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15 Best Places for Photography in Botswana in 2025: A Photographer’s Ultimate Guide

Discover the best places for photography in Botswana in 2025. This insider's guide covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and hidden gems with practical tips from a seasoned photographer who's spent years capturing Botswana's wild beauty.

Introduction: Botswana Through a Lens

The first time I visited Botswana in 2015, I broke my favorite wide-angle lens on day two of a two-week safari. I was leaning over the edge of a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) in the Okavango Delta, trying to capture a perfect reflection of a fish eagle, when I lost my balance. As I scrambled to save myself from falling in, my camera bag tipped, sending my prized lens into the murky waters. That expensive mistake taught me more about photographing Botswana than any workshop ever could—sometimes the best shots come when you’re forced to work with limitations.

After twelve visits spanning nearly a decade, I’ve come to know Botswana not just as Africa’s premier wildlife photography destination, but as a place of extraordinary landscapes, fascinating cultures, and ever-changing light. Having photographed here through dry seasons and wet, at sunrise and under starlit skies, I’ve compiled this guide to help fellow photographers capture the magic of this remarkable country in 2025.

Whether you’re wielding a professional DSLR with telephoto lenses or simply hoping to capture amazing smartphone shots, Botswana offers unparalleled photographic opportunities. From the famous wildlife reserves to lesser-known urban scenes, I’ll share the locations, timing, and techniques that will help you create images worth framing.

The Iconic Okavango Delta: Nature’s Masterpiece

The Okavango Delta isn’t just Botswana’s crown jewel—it’s possibly the most photogenic inland delta on earth. This UNESCO World Heritage site transforms from a drought-stricken plain to a lush wetland paradise annually, creating ever-changing compositions for your camera.

Chief’s Island and Moremi Game Reserve

Located in the heart of the delta, Chief’s Island offers concentrated wildlife and stunning landscapes. During my July 2024 visit, I spent four breathtaking hours photographing a leopard hunting impala against the golden afternoon light—the kind of opportunity that makes photographers weak at the knees.

Photography Tips for Moremi:

  • Best timing: May-September provides clearer skies and concentrated wildlife around water sources
  • Best locations: Third Bridge, Xakanaxa Lagoon, and the Khwai River boundary
  • Recommended gear: 100-400mm lens for wildlife, wide-angle for landscapes at sunrise

Insider Tip: Rather than booking the more expensive luxury lodges, I’ve had incredible photographic success staying at the public campsites in Moremi. The North Gate campsite costs just 250 Pula (about $18) per night and puts you in prime position for early morning light on the Khwai floodplains where leopards are frequently spotted.

Mokoro Excursions for Unique Perspectives

Nothing beats the intimate, water-level perspective of a mokoro trip through the delta’s channels. The silence allows close approach to otherwise skittish subjects, and the low angle creates dramatically different compositions than those from a vehicle.

Last year, I spent three days exploring the waterways near Xigera with my guide KB (“ke a leboga” means “thank you” in Setswana—a phrase worth knowing). The experience yielded my most successful series of bird photographs ever, including painted reed frogs clinging to papyrus stems and African jacanas walking on lily pads.

Best Delta Camps for Photography:

Camp Name Location Photographic Speciality Price Range (2025)
Sandibe Safari Lodge Southeast Delta Big cats, elephants $950-1,400/night
Little Vumbura Northern Delta Water & land activities $1,200-1,600/night
Footsteps Camp Shinde Concession Walking safaris, authentic experience $580-750/night
Mma Dinare Southeastern Delta New property, fewer tourists $450-650/night

Chobe National Park: Elephant Paradise

If there’s one place in Africa where you’re guaranteed spectacular elephant photographs, it’s Chobe. Home to the continent’s highest concentration of these magnificent creatures, Chobe offers unique opportunities to photograph elephants swimming, dust-bathing, and gathering in herds numbering in the hundreds.

The Chobe Riverfront

I’ve photographed many African rivers, but nothing compares to the late afternoon light on the Chobe. As the sun drops towards the horizon, it bathes everything in a rich golden glow that photographers call “magic hour”—though in my experience, it rarely lasts longer than 40 minutes.

