Botswana - Duba Plains & Zarafa Signature Photo Safari 2021
PHOTOGRAPHIC TOPICS COVERED
Equipment setup – camera body, lenses, flashes, tripods etc Discussing envisaged photographic subjects and how to photograph them Learning to use light Composition – classic rule of thirds, and when to break the rules Story telling with you images – what are you wanting to portray and what message does your photograph deliver Processing of images
ORYX Photo Tours is proud to present our Duba Plains And Zarafa Photo Safari, which takes us to two spectacular and exclusive wildlife areas in the famed Okavango Delta. The Duba Plains Camp is a private 77,000-acre reserve just to the north of Moremi Game Reserve. Complemented by permanent channels and a number of larger wooded islands, a diverse array of wildlife is guaranteed, affording some spectacular photographic opportunities. This camp prides itself as a ‘home away from home’, with all the touches of personal service and guaranteeing a superb safari experience. Zarafa overlooks the floodplains of the southern shores of the Zibadianja Lagoon, which is the source of the Savute Channel. Positioned in the extreme eastern side of the Selinda Reserve, its location is in prime wildlife territory. It embodies authenticity, luxury and simplicity to create a camp that has been clearly considered, and thoughtfully planned to be as environmentally sensitive as possible. It is the culmination of years of safari experience.
Why this Photo Safari is for You
DESTINATION ALLURE
The Okavango Delta has long been sought after by travellers, photographers and videographers alike for many years due to wild raw, wild beauty and incredible wildlife experiences that are hard to match. A montage of wetland, savanna, woodland and water, the diversity in habituate and wildlife is truly breathtaking.
WILDLIFE
Selinda Reserve (Zarafa Camp) is known for a few ‘specials’. African Wild Dogs have denned near camp for the last three seasons, and given this species’ plight, it is a true blessing to have fairly common sightings. The area is also good for Lion, and the more open plains dotted throughout the Reserve provide ideal habitat for Cheetah. Denser areas are home to one of Botswana’s most sought-after residents, the Leopard, a few residents of which often come through camp on their nightly prowls! Duba Plains is famous for its large Elephant herds, and in addition, is excellent for a variety of game including the wetland-loving Red Lechwe, Impala, Kudu and the fleet-of-foot Tsessebe!
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
Duba Plains offers an idyllic all-round Okavango experience, which is inaccessible for most of the year by any means other than aircraft. It is this remoteness that solidifies Duba Plains as the soul of ‘wild Africa’! As for Zarafa, it is synonymous with exclusivity and perfection. The spirit behind Zarafa comes from acclaimed wildlife photographers and filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, who together designed Zarafa to incorporate all the components of what they envisioned as the ‘perfect’ safari camp.
SMALL GROUP SIZE
Travel to this beautiful location with like-minded individuals and share your photographic bucket list together.
Guided Experience
Local knowledge of the region and its inhabitants is key to crafting the ultimate photography tour experience. Combined with the photographic expertise of your ORYX Photo Tour Leader, and you are in for an adventure that will further fuel your excitement for photography and the destination.
10 Days
Guests +1 ORYX Leaders
Signature Wildlife
- Destination:
Botswana
- Departure:
- Person Sharing:
USD 0
- Single Supplement:
USD 0
- Photographic Highlights:
- Guide:
Marius Coetzee
- Tour Price(Per Person):
USD0
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Day 1: Arrival Johannesburg
After arrival at OR Tambo International Airport you will be met by an ORYX representative who will assist you through passport control, baggage collection and escort you to your transfer vehicle for your 2-night stay at the Saxon Hotel, Johannesburg.
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Day 2: Johannesburg
The Saxon is an exclusive private retreat. The entrance exudes an air of quiet majesty with its sweeping feature staircase and spectacular chandelier. Looking towards the Oprah Lounge, Piano Lounge, Cigar Lounge and Saxon Qunu Grill, the neutral shades of the interior reflect the tones and textures of Africa. The central point of the Saxon is the impressive infinity pool. The pool terrace is the ideal relaxation area for spending leisure time, taking in the superb sunset views and admiring the well-stocked Koi pond. The extraordinary attention to detail and emphasis on seamless planning and implementation makes the Saxon a sought-after venue for business meetings and celebratory occasions. The stunning and well-appointed room means that you are assured of the most luxurious elegance that leaves nothing to be desired. The Saxon Spa and Studio is a tranquil retreat where you are invited to spoil yourself with a personal rejuvenating experience to soothe your soul, calm your senses and realign your body into perfect harmony with nature. Here the Saxon takes a unique, holistic approach, focusing on you as an individual. There is also the well-equipped 24-hour Fitness Centre and gymnasium with a personal trainer available on request. The Saxon is dedicated to excellence, and has received a long list of awards over the last few years.
