Botswana was recommended to me as an ideal country to visit for my first solo Africa photography safari…less tourists than other countries…amazing wildlife viewings and experiences and a safe country.
Being a photographer when I travel I have a few priorities…
1) Be safe and feel safe
2) Be in the right place at the right time of day (it is all about the light!)
3) Be with likeminded people (people that have an interest in photography)
I found Pangolin Photo Safaris who are based in Kasane, Botswana. I emailed them with my dates I wanted to travel with them and they booked me in. I was based at a lodge in Kasane and every morning and every evening I went on a two hour trip on one of their photography boats on the Chobe River or in their vehicle in Chobe National Park.
I arrived in Kasane, Botswana from Johannesburg. Sabine from Pangolin Photo Safaris was at the airport to greet me and take me to my hotel.
Within one hour I was on a photography safari boat on the Chobe River with a BIG smile on my face and in my heart.
Sometimes the seats were full on the boat and other times I was the only one!! the staff, drivers/guides were all incredible and understood exactly what a photographer needs. Over my 5 days I saw many other boats on the Chobe River and I realised how fortunate I was to be on the Pangolin Photo Safari boat. Some of the tourist boats were packed like sardines and were really big.
The photography boat is designed so well and it is very stable.
Here I am sitting at the front of the boat to get a super low angle of these Cape Buffalo.
The Pangolin Safari boats are designed to be nice and low so photographers can get a great low view of the animals. There is one row of seats on the Pangolin Safari boats that all swivel 360 degrees and have their own tripod/gimbal attached.
One of the Pangolin photography safari boats for unique opportunities on Chobe River, Botswana.
Another awesome benefit of travelling with Pangolin Safaris is that you can use their cameras and telephoto lenses and they even show you how to use them! So whether you are a pro photographer, hobby photographer or don’t even own a camera - Pangolin Safaris makes sure you capture some amazing moments!
The awesome swivel seats on the boat with your own gimbal attached.
A few points about travelling with Pangolin Photo Safaris…
1). You have the option of using their camera gear
2). Their boats and vehicles are designed specifically for photographers
3). Their staff are trained to understand the demands of photographers and understand the light
4). Super friendly, safe and trustworthy business
I got to know Sabine and Charl over my 5 days and Sabine really made sure that I got the most out of my trip. Even taking me to see an Aardvark at a local rehabilitation centre!! She became a great friend and I look forward to going back and seeing her again!
It’s an Aardvark!
It was great to get up close to some of the animals in the CARACAL rehabilitation centre.
I met this Aardvark in Kasane’s CARACAL wildlife rehabilitation centre. I was grateful that Sabine took me to the wildlife centre. The Aardvark seemed similar to a wombat in many ways and it was great to see this one and hear its story. I am definitely not a snake lover, but continuing on my trips “say yes to new adventures and opportunities” I also held a snake for the first time! I was definitely out of my comfort zone, but living every day with no regrets.
I was surrounded by some banded mongoose that seemed fascinated with my camera bag. I was equally as fascinated by these little animals. I also got up close and personal to a chameleon and a tree squirrel.
No day on the river was ever the same…so 5 days in the one location was magical and such an incredible experience!
I highly recommend Pangolin Photo Safaris if you are planning an Africa photography tour to Chobe River. Their boats are definitely the best on the river and you won’t be regret it regardless of your level of interest or experience in photography.
