Africa is one of the most desirable photographic destinations in the world, and for many it is the trip of a lifetime. To that end we offer the Ultimate African Adventure. This itinerary has been meticulously planned to maximize your photographic opportunities and offer the most diverse subject matter possible. We have seamlessly blended two exceptional destinations, the wildlife rich waters of Botswana’s Chobe River together with the majestic, sweeping landscapes of Namibia. No African adventure would be complete without visiting Victoria Falls, so as a bonus we’ve included an overnight stay at the best safari lodge in Zimbabwe. Here you’ll experience one of the seven wonders of the world for yourself, hear thunderous roar of the falls and photograph Southern Africa’s most iconic attraction.
The Chobe River provides the largest concentration of wildlife in Africa, and as such is one of the best locations in the world for wildlife photography. As the third largest national park in Africa the Chobe will allow you experience and photograph the very best that the continent has to offer. The guides we partnered with for this leg of the trip were the first to offer water based safaris on the Chobe, boasting over 100 combined years of knowledge. The wildlife and birds are far more tolerant of boats than they are of vehicles and present a front row seat to the action. Our group will be escorted onto the water in a private, flat bed boat, designed specifically for wildlife photography. Custom-built photographic chairs provide exceptional comfort while on the water and enable you to swivel 360 degrees to capture the action wherever it is happening. The ability to maneuver the boat to the best possible angle allows us to effectively manage the nuances of the African sunlight. Photographing from the water not only offers a dust free environment, but also provides an eye-level perspective for capturing wildlife and bird behavior in a way that simply cannot be achieved on land. Forget about the hassle of transporting your large telephoto lens to Africa, we’ll provide all participants use of professional equipment on the safari. This will include a full-frame Nikon DSLR and 600mm, f/4.0 lens.
Namibia naturally brings out the creative photographer in all of us. Leading lines, shapes, colors, textures all make up the surreal landscape that is accented by ancient trees. The Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world, characterized by huge dunes and flat valley floors. Magnificent views of the iconic dunes surrounding us with mountains and vast open plains will be the setting during our stay here. Ample time will be dedicated to capturing the beautiful scenery of Sossusvlei. We will also photograph the sparsely distributed, desert-adapted wildlife species such as Oryx, Gemsbok, Springbok, Spotted and Brown Hyaena, Bat-eared Fox and even Ostrich. The Dune Lark is one of the many fascinating bird species in the region and is only found in this part of the world. After the safari you’ll arrive home with amazing memories of wonderful experiences, along with a substantial library of professionally edited images to add to your portfolio.
View a gallery of images from our recent 2016 Botswana Safari here.
REGISTER
Payment of deposit constitutes registration for this Safari.
ITINERARY | May 31 - June 13, 2026
* In order to provide participants with the best photographic opportunities the itinerary is subject to change based on weather, lighting and other variables.
DAY 1: May 31st, 2017
Welcome after arrival into Namibia’s Windhoek International Airport. Guests will rest and relax for the remainder of the day and prepare for departure the following morning.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Klein Windhoek Guesthouse
Days 2 - 6: June 1st - June 5th, 2017
Day two begins with our early morning departure out of Windhoek where we will take a road transfer in 4×4 vehicles to Sossusvlei. Our safari starts surrounded by some of the most photogenic landscapes on the African continent. The Namib Desert is oldest desert on earth, and indeed seems to transcend time. Our destination is the Sossus Dune Lodge where you will enjoy your beautiful accommodations. This is an eco-friendly lodge that echoes the Ovambo traditional homesteads as found in the northern parts of Namibia. Following our arrival we’ll get settled in our rooms and enjoy our first afternoon photography session. We will continue to photograph the magnificent scenery here twice daily during this portion of our safari. Nathaniel will be available each day for file downloading, image reviews and editing sessions. On the morning of June 5th we will enjoy our morning breakfast at the lodge and then road transfer in 4×4 vehicles back to Windhoek International Airport. From Windhoek we will continue on with a second flight directly into Botswana’s Kasane Airport.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Sossus Dune Lodge
Days 6 - 12: June 6th - June 12th, 2017
We will spend the middle portion of our adventure on the world renown Chobe River photographing one of the largest concentrations of African wildlife. We’ll stay in the beautiful, newly constructed Chobe Bush Lodge. and enjoy photography sessions on the river twice a day on our own private boat, custom built to optimize your photographic results. Nathaniel will be available each day for file downloading, image reviews and editing sessions.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Chobe Bush Lodge
Day 13: June 12th - June 13th, 2017
On the morning of June 13th we will have breakfast at Chobe Bush Lodge before taking a one and a half hour road transfer to Victoria Falls. Here you will have a front row seat to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Guests will have the opportunity to pay and book their own private helicopter flight over the falls if they so chose. We will stay at the luxuriously appointed Victoria Falls Safari Lodge that evening, the perfect conclusion to a magical African adventure.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Day 14: June 14th, 2017
Following a delicious breakfast at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, we will say our goodbyes before transferring to Victoria Falls International Airport. From there a charter flight will return all guests to Windhoek International Airport. Participants will then catch their international flights home or continue on to the next destination in their travels. Bon Voyage!
