Botswana Wildlife Photography Safari
10 days across Chobe, Khwai & the Okavango Delta. Designed for photographers by photographers. Limited to 10 guests.
June 10 to 19, 2028Led by Jesse & SusanOperated by Finisterra Travel
- When
- June 10 to 19, 2028 10 days, 9 nights
- Where
- Chobe, Khwai & the Okavango Delta Three safari camps in Botswana
- Group
- Just 10 guests Led by Jesse & Susan
Three Regions.
Three Unforgettable Perspectives.
From elephants along the Chobe River to a waterhole hide in Khwai and leopard country in the southern Okavango Delta, every stop offers a different way to experience Botswana.
Chobe River
Private game drives and boat safaris. Wildlife from land and water.
Explore this stop 2June 13 to 16Khwai
An exclusive camp and an underground waterhole hide.
Explore this stop 3June 16 to 19Southern Delta
A private camp in the landscapes featured in Netflix’s Living With Leopards.
Explore this stopThe Difference Is in the Access
This workshop is built around the conditions photographers need most: private vehicles, small groups, exceptional wildlife areas and the freedom to stay with a sighting when the light and composition are working.
We’ll be photographing alongside you throughout the journey, helping you make the most of each opportunity as it unfolds and offering guidance where it adds value.
The result is more time in the right place, more control over how you photograph, and a stronger body of work to bring home.
Spouses, partners, and nature lovers are welcome too.
Let’s talk about the workshop →I came home with so much more confidence in both my photography and editing.
Wildlife from Land and Water
Private Land & Water Safaris
We begin on the Chobe River, where June’s dry season draws wildlife from across the landscape toward the water.
Along the northern boundary of Chobe National Park, the riverfront becomes one of southern Africa’s most concentrated wildlife areas. Elephants arrive in large herds to drink and bathe, buffalo move across the floodplains, hippos fill the channels, and lions patrol the surrounding woodland.
We photograph Chobe from two very different perspectives: by vehicle through the floodplains and woodland, and from the river at a much lower vantage point. Private boat access gives our group the space and flexibility to position for the best available light, angle and moment, creating photographic opportunities that simply aren’t possible from a safari vehicle.
Chobe is equally rewarding for bird photography, with exceptional diversity along its sandbanks, reed beds and woodland edges, including opportunities directly from camp between activities.
Three Nights on the Banks of the ChobeView accommodation & daily itineraryLearn more about this lodge
For our first three nights, we stay at an intimate, privately owned eco-lodge surrounded by indigenous riverine forest on the banks of the Chobe River.
River-view chalets look directly across the water and are built using locally sourced materials, including eco-beam and sandbag construction designed for comfort and minimal environmental impact.
Sustainability is woven into the lodge, from its plant-filtered natural swimming pool to responsible food sourcing, local employment and community support. Meals feature African-fusion cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
Game drives and boat activities are led by experienced local guides, with private activities and dining for our group throughout the stay.
What Each Day Holds
Early mornings and late afternoons are spent on safari, with time on the river woven between game drives for a different perspective on Chobe.
We’ll also have the opportunity to cruise to the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, near the point where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet.
A guided village experience offers insight into local customs, daily life and the surrounding community.
Your Stay at a Glance
- Three nights, June 10 to 13, 2028
- River-view accommodation
- All meals, lodge fees and activities on offer
- Selected local spirits, wine and beer
- Private game drives, boat activities and dining
- Return road transfers between Kasane Airport and our Chobe accommodation
Not Included
- International flights
- Visas
- Gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
A Front-Row Seat to the Waterhole
Exclusive Camp · Photographic Hide
Khwai Private Reserve
On June 13, we leave Chobe and fly into Khwai Private Reserve, a vast private wilderness on the north-eastern edge of the Okavango Delta.
Covering approximately 180,000 hectares, Khwai borders Moremi Game Reserve to the south and Chobe National Park to the east. Riverine forest, seasonal floodplains, open grasslands, mopane woodland, channels and lagoons create a remarkably varied landscape and an equally rich concentration of wildlife.
Elephant, giraffe, buffalo and zebra move through the reserve alongside species such as kudu, tsessebe, roan and sable. Lion, leopard, cheetah and African wild dog also range across the area.