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Day 3: PC12 Charter Flight from Johannesburg to the Okavango Delta via Maun
At a time to be advised we will fly from Lanseria Airport, Johannesburg on PC12 Charter to the safari capital of Botswana, Maun. After clearing passport control and customs, we will wing our way to the world famous Okavango Delta. Your home for the next 3-nights will be the fabulous Duba Plains Camp. The Duba Plains Camp is a private 77,000-acre reserve located in Botswana's famed Okavango Delta just to the north of Moremi Game Reserve. Inaccessible for most of the year by any means other than aircraft, it is this remoteness that solidifies Duba Plains as the soul of ‘wild Africa’! Duba offers an idyllic all-round Okavango experience, with vast, seasonally inundated floodplains that are home to huge herds of Cape Buffalo, which in turn make for one of the undisputed highlights of the area – their interaction with Lion. Complemented by permanent channels and a number of larger wooded islands, a diverse array of wildlife is guaranteed, affording some spectacular photographic opportunities. This camp prides itself as a ‘home away from home’, with all the touches of personal service and guaranteeing a superb safari experience. After arriving at Duba’s airstrip, you will be escorted to the camp (usually 7 minutes’ drive away, depending on sightings!), before offloading luggage and freshening up in anticipation of the afternoon game drive.
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Day 4 & 5: Okavango Delta
This is “home” for Great Plains Conservation co-founders, and National Geographic Explorers in Residence, Dereck and Beverly Joubert and the remarkable, ever-present lions whose story they have so wonderfully documented over the years. This is where they filmed the remarkable documentary, “Relentless Enemies”, which showcased Duba’s Lions’ pursuit of their Cape Buffalo prey. Whilst the hunting of large prey by lions here is legendary, please note that it is never guaranteed. The Lions, renowned for their pursuits of the Buffalo herds, are a formidable force. It’s a perfect recipe: the open plains’ nutritious grasses, coupled with the Okavango Delta’s clean, clear waters, combine to create the perfect habitat for Cape Buffalo; and, where such herds abound, the Lions are never far behind. Contrary to typical behaviour, the Duba lions are most often active during the day, with many of their famous buffalo hunts occurring in broad daylight. Duba Plains is also famous for its large Elephant herds, and in addition, is excellent for a variety of game including the wetland-loving Red Lechwe, Impala, Kudu and the fleet-of-foot Tsessebe. Leopard are often seen, and bird life is fantastic, with many Okavango specials and migrants present. Some days we will spend hours with a single pride of lions, watching the tiny cubs playing with their mother, aunts and siblings; other days we may roam the plains absorbing the splendour of a large herd of Red Lechwe running through the channels, or perhaps photographing the area's fantastic birdlife, including the rare Slaty Egret and regal Wattled Crane.
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Days 6: Helicopter flight Okavango Delta to Selinda Reserve
After a morning game drive and breakfast, and at a time to be advised we will chopper onward to your isolated lodge in the 320,000 acre Selinda Reserve (flight time approximately 25 minutes). Zarafa is synonymous with exclusivity and perfection! The spirit behind Zarafa comes from acclaimed wildlife photographers and filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, who together designed Zarafa to incorporate all the components of what they envisioned as the ‘perfect’ safari camp.
