Botswana Mobile Photo Safari

Botswana – The Heart of Africa.

A life time experience in an open safari vehicle. Simply sit back and reap the rewards of our teams many years of experience in the bush and behind the lens.

 

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>>>BOOKINGS ARE OPEN<<<

>>>SOLO TRAVELLERS ARE WELCOME<<<

There are a minimum of six and maximum of twelve people per photographer on this tour so early booking is advisable to avoid disappointment.

The minimum number has been reached and the tour is going ahead.

Please see below for price and payment policy – as well as what is included and excluded.

Dates:

06-16 September 2019: 10 Day Safari in Khwai and Moremi – including one bonus day for transfer between camps (minimum 6 and maximum 12 people)

06-10 September: 5 Day Safari in Khwai (minimum 6 and maximum 18 people)

11-16 September: 5 Day Safari in Moremi (minimum 6 and maximum 12 people)

About The Okavango Delta:

Within the fabled Kalahari Desert which covers roughly two thirds of the country lies the “Jewel of the Kalahari” which is the dominant geographical feature of Botswana. Shaped like an arm with an open hand, with the arm being the river forming the panhandle, the palm having islands and permanently filled waterways and the fingers being seasonally flowing rivers and floodplains. These waterways get flooded annually from local rain and rain falling in the Angolan Highlands. This water finds its way to the Okavango which is the world’s largest inland delta and is a shifting web of crystal clear channels, lagoons and sweeping floodplains with palm studded islands. Home to over 450 bird and 1,000 plant species.

As the world’s largest inland delta, the Okavango covers over 15 000 square kilometres of lush verdant wetland. This unique area contains an incredible 95% of all surface water in Botswana and is one of Africa’s prime tourist destinations. Surrounded by the parched Kalahari, this emerald jewel is an immense oasis fed by the flow of the mighty Okavango River which, unlike every other river in the world, never reaches the sea, but dies in the desert sands of northern Botswana. An isolated paradise and prime wildlife location, with it’s meandering, reed-fringed waterways and rich swamp land, the delta ranks amongst the finest of wetlands in the world.

The Team:

Photography:

Peter Hassall (National President of SA Pro-Photographers with 35 years experience) and Leanne Dryburgh (Western Cape Manager of SA Pro-Photographers with 25 years experience) from thephotowalkers.com will be teaching photography for this duration of this safari while on the vehicles as well as for allocated times at camp. Leanne has lived and worked in Botswana as a photographer and Peter’s incredible technical knowledge will help anyone at any level. One-on-one lessons available in camp upon request. Time-lapse, night skies, close up, portraits and macro also included.

Safari Guide:

Our Safari guide has been hand-picked by thephotowalkers.com team for his deep knowledge of the bush and his love of photography. His father arrived in Botswana in 1959 and was involved in the wildlife industry his whole career. His son (our guide) grew up in the bush and has formed his own company specialising in mobile safaris. Together with his wife and highly trained team they pay strict attention to detail and have the knowledge and experience to make this an unforgettable experience.

Itinerary:

On arrival day:

Meet and Greet at Maun Airport and be transported in an Open Safari Vehicle to your first camp.

On final day:

Catch a flight from the area you are staying in the Delta back to Maun Airport in time for your International Flight home.

About the Khwai Conservancy:

The River Khwai is the local water supply for big game in the area and forms the boundary between the community concession and the Moremi Game Reserve to its south. Morning and  afternoon game drives along the Khwai and through the conservancy enable you to witness some of the behavioral patterns of many of the animals. This is a big game experience, up close and personal, renowned for its relaxed herds of elephant bulls and amazing leopard and wild dog sightings. This area is however not outdone by herds of zebra, kudu, impala, giraffe, hippo and many more. At dusk the sandgrouse fly down to the banks of the river to drink as the hippos start getting restless, wanting to leave the water in search of the night’s pastures. Khwai is the only area in the Delta where you can drive through the bush at night. These will reveal another world of bush babies in the trees, hyena, genets and spring hares as well as nocturnal birds which all show themselves. This is often when the big cats hunt too.

