Trip Report: Botswana - July 2024

Beautiful, Beautiful Africa. Beautiful, Beautiful Botswana

My love for photography spans over five decades, with my subject matter changing considerably as the years have gone by. Photography became my passion, a medium through which I could express my creativity and capture those ‘in-between’ moments that often go unnoticed. Throughout my journey, I resisted being pigeonholed into a specific photographic genre or style. Instead, I embraced diversity in my work, eventually finding my professional niche in outdoor lifestyle and landscape photography. Yet, my heart always had a soft spot for wildlife and nature.

In my most influential years, growing up near the San Diego Wild Animal Park, my fascination with wildlife photography took root. I would spend hours roaming the park, armed with my camera, trying to capture the essence of these magnificent creatures. It was both my sanctuary and my playground—a meditative escape during my awkward teenage years, where I could lose myself in the beauty of nature. Each click of the shutter felt like a moment frozen in time, allowing me to document the majesty of a variety of animals in their man-made “habitats”.

When I was invited to lead the last two BCJ trips to Botswana, excitement surged through me. This was my chance to immerse myself in the heart of Africa, to capture some of the world’s most treasured species in their natural environment—a dream inching closer to reality!

BCJ’s trips, 'Botswana: Land of Giants' and the 'Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Safari' offer participants an unparalleled experience. From the moment we set foot in Botswana, it was clear that these were no ordinary adventures. Almost every participant, including myself, considered these trips to be bucket list experiences. Each guest echoed the sentiment that these experiences surpassed their wildest expectations, offering breathtaking wildlife encounters, unforgettable landscapes, and magnificent people. If you're contemplating joining one of these BCJ journeys, I urge you to push aside any hesitations and embrace the adventure! The allure of these tours lies not only in the extraordinary wildlife but also in the holistic experience of Africa itself. This beauty enveloped our groups, and we found it deeply fulfilling to connect with both the land and its inhabitants—the people, the animals, and the environment.

I arrived in Botswana with high expectations, certain that our adventures would be filled with incredible animal encounters and the warm hospitality of the people. However, nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming abundance of wildlife we encountered. Each day brought new opportunities and breathtaking surprises. From the moment we set out on our first safari drive, we were treated to a spectacle of nature. Lions lounged in the shade of massive trees, leopards draped themselves gracefully across branches, and elephants roamed majestically across the plains. Countless sightings of Impala, Eland, Kudu, Wildebeest, Warthogs, Zebras, Giraffes, Baboons, and immeasurable species of birds. Remarkable encounters with Cheetahs, Bat eared Foxes, Wild Dogs, Ostriches, Cape Buffalo, Porcupines, Hippos, and Crocodiles. The list of animals our groups came across almost seemed endless.

What amazed me even more was witnessing the everyday behaviors of these animals in the wild. We observed their struggles for survival in a breathtaking yet often unforgiving environment, which profoundly touched our souls. We captured striking images of raw “circle of life” moments—lions on the hunt, leopards with their kills, and breathtaking mating displays among these big cats. It was nature in its most primal form, reminding us of the intricate balance of life and the harsh realities that come with it.

One of the highlights of our experience on both departures, was visiting a photography blind at a watering hole, where we could observe and capture the delicate interactions of wildlife as they came to drink. The animals approached cautiously, aware of the potential threats lurking nearby. Each visit was a reminder of their vulnerability, as they lowered themselves to drink, desperately needing water to survive. In stark contrast, the elephants arrived in groups, their playful antics and raucous splashes creating a joyful chaos. They drank gallons of water, showering one another with mud to keep cool under the blazing sun. These massive, magnificent creatures were so close that I felt a rush of adrenaline; I could have reached out to touch them if I dared. I couldn’t help but offer up lens wipes to one guest as a particularly mischievous elephant seemed to take aim at her, showering camera and lens with muddy water. We were undoubtedly in the splash zone, and it was an unexpected incident, but luckily no damage was incurred!

Sharing these magical moments with our guests was an extraordinary honor. Witnessing the awe and wonder on their faces as they captured their first images of lions or elephants was immensely fulfilling. These moments forged a unique bond among us; we became not just fellow travelers but a family united by our love for nature and photography.

The thrill extended beyond simply capturing images. We engaged in discussions about techniques—examining how to frame our shots, the use of light, and experimenting with different angles. Would this scene work best in black and white, or perhaps as a high-key image? Could we create beautiful silhouettes against the sun, or capture the perfect panning shot of a running animal? Each of us had different artistic visions, and it was exhilarating to share ideas and witness each photographer’s unique approach. We brainstormed together how to best capture moments, from reflective water surfaces to stunning birds taking flight.

Adding color to our journey were the wonderful people we encountered along the way. The locals we met emanated warmth, hospitality, and joy. Their pride in their land and culture was evident as they shared their lives with us. Our amazing trackers and spotters—masters of their craft—worked diligently to fulfill our requests and find the elusive wildlife we yearned to photograph. Their expertise and dedication were evident; they navigated the terrain with ease, revealing the incredible sights that lay hidden just beyond our view.

The staff at our camps and hotels played an equally crucial role in enriching our experience. They went above and beyond to ensure our comfort while genuinely sharing their culture and traditions with us. As we gathered around evening campfires under the stars, they regaled us with stories, songs, and dances that resonated deeply, weaving a tapestry of connection that transcended language and distance.

Reflecting on our time in Botswana, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that unfolded before us. The combination of extraordinary wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and meaningful connections with locals crafted a journey that enriched our souls and filled our hearts with joy. Each day was a new chapter, each moment a treasure.

"Beautiful, beautiful Africa. Beautiful, beautiful Botswana," one of the songs performed for us by the camp staff, still reverberates in my mind, a melody I carry with me long after the journey has ended. As I fall asleep at night, I find myself dreaming of the profound experiences—of vivid sunsets casting golden light over the land, the exhilarating sounds of wildlife, and the laughter shared with fellow travelers. I am reminded that every click of the shutter is not just a photograph but a fragment of a story—a snapshot of the beauty that is Africa, the beauty that is Botswana.