With no fences separating Khwai from the surrounding wilderness, wildlife moves freely through the larger ecosystem, making every drive feel genuinely unpredictable.
Three Nights Beside a Wildlife WaterholeView accommodation & daily itineraryLearn more about this lodge
For these three nights, the camp is exclusively ours.
Set within the mopane forests of Khwai’s drier interior, the camp overlooks a natural waterhole where wildlife comes and goes throughout the day.
Eight canvas tents face the waterhole, each with an ensuite bathroom, indoor shower, mosquito netting, solar power and charging facilities. The dining deck, lounge and swimming pool also overlook the water.
What Each Day Holds
Morning and late afternoon game drives frame our days in Khwai.
Scheduled time in the underground photographic hide brings us down to an exceptionally low perspective, with the chance to photograph wildlife as it approaches the waterhole.
Walking safaris reveal the smaller details of the bush, while night drives let us experience Khwai after dark.
Your Stay at a Glance
- Three nights, June 13 to 16, 2028
- Exclusive use of the entire camp
- Accommodation overlooking a wildlife waterhole
- All meals, fees and activities on offer
- Selected local spirits, wine and beer
- Scheduled time in the underground photographic hide
- Game drives, walking safaris and night drives
- Flight from Kasane Airport into Khwai Private Reserve on June 13
Not Included
- International flights
- Visas
- Gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
Into the Heart of Leopard Country
Exclusive Camp · Living With Leopards
On June 16, we leave Khwai and fly deeper into the southern Okavango Delta, arriving in one of Botswana’s largest wilderness concessions and some of its most remarkable leopard country.
Spanning approximately 180,000 hectares, Xudum is a mosaic of floodplains, lagoons, grasslands, palm islands and woodland, with one of the highest recorded leopard densities in Africa.
It is also the landscape featured in Netflix’s Living With Leopards, where wildlife filmmaker Brad Bestelink and his team spent years documenting the lives of its resident cats.
Leopard may be the headline, but the wider ecosystem is just as compelling, with lion, African wild dog, cheetah and hyena alongside large populations of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and antelope.
For us, it’s a fitting place to spend the final three nights of the journey: in a landscape defined by predators, extraordinary wildlife and some of the best photographic opportunities of the trip.
The Only Camp for MilesView accommodation & daily itineraryLearn more about this lodge
Our final camp is small, remote and reserved entirely for our group.
Set among Mokolwane palms on the Matsebi river system, it is the only camp for miles.
Seven raised canvas tents overlook the surrounding landscape and seasonal floodwaters. Each has an ensuite bathroom, indoor shower, mosquito netting, ceiling fan and charging facilities.
Elephants frequently move through the area, and the camp gives us direct access to exceptional predator habitat.
What Each Day Holds
Morning and late afternoon game drives focus on the concession’s resident predators, including leopard, lion, African wild dog, hyena and cheetah.
Night drives continue after dark, when smaller predators and nocturnal species become more active.
When water levels allow, we can also explore the Delta by mokoro, moving quietly through its channels and lily-covered waterways.
Your Stay at a Glance
- Three nights, June 16 to 19, 2028
- Exclusive use of the entire camp
- Seven raised canvas tents
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Night drives and seasonal mokoro excursions
- All meals, fees and activities on offer
- Selected local spirits, wine and beer
- Transfer from Khwai on June 16
- Flight to Maun International Airport on or after June 19
Not Included
- International flights
- Visas
- Gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
Conservation Beyond the Safari
Protecting Botswana’s wildlife means protecting the vast, connected landscapes that make their survival possible.
In Khwai, tourism helps keep habitat and migration corridors intact while supporting local livelihoods.
Conservation work also includes domestic dog vaccination programs that help protect endangered African wild dogs from disease.
In the southern Delta, that work extends to anti-poaching, giraffe research, human-wildlife conflict mitigation and conservation education.
Every stay contributes to keeping these wild places wild.
Your Botswana Investment
$17,500 USD
Per person · Taxes included
Based on double occupancy
Four equal payments of $4,375 USD.
Request Your SpotStart with a brief Zoom or phone conversation.
No payment is required to inquire.
