Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/ # Why Photographers Are Drawn to Botswana Published on July 26, 2026 [![Mother Calf Elephant Silhouettes At Sunset Captured During Our Wildlife Of The Chobe River Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mother-calf-elephant-silhouettes-at-sunset-captured-during-our-Wildlife-of-the-Chobe-River-photography-holiday-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mother-calf-elephant-silhouettes-at-sunset-captured-during-our-Wildlife-of-the-Chobe-River-photography-holiday.jpg) Written by David Miles with images contributed by Pui Hang Miles. ### Article brief Editorial article Published July 26, 2026 The [Chobe River](https://natureslens.co.uk/specific-location/chobe-river/) marks the border between Botswana & Namibia, & through the dry season it becomes one of the great wildlife concentrations of southern Africa – elephant herds numbering in the hundreds converging on the same stretch of water day after day. For the current trip list, see our [Botswana wildlife photography holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/botswana/); you can also explore more [Africa wildlife photography trips](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/). African Elephant, African Lion, & African Skimmer all feature on this trip, photographed largely from the water itself, giving a low, eye-level vantage point that a vehicle-based safari simply can’t match. Pui Hang Miles guides the trip, drawing on years of reading the river’s daily rhythms of elephant movement. What makes it work is the river-boat approach – working from a low, quiet boat lets the group approach elephants drinking, swimming, & bathing at the water’s edge without the animals reacting to a vehicle’s presence on the bank. ## Our Botswana Photography Holiday We run one small-group trip to Botswana, guided by [Pui Hang Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/pui-hang/): ### 23rd – 30th Oct 2027 – [Wildlife of the Chobe River](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/botswana/wildlife-of-the-chobe-river/) **6 nights | from £6,999 | Easy – Gentle Adventures, Accessible to Most** Working from low river boats along the Chobe, with [African Elephant](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-elephant/) as the headline subject in numbers rarely seen elsewhere, alongside [African Lion](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-lion/) on the riverbanks & African Skimmer working the water’s surface. [More info on Wildlife of the Chobe River](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/botswana/wildlife-of-the-chobe-river/) **Want to know more before booking?** [Get in touch](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/about-us/contact-natureslens/) & we’ll talk you through the boat setup, the accommodation, & what a typical day on the river looks like. ## What You’ll Photograph in Botswana ### African Elephant Herds numbering in the hundreds gather along this stretch of river during the driest months, making the Chobe one of the single best places on earth to photograph elephants at genuinely close range. The Chobe holds one of the highest concentrations of elephants anywhere [in Africa](https://natureslens.co.uk/choosing-a-wildlife-photography-holiday-company/best-wildlife-photography-holidays-in-africa/), with herds gathering at the water’s edge throughout the dry season to drink, bathe, & socialise. Working from the boat at water level gives a genuinely different perspective from the more common elevated vehicle view, putting the camera almost at the same height as the elephants themselves. See more in our [African Wildlife photo archive](https://natureslens.photos/subjects/african-wildlife/). Late afternoon light on the river, with elephants silhouetted against the water or lit low & warm from the side, produces some of the most striking images across the whole series. [![A Family Of Elephants Drinking From The Chobe River, Photographed At The Locations Used For The Natureslens Wildlife Of The Chobe River Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/a-family-of-elephants-drinking-from-the-chobe-river-photographed-in-the-locations-used-for-the-natureslens-fantastic-wildlife-of-the-chobe-river-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/a-family-of-elephants-drinking-from-the-chobe-river-photographed-in-the-locations-used-for-the-natureslens-fantastic-wildlife-of-the-chobe-river-photography-holiday.jpg) [![An Elephant At Sunset On The Chobe River, Photographed At The Locations Used For The Natureslens Wildlife Of The Chobe River Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/an-elephant-at-sunset-on-the-chobe-river-photographed-in-the-locations-used-for-the-natureslens-fantastic-wildlife-of-the-chobe-river-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/an-elephant-at-sunset-on-the-chobe-river-photographed-in-the-locations-used-for-the-natureslens-fantastic-wildlife-of-the-chobe-river-photography-holiday.jpg) ### African Lion & African Skimmer Both species reward patience & good timing rather than a guaranteed appearance, which is part of why the boat’s mobility along the river matters – a quiet stretch can become genuinely productive within minutes of relocating to fresh ground. Lion prides work the riverbanks & surrounding floodplain, & sightings from the boat – a pride resting in the shade of a riverside tree, or moving down to drink – are a regular highlight of the trip. [African Skimmer](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-skimmer/), a distinctive tern-like bird that feeds by trailing its lower bill through the water’s surface in flight, adds a genuinely unusual subject rarely seen outside a handful of African river systems. A wide supporting cast of antelope, hippo, crocodile, & waterbirds fills out the days between the headline sightings, making this one of the more species-rich trips in the whole series. [![An Impala Drinks From Water On The Banks Of The Chobe River, Photographed At The Locations Used For The Natureslens Wildlife Of The Chobe River Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/an-impala-drinks-from-water-on-the-banks-of-the-chobe-river-photographed-in-the-locations-used-for-the-natureslens-fantastic-wildlife-of-the-chobe-river-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/an-impala-drinks-from-water-on-the-banks-of-the-chobe-river-photographed-in-the-locations-used-for-the-natureslens-fantastic-wildlife-of-the-chobe-river-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Drinking Lion, Typical Of The Kind Of Image Captured During The Natureslens Wildlife Of The Chobe River Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/a-drinking-lion-typical-of-the-kind-of-image-we-hope-to-capture-during-the-wildlife-of-the-chobe-river-dinaka-private-conservancy-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/a-drinking-lion-typical-of-the-kind-of-image-we-hope-to-capture-during-the-wildlife-of-the-chobe-river-dinaka-private-conservancy-photography-holiday.jpg) [![Sunset On The Chobe River, Photographed At The Locations Used For The Natureslens Wildlife Of The Chobe River Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sunset-on-the-chobe-river-photographed-in-the-locations-used-for-the-natureslens-fantastic-wildlife-of-the-chobe-river-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sunset-on-the-chobe-river-photographed-in-the-locations-used-for-the-natureslens-fantastic-wildlife-of-the-chobe-river-photography-holiday.jpg) ### A River That Never Goes Quiet There is genuinely rarely a dull stretch of water on this trip. Unlike a hide or a fixed vantage point, the boat keeps moving through the day, following wherever activity is currently strongest along several miles of riverfront. That mobility means the group rarely has a quiet session – if one stretch of river is quiet, the boat simply moves on to the next. Sunset over the Chobe, with silhouetted elephants & birds against a wide golden sky, is one of the trip’s [signature](https://natureslens.co.uk/signature-wildlife-photography-holidays/) images & a highlight of most evenings on the water. ## Why the River Rather Than a Vehicle Safari Botswana offers excellent vehicle-based safari photography elsewhere in the country, but the Chobe’s river-boat approach offers something genuinely different – a low, water-level perspective & access to elephants & other animals actually in & around the water, rather than only on dry land. It also removes much of the jostling for position common at busier vehicle-based sightings, since a boat can hold position quietly at a respectful distance while still giving every photographer aboard a clean, unobstructed view. ### A Protected Border River The Chobe forms part of the border between Botswana & Namibia, & much of the wildlife concentration here is a direct result of the surrounding Chobe National Park’s protected status combined with the river being one of the only permanent water sources across a huge area of dry savanna & woodland. That protection has allowed elephant numbers along this stretch of river to grow substantially in recent decades, to the point where large-scale culling was once seriously debated as a management option – a sign of just how successful the park’s conservation approach has been. ## When to Visit Botswana Our current departure runs in late October, at the peak of the dry season when the Chobe becomes one of the only remaining water sources for miles around & wildlife concentrations along the river are at their highest & most reliable. ## Planning Your Trip to Botswana A telephoto lens in the 300mm to 500mm range covers most shots from the boat, with a monopod or beanbag more practical than a full tripod given the limited deck space. A wider lens is worth carrying for the elephant herds & river landscape when they fill more of the frame than a long lens can hold. [Botswana](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/botswana/)’s late dry season is hot & dusty, so sun protection, a hat, & plenty of water matter as much as camera kit. Early starts & late finishes make the most of the softest light & the busiest wildlife activity around the water. [Kasane](https://natureslens.co.uk/specific-location/kasane/) is the usual arrival airport, close to the river region used for the trip. ### Life Aboard the Boats Comfort & photography access go hand in hand aboard these boats, with plenty of room to move between sides as a sighting develops on either bank. The boats used on this trip are purpose-built for photography, with open sides & low gunwales that keep nothing between the camera & the water. Engines idle down to a crawl whenever the group approaches a promising sighting, keeping noise & disturbance to a minimum. Packed breakfasts & lunches are typically taken aboard so the group can stay out on the water through the most productive hours of the day rather than returning to camp partway through. ### Beyond the Headline Species Hippo pods, basking crocodile, & a wide range of waterbirds – from fish eagles to herons – are common sightings along the river between the headline [elephant](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-elephant/) & lion encounters, adding real depth to what is already one of the most species-rich trips in the series. ### A Trip That Suits Every Experience Level Because the boat provides a stable, comfortable platform & the wildlife concentrations here are genuinely reliable, this is one of the more accessible trips in the series for photographers newer to [African](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/) wildlife photography, while still offering exceptional opportunities for anyone with years of safari experience already behind them. ## Join Us in Botswana Dense elephant herds, resident [lion](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-lion/) prides, & a genuinely different water-level vantage point combine to make this one of the most rewarding African trips anywhere in the series. Few places in [Africa](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/) offer this concentration of [elephants](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-elephant/) from a genuinely different, water-level vantage point. [Pui Hang](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/pui-hang/)’s years of reading