HIGHLIGHTS
• Three iconic and world class destinations combined into one very exceptional Safari.
• Namibia is considered one of the most attractive destinations for landscape photography on the African continent.
• The Chobe River is arguably the most productive destination in the world for wildlife photography.
• Luxurious accommodations in beautiful lodges for duration of the Safari.
• Private, custom built photo safari boat designed for your comfort and with photographic efficiency in mind.
• Optional use of complimentary, pro equipment for Chobe River portion, including a full- frame Nikon DSLR and 600mm, f/4.0 lens
• Premiere drivers and guides for the duration of the Safari.
• Itinerary that’s structured to maximize photographic opportunities and limit time wasted with travel and transfers.
PAYMENTS
• USD $1,500 (USD) non-refundable deposit to confirm your place on this safari
• Second payment of $4,000 (USD) is due January 1st, 2017
• Final payment/Balance of $3,495 is due April 1st, 2017
• We highly recommend trip and cancellation insurance.
MORE INFO
* Participants must arrive in Windhoek, Namibia prior to 11:59pm on May 31st, 2017!
Traveling in remote locations can present challenges that may require slight changes to the itinerary. We will always try to run the tour as the initial itinerary. In the event, beyond our control, such as political unrest, natural disasters, overbookings by the lodge, where a change is required, we will do our best to keep you close to the original shooting location. It is our intention for you to have the best possible experience. We will try to notify you of any changes as soon as we are made aware of them. If, however these changes cause an increase to the price, the increase will be passed onto the participant.
† All participants are required to sign a standard medical and waiver of liability form. Every effort is made to keep participants safe during all stages of the safari, but each person is solely responsible for avoiding personal injury or damaging their equipment during the safari.
Private, customized photo safari boat while on the Chobe River.
WHERE - BOTSWANA • NAMIBIA • VICTORIA FALLS
SAFARI LEADER - NATHANIEL SMALLEY
SAFARI SIZE - Min 3 / Max 6 Participants - ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT!
RESERVATION DEPOSIT - $1,500
TOTAL COST FOR SAFARI - $8,995 *Pricing based on double occupancy.
(Complete single room supplement throughout Safari is an additional $1,200 if available.)
INCLUDED
1. Pick up in Windhoek, Namibia and hotel transfer from airport
2. ALL transportation throughout the safari (Both air and ground)
3. 14 Day / 13 Night photo safari with luxury accommodations
4. All meals included - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Refreshments and water provided while in the field shooting
