Secluded Botswana Photo Expedition

Limited To 8 Travelers

A very important feature of this African safari is the limited group size, since nature and wildlife encounters are greatly enhanced when fewer people are present. Groups are split between two vehicles with a maximum of four travelers per vehicle, so you’re assured plenty of space and personalized attention when you need it. With a small group, we maintain the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions in a way that maximizes photo opportunities—we'll depart early in the morning to chase the best light, remain at a site of interest to fully explore its potential, or move on to a new destination. Our expert naturalist-photographer guide is always available to answer your questions, offers tips and share techniques, and help you better understand and photograph this stunning natural region.

An essential element of this safari is our use of a combination of two specialized vehicles during different parts of the trip, facilitating unmatched wildlife viewing opportunities. Sometimes we travel in open Land Cruisers that provide a comfortable and safe ride over the sometimes uneven terrain of Botswana’s desert and delta environs. We also use 4x4 Land Rovers, with a unique suspension system and an open-sided, tiered seating arrangement designed to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities and comfort. It is common to have a shade net over the vehicle to provide sun protection and cover during possible intermittent rains. This protective net comes off during the cooler summer months in Botswana to allow the sun to warm us on morning and afternoon drives.

Both types of vehicles have 10 cushioned passenger seats—one in front next to the driver, followed by three rows of three seats each—though we limit our capacity to seven travelers per vehicle on wildlife drives during our Secluded Botswana Safari, again for maximum comfort, viewing and photo opportunities. Secluded Botswana Photo Safaris accommodate a maximum of four travelers per vehicle. Vehicles have a mini fridge stocked with cold drinks, a small library with reference books and field guides, and ponchos for each traveler in case of rain. Each custom-built vehicle sports front bull bars and runner boards, as well as a full recovery kit, including spare tires and a high-lift jack. Vehicles are updated or replaced regularly and meticulously maintained to provide our guests with an outstanding safari experience.

• Trip price includes: Accommodations in luxury safari camps, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader, local guides and camp staff, premier open-sided 4-wheel drive Land Cruisers or Rovers, private Chobe boat cruise, visit with predator researcher at Gomoti Camp, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, some alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.
• Private helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta, plus extra luggage allowance.
  
• Internal air cost includes: All light aircraft flights within the itinerary (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, some alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.

Easy to Moderate
Our safari drives can be bumpy and long as we traverse rough terrain and pot-holed roads, potentially causing discomfort for those with back, neck, or other health issues. Guests must independently climb into high-profile 4X4 vehicles multiple times daily, using narrow steps with only a wire for a railing, and they will need upper body strength and dexterity to step up and into the vehicle. All travelers should be able to walk a mile unassisted over uneven ground and often by flashlight after dark. Short walks on safari are optional but recommended, as they greatly enhance the experience. We travel between camps by small bush planes, requiring comfort with compact aircraft and the ability to climb steep, narrow steps with minimal support. Safari days are long, starting before dawn and ending after dusk. Accommodations and vehicles lack climate control, with temperatures varying widely by season and requiring adequate layers and clothing options. We recommend that all travelers have an adventurous spirit, as you will often enjoy the closest of animal encounters.

This photo safari includes Botswana’s best and most remote wildlife locales while staying in comfortable bush accommodations. Each is small and intimate (usually accommodating only our small group of eight guests) with full electricity and private bathrooms with hot and cold running water. The accommodations are a highlight of the trip, following on the amazing wildlife experiences discovered by our Expedition Leaders throughout the day. On these trips, changes to the itinerary may occur in order to take advantage of conditions unique to the season and/or accommodate unexpected changes in water levels; therefore, itineraries may need to be rerouted or redesigned without notice.

Mandatory Insurance

You must arrive in Livingstone, Zambia by 1 pm on Day 1 and you may depart Maun, Botswana anytime after 1:30 pm on the final day. We can best serve you if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as our staff is intimately familiar with the special requirements of these programs and can arrange the most efficient travel. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find special web rates or better fares online.