Botswana Photography Safari with Ben Mcrae

11 days
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Small Group Tour
Join multiple award winning landscape & people photographer Ben Mcrae on this 11 day journey through Botswana. This trip is designed for beginners to professionals and all tastes are catered for. Ben will be on hand to offer full hands on tuition. At each location he will offer insightful workshops on how to capture what is before you; landscapes, animals...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Travel in a small group of 12 with a guaranteed window seat.
    • Join multiple aware winning landscape & people photographer Ben Mcrae on this 11 day journey through Botswana.
    • This trip is designed for beginners to professionals and all tastes are catered for. Ben will be on hand to offer full hands on tuition.
    • The thundering Victoria Falls is one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders, a phenomenon of sight and sound.
    • A morning Game drive in the Chobe National Park get you up close and personal with gnus, zebras and other wondrous wildlife.
    • Get up close and personal to resident elephants from an underground photography bunker.
    • Spend time exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans, looking out for meerkats and meandering elephants, and enjoy a sundowner in the shadow of an old baobab tree.
    • Journey out into the Moremi Game Reserve for a unique mobile bush camping experience. Nothing quite compares to falling asleep 'under canvas' to the sound of the African bush!
    • Learn more about the Kalahari from the knowledgeable San people as they sing and dance with you by the campfire, then spend a full day with them learning more about one of Southern Africa's oldest inhabitants.

What's this trip about?

    Join multiple award winning landscape & people photographer Ben Mcrae on this 11 day journey through Botswana. This trip is designed for beginners to professionals and all tastes are catered for. Ben will be on hand to offer full hands on tuition. At each location he will offer insightful workshops on how to capture what is before you; landscapes, animals, people, astrophotography and, editing sessions. Game Drive in 4x4’s in Chobe national Park, Spot wildlife on a Chobe River Cruise, Track Meerkats in the Makgkadigkadi Pans, Enjoy sundowners by ancient Baobab trees, get up close and personal to resident elephants from an underground photography bunker, venture into Moremi National Park for a night of mobile camping and Game Drives, Spend a full day with the San Bushmen and learn about these fascinating hunter-gatherers.

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Overland Journeys
  • Safari

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Zimbabwe
  • Botswana
  • Namibia

Attractions

  • Chobe National Park
  • Gweta
  • Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Maun
  • Okavango Delta
  • Victoria
  • Victoria Falls
  • Windhoek

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Victoria Falls

An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel (note - we may n...

Day 2 Chobe National Park

This morning you will visit the magnificent Victoria Falls, named by Dr David Livingstone in honour of his English queen. One of the world's true natural wonders, Victoria Falls form the largest sheet of falling water in the world, when in full flow. The group will en...

Day 3 Senyati Safari Camp

This morning you will enjoy a game drive in Chobe National Park. The early departure will hopefully allow the group to photograph some of the park’s predators in the warm morning light. The park is famous for its lions, leopards and wild dogs and it’s possible to spot...

Day 4 Makgadikgadi Pans

Rise early and perhaps spend some more time in the underground photography bunker. This extra time might allow you to capture an amazing photo or two of thirsty predators or antelope stopping for a morning drink. Heading south, you will continue your journey (410 kil...

Day 5 Makgadikgadi Pans

Today we will spend a full day out exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans. With the aid of trackers you’ll spend some time in the company of the local meerkat colony, and look out for elephants that meander their way down to the watering hole to quench their thirst. Today...

Day 6 Maun

After breakfast this morning, it's time to head to Maun, the gateway of the Okavango Delta (approximately 4 hours). For those interested, there is the opportunity to fly over the delta in a small plane for a bird's-eye view. This is a great way to appreciate the vast ...

Day 7 Moremi Game Reserve

Journey out into the Moremi Game Reserve for a unique mobile bush camping experience. You will be joined by expert local guides and staff who have grown up in the bush or in rural Botswana, and so will have the best tips for spotting wildlife. Your camp will be set up...

Day 8 Maun

Enjoy a morning game drive before heading back to Maun, You may like to organise an optional flight over the delta if you missed out on Day 6. The scenic flight offers a bird's-eye view – a great way to appreciate the immensity of this watery world. Your leader can give you more information on this activity and how to book.

