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September 1 - 15, 2024

from $7,495 USD pp sharing

SOUTHERN AFRICA: 15-DAY SMALL GROUP CAMPING PHOTO TOUR

GROUP SIZE:

5 max.

LOCATION:

Botswana + Namibia

DURATION:

15 days / 14 nights

FITNESS LEVEL:

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SAFARI OVERVIEW

This Botswana - Namibia 15-day wildlife photographic camping safari will take you on a breath-taking journey through some of the most bio diverse locations of Southern Africa. This two-week camping trip led by our wildlife photography professionals, will guide you through the most photogenic wildlife hot spots of Botswana and Namibia.

The trip will begin in Maun, the wildlife capital of Botswana where we will start by venturing into Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta. We will then travel north, to the Caprivi Strip of Namibia, an amazing hippo and Carmine Bee-eater photographic destination. The group will then head west, to visit the San People of the Kalahari to add a bit of cultural relevance and appreciation to this incredible camping trip. The last wildlife destination on this camping tour is Etosha National Park, where photographic opportunities are endless, as hundreds of animals are congregating around the waterholes during the dry season.

TOUR DATE

2024: September 1 - 15

( 1 space available )

$7,495 USD pp sharing

NO Single Supplement

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Download Tour Brochure

BRIEF ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrival Day (MAUN, BOTSWANA)

DAY 2: Full Day Safari in Moremi

DAY 3: Full Day Safari in Moremi

DAY 4: Transfer to Guma / evening group photo editing

DAY 5: Morning / Afternoon boat ride in Okavango Delta

DAY 6: Transfer to Divindu / evening group photo editing

DAY 7: Morning / afternoon boat ride on Cubango River

DAY 8: Transfer to Roy's Camp / evening group photo editing

DAY 9: Bushman Living Museum Experience

DAY 10: Transfer to Etosha / morning safari / evening waterhole

DAY 11: Morning / afternoon safari outing in Etosha

DAY 12: Morning safari / transfer to Okaukuejo / afternoon at waterhole

DAY 13: Morning / afternoon safari outing in Etosha / Afterdark waterhole photography

DAY 14: Transfer to Windhoek / Himba Tribe visit

DAY 15: Departure Day (WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA)

(see detailed itinerary below)

HIGHLIGHTS

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Travel though two of Southern Africa's best wildlife photographic countries and sleep under the stars during this adventurous camping photo safari

Visit the Bushman/San People of the Kalahari Desert in northeastern Namibia. Experience their ancient ways as the Bushman teach guests about their culture

Enter Moremi Game Reserve, one of the best places in Botswana to photograph Big Cats and other predators such as Wild Dog and Hyena, along with many other African wildlife species

Explore the wildlife of the Okavango Delta by boat. The Okavango Delta is home to many animals including Hippo, Nile Crocodile, Elephant, Lion, and many bird species including the Fish Eagle, many species of King Fisher, Paradise Flycatchers and so much more

Visit Etosha National Park, arguably one of the driest locations on Earth, where wildlife fights for their survival in this harsh desert-like environment

DOWNLOAD TOUR BROCHURE

YOUR GUIDE

MEET YOUR PHOTO HOSTS

YOUR GUIDE

MARK A FERNLEY

VIEW BIO

JAREN A FERNLEY

VIEW BIO

LOCATION

LOCATION

BOTSWANA & NAMIBIA

This Southern African camping photo tour takes place in two magnificent countries: Botswana and Namibia.

Both countries offer an array of wildlife photography opportunities with different landscapes and environments in each location. From the Kalahari Desert to the intricate waterways of the Okavango delta and into Etosha National Park, this tour makes stops in some of the greatest wildlife destinations in Africa.

With many destinations along the way, download our

Tour Brochure for detailed information about each destination

EQUIPMENT

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

CAMERA BODY:

Guests are encouraged to bring a camera body with a minimum of 24-megapixels to guarantee the best results while on safari. This can be mirrorless or a DSLR, as your photo host is experienced with both and will be able to offer assistance whenever need be.

A second camera body is always a great consideration, however, this is not mandatory. This can be used as a backup, or you can keep a second lens attached and switch back and forth between cameras.

LENSES:

A telephoto lens with a reach of at least 500 mm. This can be a fixed/prime lens or a zoom lens.

If you intend to bring a fixed/prime lens of 500 mm or more, you will also need a closer range lens. A 100 - 400 mm or similar is a great option, as this will allow you to get shots of wildlife that comes closer to the vehicle

If you are interested in taking landscape photographs during the trip, we recommend a wide angle lens that ranges anywhere between 12 mm - 105 mm. This can be used for landscapes, astro-photography, close range wildlife, and congregations of wildlife.

