Botswana Photo Safari with Michelle Valberg

This Botswana photo safari offers an extravagant experience teeming with wildlife and scenic splendor. Starting in Maun, Botswana at the southern extremity of the Okavango Delta, we’ll shuttle by small plane and helicopter to some of the region’s most remarkable and gloriously decandent safari camps including the incredible Linyanti Bush Camp in the Chobe Enclave; Khwai Leadwood, along the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve and then on to the incomparable Atzaro Okavango in the Heart of the Delta. From Atzaro, it’s yet another incredible helicopter flight to the airport in Maun, Botswana for flights home.

This unique trip combines five-star accommodations with days of adventure in a wide variety of environments without the crowds. The wildlife in northern Botswana is mind-blowing in its diversity and the region contains some of the largest elephant herds in Africa. It is a photographer’s dream trip and an experience you will cherish for a lifetime.

Join award-winning wildlife photographer Michelle Valberg, C.M. on an unforgettable journey through Botswana’s breathtaking wilderness. As the featured pro photographer, Michelle brings decades of expertise, boundless passion, and a unique artistic vision to this extraordinary safari experience.

A Nikon Ambassador, Order of Canada recipient, and Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society, Michelle is renowned for capturing the soul of the wild—whether through intimate portraits of Africa’s iconic wildlife or stunning animalscapes that showcase the beauty of their environment.

On this adventure, Michelle will share her insights, techniques, and creative approach, helping you elevate your photography while immersing yourself in one of the world’s most spectacular ecosystems. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting your photographic journey, this is your chance to learn from one of the best—in the heart of the wild.

Itinerary at a Glance

• Arrive Maun and transfer to nearby Thamo Telele for your first night in Botswana
• In the morning catch your first flight from Maun to Linyanti Bushcamp in the Chobe Enclave
• Experience game drives and walking safaris returning each afternoon to your luxurious camp
• Ride in a dugout canoe down narrow waterways teeming with bird life
• Listen for the haunting calls lions on a night drive safari through a private concession
• Fly to Khwai Leadwood, situated along the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve
• From your own private viewing deck, witness elephants, hippos, and many other inhabitants traverse the river
• Experience a traditional mokoro safari on the Khwai River, expertly guided by local polers
• Take a scenic helicopter flight to Atzaro Safari Lodge, arguably the most decadent lodge in the region
• Safari on the edge of the delta in search of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, giraffe, and hippo
• Hop back on the helicopter for another stunning flight to Maun airport for flights home

What to Expect on the Botswana Photo Safari with Michelle Valberg

Day 1: Arrival in Maun

Today is your day to land in Maun and transfer to Thamo Telele.

Thamo Telele is a safari lodge located within a 250-hectare private game reserve on the outskirts of the iconic safari town, the gateway to the Okavango Delta.

Day 2: Flight to Linyanti Bush Camp

Today we will fly to the incredible Linyanti Bush Camp and begin our authentic safari experience in the Chobe Enclave.

Spend your time exploring the raw African wilderness on thrilling game drives, learn about the fascinating fauna and flora on walking safaris or float serenely along the waterways in a mokoro (canoe). A life-changing wilderness experience awaits you at Linyanti Bush Camp.

With just six luxury tents, Linyanti Bush Camp offers an intimate Chobe safari experience in a private concession on the border of Botswana’s iconic Chobe National Park. The Chobe Enclave teems with wildlife and is best known for its large herds of elephants and buffalo. Our Chobe safari lodge sits on the banks of the Linyanti Wetlands – a significant area that is one of the primary sources of water during the drier months. Look forward to exceptional and diverse wildlife encounters year-round.

Day 3: Full Day of Safari Options

Linyanti boasts some of Botswana’s best birding. Delight in spotting the Arnot’s chat, the Goliath heron or the majestic Long-crested eagle.

Traditionally, the mokoro was the only form of transport through the waterways. Sail through the rivers and tributaries with our river guides in a dugout canoe.

Day 4: Game drives, walking safaris and more

Game drives are what gets us up in the morning in the African bush, they’re a great avenue for exploring the land in a safe and exciting way.

Walking safaris buckle up your boots and take a step into the intricate world of nature. Explore the wonders of the natural world with African soil crunching beneath your feet.

After a few amazing days you’ll think you’ve seen it all.

Walking, riding and canoeing through the enclave is an experience to remember… so now its time for a night drive!

This private concession allows for game drives after the sun has set. Experience the bush when elusive nocturnal wildlife awkens to hunt, forage and explore.