Day 9 Ghanzi – Central Kalahari

Travel on to Ghanzi, the 'Capital of the Kalahari' (400 kilometres, approximately 7 hours). Your accommodation tonight is at a community project in Ghanzi and is a little more basic than what you will encounter throughout your journey. However, the concept and experie...

Day 10 Central Kalahari

Make the most of the opportunity to spend a full day with the San people. Learn more about these fascinating people believed to be Southern Africa's oldest inhabitants. The community delight in sharing their culture and extraordinary knowledge of the Kalahari with tra...

Day 11 Windhoek

Cross the border into Namibia today and head to Windhoek (560 kilometres, approximately 9 hours, including border formalities). This trip will end on arrival. Notes: It's best not to book any flights out of Windhoek tonight. The airport is a one-hour drive from tow...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,583
Price per day$326
Last Updated: 12/3/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
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Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Fully Serviced Mobile Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night),Lodge (9 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Custom-built overland vehicle,On foot,Open 4WD vehicles,Boat,Private vehicle,

Transportation & flights

Custom-built overland vehicle,On foot,Open 4WD vehicles,Boat,Private vehicle
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a group trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. PLEASE NOTE: Some travel insurance policies are not recognised by some Namibian hospitals; you should check with your provider if their product is accepted in Namibia before you travel and seek alternative coverage where necessary.
Visa requirements
PASSPORT As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. ZIMBABWE: Zimbabwe visas are required by most nationalities, including from the EU, US and Australia. For most nationalities, Zimbabwe visas are available at the point of entry. If you plan to purchase your visa on arrival you will need approximately USD30/45 in cash. All nationalities should check with their nearest Zimbabwe Embassy for up to date information. For passengers from countries that require visas prior to arrival there is an E-Visa where information can be found at https://www.evisa.gov.zw/Services/Holiday KAZA Visa: The Kaza visa is valid for travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is available at land borders at Livingstone (Zimbabwe border) and Kazungula (Botswana border). The cost of the visa is USD$50 and is valid for 30 days as long as you stay within Zimbabwe and Zambia. BOTSWANA: Please check with your relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required. For passengers requiring a visa to Botswana, application forms can be downloaded from http://www.gov.bw/en/ as well as instructions for applying. Tourism Development Levy - Effective 1 June 2017: All visitors to Botswana are required to pay a compulsory Tourism Development Levy of 30USD. The Levy will be payable by cash or credit card at your first port of entry into the country. It is valid for 30 days and can be used for multiple entry. Entry Requirements - Yellow Fever Certificate: A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for all passengers over one year of age who arrive or are transiting through Botswana, from a country or region listed by the World Health Organization as infected by yellow fever. Travellers unable to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate issued at least 10 days before arrival will be refused entry. There is no option for travellers without a vaccination certificate to be vaccinated on arrival. Please note this also includes transiting through an infected country or region. Children travelling to Botswana: Please note that if you’re travelling to Botswana with a person under the age of 18 then you need to provide a certified copy of the child’s full unabridged birth certificate in order to enter the country (the one listing the child’s details and both parents’ details. - the short birth certificate which only lists the child’s details won’t be accepted). Additionally, if the child is travelling with only one parent, with neither biological parent, or is unaccompanied, then they must provide an affidavit of consent of the parent(s) that are not travelling, to prove that the trip is made with both parents' consent. Please contact your nearest Botswanan Embassy if you have further questions regarding this. NAMIBIA: Many nationalities are not required to obtain a tourist visa in Namibia if traveling for a maximum period of 90 days. For other nationalities, please contact the local consulate or embassy for visa requirements. Please check with the relevant visa office before departure to make sure there has been no change. BORDER CROSSINGS There are 2 border crossings on this tour: Day 2: Zimbabwe to Botswana at the Kazungula border post Day 11: Botswana to Namibia at the Mamuno/Buitepos border post
Health & Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's travel alerts page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. PERSONAL BELONGINGS: We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. FREE TIME: Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. BALCONIES: Some hotel balconies don't meet western standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PICK POCKETING & PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking at night and encourage you to walk in groups and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. WATER SAFETY: Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water. TRAVEL ADVICE & TRAVEL INSURANCE We recommend that you check your government's advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Finish point Hotel Thule 1 Gorges Street Windhoek NAMIBIA Phone: +264 61371950
Trip ID
intrepid-UBKP

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