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Day 7 to 9: Selinda Reserve
Previously known as Zibadianja Camp and later re-named Zarafa, this camps beautiful design, ‘green’ construction and spectacular location made it an immediate recipient of numerous accolades. Zarafa overlooks the floodplains of southern shores of the Zibadianja Lagoon, which is the source of the Savute Channel. Positioned in the extreme eastern side of the Selinda Reserve, its location is in prime wildlife territory. It embodies authenticity, luxury and simplicity to create a camp that has been clearly considered, and thoughtfully planned to be as environmentally sensitive as possible. It is the culmination of years of safari experience. There are few places in northern Botswana as dynamic as the Selinda Reserve, which is cantered on the famous Selinda Spillway, which weaves its way east, linking the far reaches of the Okavango Delta in the south with the Linyanti water systems in the east. The Selinda Reserve is west (upstream) from Savute Channel and Chobe, so it has all the advantages of both of those famous areas but with the tremendous advantage of exclusivity. It is a truly spectacular and unique landscape! Large numbers of Elephant can be found in the area, and their antics are a joy to watch and photograph, especially when they are frolicking in the Lagoon and Spillway. As is expected in a reserve of this size, wildlife varies from area to area in response to changes in vegetation and hydrology. Impala graze through camp, and due to its location close to Zibadianja Lagoon, Zarafa has impressive pods of Hippo, while Red Lechwe often litter the floodplain in front of camp with the ever-present saurian the Nile crocodile also commonly seen. Water birds abound with frequent sightings of the amusing Black and Slaty egrets and stately Saddle-billed Stork. Pied Kingfishers dive for small fish while African Fish Eagles call in the distance. Selinda Reserve is known for a few ‘specials’. African Wild Dogs have denned near camp for the last three seasons. Given this species’ plight, it is a true blessing to have fairly common sightings. The area is also good for Lion, while the open plains dotted throughout the Reserve provide ideal habitat for Cheetah. Denser areas are home to one of Botswana’s most sought-after residents, the Leopard, a few residents of which often come through camp on their nightly prowls. Other common species include Cape Buffalo often in large herds, Giraffe, Common Reedbuck, Plains Zebra, Wildebeest, Spotted Hyena, and a variety of antelope including Red Lechwe and Roan.
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Day 10: Fly Zarafa to Johannesburg via Maun.
After a final morning game drive and another scrumptious breakfast, we will PC 12 charter flight to Johannesburg, where this incredible Botswana journey sadly comes to an end.
The photo safari organised by ORYX to Mashatu, Botswana, included a scheduled tour with Mike Dexter and a private extension. Mike is an excellent wildlife photographer with significant experience in wildlife behaviour. He always pointed out photo composition opportunities and camera settings at every sighting, which made it so easy to get great photos. He shared his photographs back at the camp, and how he edited them in Lightroom; these opened me to possibilities to consider on the next drive or hide session. The hide sessions were exceptional with huge herds of elephants, the giraffes, elands, impalas, warthogs, squirrels and several birds. Mike, having originally built the Mashatu hide, again pointed out compositions as they unfolded. It was an exceptional photo trip with several great images to show. It was a tour that was originally booked pre-Covid, but organised very well and with great communication through-out, thanks to Nicolette. It was a trip I wish never ended because of Mike and Nicolette's fantastic support to making this so good in terms of overall experience and the great photos they helped me get.
We were lucky enough to have Mike Dexter as a guide during our recent photo tour to Mashatu. During the five days we were with Mike he shared his great knowledge of animal behaviour and the environment. It was a pleasure to work with someone who understands photographers and who instinctively knows the best place to position the vehicle. He was incredibly patient and was never in a rush to move on or to take his own photographs even when there were incredible sightings. Mike was very generous with his knowledge and if you had a query on anything that he was unsure of, he made sure he found the answer. For us Mike is the best guide we have encountered in several trips to Africa. Knowledgeable, interesting and a really nice guy to spend hours with. Barry and I would have no hesitation in recommending Mike for any guiding experiences.
This was an amazing experience from start to finish. Mike provided some vital guidance prior to our trip, assisting me in buying the right equipment and correct setting for our first photographic safari. Mike is an excellent wildlife photographer, working well with the guides to ensure we had the best spot for photographs. Not only did we return with some amazing pictures we also learnt a lot about safari photography and post-processing in lightroom. I can’t recommend Mike highly enough!
This was my second private trip with ORYX Photo Tours, combined with my 6th ORYX photo safari group tour. I have two additional ORYX group tours on the horizon. The private trips allow significantly more individual instruction, both in photography and the digital darkroom. In addition, the daily itinerary is totally up to you. Penny Robartes was an exceptional tour leader who constantly gave me invaluable advice on camera settings, animal behavior, composition, and Lightroom processing. While I was very happy with my images and instruction from the group part of the tour, the private tour was a step or two up in quality. I plan to do more private photo tours in the future. I can't say enough about my experiences with Penny, Dale, and Marius. I can't imagine traveling with anyone else.