About Moremi Game Reserve:

Moremi lies in the eastern section of the Okavango Delta and can confidently be described as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa, with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. It covers 4,872 square kilometers and is only accessible by boat, air or four-wheel drive vehicle; in the wet season many of the sand roads become impassable.  Much of the central and western side of the park is dense swampland. Moremi is abundant in wildlife and the silent waters of the Okavango Delta combine to make your stay a rare experience indeed. One of the days in Moremi will be spent on a boat taking you deep in the Delta and to ‘Bird Island’. You will encounter game and prolific birdlife in areas that are not frequented by many visitors. A treat indeed!

Price and Payment Policy:

06-16 September 2019: 10 Day Safari in Khwai and Moremi – including one bonus day for transfer between camps  – the price per person is $4500.00.

06-10 September: 5 Day Safari in Khwai – the price per person is $2500.00.

11-16 September: 5 Day Safari in Moremi – the price per person is $2500.00.

>>>The prices are the same for single or sharing supplements <<<

These prices Include:

Game Drives:

• One Highly trained guide per vehicle with  a maximum of 6 clients – allowing everyone a window seat
• Morning game drive departing before sunrise and returning at around 12h00.
• Evening game drives departing at 16h00 returning at dusk. Sundowners & snacks

Photography:

• One Accredited SA Pro-Photographer per vehicle of a maximum of 6 clients
• A charging station for all camera batteries
• Bean bags on the safari doors to balance your camera
• The option to rent camera gear that you don’t own

Accommodation:

• A 3×3 meter Dome tent with very comfortable and thick foam mattresses and fitted linen
• Battery Powered light in your tent as well as a portable light for walking in the campsite in the evenings
• A full team of professional camp crew including cook, mess steward and general assistants.

Ablution:

• Communal Showers with hot water and Toilets
• Bath and hand towels
• Washstand basins and mirror in front of each tent

Food and drinks:

• Breakfast, lunch & dinner. The food is fresh and of an exceptionally high standard – classified as gourmet and cooked by a professional chef
• Fresh drinking water, sparkling water, cool drinks, mixers, beers and ciders, middle of the range South African red, white and rose wines. Standard spirits. Amarula
• Coffee & Tea station and cold drinks are available at all times at camp
• Drinks table in evenings with snacks on arrival back at camp after game drive
• Coffee Station on morning game drives and drinks station on evening game drives
• Fridge with cold drinks and water available on all game drives

Transport into the Delta:

• Transport in open safari vehicle between Maun Airport & camp on your day of arrival

In Camp:

• A large mess tent where one can relax and where meals are served
• 220v Inverters for charging batteries, a first aid box, satellite phone and refrigerator to keep drinks cold.
• Laundry facility
• Tents cleaned and swept daily
• 12% Government Value Added Tax

Insects:

• Mosquito sprays and insect repellents in your tent

Medical Emergency:

• Emergency medical evacuation – Membership with Okavango Air Rescue

Optional Extras:

• Flights out of your camp to Maun Airport  (recommended).
• A upgrade into a 4×4 meter Merus style tent with a larger verander – $550.00 per tent
• En-suite toilet and shower – $190.00 per tent
• Solid Bed Frame – $80.00 per tent
• Premium drinks such as Single Malt Whiskies, craft vodkas & gins, ports, sherries & liqueurs. (POA)
• Boat trip into the Delta in Moremi (between $100.00 and $300.00 per person – depending on availability of boats and number of people booked.
• Any additional lenses or cameras that are too big for you to carry. (POA)

International Flights to Maun:

6 September 2019:

Cape Town to Maun: SAA 8604. Depart 10h35. Land 13h05

Johannesburg to Maun: SAA 8300. Depart 11h45. Land 13h15

16 September 2019:

Maun to Cape Town: SAA 8605. Depart 13h35. Land 16h10

Maun to Johannesburg: SAA 8301. Depart 14h00. Land 15h40

Please note:

Once you are in Botswana – you only need money for gratuities, the boat trip and cash in Maun should you want to eat or drink before or after your international flight

• A deposit of $1000.00 (approx R14200.00) per person is required to secure your place/s. This will be held in a trust account and refunded to you should the minimum number of people (six)  not be reached by the closing date for the tour – 31 July 2019. However, when the minimum number is reached we will confirm the trip with you and your deposit will count as a part payment.
• 50% of the balance is payable by no later than 15 July and the balance is payable in full by 15 August 2019. You are welcome to pay the full amount on 15 July.
• For Credit card payments, Paypal payments or international bank transfers  – a 5% surcharge is added to the final payment. Payments transferred from South African Bank Accounts into our bank account do not incur an additional expense.