The trick to exceptional Chobe photography is booking a private boat. While the shared tourist boats are far cheaper (around 350 Pula versus 2,500 Pula for private), they can’t maneuver for optimal lighting or positioning. My favorite operator, Pangolin Photo Safaris, offers specialized photography boats with swivel seats and camera mounts.

Money-Saving Tip: I’ve discovered you can often negotiate a significant discount on private boat trips during the mid-day hours (11am-2pm). While the harsh light isn’t ideal for most photography, it’s perfect for black and white conversion and capturing dramatic elephant silhouettes against the bright sky. I paid just 1,200 Pula for a 3-hour private boat last October by booking the “lunch slot” that few photographers want.

Savuti: Predator Country

The Savuti Channel and marsh area in the western section of Chobe National Park presents a completely different ecosystem and photographic opportunity. This legendary predator haven is where I’ve captured some of my most dramatic lion and hyena images.

In September 2023, I witnessed the famous Savuti elephant-hunting lions take down a juvenile elephant—a rare and intense wildlife interaction that few photographers ever capture. While disturbing to watch, it represented a natural phenomenon documented by wildlife filmmakers for decades.

Savuti Photography Tips:

  1. Position yourself at the Savuti Marsh before sunrise for backlit elephant herds crossing the grasslands
  2. Visit the Pump Pan in late afternoon when predators begin stirring
  3. Keep your camera ready at the Harvey’s Pan area, which attracts diverse wildlife year-round
  4. Bring a bean bag rather than a tripod for stability in your vehicle
  5. Don’t neglect wide-angle contextual shots showing animals in their habitat

Central Kalahari Game Reserve: Desert Drama

For landscape photographers seeking something different from the typical wildlife shots, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) offers stark, minimalist compositions that can be breathtaking. I’ve found that the vastness of this reserve creates a sense of isolation that translates beautifully to photographs, especially when captured at dawn or dusk.

During the green season (January-April), the normally arid landscape transforms with lush grasses and wildflowers, creating a surprising backdrop for wildlife photography. The contrast of black-maned Kalahari lions against green grass or lone giraffes silhouetted on the horizon creates unforgettable images.

Deception Valley

This ancient riverbed in the northern section of the reserve concentrates wildlife and offers beautiful panoramic opportunities. I spent three nights camping at the public campsite here in February 2024 and was rewarded with extraordinary photographs of cheetah hunting springbok across the valley floor.

The sounds of the Kalahari at night are worth recording too—the haunting whoops of hyenas and the distinctive roars of black-maned lions create an audio backdrop that enhances the visual story of your photographs.

Insider Tip: Accommodation in the CKGR is limited to either basic public campsites (approximately 150 Pula per person) or the luxurious Kalahari Plains Camp (around $800 per night). I’ve found the sweet spot is to book with Kalahari Safaris, who offer mobile camping trips with full equipment at around $350 per day including guide, chef, and private vehicle—allowing optimal photographic flexibility at a fraction of the luxury camp price.

Makgadikgadi Pans: Surreal Landscapes

If there’s one photographic experience in Botswana that consistently blows my mind, it’s the surreal, otherworldly landscapes of the Makgadikgadi Pans. These vast salt flats, among the largest on earth, create minimalist compositions unlike anywhere else in Africa.

I’ll never forget my first night sleeping under the stars on Ntwetwe Pan—the absolute silence and the uninterrupted horizon meeting a sky so filled with stars it seemed artificial. My long-exposure photographs from that night remain among my most popular prints.

Kubu Island

This granite rock island in the middle of Sua Pan is sacred to local people and provides incredible photographic opportunities. The ancient baobab trees against the white salt pan background create naturally dramatic compositions, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Visiting during green season (January-March) sometimes allows you to photograph the pans with a thin layer of water, creating perfect reflection shots. However, this makes access more difficult and requires a well-equipped 4×4 vehicle or an organized tour.

Meerkats and Migration

The areas surrounding the pans offer unique wildlife photography, including habituated meerkat colonies that allow remarkably close approach. With patience, you can capture intimate portraits of these charismatic creatures, sometimes using your camera equipment or even your shoulder as a lookout post!