I had the pleasure of meeting Nicolette for lunch prior to my tour. She has been so helpful over the years answering my many questions and making sure everything was arranged.
Our Botswana photo safari to Savute and Khwai went smoothly and without any problems. Our tour leader did a great job helping us with our photographic needs and offered assistance as well. Penny Robartes is very professional, cheerful and a pleasure to have as a tour leader. The camps were very nice, the staff in the camps were delightful and our drivers/guides were very accommodating. Overall, my experience with ORYX Photo Tours was positive.
This was our third photo safari with ORYX Photo Tours and we have a fourth one booked. The itineraries have been spot-on and the guide quality superb. The groups are small so there's plenty of opportunity for one-on-one feedback and help. The office staff are thoughtful and detail-oriented. This was also our first time traveling with Penny and she was a great tour leader!
Amazing tour with ORYX Photo Tours. Extremely talented and knowledgeable guide, Penny Robartes made this, Mashatu Photo tour, a extremely memorable experience. I spent a week at Mashatu Main Lodge in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve. The small group size, 2 guest to 1 guide, allowed the able to communicate constantly with my guide, Penny, not only gave technical advice but the reasons why certain settings were used along with advice on composition, night photography, etc. Penny was knowledgeable, easy to understand and a joy to be around. You can see how much she loves her job. She took the time between game drives to review my photos and give advice on composition and cropping. On the evening of the 4th day, I injured myself at the lodge and the staff there, as well as Penny and the team at ORYX, took care to make sure that I had the best medical care possible. I was able to get sutured and back on a game drive the following day. Thank you to ORYX Photo Tours for this amazing experience. I will be back!
I spent a week at Mashatu for a Hides and Predators photo tour. The tour was planned for three guests and although one guest cancelled, ORYX ran the tour with only two guests. The small group size offered the opportunity to communicate intensively with the photo tour leader Penny Robartes and so I learned an enormous amount. Penny has immense knowledge and she manages to convey this with her empathetic and good manner. In the run-up to the tour, ORYX took care of all the issues and always made sure that everything went smoothly. The communication was always very transparent and fast. Thanks to the whole ORYX Photo Tours team for letting me enjoy this unique experience!
My wife and I had an incredible photo safari experience with ORYX Photo Tours. From booking process to the preparations made by the ORYX team, we were well taken care of. This Botswana photo safari itself was full of unique sightings and great photographic opportunities. Penny Robartes (our ORYX guide) provided expertise in the sightings along with key information to improve capturing the best possible photos. The photo tour itself is brilliantly set up with distinct environments with Savute up first and finishing with Khwai. The Savute location is dryer with game concentrated around watering holes and marsh to the north. The Savute was dominated with lion sightings including the Marsh pride with cubs. The tracker was able to use tracks in the sand to find the lion cubs with an eventual greeting of the cubs and the adults capping off that incredible sighting. Khwai is a lush and green river front with an entirely different back drop and more unique animal sightings. Khwai did not disappoint with wild dogs, hippos, crocs, owls, and lots of great leopard sightings. Even though we had very good leopard sightings in the Savute, the leopard sightings in Khwai were unique. We were able to see a leopard chase down a Lechwe in the marsh splashing its way to knocking down the the Lechwe. Again, the tracker was able to find a leopard from the tracks in the sand. That leopard ended up with a kill and our opportunity to see it climb the tree with its kill right in front of us with the right angle and sun behind us. Penny provided instruction and what to expect from the animal behavior to capture the best possible emotion in the images.
Thanks again ORYX Photo Tours for an incredible photo safari.
Penny, I really had a fantastic photo safari in Botswana thanks to you and ORYX Photo Tours for sure! I am still on a bit of a high. Even though this was my third time to Southern Africa and second to Botswana, and each trip has been special, this time having a focus was brilliant and your guidance was invaluable to achieving some excellent photos.
I had an absolutely marvellous trip away with Penny, she taught and guided gently with our new cameras so much. This Botswana photo safari was just right, great lodges, driver guides and the beasties and birds were on show or gently coached into view.
Thank you to ORYX Photo Tours for a terrific tour and to Penny especially for her skills with the camera, and helping me get started with new eyes for the shot.