Includes

TOUR INCLUDES

Airport pick-up (Maun International Airport (MUB))
Airport drop off (Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH))
All accommodation (large mobile tents)
- including sleeping cot, 2 inch mattress, clean sheets, pillow/pillow case & blanket
All transportation between campsites
All game drives / safari outings
All cultural visits
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner each day)
All beverages (non-alcoholic and local beers, wines and spirits)
All national park entry fees
All photographic guidance / tutorials
one-on-one photo critiques (optional)
Pre-Tour meeting with your photography guide

TOUR EXCLUDES

International flights
Personal Travel Insurance (required for all guests)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra activities, etc.)
Activities not listed in itinerary
Premium alcoholic beverages
Gratuities/tips for guides and staff

ITINERARY

DAY 1

ARRIVAL DAY

The first day is designed for all photography participants to arrive in Maun at their own leisure. Untamed Photo Safaris will arrange transfers from Maun International Airport (airport code MUB) for each photographer’s arrival.

Guests who have arrived in advance and are already in the country/area should make their way to the Crocodile Lodge on this day. Check in and refresh, charge camera batteries, do any necessary repacking you may need to do, or just simply enjoy yourself.

The tour will start at 6 pm on this day, where the group will meet for the first time. Your Photo Host will be awaiting you with welcome drinks as you go through the itinerary, ask any questions, and get to know the fellow photographers in your group. After our briefing/meet and greet, we will move over to the restaurant for dinner. After dinner you will have the opportunity to chat with your photo host and the others in the group.

DAY 4

TRANSFER TO NGUMA ISLAND / POST PROCESSING SESSION

Transfer to Nguma Island, located in the northwestern region of the Okavango Delta. This is a bit of a longer journey so we will have a packed lunch prepared, where we will stop along the way for a short break before continuing onward.

to Guma Lagoon. Upon arrival we will enjoy the views from the lodge, as Kingfishers and Fish Eagles cross the African Sunset. This afternoon is dedicated to a group photo editing session. During this time, your photo hosts will help with image selection and post processing.

DAY 5

TWO BOAT EXCURSIONS IN OKAVANGO DELTA

This day is dedicated to bird photography, focusing on the incredible variety of bird species of the Okavango Delta. With a morning and evening boat safari, guests will have the opportunity to get close to birds such as African Jacana, African Fish Eagles, Herons, Egrets, many species of Kingfisher and much more.

There is also chances to come across the much larger wildlife including Elephants, Hippo, Nile Crocodile, and even predators such as Lions and Leopard. As this photo safari is in the dry season, many animals make their way to the area, as water is scarce in the surrounding areas.

Guests will return to the lodge for lunch, giving guests the chance to charge their camera batteries before heading out on on the evening boat safari.

DAY 6

TRANSFER TO DININDU / POST PROCESSING SESSION

After breakfast, the group will be transferred to Divindu, Namibia. We will be crossing Mohembo Border Post on this day, arriving at Emms Cubango Ecological Camp just before lunch.

After lunch, the group will meet for a photo editing session. With the help of your photo hosts, the group will review their photos, selecting their best shots to start editing.

DAY 14

HIMBA TRIBE VISIT / TRANSFER TO WINDHOEK

The group will have breakfast before heading out of the park. We will keep our cameras out, as the exit gate is about 45 minutes from camp, making this your chance for any last minute photographs in Etosha.

On our way back to Windhoek, we will take a quick detour to visit an incredible group of people known as the Himba Tribe. The group will be welcomed into their village, where the Himba women will teach the group a bit about their lifestyle. With the help of a local interpreter, guests can ask questions and interact with the tribe as they show us how they live.

After our cultural visit, we will continue onward where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we will keep driving towards Windhoek, with our last stop being a tourist market, where guests can do any last minute souvenir shopping.

We will return to Windhoek this afternoon where guests will stay in a quaint little guesthouse. With each guest having their own room, this is perfect for you to repack and prepare for your flight out the next morning.

DAYS 2 & 3

FULL DAY SAFARI OUTINGS IN MOREMI

We will start bright and early on this day, as we have a full day in Moremi Game Reserve. We will meet our guide around 5am and make our way to the gates of the reserve. We will arrive around 8am, where we will have breakfast before entering the reserve. Sightings can include large herds of Elephant, Hippo, Buffalo, Fish Eagle, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, and many more species. We will stop at a designated picnic area for lunch and continue our safari into the evening. We will arrive back in Maun around 5:30pm, in time to shower before meeting for dinner.

DAY 7

TWO BOAT EXCURSIONS ON CUBANGO RIVER

On this day the group will take two boat rides along the Cubango River to photograph the wildlife of the area. The morning boat ride will be more for general wildlife. This may include anything from bird life, Elephants, Hippo, and other animals that are coming to the water's edge to drink.

We will return to the lodge for lunch, before heading back out on the boat later in the afternoon. The afternoon boat ride is dedicated to photographing and filming the Carmine Bee-eaters that nest along the banks of the Cubango River. Afternoon boat rides are also ideal to capture those iconic shots of hippos opening their mouths. The evening safaris are also the prime time to photograph large herds of Elephant as the drink before heading into the forest for the night.

DAY 8

TRANSFER TO GROOTFONTEIN / POST PROCESSING SESSION

After breakfast, the group will be transferred to Roy's Camp, one of our favourite stop over locations. As this is a bit of a longer trip, we will stop for lunch half-way to stretch our legs. Upon arrival at Roy's Camp, the group will meet in the lounge area for a photo editing session and critiques.

