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Botswana: Land of Giants
Lodge-Based Photo Safari
Upcoming Departures
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Single Supplement: +$1,250.00
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Deposit: $3,500.00
Start/End
Johannesburg, South Africa / Johannesburg, South Africa
Length
8 Days/7 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 8 Guests
Highlights
- Some of the Best Big Cat Photography in Africa
- Huge herds of African Elephants
- Photographic safari via custom 4x4 vehicles
- Massive variety of African Wildlife
- Southern Africa's largest private game reserve
- Small Groups
- Top-notch meals, luxurious safari "camps"
- Learn from & shoot alongside a seasoned pro
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
Botswana remains one of the greatest countries on the continent of Africa for wildlife photography. It’s remote, seemingly limitless wilderness is vast and untrammeled by the hand of man. Lions, leopards, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, and herds of African elephants roam the expansive plains of this land-locked country situated between South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Explore the wilds of an Africa that remains in a time gone by.
Our ‘Botswana: Land of Giants’ tour will take us to Mashatu, a picturesque and privately owned 72,000-acre game reserve, where we’ll spend six days photographing a wide-array of wildlife found inside the preserved wilderness. Mashatu means “land of the giants,” which is a reference to the huge trees that dominate the landscape.
Mashatu will provide Backcountry Journeys photographers a more serene and exclusive experience as we enjoy its sanctuary to the largest herds of elephant on the continent. Picture yourself, and your camera, so close to those elephants that you feel as if they might be breathing down your neck.
While on our game drives we’ll have the opportunity to photograph the world’s tallest mammal, the giraffe; the world’s largest antelope, the eland; the world’s largest bird, the ostrich. The biodiversity of wildlife here is incredible. Three members of the ‘Big Five,’ namely the leopard, the lion, and the elephant are found here, and are complemented by some lesser well-known, but interesting, species, including the aardwolf (or “earth wolf”), the bat-eared fox, the African wildcat, the honey badger, the spotted hyena, and the black-backed jackal. Cheetah’s roam far and wide on the landscape of Mashatu and this is likely the best safari on the planet for big cat photography.
Birders will delight as Mashatu is home to more than 350 bird species including the enchanting lilac-breasted roller, and the Kori Bustard, which is not only the largest flying bird native to Africa, it is also the national bird of Botswana.
Return each night to your well appointed safari-style “camp,” where you’ll find comradery with your fellow photographers under the starry African skies. The private tents themselves are spacious, comfortable and large enough that there’s no need to duck to get around. Each is mounted on a raised platform and has its own private en-suite facilities.
If wildlife photography is your passion then a trip to ‘The Land of Giants’ with Backcountry Journeys needs to be on your list. Our meticulous scouting, camp selection, and world-class logistics leave no stone unturned in creating the most memorable travel experience to the continent of Africa.
Our ‘Botswana: Land of Giants’ tour will take us to Mashatu, a picturesque and privately owned 72,000-acre game reserve, where we’ll spend six days photographing a wide-array of wildlife found inside the preserved wilderness. Mashatu means “land of the giants,” which is a reference to the huge trees that dominate the landscape.
Mashatu will provide Backcountry Journeys photographers a more serene and exclusive experience as we enjoy its sanctuary to the largest herds of elephant on the continent. Picture yourself, and your camera, so close to those elephants that you feel as if they might be breathing down your neck.
While on our game drives we’ll have the opportunity to photograph the world’s tallest mammal, the giraffe; the world’s largest antelope, the eland; the world’s largest bird, the ostrich. The biodiversity of wildlife here is incredible. Three members of the ‘Big Five,’ namely the leopard, the lion, and the elephant are found here, and are complemented by some lesser well-known, but interesting, species, including the aardwolf (or “earth wolf”), the bat-eared fox, the African wildcat, the honey badger, the spotted hyena, and the black-backed jackal. Cheetah’s roam far and wide on the landscape of Mashatu and this is likely the best safari on the planet for big cat photography.