Can there be a better way to enjoy an experience like Africa? Maybe, but I'm not convinced. With ORYX Photo Tours every aspect of our trip was coordinated expertly, what a luxury to have so much handled - it really relieves the stresses of travel planning. Marius is the best of the best as a guide - he makes sure everything gets done on travel days and is generally just a great guy to be with during game drives (and the trip as a whole). Africa is filled with amazing beauty and experiences, being under the guidance of people who can not only make travel easy but also help you get the perfect camera shot to capture it all makes the experience all the better.
This was our third safari arranged by ORYX Photo Tours and with Marius. We went to Botswana with our two adult children and their spouses. Honestly, each time even more extraordinary than before. The team’s hard work planning the adventure and communication before and throughout the trip makes it easy to relax and appreciate the experience without any concern. That is very much appreciated with all the difficulties and uncertainties of long distance travel today, especially when off to Africa. And, the safari itself is turned into a meaningful, educational and fun experience by Marius’ knowledge, photo and guide skills and, even more so by his relentless good nature and real sense of friendship. He cared enormously that we had a great time and an experience we all could treasure forever. I would not even think of a photo safari with any other company and always will hope to coordinate so that we can be led by Marius. If I sound biased I admit I am: Completely prejudiced now by three of the greatest trips and adventures of my life, without any difficulties (the bumps are smoothed by ORYX and team before we even learn of them) and crowned by what I feel is a new and sincere friendship.
Marius Coetzee and his team at ORYX Photo Tours never ceases to amaze. They have guided myself and my family to Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya. Marius and his team strike the perfect balance between unprecedented luxury and epic adventure. At no time will you feel your dream trip is anything less than extraordinary. They open your eyes to worlds seen by few and experiences enjoyed by even less. There has not been a single person I have recommended to ORYX Photo Tours to who has not returned and emphatically stated that their trip was the greatest vacation they have ever been on. When you've traveled with ORYX, you cannot help but sing their praises and hope others will be lucky enough to experience the same.
We looked forward to this Botswana experience for a long time...and it exceeded expectations in every respect and at every step. Well-planned, logistics handled professionally and smoothly. Marius and Vanessa were more than helpful; they were thoughtful and cared to make this truly memorable and personalized. Cannot imagine a better guided adventure and fun to be with them too!
In fact, I already have recommended ORYX Photo Tours and to another friend at the Preserve and expect he will call upon you shortly to discuss a possible Botswana photo safari next year. Kathy and I will be back with our children - perhaps as early as next year -- to see the gorillas and introduce them to safari (the kids, not the gorillas!).
Thanks to Marius, Vanessa and the whole ORYX Photo Tours team. Rocked it!
Dear Marius and Kirsty,
Just wanted to thank both of you for a most wonderful safari in Mombo/Botswana.
Ali and myself did enjoy it tremendously. Game viewing, accommodation, service, you name it, it was all there and at it’s very best. We loved our stay and everybody, including from the airport onwards, couldn’t have been more attentive.
We even were lucky with the weather, as the raining season had finished and it has only started for the water to come from the Delta.
Thank you again for arranging a most memorable trip for us, hope you are all well and that we do get to see you sometimes soon,
Very best
Sabine and Ali
Thank you so much for organizing our recent photo tours to Botswana and Rwanda. All the arrangements for travel and accommodation were impeccable! Your recommendations worked out perfectly for us and we are very grateful to you all.
Although Botswana was a great experience, Rwanda and the Gorilla trekking was of course the highlight. The fact that you, Marius, were able to join us for this part of the trip added an extra dimension. Your local knowledge and organization ensured we received the best possible attention and that certainly enhanced the quality of our experience. You also provided good company and needless to say your photographic expertise helped to ensure that we returned home with terrific photos as well.
Rwanda is a beautiful country – we had no idea it was as clean and as safe as it is. We enjoyed the short stay at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge where we were very well looked after by the hosts, Nelis and Tracy. The first Gorilla trek was such an exciting experience; it is difficult to describe the exhilaration felt upon meeting a Gorilla in the wild for the first time. We enjoyed fantastic viewing that day with the Gorillas in the open for the most part. The second day was equally, if not even more exciting though and quite a different experience with a different Gorilla group including several active Silverbacks moving around in the bamboo forest. Absolutely fabulous and makes it fully understandable why Gorilla trekking is described as the best wildlife experience in Africa.
Thank you again for all you did to make this photo safari very special and one we will never forget!