Please click the ‘BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES’ button towards the top of the page. There are drop-downs that prompt you to tell us what accommodation requirements and if you would like to share transport . You will then receive an email with all of the relevant details.

Should you have any  questions, you are welcome to call or WhatsApp Leanne on 083 293 7208 or email Jeanne tours@thephotowalkers.com. One of them will get back to you as soon as possible. (If Leanne is taking a tour or on a shoot – she may take a couple of days to reply –WhatsApp is most effective form of communication for her)

Passports, Visas, Travel Insurance, Medical Aid, Cash and Vaccinations:

• All visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least six months.
• Please check if you require a Visa (South African citizens do not require a Visa)
• Please make sure you have adequate travel insurance that covers thephotowalkers.com and your international flights cancellation policies.
• The preferred currency in Botswana is either US DOLLARS and as a second choice – BOTSWANA PULA. You will not be going to any travel desks while in Botswana – so please bring cash with you.  We have found that drawing cash in Botswana and paying with a credit card can be troublesome.
• Ensure your Medical Aid knows that you are travelling abroad – and where you are travelling to.
• Please check with your local Travel Medical Centre if you need any vaccinations.
• Botswana is a Malaria area. Malaria medication is personal and you can take it if you feel safer with it. We do provide mosquito spray and insect repellents to help prevent you from being bitten – but we cannot guarantee that this will prevent a bite and the illness.

What to Bring for Photography:

In order to achieve the most from the Accredited South African Professional Photographer, a camera body with a manual mode function is recommended. However, all makes of cameras are welcome. Please bring a spare battery or two – and enough memory cards.

We recommend that you bring a Zoom lens of up to about 600mm to get the most of the experience.

Should you need to hire camera gear for the trip – we can arrange that for you.

If you would like thephotowalkers.com help with camera gear (what to bring from you bag, what to buy – please email tours@thephotowalkers.com.)

Head torches for the evenings.

What to wear and Bring:

• Clothing, Layers, due to the fluctuating temperatures on the open vehicle. Lightweight but protective clothing is recommended, in neutral colour’s like olive green, tan and beige. Trousers or shorts are recommended with loose fitting shirts. A windbreaker and a fleece are recommended for the night time.
• There are facilities to wash have your clothes washed.
• Comfortable footwear is essential we recommend that they are well worn and not new as  Botswana is very dusty so a combination of closed hiking boots and shoes are recommended, with one pair of open shoes.
• Hat and sunglasses, sunblock, insect repellent and lip salve
• Any reading material that you will find useful or enjoy while relaxing

Fitness:

Minimum fitness is required as you will spend your time in the camp or on the safari vehicle.

Should you suffer from any chronic medical conditions, we recommend that you get a full medical clearance before committing to this Tour.

Duty Free Allowance travelling into Botswana:

• Alcoholic liquors or wines up to 1 litre per person can be purchased in Duty Free and brought into India.
• 200 Cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams tobacco can be brought in.

Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellations within 3 months of the tour: No refund will be issued.
• Cancellations more than 3 months before the tour: 50% refund will be issued on any monies paid to date – less any expenses incurred – including accommodation and transport.

Liability:

Although every possible care is taken to safeguard you and your property, no company involved in this Tour accepts responsibility for any accident, injury, illness or death incurred during or arising from any tour, or loss or damage to clients property during a tour. We strongly advise you take out Good Travel Insurance for yourself and your property before the start of the tour.

No company involved will be held responsible for any expenses or loss of tour days resulting from changes in flight schedules, delays or loss of baggage by international air carriers or local air charter companies.

Indemnity:

By booking this Photo-Tour you agree to be bound by thephotowalkers.com indemnity terms and conditions. thephotowalkers.com, it’s staff, employees, suppliers and partners will not be held responsible for loss, injury, death or damage including consequential loss of any nature whatsoever while on the tour, in the shared transport, in the accommodation or during an activity. By booking this tour you understand and accept this. thephotowalkers.com will do their best to avoid any circumstances that may lead to the above.

Intellectual Property and Confidentiality:

By booking this tour you understand, accept and agree that any information given as well as any service providers, locations, workshops, partners, techniques or any part of the tour whatsoever is the Intellectual Property of The Photowalkers (t/a thephotowalkers.com).