Discovering Africa with Simon d’Entremont

BOTSWANA 2024

June 2024 - filled!

Aug 2024 - filled!

Oct 2024 - filled!

See my trip video below

Click the “Itinerary and details” button above for prices and details.

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Welcome to the Ultimate Photo Safari Workshop in Botswana!

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Botswana's magnificent wildlife and join me on an unforgettable adventure. My photo safari workshop is designed for photography enthusiasts of all levels, providing you with the perfect opportunity to capture breathtaking images of lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, buffalo and stunning bird species in their natural habitats.

Botswana is a photographer's paradise, renowned for its diverse and pristine ecosystems, I’ve carefully curated an itinerary that showcases the very best of this extraordinary destination. Led by myself, an experienced wildlife photographer and with the help of expert guides, this workshop promises to be an enriching and rewarding experience, where you can hone your skills while surrounded by awe-inspiring wildlife.

During our time together, we will explore the vast and untamed landscapes of Botswana, with a particular focus on the iconic wildlife that inhabits the region. Get ready to witness herds of majestic elephants drinking and eating at the Chobe River, their immense presence leaving you in awe. Capture the elegance and grace of giraffes as they gracefully traverse the landscape, their long necks reaching for the treetops. Marvel at the sight of hippos basking in the sun or submerged in the waters of Botswana's tranquil rivers and lagoons, and big cats as they roam and hunt.

My workshop is designed to cater to photographers of all levels, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts. Whether you’re just starting your photographic journey or seeking to refine your skills, I will provide personalized guidance and professional tips to help you elevate your photography to new heights. Through practical demonstrations, hands-on shooting sessions, and interactive discussions, you'll gain valuable insights into composition, lighting, wildlife behavior, and post-processing techniques.

For bird enthusiasts, Botswana is a haven of avian diversity. From vibrant kingfishers (malechite, giant, pied, brown-hooded and others) and majestic fish eagles to flamboyant bee-eaters, this workshop will offer you countless opportunities to capture the beauty and intricacy of these feathered wonders. The expert guides will share their in-depth knowledge of the local birdlife, ensuring you can photograph these winged marvels in their natural habitats. And I’ll give you all the bird photography tips you can handle!

Accomodations and experience

Due to the limited availability of accommodations, my tours for 2024 are double-occupancy only. Price is is $16970 Canadian (Aprox $12,900 USD) per person. You and a partner can travel together, or I can introduce you to another client where you can determine compatibility. Our trip begins on the Pangolin houseboat, which moors on the Namibian side, or the wonderful Chobe Hotel in Kasane (depending on which group you’re in…the detailed itinerary will clarify). The Pangolin Voyager cruises up and down a long stretch of the Chobe river with three dedicated mooring points at which you will spend one night. The order in which we visit the mooring points depends on water levels and the conditions of the river.

The houseboat is built over three floors with the 4 cabins at the bottom, a lounge and dining area in the middle and a glorious sun deck on the top floor – a beautiful place for an early morning coffee, mid-afternoon relax with a good book and to admire the African night sky after dinner.

Each of the cabins can be configured as either one double bed or twin beds. There is an ensuite shower and toilet as well as air conditioning, plug points and storage space. The lounge and dining area doubles as an editing suite during the day and I can arrange a group post-processing session if clients would like one.

The foods during the whole trip will impress you. Amazing 3 course meals in the middle of the desert or on the boat, available in gluten-free, vegetarian, or anything you’d like. (I eat gluten-free and had custom-made options at every meal and snack time!). Great wine selections, beer, spirits, carbonated water, coffee, tea, expresso…you won’t be disappointed and all included. Meals at camps are served open-air under a large tent, with beautiful table cloths and fine cutlery. There’s usually a fire going for drinks after dinner if you’d like to join us.

Perched on a plateau overlooking the Chobe River and Caprivi Floodplains the Pangolin Chobe hotel is designed around a wildlife photography gallery. With only 14 rooms it is an intimate property and the base for our iconic Chobe photo safari experiences on water and land. And the food is amazing!

The second leg of the trip is going to the Okavango Delta, to the Shinde Footsteps camp run by renowned operators Ker and Downey which run several camps in the region. This camp is brand new, only opening in May 2023 (I was the second client ever, and had an elephant outside my tent on day 2!). No permament buildings are permitted to be built in this region, so accomodation is via luxury tents. Smooth wooden floors, wooden-framed tents with ensuite toilets, hot showers, desk for your laptop, power, lights, a comfortable bed, zippable screens and covers for the screens, and a front porch. There is also a safe for your valuables, toiletries, towels, bathrobes, slippers, and anything you could ask for. And, even a hot face cloth when you come in from your game drive to clean up the dust!

And for the third leg of our trip, we go to the Central Kalahari at the Dinaka camp run again by Ker and Downey. The same amazing level of service and accommodations will greet you, including a singing welcome by staff when you arrive along with hot towels. There’s a water hole right in front of the camp, where we saw a leopard drinking one evening while we were having dinner! The hospitality and small touches on everything was so impressive (doileys on the glasses, cooled butter dishes so it wouldn’t melt, and tons of others). And hot water bottles in your bed on cold nights and game drives seats on cold mornings!

To ensure an intimate and personalized experience, my workshop has limited availability, so be sure to secure your spot early. Whether you are an avid nature lover, a passionate photographer, or simply seeking an adventure like no other, my Discovering Africa Workshop in Botswana promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa's wildlife wonders.

Join me on this remarkable expedition and capture the beauty of Botswana through your lens. Book your spot now and get ready to embark on a photographic safari of a lifetime!