the river’s daily rhythms is what turns a week on the Chobe into a genuinely productive trip. [Get in touch](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/about-us/contact-natureslens/) if you’d like to know more, or head straight to the [Botswana destination page](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/botswana/) to see current availability. ## Plan your Botswana photography holiday Explore our [Botswana wildlife photography holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/botswana/), compare more [Africa wildlife photography holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/), & meet the [NaturesLens photography guides](https://natureslens.co.uk/our-guides/) who lead our small-group trips. ## ### What wildlife will I photograph in Botswana? The trip covers African Elephant in large numbers, African Lion along the riverbanks, & African Skimmer over the water, plus hippo, crocodile, & waterbirds. ## ### How difficult is the Botswana photography holiday? Wildlife of the Chobe River is rated Easy - Gentle Adventures, Accessible to Most, working from stable river boats rather than requiring strenuous activity. ## ### When does the trip run? Our current departure runs in late October, at the peak of the dry season when wildlife concentrations along the river are highest. ## ### Who guides the Botswana trip? The trip is currently guided by Pui Hang Miles, our specialist Chobe River guide. ## ### Do I need previous wildlife photography experience to join? No - the stable boats & reliable wildlife concentrations make this one of the more accessible trips in the series for photographers at any experience level. ## ### What is included in the trip cost? Pricing covers the guided itinerary, boat transport, accommodation, & the elements listed on the trip page - see the More Info link above for the full breakdown & current availability. - [![A Resting Puffin On The Snow Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-resting-puffin-on-the-snow-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour-300x200.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/04/21/arctic-wildlife-of-varanger/) ### [Join us for Arctic Wildlife of Varanger in 2027](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/04/21/arctic-wildlife-of-varanger/) April 21, 2026 Arctic Wildlife of Varanger reaches its peak in early April, & our fully redesigned 2027 photography tour is built around… - [![One Of The Bald Eagles In Mid Dive Against A Backdrop Of One Of The Cliff Faces Photographed During The Natureslens Sea Otters Bald Eagles Of Alaska Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/One-of-the-Bald-Eagles-in-mid-dive-against-a-backdrop-of-one-of-the-cliff-faces-photographed-during-the-NaturesLens-Sea-Otters-Bald-Eagles-of-Alaska-photography-holiday-300x200.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2024/03/31/alaskan-wildlife/) ### [Capturing the Beauty of Alaskan Wildlife – Announcing Our Return in March 2026!](https://natureslens.co.uk/2024/03/31/alaskan-wildlife/) March 31, 2024 Discover the wonders of Alaskan wildlife & what is changing for our upcoming trip! Join us in March 2026 for… - [![Locked In The Stare Of A Harrier An Example Of The Wildlife Of Laguna Del Taray That May Be Photographed During Our Spanish Wildlife Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/locked-in-the-stare-of-a-harrier-an-example-of-the-wildlife-of-laguna-del-taray-that-may-be-photographed-during-our-spanish-wildlife-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/09/07/wildlife-of-laguna-del-taray/) ### [21 fabulous images of the wildlife of Laguna del Taray](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/09/07/wildlife-of-laguna-del-taray/) September 7, 2019 Dan reports in from a hide network located in Toledo, Spain, he was blown away by the accommodation, the setting… In this articleJump to section 1. [Our Botswana Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/#our-botswana-photography-holiday) 1. [23rd - 30th Oct 2027 - Wildlife of the Chobe River](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/#23rd-30th-oct-2027-wildlife-of-the-chobe-river) 1. [What You'll Photograph in Botswana](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/#what-youll-photograph-in-botswana) 1. [African Elephant](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/#african-elephant) 1. [African Lion & African Skimmer](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/#african-lion-african-skimmer) 1. [A River That Never Goes Quiet](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/#a-river-that-never-goes-quiet) 1. [Why the River Rather Than a Vehicle Safari](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/#why-the-river-rather-than-a-vehicle-safari) 1. [A Protected Border River](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/#a-protected-border-river) 1. [When to Visit Botswana](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/#when-to-visit-botswana) 1. [Planning Your Trip to Botswana](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/#planning-your-trip-to-botswana) 1. [Life Aboard the Boats](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/#life-aboard-the-boats) 1. [Beyond the Headline Species](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/#beyond-the-headline-species) 1. [A Trip That Suits Every Experience Level](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/#a-trip-that-suits-every-experience-level) 1. [Join Us in Botswana](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/#join-us-in-botswana) 1. [Plan your Botswana photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-botswana/#plan-your-botswana-photography-holiday) ### Author Written by David Miles with images contributed by Pui Hang Miles. Next step ### Find your next wildlife photography holiday Browse small-group trips by destination, subject, season and photographic goal. [Browse Holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/) ### Article topics ### Field notes by email New articles, trip reports and wildlife photography holiday announcements from NaturesLens. [Join The List](https://natureslens.co.uk/newsletter-preferences/)