A Clear Payment Plan
Your place is secured once your booking is accepted and your non-refundable deposit is received.
All workshop payments are non-refundable. Please review Finisterra’s booking terms before paying.
Need a different schedule? Discuss options with us and Finisterra Travel. The full balance must be paid at least 60 days before departure.
What’s Included
- Nine nights across three safari stays
- Exclusive use of our Khwai and southern Delta camps
- Private activities and dining in Chobe
- Meals and selected local drinks
- Safari activities and scheduled time in the Khwai hide
- Conservation fees and levies
- Scheduled domestic flights and road transfers
- Photography support from Jesse & Susan
What’s Additional
- International airfare to Botswana and onward travel from Maun
- Personal travel insurance
- Required visas or entry documentation
- Gratuities for guides, camp teams, and other staff
Health insurance is mandatory. Trip cancellation insurance is recommended.
Thoughtfully Arranged.
Personally Hosted.
Finisterra Travel
We’ve worked with Finisterra Travel since 2020 to bring our guests small-group photography adventures around the world.
Keri Montgomery and Nicola Wilson bring extensive travel experience and a thoughtful approach to journeys that connect people with wildlife, landscapes, and local communities.
Meet Keri & NicolaVisit Finisterra Travel
Finisterra Travel is a licensed Canadian travel company, BC Reg. #70260, and a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association.
Planning Your Safari
We’re happy to talk through the details with you. Start a conversation →
Do I need to be an experienced photographer?
No. Photographers of all skill levels are welcome. Tell us about your experience when you inquire, and we can discuss what you’re hoping to learn during our introductory conversation.
Can my spouse or partner join if they aren’t a photographer?
Absolutely. Spouses, partners, and nature lovers are welcome. The wildlife, accommodation, and safari experiences are there for everyone to enjoy.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Yes. The trip is priced based on double occupancy. If you’re joining without a travel companion, we will pair you with a same-sex roommate. Please let us know when you inquire so we can discuss the arrangements.
How many guests will be on the workshop?
Just 10 guests, led by Jesse & Susan. Our final two camps are exclusively ours, and our activities and dining in Chobe are private for the group.
What flights do I need to arrange?
Participants are responsible for arranging their own international travel to Kasane Airport [BBK] for June 10, 2028, as well as their onward or international travel from Maun International Airport [MUB] on or after June 19, 2028.
Flights out of Maun on June 19 need to fit around our bush camp transfer, so Finisterra Travel will confirm the best flights for you when you book.
Finisterra Travel can also help with coordinating and booking flights to help ensure your arrival and departure align with the group itinerary, but ultimately each participant is responsible for securing their own international airfare.
Once you arrive in Botswana, the scheduled road and air transfers included in our itinerary are arranged for you.
Are domestic flights and lodge transfers included?
Yes. The scheduled domestic flights and road transfers in our itinerary are included. International flights and travel outside the itinerary are additional.
What camera equipment should I bring?
Tell us about your equipment and the photographs you hope to make. We can discuss suitable gear during our call. Confirm domestic flight baggage limits and camera-bag arrangements with Finisterra before packing.
What is not included in the trip price?
The following are not included:
- International airfare to Botswana and onward travel from Maun
- Visas and any required entry documentation
- Gratuities for guides, camp teams and other staff
- Personal travel insurance
What physical demands should I expect?
The itinerary includes travel by safari vehicle, boat, and small aircraft, along with movement around remote camps. Some accommodation is raised above ground, and walking safaris are offered in Khwai.
Please tell us about mobility needs or access concerns during our introductory conversation so we can discuss the arrangements with Finisterra before you book.
Do I need travel insurance?
Health insurance is mandatory. Trip cancellation insurance is recommended.
For our Canadian friends, we recommend Manulife travel medical insurance. Photographers might also consider Front Row Insurance or Arthur J. Gallagher Canada Limited for equipment coverage of items valued at more than $5,000 per item.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. The standard schedule is four equal payments of $4,375 USD: the deposit no later than January 30, 2027, followed by May 30, 2027, September 30, 2027, and January 30, 2028. You may also pay in full at booking.
If another schedule would work better, discuss it with us and Finisterra Travel. The full balance must be paid at least 60 days before departure.