Between December and April, depending on rainfall, the pans host tens of thousands of flamingos and other water birds. Aerial photography (via helicopter tours from Jack’s Camp or Gweta) reveals incredible patterns of birds against the white backdrop.

Equipment Notes for Makgadikgadi:

  • Bring protective gear for your camera—the salt dust is incredibly fine and damaging
  • Wide-angle lenses (16-35mm) are essential for landscape work
  • A sturdy tripod for night photography is non-negotiable
  • Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the dramatic clouds that often form
  • Pack more memory cards than you think you’ll need—the unique lighting inspires heavy shooting

Gaborone and Urban Photography

While most photographers come to Botswana for wildlife, I’ve found the capital city of Gaborone offers fascinating street photography opportunities. The contrast between traditional and modern life plays out daily in markets, transportation hubs, and business districts.

Main Mall and Government Enclave

The Main Mall provides excellent opportunities for capturing authentic daily life. I particularly enjoy photographing the informal vendors selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to fresh produce. The key is to be respectful—I always ask “A nka tsaya setshwantsho sa gago?” (“May I take your picture?” in Setswana) before photographing people directly.

Money-Saving Tip: Rather than booking expensive hotel accommodation in Gaborone, I’ve had great experiences with local guesthouses in the Block 8 and Tlokweng areas, where rooms typically cost 400-600 Pula per night. These family-run establishments often provide a more authentic experience and better photographic stories than international chain hotels. My favorite is Mokolodi House, which costs around 550 Pula per night and includes a lovely garden setting with opportunities for bird photography.

Gaborone Dam and Kgale Hill

For landscape photographers, the areas surrounding Gaborone offer beautiful compositions, especially during the golden hours. Kgale Hill provides panoramic views of the city, while Gaborone Dam (when it contains water) offers sunset reflections worth capturing.

My mistake during my 2022 visit was arriving at Kgale Hill at midday, when the harsh light flattened the landscape. I’ve since learned that arriving 90 minutes before sunset provides dramatically better photographic conditions—and fewer hikers to navigate around.

Cultural Photography: Villages and Traditions

Botswana’s rich cultural heritage offers profound photographic opportunities, but this requires sensitivity and respect. My approach has always been to spend time building relationships before raising my camera.

Gcwihaba Caves and Tsodilo Hills

In the northwest of Botswana, the Tsodilo Hills contain over 4,500 rock paintings dating back thousands of years. The juxtaposition of ancient art against dramatic landscapes creates compelling photographs, especially when local guides are included to provide scale and human interest.

When I visited in 2021, I made the mistake of rushing through the site in a single afternoon. The best photographs came from my second visit in 2023, when I camped for three nights and took time to understand the cultural significance with qualified local guides from the San community.

Crafts and Markets

The handicraft traditions of Botswana provide colorful, detailed photographic subjects. The Gaborone and Maun craft markets offer basket weaving, wood carving, and textile work that showcase generations of skill.

Photography with Purpose: In 2024, I worked with local artisans to create a photo book of their crafting process, from material collection to finished products. We sold copies at tourism outlets with 50% of proceeds returning to the artisan community. This collaborative approach enriched my portfolio while providing tangible benefits to my subjects.

Cultural Photography Ethics:

  • Always seek permission before photographing individuals, especially in rural communities
  • Consider printing and returning photographs to your subjects when possible
  • Be aware that some traditional ceremonies may prohibit photography
  • Offer fair compensation when appropriate, but avoid creating transactional relationships
  • Take time to learn about cultural contexts to inform more meaningful photographs

Wildlife Photography Techniques for Botswana

After dozens of safaris across Botswana, I’ve refined techniques specific to this environment. The quality of light here differs from East Africa—it’s often softer and warmer, especially during the dry season when dust particles in the air create natural diffusion.

Safari Vehicle Positioning

Unlike some African countries where off-road driving is permitted, Botswana generally restricts vehicles to established tracks (with exceptions in some private concessions). This makes vehicle positioning crucial for photography.

