There is something extraordinary about experiencing Africa at eye level, when the distance between photographer and subject seems to disappear. On the Chobe River, that perspective comes from the water, drifting quietly beside elephants as they drink, swim, and play, or finding yourself almost eye to eye with hippos and an astonishing variety of birdlife. At Mashatu, the experience shifts from water to land, where specially designed photographic hides place you at ground level as wildlife approaches within meters. Two very different environments, two completely different ways of photographing, connected by the intimacy of seeing Africa’s wildlife from a perspective few traditional safaris can offer.
THE CHOBE RIVER is one of the most incredible wildlife experiences offered on the continent, where animals congregate along the river to drink and feed on the lush greenery. The custom photo boats we will use have a shallow draught, allowing us to access shallow water and make near-silent, drifting approaches to our subjects, giving us eye-level perspectives that are much harder to achieve on land. Don’t be surprised when you are face-to-face with battling hippos and elephants swimming!
Elephants will not only come to drink from the river but will also swim across it; if we are lucky, they will stop in the middle to play, which is an unbelievable sight. This is also a birder’s paradise with a wide variety of species, including African fish eagles, colorful Malachite Kingfishers, the largest heron in the world – the Goliath, skimmers, kingfishers, and colorful bee-eaters. With our custom photo boats, these birds are more approachable on the Chobe River than anywhere else in Africa.
MASHATU offers an entirely different way to come face-to-face with Africa. Set within a vast private wilderness of ancient riverbeds, open plains, rocky outcrops, and magnificent baobabs, it is a landscape renowned for elephants, leopards, lions, and exceptional predator encounters. Its photographic hides place you at ground level, where wildlife can approach within meters, and every ripple, reflection, and interaction unfolds directly in front of you. Beyond the hides, off-road game drives let you follow the action and work with changing light and backgrounds, while twilight drives extend the experience beyond sunset, using spotlights to explore the mysterious transition into Africa after dark.
Itinerary
ITINERARY
Air travel delays can happen, so we recommend arriving a day early if possible. This helps ensure you don’t miss any part of the experience and allows time to rest before the adventure begins. Our team would be happy to assist with any pre-tour extensions for a seamless trip.
Day 1: September 24, 2028
Upon arrival at the international airport in Kasane, Botswana, you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to our boutique hotel. Official check-in time is 1400 hrs. If you arrive early, please contact us about pre-tour arrangements.
Afternoon photo boat on the Chobe River
Day 2: September 25, 2028
After our morning photo boat on the Chobe River, we will transfer to our exclusive houseboat.
Afternoon photo boat on the Chobe River
Day 3 & 4: September 26 & 27, 2028
Morning and afternoon photo boat on the Chobe River
Day 5: September 28, 2028
After our morning photo boat on the Chobe River, we will transfer to the airport and our charter flight to Mashatu
Afternoon and evening game drive
Day 6 – 7: September 29 & 30, 2028
Morning hide session and afternoon/evening game drive
Day 8: October 1, 2028
Morning game drive.
After breakfast, we will transfer to our next camp.
Afternoon/evening game drive or night hide
Day 9 -11: October 2 -4, 2028
Morning and afternoon game drive or night hide
Day 12: October 5, 2028
Morning game drive or hide.
After breakfast, we will board our charter back to Kasane, arriving in time to catch the 2:00 PM flight to Johannesburg.
Important Details
The Price – EYE to EYE Chobe River and Mashatu
The price of this safari is $20,495.00 based on shared accommodations.
A single supplement is $4,895.00 if available. SINGLE ACCOMMODATIONS LIMITED TO 3. We will honor single accommodations as requested, in the order registrations are received.
Due to the limited number of spaces available, if a solo guest is willing to share and we can match them with another guest of the same gender, we will do so. If we cannot match a solo guest with another guest of the same gender, we will charge a single supplement.
A USD $7,000.00 Non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration to secure your spot. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover your investment. Many travel insurance companies will allow you to buy insurance to cover your deposit and increase the amount as you make payments.
Conditions
*** The cost of this safari is based on a minimum of 7 participants. Due to the charter flights, if there are fewer than 6 participants, a fee of $2,495.00 will apply.
Payment Terms
- USD 7,000.00 non-refundable deposit for shared accommodation
- USD 9,500.00 non-refundable deposit for single accommodation
- 2nd payment of USD 8,000.00 + single supplement balance (if applicable) is due June 1, 2027
- The final payment/balance is due May 1, 2028
- We highly recommend trip and cancellation insurance to protect YOUR investment.
Price Includes:
- Two charter flights with extra weight allowance – 35kg/77lbs
- Transfers on the day of Arrival
- Accommodations on a shared basis
- All meals, starting with dinner on September 24, up to breakfast on October 05
- Local beers, spirits, soft drinks, house wines and laundry included at lodges and camps
- Bottled water on all game drives
- 2 Private safari vehicles
- Exclusive hide sessions at Mashatu
- All National Park fees, Game Reserves entrance fees, and taxes
- Experienced safari agent to help you with pre- or post-safari extension.
What’s Not Included:
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Personal purchases (such as curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls, internet, laundry…)
- Gratuities for the guides, staff at accommodations, and airport transfers ($30 -$40 per day)
- Pre- and post-safari tours
- Meals and accommodations before or after the safari
- International flights to and from the African continent
REGISTRATION AND DEPOSIT
If you are excited to elevate your photography, now is the time to secure your spot. Use the buttons below to fill out your online e-registration form and to make your deposit. We must receive your completed registration form and deposit/s to confirm your spot.
Registration form –
Please complete all the required fields. At the end of the form, you will be asked to confirm your email address, completing the registration. A copy of your registration will be emailed to you and Piper Mackay Photo Safaris.
Deposit–
Click the deposit button under the registration button to make your deposit. You do not need a PayPal account to use this payment service. You may make more than one deposit at a time by changing the quantity in the purchase details that appear when you click the deposit button.
