A wonderful opportunity to join wildlife photographer Felix Rome on a hosted photographic safari to Botswana in January 2025. A rising star in the world of wildlife photography, Felix has spent a decade honing his skills in both Africa and British Colombia, Canada. A photography guide in the Masai Mara, in Kenya, Felix will offer photographic tuition throughout the safari.
Staying at two different camps for a total of seven nights and in two contrasting locations, Felix will be on hand throughout the safari to help you get the most out of your equipment and ensure you capture some incredible images. As well as assisting you with any questions you might have while you are in Botswana, Felix is including a one hour post trip digital session, to help enhance the images you have captured.
The Itinerary
Botswana is a rich and beautifully diverse country with amazing wildlife viewing throughout the year. Permanent land and water ensures that there is plenty of both, with wildlife having to move a minimal distance to access either. It is a country of huge contrasts, from the watery oasis of the Okavango Delta to the incredible expanses of the Makgadikgadi salt pan and Kalahari. With seven nights you will stay in two camps to experience two very different landscapes. The joy of being hosted by Felix is you will have the excellent resident guides from both camps as well as the photographic expertise from Felix.
Tau Pan
Your hosted safari starts in Maun where you will meet Felix. From here you will take a light aircraft flight into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, where you will spend three nights. You will encounter black-maned lions and desert adapted species such as the oryx and the rare brown hyena. Activities include game drives, day trips to the well-known Deception Valley, nature walks with Bushman trackers and stargazing. The landscapes are amazing – and open – and with a permanent water hole in front of camp, wildlife is often seen from the deck.
November to the end of March is when Botswana receives its annual rain, which usually arrives in the form of storms which last a couple of hours and clear the air. Wildlife viewing is still excellent, as is the birdlife with plenty of migratory birds to be seen. This area is transformed into a flourishing paradise, with the rain filling up seasonal waterholes and pans. Due to this lush vegetation and plentiful water supply, herds of antelope are attracted to the area, which in turn attracts the predators.
Splash Camp
After three nights at Tau Pan a light aircraft flight will take you into the heart of the Okavango Delta for four nights in this watery wonderland. Splash Camp is located on the vast Private Kwara Reserve with contains both permanent and seasonal floodplains, water channels and open savannah. As a result this reserve is rich in wildlife with all the key species including elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and plenty of plains game. The birdlife is prolific with the combination of land and water habitats making it ideal for many varied species.
Although hosted by Felix throughout, all activities are led by expert guides and you will have the opportunity to take game drives to see the wildlife at close quarters. Boat trips, walking safaris and mokoro trips all offer a different perspective on the landscape and fishing (seasonal) is available for those who wish to test their skills.
More about Felix
As a professional photographer, Felix has travelled widely including to Zambia, Botswana and Namibia in Africa. As a photographic guide in both the Masai Mara, Kenya, and British Columbia, Canada he has helped all of his guests learn how to use their cameras, allowing them to capture wildlife moments with confidence. Felix loves leading hosted trips and imparting his knowledge. His enthusiasm for both the areas in which he works and his craft is infectious.
Felix strives to capture wildlife images that incorporate the landscape into the scene. Felix says, “I love showing where the animals live, without the landscape, the image could have been taken anywhere. The beauty of wildlife photography is where it takes you, not just the subject itself. Wild animals live in gorgeous locations and it would be a shame to not include it within the photo. This being said, sometimes getting up close and personal, capturing details and portraits, is also the way to go.”
No matter your ability, after a week with Felix in the field, you will be confident using your equipment and will return home with a collection of stunning images you never thought you could create. Felix makes you think about the image you want before diving into the technical side of things. He’ll help you understand what makes a good image so you can create a varied portfolio to show off the beauty of the subject and landscape you are immersed in.
Possible extensions
It would be very easy to add time to either the start or the end of this hosted trip. We could include additional safari areas in Botswana, or for those who would prefer some relaxation, Cape Town and the Winelands are at their best this time of year. With direct flights between the two areas, this is a very easy combination. Alternatively, cross the border and spend a few days at the Victoria Falls with all that it has to offer as well.
Please do contact us to discuss all the options.
Rates and dates
This hosted safari is taking place in January 2025, with arrival into Botswana scheduled for Saturday 11th January. Your scheduled trip with Felix will end on Saturday 18th January.
This safari includes all your internal flights in Botswana, accommodation on a full board basis to include all meals, local drinks, laundry and wildlife viewing activities in the company of expert guides. You will also be hosted by Felix throughout the trip, from your arrival into Maun. The trip starts at £6,560 per person, excluding international flights to and from Maun. (Please note, this cost is based on six people travelling with Felix and the trip requires a minimum of four people to travel. If fewer than six people travel costs may increase slightly).
If you would like to join this hosted safari or would like more information, please do get in touch to discuss your wishes. We would be delighted to help you.