Ideas for photography holidays in Botswana
Areas protected for wildlife conservation form almost 40% of the country and in the north of Botswana, the game roams freely between the huge national parks and the enormous private reserves. In all you'll find great photographic opportunities, but the private reserves offer the best because:
- The guides can drive off-road in most of these, and so position you in the right light and at a good angle for the best pictures.
- 4WD drives continue into dusk and night drives, and so allow you to make the most of the twilight to photograph those sought-after crepuscular animals. This time is especially productive if you’re looking for images of big cats hunting.
Aside from its game, parts of Botswana are stunning: very photogenic. The Okavango Delta stands out for its patchwork of papyrus swamps, reed-beds, floodplains and small palm-fringed islands which all go to make it such a beautiful destination for a photography holiday. Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans: the residues from an ancient lake, these vast salt-flats offer a complete contrast, forming the starkly beautiful backdrop to stands of swaying, feathery palms.
Cultural experiences attract some visitors to Botswana, and often their focus is the groups of the San / Bushmen people. Photographers are often fascinated by these hunter-gatherers, who live such different lives from our own, and in such a different environment. Meanwhile, at the Tsodilo Hills you can see ancient images carved and painted millennia ago: it is of the one of the greatest collections of San / Bushmen rock art in Africa. These stark hills, rising out of the flat desert, and adorned with ancient rock art are a great location for photographers.
As you look through some ideas of trips that might suit photographers, below, bear in mind that few are group trips led by photographers – but most are great safaris shared with others who love wildlife, and love to capture it on film.
Our most recent reviews of photography holidays in Botswana
Detailed, un-edited reviews from our Botswana travellers whose trips we tailored towards photography holidays. Click below to read the traveller's full review, and see all the reviews of our Botswana safari holidays here.
Best camps & lodges for Photography holidays in Botswana
Mokete Camp
With vast numbers of wildlife in the dry season, Mokete should be high on the list for photography in Botswana. We recommend booking a private vehicle to enable you to set up a specific shot, such as capturing the drama of a herd of buffalo running to water.
Kwara Camp
The safari vehicles at Kwara have a roof-removal option, offering almost unobscured views and are ideal for a photographic safari in Botswana. Avid photographers can take a private vehicle/guide (at additional cost) for ultimate flexibility on activities.
Selinda Camp
Part-owned by renowned film-makers and photographers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, Selinda Camp is a great spot for photography in Botswana. The guides position vehicles to find the best angles and light, some will even give a little instruction if asked.
Zarafa Camp
Co-owned by wildlife filmmakers and photographers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, Zarafa is one of the best camps for photographers in Botswana. A number of Canon 5D cameras are available for guests’ use and the guides are great at positioning for pictures.
Photography holidays elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Photography holidays in other countries.
Where to photograph African wildlife
Maximise your chances of being ably to photograph your favourite species using sightings reports from the field.
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,642 sightings from 4,493 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,355 sightings from 4,987 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
34% SUCCESS
1,280 sightings from 3,809 observations
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