In 2019, I made the rookie mistake of booking a standard safari with shared vehicles. The result was constant frustration as non-photographers wanted to move on while I needed to wait for better light or animal behavior. Now I only book private vehicles or photography-specific departures.

Techniques for Better Safari Photographs:

  1. Communicate clearly with your guide about photographic priorities
  2. Request positioning for background and light, not just proximity to animals
  3. Use a beanbag on the vehicle roof rather than a tripod for stability
  4. Anticipate animal movement and position accordingly
  5. When photographing predators, focus on the eyes and be patient

Water-Level Photography

Botswana’s waterways provide unique opportunities for eye-level photography that creates intimacy in your images. Whether from a mokoro in the Delta or a specialized photo boat in Chobe, the low angle transforms ordinary wildlife sightings into extraordinary photographs.

Equipment Protection Tip: I’ve ruined two cameras through water damage in Botswana. Now I always bring silica gel packets, rain covers, and a dry bag for boat excursions. For serious protection without breaking the bank, I use heavy-duty ziplock bags with silica gel inside, which costs about 50 Pula compared to 1,200+ Pula for professional camera rain covers.

Photography in Different Seasons

Botswana transforms dramatically between seasons, offering entirely different photographic opportunities throughout the year.

Green Season (November-April)

While sometimes overlooked by photographers due to occasional rain and denser vegetation, the green season offers tremendous advantages:

  • Dramatic storm clouds and lightning photography opportunities
  • Lush landscapes with vibrant green backgrounds
  • Newborn animals and breeding behaviors
  • Bird migration bringing spectacular species and colors
  • Significantly lower prices (often 30-50% less than peak season)

I’ve found December to be particularly rewarding—the early rains have greened the landscape, but many water sources remain concentrated enough to attract wildlife.

Dry Season (May-October)

The traditional high season for wildlife photography offers:

  • Concentrated wildlife around permanent water
  • Clearer visibility through thinned vegetation
  • Dusty golden light creating atmosphere
  • More predictable animal movement patterns
  • Comfortable temperatures, especially in mornings and evenings
Month Photographic Highlights Challenges Price Level
January Lush landscapes, dramatic skies Some road access limited Low
February Birthing season, migratory birds Potential heavy rains Low
May Clear skies, cooling temperatures Transition season, variable conditions Medium
July-August Peak wildlife concentration Crowded sightings, dusty conditions Premium
October Dramatic heat, desperate wildlife Very hot middays, challenging for photographers High

Lesser-Known Photography Locations

While the famous parks and reserves deservedly attract photographers, some of my most unique images have come from lesser-known locations.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Located near Serowe, this community-based wildlife project offers the rare opportunity to photograph both white and black rhinos in Botswana. The flat, open terrain and approachable animals make it ideal for photographers still developing their wildlife photography skills.

When I visited in 2023, I was able to photograph rhinos during the golden hour with minimal other vehicles present—a stark contrast to the crowded rhino sightings I’ve experienced in more famous parks.

Northern Tuli Game Reserve

The dramatic landscapes of the Tuli Block in eastern Botswana combine rocky outcrops, baobab trees, and the Limpopo River to create distinctive backgrounds for wildlife photography. The unique geology offers compositions unlike anywhere else in Botswana.

Sustainability Savings: I’ve discovered that the community-owned Tuli Safari Lodge offers a “Green Season Special” where they provide a 25% discount to guests who arrive by public transport rather than private vehicle or chartered flight. This reduces carbon emissions and saves approximately 2,000 Pula per person on a three-night stay. The lodge arranges pickup from the nearest bus stop in Bobonong.

Essential Photography Gear for Botswana

After multiple trips with various equipment configurations, I’ve refined my Botswana kit to balance quality, weight limitations, and practicality.

Camera Bodies and Lenses

For wildlife photography, I bring:

  • Primary body with high frame rate capability (currently using Sony A7R IV)
  • Backup body that shares batteries and cards (Sony A7 III)
  • 100-400mm zoom as my workhorse lens
  • 1.4x teleconverter for additional reach
  • 24-105mm midrange zoom for environmental shots
  • Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for landscapes and night photography

For those on a tighter budget, I’ve found that a crop-sensor camera with a 70-300mm lens can still produce excellent results, especially in the abundant light of Botswana.

