Why is the Chobe River so good for elephant photography?

The Chobe River attracts vast herds of elephants to drink at the water's edge, creating opportunities to photograph them wading chest-deep through the water with dramatic spray & reflection effects. The boat-based approach allows photographers to capture these intimate moments at close range from custom photography platforms designed specifically for wildlife photography.

What elephant behaviours can I expect to photograph?

You can photograph elephants crossing the shallows, drinking among floating flowers, bathing at sunset, & dust bathing on the dry savannah. The river setting provides repeated opportunities to capture family groups interacting, mothers with calves, & the dramatic spray effects as elephants wade through the water at various times of day.

What wildlife can I expect to photograph?

Species regularly photographed include African Elephant, African Buffalo, African Lion, African Leopard, Giraffe, African Fish Eagle, African Skimmer, African Wild Dog, Chobe Bushbuck & Greater Kudu. Additional species such as hippos, crocodiles & diverse birdlife may also be encountered throughout the trip. As with all wildlife photography, sightings can never be guaranteed.

How much time do we spend on the Chobe River?

This is a dedicated boat-based photography holiday with twice-daily photographic excursions on the river throughout your stay. You'll enjoy morning & afternoon photography sessions aboard custom-built boats from day one through day seven, maximising opportunities to photograph the river's abundant wildlife in varying light conditions.

How do the custom-built photography boats work?

The boats feature 360 degree swivel seats, fully stabilised platforms & low angle shooting positions designed exclusively for photographers. These enable you to frame wildlife at eye level for intimate perspectives & work comfortably while capturing elephants crossing, fish eagles hunting & mirror-like reflections during golden hour sessions.

What are the benefits of a 6-photographer group?

The 6-photographer limit ensures everyone has sufficient space on the photography boats, receives personalised guidance from David Miles & the local guides, & enjoys a more relaxed photographic experience. The small group size allows for flexible positioning & unhurried encounters with wildlife.

What is the accommodation like?

You'll stay 6 nights at Chobe Safari Lodge, set directly on the riverbank with views of the surrounding wilderness. Single occupancy accommodation is included as standard. The lodge's position beside the park gate ensures effortless access for both river & land based photography sessions.

How do I book & what flexibility do I have for changes?

Secure your place with a booking deposit, with early booking recommended as places are limited to 6 photographers. Any changes or cancellations are subject to our booking terms & conditions. Contact us as early as possible to discuss the options available.

What photography equipment should I bring?

Bring a camera suitable for wildlife photography, telephoto lenses for distant subjects, spare batteries & memory cards. The boat platforms provide stability for longer lenses, & you'll benefit from having equipment capable of capturing both sunrise & sunset light conditions. Detailed equipment recommendations will be provided before departure.

Do I need advanced photography skills?

No advanced skills are required. David Miles & the local guides provide experienced guidance suitable for photographers of all levels during the boat-based photography sessions. The stable platforms & relaxed pacing allow time to work on composition & camera settings.

What's included in the trip cost?

Trip cost includes 6 nights at Chobe Safari Lodge, all meals on a full board basis, guiding by David Miles, twice-daily boat photography sessions, airport transfers & park fees. Single occupancy accommodation is included as standard. International flights & personal travel insurance are not included.

Why is September optimal for Chobe River photography?

September falls in Botswana's dry season when wildlife congregates along the riverbank as water sources become scarce inland. The warm, dry conditions provide excellent light quality from sunrise to sunset, while elephants & other wildlife visit the river regularly throughout the day for drinking & bathing opportunities.

Wildlife of the Chobe River Photography Safari

23rd - 30th Oct 2027 - Was: ~~£6999~~ Now: £6499

Africa - Guided By Pui Hang Miles

Mother & calf elephant silhouettes at sunset captured during our Wildlife of the Chobe River photography holiday

Launch Offer

Wildlife of the Chobe River - 23rd - 30th Oct 2027 - Was: £6999 Now: £6499 - Single occupancy

Reserve with a deposit of £1400

No payment is taken at enquiry stage. We confirm availability first, then send booking forms and deposit payment details. Please read our booking conditions and financial protection information before paying a deposit.

