CHOBE RIVER PHOTOGRAPHIC BOAT SAFARI | BOTSWANA
Experience Africa’s most wildlife-rich river from the specialist photo boats that started it all.
Since 2008, CNP Safaris has led photographers onto the Chobe River in Botswana — introducing the world’s first two specialist photographic boats. Each safari is hosted by an experienced CNP Tour Leader who knows the river, the light, the wildlife behaviour, and the photographic opportunities this destination can deliver.
Throughout the trip, your Tour Leader is there to assist with camera settings, positioning, composition, and practical advice in the field, as well as image feedback and guidance to help you improve as the safari unfolds.
Designed by photographers, for photographers, our boats were built to solve a single challenge: creating a stable, low-angle platform that allows you to capture wildlife behaviour at eye level, in natural light, without distraction.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or picking up a camera for the first time, this is one of the most immersive and rewarding ways to photograph wildlife on the Chobe — one of Africa’s most productive and logistically easiest photographic safari destinations.
Why Photographers Choose CNP Chobe Safaris
- First photographic boats on the Chobe River — pioneered by CNP Safaris in 2008.
- Purpose-built for photographers — Stable flat-bottom boats with custom swivel seats, gimbal mounts, and 360° shooting angles.
- Exclusive focus on photography — no mixed groups or general tourist cruises.
- Hosted by professional wildlife photographers — receive expert guidance on composition, camera settings, and daily review/feedback sessions.
- Over 15 years of experience on the Chobe — knowledge built through thousands of hours on the water.
- Small groups & shared expertise — (maximum 7 guests) connect, learn, and shoot alongside like-minded photographers.
- Any camera brand or skill level is welcome — receive hands-on advice tailored to your gear, experience, and creative goals.
About Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park was the first—and remains the most biologically diverse—national park in northern Botswana. Known as the elephant capital of Africa, it supports an estimated 50,000 elephants, along with some of the highest concentrations of general game anywhere on the continent.
Easily accessible from Kasane and close to the borders of Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Zambia, Chobe offers a seamless safari connection for international travellers. Its mix of open floodplains, riverine woodland, and backwater lagoons makes it a paradise for both wildlife and photography.
A Year-Round Wildlife Photography Destination
Chobe is an all-season photographic destination, with each time of year offering unique opportunities:
June – October (Low-water Season): Low water levels concentrate wildlife along the river. Large herds of elephant and buffalo gather to drink, often crossing in front of the boats at close range. Crisp morning light and clear skies create perfect conditions for wildlife portraits.
November – Feb (Green Season): The park transforms into lush greens, dramatic skies, and superb bird activity. Jacanas, bee-eaters, and kingfishers are especially active, while young mammals appear in abundance.
March – May: (Flood/Jacana Season) — a highlight for bird photographers. Watch as male jacanas carry their chicks across floating lilies from the low, water-level perspective of our photo boats.
Chobe Safari Lodge
Set on the banks of the Chobe River in Kasane, Chobe Safari Lodge is one of Botswana’s most established safari destinations, welcoming guests to this remarkable wildlife region since 1959. Today, the newly revamped lodge offers a refreshed stay experience while still honouring its long heritage and prime riverfront setting.
The property now offers a range of accommodation styles under the Chobe Safari Lodge experience, including Safari Rooms, River Rooms, Bush Rooms, all with easy access to the main lodge facilities, restaurants, riverfront areas and safari activities.
The lodge is ideally positioned for a Chobe safari, only about ten minutes from Kasane International Airport and the entrance to Chobe National Park. Its location makes it a convenient base for exploring the Chobe Riverfront, known for excellent wildlife sightings, abundant birdlife, elephants, hippos, crocodiles and beautiful river scenery.
Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities from the lodge, including spa treatments and day trips to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Itinerary
First Day
- 11:50 Flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Kasane International Airport | Airlink Flight 4Z306 (recommended flight to book)
- 13:35 Arrival at Kasane International Airport
- Road transfer to Chobe Safari Lodge | Trip starts with CNP Safaris
- Check-in at Chobe Safari Lodge
- PM Photography Session
- Afternoon photography session
- Dinner
- x4 Nights at Chobe Safari Lodge
Middle Days
- Morning and afternoon photography sessions
- Breakfast and dinner at Chobe Safari Lodge
- Daily guidance from CNP Tour Leader
Final Day
- Morning photography session
- Breakfast
- Check-out
- Road transfer to Kasane International Airport | Trip ends with CNP Safaris
- 14:05 Flight from Kasane Airport to O.R. Tambo International Airport
- 15:55 Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport
Suggested Travel
Book an international flight to arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa), the night before or before 08:00 AM on the day the safari starts. Various accommodation options are available at O.R. Tambo Airport.
From O.R. Tambo International Airport
1 Hour, 50 min flight to Kasane International Airport | Airlink Flight 4Z306 (recommended flight)
5 min road transfer to Chobe Safari Lodge
Includes:
- Return road transfers Kasane International Airport.
- Dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation (excl. drinks) @ Chobe Safari Lodge
- Park and Boat fees.
- Morning and Afternoon photography sessions on the CNP Specialist Photography Boat.
- Snacks and selected drinks during photography sessions.
- Private guide/boat operator.
- Daily guidance from CNP Safaris Tour Leader.
Excludes:
- All travel to Kasane.
- Expenses of a personal nature (incl. telephone calls and laundry).
- Staff gratuities.
- Drinks at the lodge.
- Visa applications and fees *if applicable.
- Medical Insurance and Travel Insurance.
VIDEOS
“A picture is worth a thousand words”… over 100 pictures taken by 1 photographer in 4 days tell the story of why the Chobe River is the ultimate nature photography destination.