Are workshop fees refundable?
All workshop fees and dues are non-refundable.
You may choose to pay the workshop fee in full at the time of booking, or secure your place with a 25% non-refundable deposit. Final payment is due 60 days before departure.
Payment schedule is as follows:
- Payment #1 (Deposit): Due no later than January 30, 2027
- Payment #2: May 30, 2027
- Payment #3: September 30, 2027
- Payment #4: January 30, 2028
If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from travelling, you are welcome to transfer or sell your place to another interested participant within your own personal network.
Important: If your remaining balance is not received by the payment due date, your reservation will be considered forfeited. All payments made to date will remain non-refundable, and your place may be released and offered to another interested participant.
Once Accepted: Once your request to join the workshop is accepted, we will provide you with a link to our secure payment portal where you can pay your deposit or full balance and complete the required waivers.
Are gratuities included?
No. Gratuities for guides, camp teams and other staff are not included in the trip price.
Tipping is customary on safari, and we will provide more detailed guidance before departure so everyone has a clear understanding of suggested amounts and how gratuities are handled throughout the trip.
Are meals and alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. All three safari stays are fully inclusive, with accommodation, meals, conservation levies, domestic transfers/flights and activities on offer included throughout the journey.
Local spirits, wine and beer are also included during our stays.
Are all activities guaranteed?
Activities may be adjusted for local conditions. Mokoro excursions depend on suitable water levels, and sightings of particular wildlife species cannot be guaranteed.
What Stays With You
Reflections from previous safari guests.
They put so much heart and care into every aspect of the trip and every single day was the best day ever!
Read Megan’s full review
I'm still dreaming about my incredible trip to South Africa with Follow Me North last month! It was a bucket list trip for me, and Jesse and Susan made it a more incredible experience than I could have possibly imagined. They are two of the most warm, fun, and kind people I've met, and as a solo traveller, there was never a moment where I didn't feel included and comfortable. They put so much heart and care into every aspect of the trip and every single day was the best day ever!
I couldn't be more grateful for every sighting and special moment that we had, and the amazing photography assistance we received each day. Jesse and Susan made time for anyone who needed it, to work out settings, any issues we were having, and composition tips and reminders on game drives to help us get the best shots we could, along with editing help every afternoon during breaks.
I came home with so much more confidence in both my photography and editing (so much so that I ended up with 38,000 photos 🤭). For anyone on the fence about taking that bucket list trip, absolutely just do it, and make it even more memorable with Follow Me North!
Their attention to detail and extremely personal touches and attention to their guests is second to none.
Read Kim’s full review
After a two-week photography excursion to South Africa with Jesse and Susan I can honestly say that this is one of the most outstanding trips I have ever had the pleasure of taking.
Their attention to detail and extremely personal touches and attention to their guests is second to none.
They offered endless advice when needed in regards to shooting and were both an absolute joy to work with on a personal level.
GREAT humans, outstanding business.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
We returned home with full memory cards, fuller hearts, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Read Laura’s full review
From the moment we touched down in South Africa to the final sunset, this journey, led by Susan and Jesse Villemaire of Follow Me North, was nothing short of magical. Their passion, professionalism, and genuine warmth created an unforgettable experience for our group of photographers.
Every detail was masterfully planned, from seamless logistics to stunning accommodations and expertly guided safaris. Each day was filled with breathtaking wildlife encounters, lions, elephants, giraffes, wild dogs, rhinos, all under the iconic African light. Susan and Jesse curated not just a trip, but an adventure, blending photography, exploration, and community in the most meaningful way.
Their leadership turned a dream safari into a soul-stirring, life-changing experience. We returned home with full memory cards, fuller hearts, and memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re considering traveling with Follow Me North, don’t hesitate, this is the kind of trip that redefines what travel can be.
How to Join Us
Tell us about yourself
Complete our short inquiry form and tell us what excites you about Botswana. No payment is required.
Let’s have a conversation
We’ll arrange a Zoom or phone call to answer your questions and make sure the workshop is a good fit.
Make it your next adventure
Once accepted, Finisterra Travel will send your booking details and secure payment link. Your non-refundable deposit secures your place. An inquiry does not reserve a spot.
