Okay, this will be a little of the inexperienced advising the inexperienced. I have been on a photo safari two times. Both trips were essentially identical.
My Self-Drive Trips
My trips were self-drive, with only me and one other person in the vehicle each time. We went into the bush with a group of very experienced South African friends. Our total “convoy” coming up from Johannesburg was at least 7 vehicles strong. On these trips, we had a great organizer, Paul, who had lined up all of the lodging and new other logistics from past experiences. Each morning each vehicle team separately chooses when and where to go within Chobe National Park. Some went very early, others decided to go on a boat to photograph fish eagles and still others may choose something like a visit to Victoria Falls. We were all adults and there were no set rules. Generally, everyone did a drive or went on the water each morning and afternoon. Each evening we would get together to share photos of the day over a drink and then all sat together for an excellent dinner.
This was perfect for me, which is why I have done this twice. I was in the company of serious, experienced photographers who freely shared advice. I had flexibility depending on my photo desires of the day. I had only 2 people to my Toyota HiLux, one in front seat and one in rear, so I had no obstruction from game viewing and lots of space to have a camera pack open next to me. I also had the ‘daily tips’ of special spots others have found in this vast park. I plan to do this same trip again and again … sometimes going with this team of friends to other destinations within Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.
Other options and my brief (inexperienced) opinions
A true photo safari should allow one person per row and ample room for bag and accessories
Professional photographer and professional naturalist lead photo safari option – If price was no problem, this option would often be my choice. I have investigated these pretty closely. The better ones offer world renowned photographers as escorts along with local naturalists. These often also include mid-day workshops. Once more, in the better ones, space is very limited as only one person is allotted per row of the vehicle used. From my reviews, most of these that operate in Botswana utilize small private camps adjacent to or within the Reserve. A standard bonus to these trips is that the vehicle will be driven by a trained guide. Local guides can spot game that you would never find on your own. One last advantage of this type safari is that the fee often includes shuttle via small plane into the bush. These aerial views allow an extra angle to consider in photography.
There is always a compromise. With this style of safari, you do lose some control over when, where and what you are shooting. For me, the bigger downside is the cost. The price varies with length of stay, season and with whom you are booking your trip, but it is not uncommon to see these fantastic adventures priced at $1,000 per day, based on double occupancy – not including airfare to Africa. The price is high, but the quality is superb.
Photo tour group led safari options – It seems that just about every standard safari tour group also offers a “photo safari option”. These usually have a predetermined and published schedule. Some limit the number of people per vehicle, but not all do, so buyer beware before committing to this moderate cost option. The tour usually has someone with significant camera knowledge, though their name may not be well known. The tours also provide guides. As noted before, a professional guide spots game you would normally have missed. Some guides are also expert trackers. The price for these tours varies from $300 per person per night to $600 per person per night.
This is what you don't want. Even famed QB Dan Marino has a limited view and angle on this crowded vehicle
Photography from a standard safari tour – While you may get lucky and have a great trip, this is the one option that I will not be taking nor do I advise you to take this option. From my experience, these tour guides are pretty good at finding game, but they are time and tip driven. By time, I mean that they are on a fixed schedule of when they will enter and when they will leave the park. The start is a little later than when I would prefer and the knowledge that they will be exiting at a certain time effects where they drive toward the end of the game drive. Tip driven, means that the guide recognizes that tips are larger when they are on locations with predators. The angle of the sun, the background clutter or the photogenic setting is not nearly as important as showing as many people as possible a sleeping lion or a leopard tail dangling from a tree. In addition to these viewing problems, these tours cater to the broader, casual safari goer, so you will likely be stacked on a vehicle with restricted ability to see left and right and limited room for large lenses or camera bags. I have often seen four people per row! Excluding airfare these safari trips start at $200 per person per day and go beyond $1200 per person per day depending on luxury options.
Chartered Safari while on location – If you are staying in the Chobe area (probably Kasane or Livingstone), there is also the option of arranging a private game drive or sharing a game drive with other lodge visitors. This can be an excellent option. The Kasane area has a number of guide driven vehicles that can be arrange by your lodge and customized to your desired times and goals. Make sure you ask for a guide experienced with photographers. The price of this service varies, but I would expect to pay less than $50 per person for a three hour game drive out of Kasane.
Walking Safari – While many private lodges allow these, this is not an option with Chobe National Park.
I hope we have given you tips on how to avoid being in this mess!
Summary – As a photographer and as a tourist, there are many choices. Each has advantages and drawbacks. Over time, we hope to add to this general overview with specific reviews for different operators and give candid comment and recommendations on each choice.
If you are going once, the full service, photographer led workshops will create an experience of a lifetime. If your are bold, a little cheap, and plan to go often within your lifetime, self-drive is an excellent option. The choices are yours.