Birders will delight as Mashatu is home to more than 350 bird species including the enchanting lilac-breasted roller, and the Kori Bustard, which is not only the largest flying bird native to Africa, it is also the national bird of Botswana.
Return each night to your well appointed safari-style “camp,” where you’ll find comradery with your fellow photographers under the starry African skies. The private tents themselves are spacious, comfortable and large enough that there’s no need to duck to get around. Each is mounted on a raised platform and has its own private en-suite facilities.
If wildlife photography is your passion then a trip to ‘The Land of Giants’ with Backcountry Journeys needs to be on your list. Our meticulous scouting, camp selection, and world-class logistics leave no stone unturned in creating the most memorable travel experience to the continent of Africa.
What's Included
- All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop
- All lodging during the workshop
- Airport transfers
- All permits and park fees
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Gratuity for service staff and drivers
What's Not Included
Flights to and from Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB)
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance (required) - see plans here.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
Arrive in Johannesburg in the evening. After clearing customs, you will be met by our tour representative and transferred to your hotel. Meet and greet dinner along with orientation this evening.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Today we will transfer to Mashatu, a privately-owned preserve that will be our home for this trip! Mashatu is a true hidden gem, a throwback to Africa of yesteryear yet combined with luxury. The diverse landscape of the preserve includes wide open plains, grassland, riverine forests, rocky hills, marshland, and majestic sandstone ridges. Perfect for safari! This afternoon we will have our first game-drive in Mashatu.
Days 3 - 6 (B,L,D)
The next four full-days will be dedicated to game drives in Mashatu – which features some of the best big cat photography in Africa as well as massive elephant herds & unique photographic blinds. Aside from game drives we will have access to world-class wildlife “hides” which allow for incredible up-close photography of most of the species found in the region.
Afternoons and evenings in-between drives will be spent at our stunning safari camp or luxurious lodge.
Day 7 (B,L,D)
We’ll awake early on our final morning at Mashatu and take advantage of the soft light of morning to make some final images on one final game drive. Following our game drive, we’ll pack up and depart for Johannesburg, where we should arrive just before 7pm.
We will have a farewell dinner in Johannesburg, South Africa before departing either late this evening or the next morning. Flights can be booked anytime 10 pm or after tonight. For anyone departing the next day, we will have rooms for you to stay in overnight.
Day 8
International flights home.
Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
Arrive in Johannesburg in the evening. After clearing customs, you will be met by our tour representative and transferred to your hotel. Meet and greet dinner along with orientation this evening.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Today we will transfer to Mashatu, a privately-owned preserve that will be our home for this trip! Mashatu is a true hidden gem, a throwback to Africa of yesteryear yet combined with luxury. The diverse landscape of the preserve includes wide open plains, grassland, riverine forests, rocky hills, marshland, and majestic sandstone ridges. Perfect for safari! This afternoon we will have our first game-drive in Mashatu.
Days 3 - 6 (B,L,D)
The next four full-days will be dedicated to game drives in Mashatu – which features some of the best big cat photography in Africa as well as massive elephant herds & unique photographic blinds. Aside from game drives we will have access to world-class wildlife “hides” which allow for incredible up-close photography of most of the species found in the region.
Afternoons and evenings in-between drives will be spent at our stunning safari camp or luxurious lodge.
Day 7 (B,L,D)
We’ll awake early on our final morning at Mashatu and take advantage of the soft light of morning to make some final images on one final game drive. Following our game drive, we’ll pack up and depart for Johannesburg, where we should arrive just before 7pm.
We will have a farewell dinner in Johannesburg, South Africa before departing either late this evening or the next morning. Flights can be booked anytime 10 pm or after tonight. For anyone departing the next day, we will have rooms for you to stay in overnight.
Day 8
International flights home.
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
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Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
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Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.
THE BEST TEAM
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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
WORLD-CLASS
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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Testimonials From Our Customers
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
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Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024