, and thrive under expert care. For those who choose to participate, this experience is not just about getting close to elephants—it’s about supporting a cause that ensures their future. If you prefer not to join, you can relax while others take part in this meaningful visit.
Add the Magic of Victoria Falls to your Adventure
Complete your safari with a visit to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World! Known locally as “The Smoke That Thunders,” this breathtaking waterfall is a must-see.
Enjoy thrilling activities like white-water rafting, a scenic helicopter flight, or a heart-racing bungee jump. For a more relaxed experience, take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, spotting wildlife along the banks as the sky turns golden.
Victoria Falls offers the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility to make your African journey unforgettable!
Optional Extras
Additional activities must be booked and paid before arrival. Prices on request.
- 1 or 2 night safari extention
- 15 minute Helicoptor Flight over the falls
- a Guided Tour of Victoria Falls
- Sunset Zambezi River Cruise
- Adrenaline activities such as White Water Rafting (seasonal), Bungee jumping, Zip Lining & Gorge Swing
F.A.Q.
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