Chobe River Photo Safari

The Pangolin Voyager:

• The Pangolin Voyager is a luxury river voyager with 3 decks based on the Chobe River.
• Bottom Deck has 5 en-suit rooms with shower, basin, toilet and air conditioning.
• Middle deck consists of a private lounge with a small reference library, communal dining area, open galley (kitchen), Captains Bridge and viewing deck.
• Top deck or the viewing deck has seating area to leisurely sip sundowners, catch up on some supreme birding, or stretch out in the sun on one of the sun loungers. In the evenings this top viewing deck becomes prime position to familiarize ones self with the African stars.
• The new Photographic boats we will be using are by far the most rewarding in terms of easy of use and maneuverability. The swivel chairs rotate a full 360 degrees and paired with a custom gimbal head makes light work of your heavy cameras and lenses.

DAY 1: Arrival and Transfer to Pangolin Voyager:

Your unequaled experience begins when you arrive at Kasane in Northern Botswana and transfer to Chobe Emigrations. We then take you to the Namibian emigration offices with the tender boats and check into Namibia at either Impalila Island or Kasika Island. It’s then a short trip to the house boat where we will get ready for our first days activities.

When not out with your Tusk Photo photographic host, you can enjoy the facilities on the middle deck, including two private lounges and a small reference library. On this deck you will also find the communal dining area, open galley (kitchen), Captains Bridge, viewing deck while relaxing along the meandering Chobe river.

You will enjoy the superb views of the river and banks from the top deck with sweeping views of the river, banks and African Savannah. Here the seating area invites you to relax, soak up the unique atmosphere of the area, catch up of some supreme birding and animal sightings, or you may like to stretch out and bask in the sun on one of the sun loungers. After sunset, you will look up in amazement at the incredible number of stars that shine so brightly that you will feel that you can almost reach up and touch them. What an opportunity to learn some of the stars and constellations visible so clearly from here!

You will slip into your heavenly daily routine almost immediately, with each day bringing wonderful surprises.

DAYS 2 to 5: Daily Excursions and Activities

At 05h30 your wake up call is followed by a light continental breakfast consisting of fruit, cereals, with tea/coffee/juices which are served in the dining area.

Then, at around 06h00 you depart with your guide to explore the river and river banks, searching for the endless photographic opportunities as animals, birds, reptiles that live close to the river are spotted. You will find yourself photographing beautiful vistas in the golden early morning light.

Unless you have become engrossed in animal activity, maybe lions, hyenas, or elephant are providing such unique photographic opportunities that you cannot leave, you will return to the boat at around 10h30, where you will enjoy a welcome brunch. The river air does wonders for your appetite!

Now you are free to spend time with your photographic host who will give tutorials, guide you, help you to crit the images you captured during your morning excursion and give you sound advice for your next trips. You can also opt to relax, take a nap, sit on deck, read, enjoy the library until tea time at 16h00. Sweet and savoury snacks are served, after which you depart with your private guide for the afternoon game viewing and photographs.

Sundowners and snacks are served during this excursion.

At around 19h30, again depending on sightings, you return to the Pangolin Voyager in time for pre-dinner drinks and a three course dinner which is served at 20h00 followed by coffee and liqueurs.

 DAY 5: Final Excursion and Farewells

All too soon the last day arrives, and after your morning foray with your guide, capturing those last precious, magical images, the time comes to bid farewell to this slice of heaven.

So what are the Safari highlights:

• Accommodation on-board the Pangolin Voyager house boat on the Chobe River
• The House Boat stays in the Chobe National Park not having to leave by sunset
• Unequaled opportunity for birds especially waders and other water birds
• Unequaled opportunity to photograph swimming Elephants
• Good animal photography especially Elephant, Buffalo and other general game
• Possibilities of photographing lion, leopard, wild dog from the boat
• Specialist photographic boats with swivel chairs and gimbal camera mounts
• Air conditioned en-suit rooms
• Private exclusive booking – TuskPhoto has reserved the entire Houseboat for our tour only.

Included:

• Services of Tusk Photo hosts
• All meals, teas & coffees
• Local Beers and Wines and soft drinks
• 4 nights’ accommodation
• All activities.
• Use of dedicated Photographic boat
• Transfers from Kasane Airport to the House Boat
• Secure parking in Kasane Botswana for the duration of the safari. (For self drive guests)

Not included:

• Visas
• Telephone calls
• Gratuities
• Purchases of a personal nature.
• Travel costs to Kasane either driving or International flights.
• Cross border Transfers (Vic Falls, etc)

What Animals can I expect to Photograph?

• Elephant – especially swimming Elephant
• Buffalo
• Giraffe
• Lechwe, Puku, Impala
• Crocodile
• Water Moniter
• Possible sightings of – Lion, Leopard, Wilddog
• Possible sightings of – Sable, Roan

What Birds can I expect to Photograph?

• African Fish Eagle
• African Skimmer
• Rock Pratincole
• Various Kingfishers
• Various Bee-Eaters
• Various raptors, Falcons, Kestrels, Owls, Vultures and more
• Large variety of waders like Herons, Egrets, Jacanas and more