Make A Booking Enquiry

Make a Booking Enquiry

Make A Booking Enquiry

Discover the magic of the Chobe River with NaturesLens on this immersive wildlife photography experience, set within one of Africa’s most celebrated riverine ecosystems. Winding through Botswana’s renowned Chobe National Park, the river attracts an extraordinary concentration of wildlife – elephants gathering in vast numbers, hippos wallowing in the shallows, crocodiles basking on sun-warmed banks, & a remarkable variety of birdlife. Across eight days, including six full days of focused photography, you will explore the shifting character of the river from tranquil dawns to breath-taking evening light. Availability for this departure is strictly limited – once filled, no additional spaces can be added.

For the duration of the trip, you will stay at the beautiful Chobe Safari Lodge, positioned directly on the river’s edge with expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The lodge blends a welcoming African aesthetic with modern comforts, giving you a peaceful haven to return to after each session. All guests enjoy their own room as standard, ensuring comfort & privacy throughout. Its prime location beside the park entrance means minimal travel time before you are out on the water or exploring riverside habitats, maximising photographic opportunities each day.

Your photographic sessions take place aboard specialist boats purpose-built for wildlife photographers. Featuring stable platforms, 360-degree rotating seats, & low shooting angles, these vessels allow you to compose images at eye level with the wildlife around you. We aim to greet the sunrise from the water, making the most of the soft early light, & we stay out into the golden hour to capture the river’s rich evening tones. From elephants wading between islands & fish eagles diving for their catch to the serene reflections created at dusk, every excursion offers new material for your portfolio.

With a small group, single occupancy as standard, six unhurried days of photography, & experienced guidance throughout, this Chobe River experience combines comfort, creativity, & a touch of adventure. If photographing Africa’s wildlife from a unique water-level perspective has long been on your wishlist, this is an ideal opportunity – we invite you to secure your place before this departure closes.

Curious what keeps photographers coming back to Chobe? Read why photographers keep returning to Chobe.

A pair of nesting skimmers on sandy riverbank captured during our Wildlife of the Chobe River photography holiday

Wildlife of the Chobe River Photography Holiday Itinerary

The following is the proposed itinerary for this photography holiday, it should be considered provisional & subject to change.

Day 1 - Assemble in Kasane from Johannesburg - transfer to Lodge then a PM boat photography session - overnight Chobe Safari Lodge
Day 2 - Day 7 - AM boat safari, brunch & downtime at the lodge, then a PM boat photography session - overnight Chobe Safari Lodge
Day 8 - AM boat safari followed by return to the lodge to pack & check out - transfer to Kasane Airport

The delicate moment of an elephant drinking among floating flowers captured during our Wildlife of the Chobe River photography holiday

Wildlife of the Chobe River Photography Holiday Highlights

We have taken care to refine the itinerary for this wildlife photography holiday; as such, we consider the following to be amongst the highlights of this tour.

Photograph Africa’s iconic Chobe River, rich with elephants, hippos & birdlife.
Enjoy six full days of dedicated wildlife photography.
Stay at the refurbished Chobe Safari Lodge on the riverbank.
Single-occupancy rooms provided for your comfort & privacy.
Twice-daily excursions on custom-built photography boats.
Capture stunning sunrise light & dramatic sunset silhouettes.
Small-group format for space, flexibility & relaxed pacing.
Iconic sightings: elephants crossing, fish eagles hunting & more.
Mix of river cruises & land-based safaris for varied opportunities.
Benefit from experienced guidance throughout the trip.

A pied kingfisher perched on reed captured during our Wildlife of the Chobe River photography holiday

What Do You Need To Bring With You?

The items listed below are intended as guidance rather than requirements. They outline optional & recommended clothing & camera equipment to help you prepare for the conditions & photographic opportunities you may encounter.

Clothing We Recommend

Clothing suggestions for the conditions expected.

