WHY BOTSWANA IS THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION: For Your Next Photography Safari
Imagine floating in a traditional mokoro canoe at dawn, camera in hand, as elephant herds traverse mirrored waterways and elusive leopards prowl the riverbanks. Botswana—the “Jewel of Kalahari”—offers photographers an unparalleled canvas of light, wildlife and landscapes. Whether you’re wielding a DSLR, mirrorless setup, or even just your phone camera, Botswana’s diversity of ecosystems ensures breathtaking shots at every turn.
A striking plains zebra stands alert in the golden grasses of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, its black-and-white stripes contrasting sharply with the warm hues of the dry-season savannah. Captured in perfect late-afternoon light, this wildlife portrait highlights the beauty and stillness of Botswana’s untouched wilderness—an ideal subject for nature and safari photography - Wildlife Photographer Drew Sproule
Why Botswana Tops the List for Photography Safaris
Unrivaled Biodiversity
Okavango Delta: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this inland delta floods seasonally, creating lagoons and channels that concentrate game—ideal for crisp, close-up portraits of hippos, lions and more.
Chobe National Park: Home to Africa’s largest elephant population, offering dramatic herd shots against golden floodplains.
Moremi Game Reserve: A true “photographer’s paradise,” blending waterways, mopane woodlands and open grasslands.
Low-Density Tourism
Botswana caps visitor numbers to protect its wilderness. Fewer jeeps mean more exclusive photo ops—no crowds rummaging for “that perfect shot.”World-Class Guides
Expert guides with innate tracking skills will position you at the right place, right time. They know each animal’s habits, ensuring you capture authentic wildlife behavior.
First light in Chobe National Park, Botswana, and a teenage African elephant gently rounds up two younger calves, guiding them through the early morning mist. Bathed in golden light, this tender moment captures the strong social bonds and protective instincts that define elephant herds across Botswana - wildlife photographer Drew Sproule
When to Go: Timing Your Botswana Safari
What month is best for safari in Botswana?
The optimal window is June to October, during the dry season. Water sources shrink, wildlife concentrates, and skies are clear—perfect lighting for photography.
May–June: Early dry season; lush landscapes still hold residual greenery.
July–August: Peak game concentrations along riverbanks—great for big-game photography.
September–October: Frontline of riverine activity and newborn calves, offering heartwarming family shots.
Where to Go: Best Safaris in Botswana
Where is the best safari in Botswana?
For a dedicated photography safari, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe’s Savuti region stand out in Botswana—and indeed across Africa—for sheer variety and density of wildlife against epic backdrops.
Moremi: Photographers praise its mosaic of lagoons and mopane forests.
Savuti Channel: Famous for dramatic lions hunting buffalo and even small elephants in golden grass seas.
Makgadikgadi Pans: For stark, surreal landscapes and flamingo reflections during the rains.
In the soft golden light of dawn in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, an adult Tsessebe stands alert atop a termite mound, scanning the open plains as a vigilant lookout for the rest of the herd. This elevated position offers both visibility and security, showcasing the Tsessebe’s natural instincts and the dynamic behaviour of this antelope species in the African wilderness - Wildlife Photographer Drew Sproule
Budgeting Your Adventure
How much does it cost to go on a safari in Botswana?
Botswana’s high-value, low-impact tourism model means premium rates:
Mid-range camps: $350–$600 USD (£260-£450 GBP) per person, per night (all meals, game drives, park fees included).
Luxury camps: $700–$1,500+ USD (£520-£1100 GBP) per person, per night (private guides, suites, chef-driven cuisine).
Why are Botswana safaris so expensive? Limited lodge capacity, expert guiding, conservation fees, and fly-in transfers to remote camps all add up—but deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Safety & Practicalities
Is Botswana safe for tourists?
Botswana consistently ranks among the safest safari destinations in Africa, with stable governance, low crime rates in safari zones, and high standards of camp security. Always follow guide instructions, especially when near wildlife.
Can you swim in the Okavango Delta?
No—due to hippos, crocodiles and fluctuating water levels, swimming is prohibited. Instead, enjoy guided mokoro rides and boat cruises.
What language is spoken in Botswana?
English (official) and Setswana (national) dominate; guides are fluent in both, making communication effortless.
Is Botswana clean?
Yes—strict environmental regulations and responsible tourism practices keep camps and parks exceptionally well-maintained.
A young female leopard rests gracefully in the fork of a marula tree, completely at ease in the shadow and light of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Captured in a fleeting moment of stillness, this image reveals the silent rhythm of the wild—a true reflection of Botswana’s untamed beauty. Wildlife photography by Drew Sproule.
Packing & Dress Code
How should I dress for a safari in Botswana?
Colours: Neutral earth tones (khaki, olive, taupe) minimise visual disturbance—ideal for blending into the bush. Avoid bright reds or whites that startle wildlife.
Black? While black absorbs heat, a small amount is acceptable in cooler months, but stick mainly to muted shades. Be aware that dark colours do attract Tsetse flies, so my advise would be to stay away from dark blue or black clothing!
Essentials:
Lightweight long-sleeves and trousers (sun & mosquito protection)
Wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and lip balm with SPF
Comfortable walking shoes & sandals for camp
Warm fleece or down jacket for early-morning drives, camp fires in the evening etc
Is a phone camera good enough for safari?
Modern smartphones can capture stunning images—especially if paired with clip-on telephoto lenses. However, a dedicated zoom lens (200–400 mm) on an interchangeable-lens camera offers superior reach and low-light performance.
How do you go to the bathroom on an African safari?
Game drives include pit-style or portable loo stops near campsites; lodges provide en-suite facilities. In remote mobile camps, guides set up discreet, eco-friendly drop-toilets.
FAQs: Quick Fire Answers
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June–October (dry season)
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Botswana leads, thanks to its low-impact tourism and varied habitats
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It combines rich biodiversity, exclusive access, expert guides, and world-class camps.
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$350–$1,500+ (£260-£1100) per person per night, all-inclusive
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Yes—stringent environmental and safety standards make it one of Africa’s safest, cleanest safari destinations
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No—wildlife and water fluctuations make swimming unsafe; opt for mokoro and boat trips instead
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English (official) and Setswana (national)
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Yes—with clip-on lenses; but for serious wildlife shots, a 200–400 mm zoom on a DSLR/mirrorless camera is best
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Portable eco-toilets during game drives; full facilities at lodges
A powerful close-up portrait of a magnificent big male lion staring directly into the camera lens in the wild Khwai region of Botswana. His intense gaze and majestic mane tell a compelling story of strength, resilience, and survival in Africa’s untamed wilderness. For me, this striking image captures the raw beauty and commanding presence of one of Botswana’s iconic apex predators, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a lion in its natural habitat - Wildlife Photographer Drew Sproule
Planning Your Dream Photography Safari
Ready to frame the “Big Five” against shimmering waterways, capture sunrise silhouettes over floodplains, and immortalize Botswana’s wild spirit on your memory card? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic hobbyist, a Botswana photography safari promises once-in-a-lifetime encounters, expert guiding, and picture-perfect moments.
Embark on your ultimate photography adventure—Botswana awaits
Further Resources
Botswana Tourism Board: https://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/
UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Okavango Delta
CAPTURE THE wild. CAPTURE YOURSELF.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at info@drewsproule.com with any questions you may have.
