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Photography Expeditions in Chobe National Park
Botswana's first national park, in the far north-east at Kasane where the borders of four countries meet, defined by the Chobe River floodplains that draw the largest elephant population in Africa. The riverfront concentrates game in the dry season and is famous for boat-based safaris.
Why here
The Chobe River is one of Africa's great photographic set-pieces, and it is best shot from the water. Low, stable boats bring the camera to the eye level of elephant herds crossing the channels, buffalo drinking at the bank, and hippo and crocodile in the shallows, with the light coming off the water and no vehicle dust. Bird photography is exceptional too, from African skimmers cutting the surface at dusk to carmine bee-eaters, fish eagles and kingfishers. Purpose-built photographic boats carry gimbal-mounted camera rigs and a small number of guests, so the vessel can be turned to the sun and held steady on a subject, which is what separates a Chobe photo safari from a general river cruise.
Best months
The dry season from May to October puts the most game on the riverbank and the clearest sightlines through thinned vegetation, with elephant crossings frequent from July. The green season delivers richer colour, storm light and breeding birds from November to March. Golden light on the water at the start and end of each day is the goal, and photographic boats run morning and afternoon sessions. A long lens and a beanbag or gimbal are the tools that matter.
Getting there & around
Photographic trips are based at Kasane, which has its own airport and sits at the four-country border, so access is simple. Dedicated photo operators supply the camera-equipped boats and hosts; general lodges run standard cruises that are fine for viewing but not built for serious photography. Sessions are timed to the light, morning and late afternoon. Bring a long lens; hosts can usually loan bodies and gimbals on the specialist boats.
Skill levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (1)
Pangolin Photo Safaris
OutfitterThe Chobe River's dedicated photographic operator, founded by Toby Jermyn, running purpose-built boats where every seat has a gimbal-mounted camera and a Photo Host on hand for image review. Trips carry no more than eight guests and combine the 14-room Pangolin Chobe Hotel with the solar-powered Pangolin Voyager houseboat, which moves between moorings along the river. The company is a founding partner of the pangolin.africa conservation NGO.