Botswana – Journey Through the Okavango Delta: A Photo Safari Adventure with Daniel Bailey
Over a year ago, we began planning an ORYX photo safari to Botswana’s iconic Okavango Delta, renowned worldwide for its natural beauty, iconic wildlife, birdlife encounters, and pristine, untouched wilderness. Our goal was to experience the abundance of life, particularly focusing on elephants and lions. The Selinda and Duba Plains areas, famous for their large herds of elephants and impressive lions, promised us a unique opportunity to explore and capture the essence of this wilderness. With cameras in hand, we aimed to go beyond documentary shots and engage in creative storytelling, creating timeless images worthy of fine art.
Our adventure began with ORYX leader Dan Bailey and a longtime guest and friend traveling to Botswana. Here’s a glimpse of our journey. We departed from Cape Town to Maun and arrived in the late afternoon at the Selinda airstrip, where we would spend the next five days at Great Plains – Selinda Camp in the Selinda Reserve.
Selinda Spillway
Nestled in one of the most pristine wilderness areas left on the planet, the Selinda Reserve boasts a variety of habitats and wildlife, including elephants by the thousands, African wild dogs, and the renowned Selinda Lion Pride. The 130,000-hectare reserve offers a remote, authentic African experience, showcasing diverse species and rare animals.
The Selinda Spillway, a waterway primarily fed by the Okavango Delta, plays a crucial role in the region’s ecosystem. The area is known for some of the best wild dog sightings in Botswana, with local packs often denning in the reserve. Elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and numerous antelope species thrive here, with seasonal migrations influencing the wildlife population.
Selinda Camp reflects a blend of European, Mokololo, and Bayei cultures. The camp’s design honors the elements of water, air, earth, and fire, creating a serene and harmonious environment. The camp offers luxurious accommodations with expansive guest suites, private verandas, and outdoor seating. Guests can immerse themselves in the wilderness while enjoying modern comforts, such as private swimming pools and high-quality binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Experiences & Activities
Selinda Camp offers various activities designed to showcase the area’s rich wildlife. Safari drives, walking safaris, boating, tracking, and birdwatching provide unique opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitat. The camp’s custom-built Land Cruisers are equipped with features tailored to photographers, making it an ideal destination for capturing stunning wildlife moments.
Wildlife Sightings
Lions and Zebras:
On the first evening, the scene was set for dramatic wildlife action as a pride of ten lions hunted and successfully brought down a zebra. The spectacle offered stunning backlit photographic moments, with the lions silhouetted against the fading light as they feasted on their kill. The excitement intensified when a pack of African wild dogs arrived, their presence igniting a thrilling chase. The dynamic interaction between the predators made for an exhilarating and memorable experience, capturing the essence of nature’s untamed beauty.
Waterbuck Kill:
Cheetah and Leopard:
A rare and exciting sighting unfolded as a female cheetah was observed scanning the horizon with her keen eyes, a noteworthy encounter given their infrequent appearances in this area. Meanwhile, a young leopardess sought refuge from the midday heat, resting in the shade. Leopards, known for their elusive nature, proved to be a challenge to spot, but the search for one of Africa’s most striking big cats added a thrilling element to our stay.
Sable Antelope:
A rare and captivating sight unfolded as a large herd of sable antelope was spotted, their majestic forms moving gracefully across the landscape. This remarkable sighting coincided with the lion pride’s attempt at a hunt, adding a layer of dramatic tension to the scene. The presence of the sable antelope, with their impressive horns and striking appearance, made the moment all the more memorable, showcasing the intricate interactions between predator and prey in the wild.
African Wild Dogs:
Special moments were cherished with a pack of African wild dogs at their den, where their captivating behaviors unfolded. We observed them resting together, their close-knit social bonds evident as they playfully interacted and tenderly cared for their young puppies. The scene was a heartwarming display of the wild dogs’ affectionate and cooperative nature, offering an intimate glimpse into their family life and the vibrant dynamics of their denning behavior.
Elephants:
The Selinda Spillway offers a mesmerising spectacle of elephants, particularly during the dry season when herds gather along the water’s edge. We were treated to the heartwarming sight of numerous young calves, their playful antics contrasting beautifully with the serene landscape. These family groups, led by matriarchs, move gracefully through the floodplains, creating unforgettable memories as the calves learn to navigate their world under the protective watch of their elders. The abundance of life along the Spillway is a testament to Botswana’s thriving elephant population and the pristine wilderness that supports it.
Sunrises and Sunsets:
Sunrise and sunset at the Selinda Spillway are nothing short of magical, where the golden hues of the sky blend seamlessly with the vibrant landscape. As the first light of dawn breaks, lions emerge from the shadows, their majestic forms illuminated by the soft glow. Elephants, with their young calves in tow, make their way to the water’s edge, the calm waterways reflecting their silhouettes against a backdrop of towering palms. As evening falls, the setting sun casts a warm, amber light, turning the scene into a breathtaking panorama of wildlife and natural beauty.