Critical Accessories

These items have saved my photography on numerous occasions:

  • Bean bag for vehicle stability (can be purchased empty and filled with beans/rice in Maun)
  • Rocket blower and sensor cleaning kit (dust is inevitable)
  • Polarizing filter for managing harsh light and reflections
  • Multiple batteries and chargers (power can be unreliable)
  • Portable hard drive for backup (minimum 1TB)
  • Rain covers for camera protection

Conclusion: Capturing Your Botswana Story

After years photographing this remarkable country, I’ve learned that the best images aren’t just technically perfect—they tell stories. Botswana offers an unmatched canvas for visual storytelling, from the drama of predator and prey to the quiet moments of daily life in rural villages.

Photography here isn’t just about what you shoot, but how you connect with your subject. The patience required for wildlife photography, the cultural sensitivity needed for portraits, and the technical skills for landscapes all combine to create a photographic experience unlike anywhere else.

5-Step Action Plan for Your Botswana Photography Trip:

  1. Research and timing: Plan your visit around specific photographic goals and optimal seasons
  2. Equipment preparation: Test all gear before departure and bring appropriate backups
  3. Local knowledge: Book guides who understand photography and can position accordingly
  4. Cultural homework: Learn basic Setswana phrases and cultural protocols
  5. Conservation mindset: Support operators with strong conservation ethics and leave minimal impact

Whether you’re capturing the drama of elephants crossing the Chobe River, the haunting silence of the Makgadikgadi Pans, or the vibrant life of a Gaborone market, Botswana rewards photographers who approach with preparation, patience, and respect.

When I reflect on over a decade photographing this remarkable country, it’s not only the images I treasure but the experiences behind them—the stories, the challenges overcome, and the connections made. Your Botswana portfolio will become more than photographs; it will be a visual diary of one of Africa’s most captivating destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to photograph wildlife in Botswana?

The dry season (May-October) offers concentrated wildlife around water sources and clearer visibility. However, the green season (November-April) provides lush backgrounds, dramatic skies, and newborn animals. For birds specifically, the wet season is superior with migratory species present.

Do I need an expensive camera setup to get good photographs in Botswana?

While professional equipment offers advantages, mid-range gear can produce excellent results. A camera with decent low-light performance and a lens reaching at least 300mm is sufficient for most wildlife photography. Smartphones with good zoom capabilities can even capture memorable images, especially of landscapes and larger animals.

Is it safe to bring expensive camera equipment to Botswana?

Botswana is one of Africa’s safest countries, with low crime rates. Standard precautions apply: use a non-descript camera bag, keep equipment secured in lodges, and maintain awareness in urban areas. I’ve never experienced any security issues in twelve visits with professional equipment.

Should I bring a drone for aerial photography?

Drone regulations in Botswana are strict, particularly in national parks and wildlife areas where they’re completely prohibited. For aerial perspectives, several operators offer helicopter or light aircraft photography flights, which provide superior results and don’t disturb wildlife.

How much should I budget for a photography safari in Botswana?

A 10-day photography-focused safari typically costs between $4,000-$12,000 per person depending on accommodation level, season, and exclusivity. Budget-conscious photographers can self-drive and use public campsites for around $150-200 per day including vehicle rental. The most significant savings come from traveling during green season (November-April) when rates can be 30-50% lower.

Can I photograph the San (Bushmen) communities in Botswana?

Some tour operators offer cultural visits to San communities. Approach these with respect and sensitivity—many communities have experienced exploitation. Only photograph with explicit permission, ideally through established community tourism initiatives where benefits flow directly to the community. Offering printed photographs on a return visit is greatly appreciated.

What’s the most common mistake photographers make in Botswana?

Overpacking equipment and underestimating environmental challenges. Botswana’s conditions—dust, heat, bumpy roads, and weight restrictions on small aircraft—make a streamlined kit preferable. Many photographers also rush between sightings rather than spending quality time with fewer subjects, resulting in quantity over quality.

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