Clothing suitable for hot conditions
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
Sun hat or cap
Sunglasses

Camera Equipment We Recommend

Suggested camera equipment for the opportunities expected.

A Mother elephant & her calf silhouettes at sunset captured during our Wildlife of the Chobe River photography holiday

What's Included & What's Not Included On The Wildlife of the Chobe River Photography Holiday

Before booking the Wildlife of the Chobe River Photography Holiday, we recommend reviewing what is included in the trip price, along with any items that are not. This helps ensure you have a clear understanding of what is covered, allowing you to focus fully on the photographic experience.

Included In The Trip Price

Most services & experiences are included in the trip price.

Guidance from our experienced team members
Accommodation on a Single occupancy basis
Internal transfers
Boat trips
Permits
Meals on a half board basis

Not Included In The Trip Price

Some items & services are not included in the trip price.

International flights
Internal flights
Camera equipment
Travel insurance
Visas
Gratuities
Personal expenses
All drinks

An elephant bathing in the river during day captured during our Wildlife of the Chobe River photography holiday

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance – it is a requirement when booking on any wildlife photography holiday scheduled by NaturesLens that you have adequate travel insurance, we suggest a policy from TrailFinders or Campbell Irvine.

A bee eater peeking out from it's nest captured during our Wildlife of the Chobe River photography holiday

Where You'll Be Photographing on The Wildlife of the Chobe River Photography Holiday

This holiday is built around locations including Chobe River & Kasane, which Pui Hang Miles, your guide, knows well and returns to for close, reliable encounters, rather than a vague region you’re left to explore alone.

Additional Information

NaturesLens photography holidays do not include flights unless it is explicitly stated on the event page. When it is time to book your flights, we will send you the details in plenty of time to allow for bookings at the best available price.

The photography holiday itinerary is subject to change & is to be considered provisional.

NaturesLens photography holidays require a minimum number of participants in order to be viable. If this minimum number is not met, the photography holiday may not go ahead.

In the event that the minimum number for a photography holiday to go ahead is not reached, NaturesLens reserves the right to cancel any given photography holiday. In that event 100% of monies received will be returned. However, NaturesLens is not responsible for expenses incurred by its customers.

Not all mentioned wildlife can be observed & photographed at all times of the year, thus some activities may be considered seasonal & not available.

Please note the cuisine on many of the NaturesLens photography holidays is authentic & typical of the region in which you are travelling. International or western cuisine is often NOT available. If you have any concerns over the food arrangements or have any special dietary requirements, please contact us prior to making a booking.

All personal luggage are the responsibility of the owner & we request that photography holiday participants limit their luggage to the equivalent of one suitcase, one flight bag, one camera bag & tripod. We do not wish to appear dictatorial in this matter & the request is made to ensure space & comfort for everyone in our vehicles.

NaturesLens & its agents act only as agents for the passenger in all matters relating to travel arrangements, & as such, do not assume responsibility for injury, accident, damage, loss, delay or irregularity which may occur via defect of transportation or any other cause.

NaturesLens reserves the right to substitute hotels, & other previously outlined arrangements as necessary, to either improve or equal the travel experience.

NaturesLens reserves the right to pass on to photography holiday participants any additional & unplanned expenditure incurred during a photography holiday, via events beyond the control of NaturesLens. NaturesLens reserves the right to accept or decline any person as a member of any photography holiday.

Payment of a deposit by photography holiday participants or their representative constitutes their acceptance of all conditions contained herein.

All bookings are made subject to our terms & conditions.

Similar Photography Tours

Difficulty

Easy

Group size

4-6 guests

Photography style

Boat Based

Activity period

Daytime

Itinerary type

Photography Safari

Schedule	23rd - 30th Oct 2027
Cost	~~£6999~~ now £6499
Deposit	£1400
Balance Due	20270723
Accommodation	Single occupancy
Location	{post_terms_event_region} - Botswana
Specific Location	Chobe River & Kasane
Minimum Participants	4 guests
Maximum Participants	6 guests
Start Location	{acf_start_location}