Overview

“Photographing from the river in a boat set up for photographers was a novel and great way to experience wildlife up close and take good pictures.” -J. Allen, 2016 Chobe River Safari participant

“Chobe River is a wonderful wildlife experience, and the Visionary Wild trip gave us an insight into professional wildlife photography and how to approach it which was second to none. I would strongly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to improve their wildlife camera technique and photography in general.” -A. Firkin, 2016 Chobe River Safari participant

Set in one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations at an ideal time of year for the dry season, this safari focuses on the incredible biodiversity accessible via the Chobe River’s various channels, islands, and wetlands, where animals congregate along the river in the dry season to drink and feed on the lush greenery on the banks and flood plain. In addition to Chobe’s population of over 50,000 Kalahari elephants, opportunities include hippos (with young at this time of year), Nile crocodiles, leopards, buffalo, waterbuck, kudu, impala, giraffes, fish eagles, lions, hyenas, baboons, and countless bird species. In fact, this safari is a bird photographer’s dream, featuring the tiny and colorful Malachite Kingfisher, the largest heron in the world – the Goliath, several species of Bee-Eater, African Jacanas, and an endless array of water birds.  The concentrated displays of mammalian wildlife behavior, from battling hippos to leopards drinking at water’s edge and herds of elephants looming overhead on the riverbank, ensure you will capture peak moments of exceptional behavior. The quality of light in morning and evening is wonderful on the Chobe, as the wide, open floodplain enables low-angle light at sunrise and sunset to skim over the water and bathe the animals in golden illumination.

Join photographers Lou Coetzer and Johan Greyling for this safari experience full of a variety of wildlife. Both Lou and Johan have successfully lead our previous expeditions to the Chobe River. Lou continually receives positive feedback from our clients as the most experienced and knowledgeable photo leader they have learned from in Africa, and Johan is a talented teacher of wildlife photography and receives high praise for his editing and classroom critiques.

Group size is limited to six participants per photo boat, each guided by one of the instructors. This expedition will co-operate with the African Vision expedition, which includes photo safaris at the Chobe River and Masai Mara, Kenya. Participants of both this expedition and the African Vision expedition will be able to meet each other and share the experience together at the Chobe River.

This package is designed to deliver a superb overall experience, and includes first-rate lodging, all meals, beverages (including fine wine and beer at dinners), expert guides, photographic instruction, loaner Nikon telephotos and cameras, park entry fees, ground transfers, and in-Africa flights during the itinerary. Additionally:

• Includes loan of big telephotos – 600mm f/4 and 500mm f/4 – so you don’t have to travel with them. Full-frame Nikon DSLR bodies available for free loan too!

• The best photo safari vehicle set-up in the business, both on the land and on the water, complete with photographer’s chairs featuring fully adjustable 360-degree revolving Wimberley camera mounts. This makes it a breeze to work with big lenses and photograph dynamic wildlife behavior.

We have arranged use of these custom-build photo boats with innovative custom features that deliver an ideal photographic experience. Each photographer will have his or her own rotating photographer’s chair with fully adjustable revolving Wimberley-equiped telephoto lens mount.  Included at no additional cost is loan of Nikon super-telephoto lenses (600mm f/4 and 500mm f/4) and pro camera bodies, so there is no need to carry big glass to Africa.

Click “read more” below right for the itinerary and more information…

Our itinerary makes the most of the incredible photographic opportunities, and offers attentive hands-on photographic instruction and expert guiding throughout:

August 22nd

Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the Opikopi Guest House in Constantia Park, Pretoria to rest and de-jetlag after flight. Enjoy an AV presentation on the Chobe River. Dinner and Overnight at Opikopi Guest House.

August 23rd

Early morning breakfast at the Opikopi Guest House before departing for our 11:45am flight departing from O.R. Tambo International Airport and arriving at Kasane Airport in Botswana. Quick transfer from Kasane Airport to Chobe Safari Lodge. Afternoon photography session on the Chobe River on custom-built photography boats. Overnight at Chobe River Lodge.

August 24th – 30th

6:00am meet up at jetty for coffee and rusks, and depart for photography sessions on Chobe River until 10:00am. Return to Lodge for a well-deserved brunch. Thereafter, we’ll meet daily in the classroom for downloading, editing, and constructive critique of images with an eye toward improving your wildlife photography technique and optimizing your camera setup so it works best for you. At 2:30pm we return to the Chobe River for an afternoon photography session until 6:00pm. Snacks and beverages provided provided on the river daily. Overnight at Chobe River Lodge.

After freshening up, meet for sundowners and dinner.

August 31st

6:00am meet up at Jetty for coffee and rusks, and depart for a photography session on Chobe River until 10:00am. Return to Lodge for a well deserved brunch. Last image review and critique of Chobe Safari images, followed by some free time to pack bags and/or relax. Transfer to Kasane Airport for our flight departing for Johannesburg. Arrive at Johannesburg at 3:55pm. Say our farewells and catch flights back home.

The single-occupancy rate for this deluxe all-inclusive package has been reduced by 15%, from $7,250 to $6,162. The double-occupancy rate has also been reduced by 15%, from $6,750 per person to $5,737. 50% deposit required upon booking, and balance due by July 22nd, 2017.
For more information, please contact Justin or Sara at info@visionarywild.com or 202-558-9596.

Not included: international round-trip flights from your point of origin to Johannesburg, South Africa (currently between $1,700 to $2,300 for economy class from the US), and incidental personal expenses.

PLEASE NOTE:

• VISA: Although no visa is needed, a passport with at least six months of validity remaining is required.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel insurance is required; Travelguard.com is excellent.
• FLIGHTS: Internal flights from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Kasane Airport (BBK), and from BBK to JNB.
• VACCINATIONS: Chobe is a low-risk malaria area; malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
• GRATUITIES: Baseline tips are included. Our guides and lodge staff work very hard to make our experience in Africa the best it can be, and Visionary Wild budgets for a healthy group tip in recognition of their services. Guests are encouraged to tip additionally if they would like to recognize exceptional service.