This location is used as our 'halfway' location, where guests are encouraged to relax and take it easy on this day before we head to Etosha National Park where temperatures spike.

Roy's Camp offers an incredible buffet style dinner. Guests are welcome to join your photo hosts around the camp fire and relax, or have an early night.

DAY 9

BUSHMAN LIVING MUSEUM EXPERIENCE

The group will have breakfast before heading off to visit the Bushman/San People of the Kalahari Desert. We will spend the majority of the day learning about the ancient traditions of the San People.

With an interpreter, we will walk through the bush of the Kalahari as we are taught about their primitive ways of living in the harsh environments of the Kalahari. Learn the survival skills of a bushman including tracking wild animals, trapping, hunting, fire making, and more.

Guests are welcome to photograph the bushman as they are teaching their ways of life, or put the camera down and take part in the ancient traditions of the Bushman.

Between activities, the group will have a packed lunch. Dinner will be served back at Roy's Camp this evening.

DAY 10

TRANSFER TO ETOSHA / MORNING SAFARI / AFTERNOON AT WATERHOLE

We will be leaving Roy’s Camp early this morning to make our way to Etosha National Park. We will enter the park before lunch, and our safari will being.

After a short safari, we will stop at a lodge near the Eastern gate for lunch. After lunch, we will slowly make our way towards Halali Camp, located in the center of Etosha National Park. The group will have the opportunity to photograph wildlife such as Zebra, Wildebeest, Springbok, Elephant, Lion and much more congregating around the waterholes.

We will make it to Halali late afternoon, where the group can make their way down to the waterhole to experience the nightlife of Etosha. This waterhole is a perfect location to spot the endangered Black Rhino along with Hyena and Elephant.

The group will meet back at the lodge for dinner, then return to the waterhole, or relax around the fire back at camp.

A night drive in Etosha can me arrange on this evening for an extra cost. This can be booked and paid for an arrival in Halali Camp.

DAY 11

TWO SAFARI OUTINGS IN ETOSHA

After an early breakfast, the group will head out on a morning safari where we are in search of striking photographic opportunities. Photo opportunities in Etosha National Park are endless with the hundreds of animals that congregate around the waterholes.

With conditions being so harsh in Etosha, we stick to early morning and evening game drives, as the heat of the day will test even the best of camera's capabilities.

The group will return to the lodge for lunch and a bit of photo editing before heading out on the evening safari. Wildlife will start becoming more active in the evening as the temperatures start to drop. This is where we can get some incredible shots with the African sun beaming onto Elephants and other mammals.

The group will return for dinner back at the lodge. A night drive in Etosha can me arrange on this evening for an extra cost. This can be booked and paid for an arrival in Halali Camp.

DAY 13

TWO SAFARI OUTINGS

This day will look very similar to day 11

With conditions being so harsh in Etosha, we stick to early morning and evening game drives, as the heat of the day will test even the best of camera's capabilities.

Photo hosts will assist in night photography at the waterhole on this night as well.

DAY 12

MORNING AND AFTERNOON SAFARI

After breakfast, the group will take leave on a morning safari that will finish at our next campsite, Okaukuejo. This location is famous for its waterhole, as hundreds of animals can be seen drinking water at once each day during the dry season. During our morning safari, the group will have the opportunity to photograph the wildlife spotted. This could include anything from Lion, Hyena, Zebra, Wildebeests, Giraffe, Rhino, and much more.

We will arrive at Okaukuejo for lunch, and after lunch, the group can choose to join an editing session with one of your photo hosts, or join the other down at the waterhole to photograph the wildlife congregation.

The evening will be spent looking through and editing photographs as a group in the lounge of the lodge.

After dinner, grab your tripod and meet your photo hosts at the waterhole for some long exposure night photography. Floodlights make night photography at this waterhole possible. With plenty of wildlife visiting the waterhole after dark, this is a great photo opportunity.

ACCOMM

ACCOMMODATION

The 15-day camping safari will be accommodated at many camp sites throughout the two countries. Within each camp site, we will supply heavy duty, large tents for each photographer/guest. Inside will consist of a fold out bed, mattress, pillow/pillow case, fresh sheets, and blanket. At each unique camp, there will be electricity for charging equipment.

CAMPING

The camping sleeping equipment provided for each photographer is plenty to keep you comfortable throughout the nights. We offer a large TENTCO Ranger Tent for each guest. With each tent comes a fold out bed with mattress. To reduce your baggage, we supply you with all bedding and a pillow. All campsites have restroom facilities and are supplied with spectacular African landscape views. There are charging sockets at each camp site for everyone to keep camera batteries and other equipment fully charged. Fold out tables and camping safari chairs are supplied for relaxing around the fire and around camp during off times.

OUR PHOTO VEHICLE

Our Toyota Land Cruiser Extended Cab Safari Edition 4x4 provides a superb and spacious experience when traveling through Africa. Each seat comes with its own USB charging socket and adjustable window. The roof pops open, making this vehicle perfect for a wildlife photographer, giving each guest a 360 degree view of African wildlife.