6. All National Parks fees, Game Reserves entrance fees, and taxes
7. Use of complimentary, pro gear for Chobe River portion, including a full- frame Nikon DSLR and 600mm, f/4.0 lens
8. Pro photographer mentoring by Nathaniel Smalley
9. Daily editing sessions with Nathaniel
10. Lightroom and Photoshop workflow with Nathaniel
11. Image reviews and critique with Nathaniel
12. Return to Windhoek at end of Safari
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EXCLUDED
1. International flights to and from Africa
2. Travel, evacuation or other associated insurance
3. Visas and passport fees (where applicable in preparation for your travel)
4. Alcoholic beverages
5. Gratuities for the guides, staff at accommodations, and airport transfers
6. Optional activities such as Victoria Falls helicopter flights or boat rides etc.
7. Personal expenses (i.e. souvenirs, liquor, telephone calls, internet, laundry etc.)
8. Single room supplement for duration of the Safari
9. Pre and post-safari tours or activities, accommodations or meals before or after the safari
10. PayPal Fees
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WHAT TO BRING
1. DSLR camera with manual mode capability
2. Camera lenses of your choice
3. Cable release or remote control for your camera (Mirror Up and Exposure Delay will also work)
4. Lens filters of your choice (ND, CPL, GRAD, etc.)
5. Extra batteries for your camera & charger
6. Sturdy tripod and Ball Head
7. Warm and cool weather clothes (Temps will average 40°f in the early morning and 90°f at mid-day)
8. Sturdy Hiking Boots (Ankle high recommended for shooting in Namibia’s Sand Dunes)
9. Headlamp with extra batteries
10. Laptop with latest version of Lightroom and/or Photoshop
11. Sunscreen
12. A great attitude!
DIFFICULTY
This is an outdoor nature photography tour, so being fit and in good health will allow you to enjoy the safari more comfortably. However, our planned activities should be within the ability of most people in moderate to good shape. Conditions can be cool in the evening and hot at mid-day, so please pack appropriate clothing for both conditions. Temps will average 40°f in the early morning and 90°f at mid-day.
† All participants are required to sign a standard medical and waiver of liability form. Every effort is made to keep participants safe during all stages of the tour, but each person is solely responsible for avoiding personal injury or damaging their equipment during the tour.
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CANCELATION
A nonrefundable deposit of $1500 is due at the time of registration to secure your spot for this Safari. You may purchase travel insurance that will refund your deposit should you have to cancel your trip. The full balance is due no later than 60 days prior to the beginning of the Safari’s start date. Full refund minus the $1500 initial deposit is available if you cancel more than 60 days before the Safari starts. Under 60 days and you will only receive a refund if we fill your spot based on the schedule outlined below.
60 days or more from the start date of the Safari: Full refund minus $1,500 initial deposit.
45 days: 75% Refund
30 days: 50% Refund
Less than 30 days: No refund
You will be promptly notified and provided a full refund should the tour be cancelled by the operator. At his discretion Nathaniel will lead the Safari even if it does not meet the minimum number of participants required to depart.
Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made and be processed within 72 hours of the time that the request is approved.
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TESTIMONIALS
• Under Construction
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WHY TRAVEL WITH NATURE ODYSSEY WORLDWIDE TOURS?
We recognize that when planning your international travel for photography that there are many options available to you. To that end we’d like to share what we believe sets us apart from the crowd. Our events are organized with nature photography in mind and catered to you, our guests. We provide superior nature photography workshops, tours and safaris for every skill level, to every corner of the world. We strive to incorporate a diverse cultural experience for all our clients, specific to each destination. Extra care is invested into all stages of planning the itinerary to ensure an experience that is second to none. Every effort is made to plan exceptional meals and reserve accommodations you’ll be excited to return to after a long day in the field.
A lot more goes into properly planning a photo tour or safari than meets the eye. For example, if you’re shooting the Northern Lights in Norway, you have to plan the itinerary according to rhythm of the tides, because a full moon will ruin the vibrance of the Aurora Borealis. Likewise if you’re photographing a splashing Hippo calf on the Chobe River at dawn, your ideal camera settings might not be what you think. These days the number of Iceland summer photo tours options are as numerous as the horse population in that beautiful country. However, what many of these companies don’t realize is that under the midnight sun the best photography happens just before and just after midnight. If you visit Iceland and are shooting at mid-day, in full sun, then you are missing out on the best opportunities. This kind of information is what distinguish the very best photo tour operators from the rest, and ensures you get the very best images possible during your trip.
If you are traveling with Nature Odyssey Worldwide you don’t have to worry about it, we excel in our knowledge of these critical details. Our promise to you is that we will meticulously attend to everything that concerns an international traveler, as well as the more subtle requirements of a nature photographer. Our all-inclusive packages take the worry and hassle out of your international travel plans. All tours and safaris are planned to flow seamlessly, limiting time lost in travel or transfers and maximizing every photographic opportunity. Itineraries are intentionally flexible so that we can take advantage of unplanned photographic opportunities as they arise. Expert pro photographers that guide you on our trips aren’t just along for the ride. Regardless of your skill level we’re at your side every step and during each waking hour with the sole focus of maximizing your results and ensuring a magical experience. You’ll be provided professional advice both in the field and the digital darkroom, resulting in a stunning portfolio upon completion of your trip with us.
Together we’ll capture the world. Where do you want to go?
Still have questions? Inquire via the Contact Page