Day 5: Enjoy your last morning at Linyanti Bush Camp

Day 6: Khwai Leadwood is set in a prime location along the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve

– the Okavango Delta’s oldest protected region. The Experience is enveloped under a canopy of trees right next to the Khwai River, which acts as a natural boundary between the renowned reserve and the exclusive concession. From your own private viewing deck, witness impressive wildlife encounters as elephants, hippos, and many other inhabitants traverse the river, offering a captivating backdrop for observation.

Day 7: Embark on phenomenal game drives, night drives, and walking safaris

Witness wildlife that is plentiful and remarkable. Glide through the serene waters of the Khwai River on traditional mokoro safaris, expertly guided by local polers, and marvel at the vibrant birdlife that flourishes in the river’s shallows. At Khwai Leadwood, we warmly welcome families and invite younger guests to enjoy our Ngwana Club, where they can delight in tailored safari activities designed for their entertainment and safety.

Day 8: Fly Khwai Leadwood to Atzarko Safari Lodge

After breakfast we’ll get prepared for our incredible flight to Atzarko Safari Lodge.

The newest and arguably most decadent lodge in the region, you’ll be thrilled with the deluxe accommodations and outrageous hospitality. And then there’s the game!

Overnight Atzarko Safari Lodge.

Day 9: Atzaro Okavango: Sustainable Luxury in the Heart of the Delta

Welcome to Atzaro Okavango, a premier safari destination that offers sustainable luxury in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Surrounded by lush palm islands and vibrant delta vegetation, our eco-friendly oasis is nestled within the breath-taking landscape of this World Heritage wilderness. At Atzaro Okavango Camp, we provide an unparalleled combination of “savanna meets delta” adventures and unforgettable wildlife encounters, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Okavango Delta.

As a guest at our state-of-the-art safari camp, you’ll be able to experience year-round sightings of iconic African wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, giraffe, lechwe, and hippo. Our premier destination is ideal for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering a private and exclusive experience, irrespective of the number of people you’re traveling with.

At Atzaro Okavango Camp, we take pride in our harmonious integration with the stunning natural environment and incorporation of the diverse culture of the local people. Our camp is powered entirely by solar energy, offering the perfect balance of sustainable living and opulent comfort. Indulge in our on-site wellness spa, maintain your fitness routine in our fully equipped gym, or take a refreshing dip in our expansive 20m pool. Each luxurious tent comes with air-conditioning, private plunge pools, and Wi-Fi, ensuring that you never have to compromise on modern amenities while enjoying the serenity of the African wilderness.

Day 10: Atzaro Okavango

At Atzaro Okavango Camp, we take pride in our harmonious integration with the stunning natural environment and incorporation of the diverse culture of the local people. Our camp is powered entirely by solar energy, offering the perfect balance of sustainable living and opulent comfort. Indulge in our on-site wellness spa, maintain your fitness routine in our fully equipped gym, or take a refreshing dip in our expansive 20m pool. Each luxurious tent comes with air-conditioning, private plunge pools, and Wi-Fi, ensuring that you never have to compromise on modern amenities while enjoying the serenity of the African wilderness.

When you visit Atzaro Okavango Camp, you’ll immerse yourself in a uniquely curated safari experience while on game drives, walking safari, night drives and mokoro (canoe).

Day 11: Departure Day

Today we will transfer you via helicopter to the nearby airport in Maun, Botswana for flights home.

Accommodations

Linyanti Bush Camp

A life-changing wilderness experience awaits you at Linyanti Bush Camp. With just six luxury tents, Linyanti offers an intimate Chobe safari experience in a private concession on the border of Botswana’s iconic Chobe National Park. The Chobe Enclave teems with wildlife and is best known for its large herds of elephants and buffalo

Kwai Leadwood

Khwai Leadwood is set in a prime location along the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve – the Okavango Delta’s oldest protected region. The Experience is enveloped under a canopy of trees right next to the Khwai River, which acts as a natural boundary between the renowned reserve and the exclusive concession.

Khwai Leadwood offers six luxury tented suites, one family tented suite, and one luxury honeymoon tented suite, each with a private viewing deck for optimal views of the African bush. All suites are elegantly furnished with king-size beds, mosquito netting, and include indoor and outdoor showers, along with a fully stocked mini bar.

Atzaro Safari Lodge

Atzaro Okavango is a premier safari destination that offers sustainable luxury in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Surrounded by lush palm islands and vibrant delta vegetation, our eco-friendly oasis is nestled within the breath-taking landscape of this World Heritage wilderness.

Atzaro is powered entirely by solar energy, offering the perfect balance of sustainable living and opulent comfort. Indulge in our on-site wellness spa, maintain your fitness routine in our fully-equipped gym, or take a refreshing dip in our expansive 20m pool. Each luxurious tent comes with air-conditioning, private plunge pools, and Wi-Fi, ensuring that you never have to compromise on modern amenities while enjoying the serenity of the African wilderness.