Duba Plains
After an incredible stay at Selinda, we flew to Duba Plains Camp, a place that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Okavango Delta. Situated on a 33,000-hectare private reserve, Duba Plains is known for its extraordinary wildlife experiences. The camp’s design evokes the classic African safari style of the 1920s, blending seamlessly into the landscape.
Duba Plains offers a variety of accommodations, including bespoke suites with stunning views, luxurious baths, and environmentally friendly air-conditioning. The camp provides a comfortable and immersive experience, allowing guests to connect with nature.
Wildlife Viewing
Lions:
Notable sightings included a dramatic clash between two male lions and a lioness over a kudu kill, a fierce battle that left the air charged with tension. The lions’ powerful roars echoed through the camp, serving as a thrilling reminder of their dominance and presence in the area. Adding to the excitement, a new male lion, known as Silver Eye, was observed asserting himself, roaring boldly as he pushed the boundaries of his territory. These encounters provided an unforgettable glimpse into the raw and powerful dynamics of lion society.
The lion pride was a captivating sight as they demonstrated their hunting prowess, targeting warthogs and red lechwe with calculated precision. Throughout the day, we followed the pride, capturing their every movement—from stalking their prey through the open plains to posing regally atop termite mounds, surveying their territory with a commanding presence. Resting along the waterways, the lions showcased their beauty and strength against the stunning landscape. To make the most of these photographic opportunities, we enjoyed a bush lunch in their company, immersing ourselves fully in the raw, untamed splendor of the African wilderness.
In the golden light of the evening, a lioness tenderly plays and grooms her three young cubs, each interaction filled with love and care. The cubs, with their soft fur glowing in the warm sunlight, tumble over each other, their playful energy a charming contrast to their mother’s calm demeanor. As she licks and nuzzles them, the bond between them is evident, a beautiful scene of maternal devotion set against the backdrop of the African wilderness, bathed in the soft, golden hues of the fading day.
Side Stripe Jackals:
Side-striped jackals were spotted feeding on the remains of a red lechwe, their sharp instincts and opportunistic nature on full display. The scene quickly turned tense as pairs of jackals disputed over the carcass, chasing each other off in a series of swift, aggressive encounters. This intense competition added a dynamic layer to the sighting, highlighting the harsh realities of survival in the wild.
Adventurous Drives:
Adventurous drives through the Duba Plains were a thrilling experience, as we navigated the water channels in sturdy Land Cruisers. The excitement peaked when water surged over the bonnet, creating an exhilarating challenge that brought us closer to the wild essence of Botswana. Each crossing was a test of both vehicle and driver, adding a pulse of adventure to our journey through this breathtaking wilderness.
Birding:
Birding at Duba Plains was a delight for enthusiasts, with the area’s rich birdlife offering numerous memorable sightings. Among the highlights were open-billed storks and yellow-billed storks, their distinctive beaks and elegant forms making for captivating subjects. The powerful fish eagles, with their iconic calls, added to the scene’s drama, while the rare Lesser Jacana, a prized sighting, brought a sense of discovery to the experience. The diversity and abundance of birdlife at Duba Plains made it a truly rewarding destination for bird watchers.
Rhinos:
We were fortunate to observe several white rhinos, including a mother with her one-month-old calf—a heartwarming scene that symbolized nature’s resilience. The sight of the tiny calf sticking close to its protective mother was both touching and hopeful. The successful relocation of 12 rhinos to the island has led to a remarkable conservation success, with the population now having tripled. This achievement stands as a testament to ongoing efforts to protect and nurture these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
A breathtaking helicopter ride over the Delta offered a bird’s-eye view of the landscape, wildlife, and the intricate waterways. The late evening flight during the golden hour before sunset revealed the water channels, islands formed by termite mounds, and wildlife including elephants, lechwe, giraffes, hippos, and a surprise encounter with a pack of African wild dogs on the hunt. The view from above, like that of an eagle soaring high, was truly spectacular.
Our journey was not just about photography and wildlife viewing. It also highlighted the critical conservation work being done by Great Plains Conservation and the Great Plains Foundation. These organizations are dedicated to conserving and expanding natural habitats, protecting wildlife, and benefiting local communities. A Conservation and Community Levy included in guests’ stays contributes to these efforts, ensuring that travelers help protect Africa’s wild spaces.
Our Botswana safari was an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Whether you’re a passionate wildlife enthusiast or an avid photographer, the Okavango Delta offers a safari experience like no other.
For more information on joining a photo tour with Daniel Bailey or customizing your own private tour, visit ORYX Photo Tours.
