When it comes to experiencing the wild beauty of Botswana, why settle for just one perspective? A land safari immerses you in the drama of the savannah, where elephants roam, lions prowl, and giraffes stretch gracefully towards the treetops. Add a boat safari, and suddenly the story deepens — hippos surface with a splash, crocodiles glide silently beneath the water, and herds of animals gather at the riverbanks for a drink. Together, these two safari styles create a richer, more unforgettable adventure, revealing Botswana’s wildlife from every angle.
Chobe National Park, in Botswana, is a wildlife lover’s dream and one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. Famous for its vast herds of elephants, Chobe also teems with lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, and over 450 species of birds. The Chobe River is the park’s lifeblood, drawing animals to its banks and creating spectacular opportunities for both land and boat safaris. Whether you’re gliding across the water at sunset or bumping along a dusty track in search of predators, every moment in Chobe feels like a front-row seat to the raw beauty of the wild.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (if applicable).
Related Reading: A Luxury Stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel Zimbabwe
We spent a wonderful, awe-inspiring week with Nomadasaurus Tours. Our Botswana tour, which included 3 nights on a luxury houseboat and 3 nights in the lodge, was with Pangolin Photo Safaris.
If you would like to see what we got up to and where we stayed, check out our YouTube video here:
Day One – Waterfall Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Our week-long Photo Safari with Tour Leaders Jarryd and Alesha from Nomadasaurus began with a group get-together on the first night, held at the Waterfalls Lodge in Victoria Falls. A recently opened hotel, Waterfalls Lodge, offers 60 beautifully decorated, spacious bedrooms with large en-suite bathrooms and verandahs, overlooking landscaped gardens and the swimming pool. Our small group of eight, plus Jarryd and Alesha, met for drinks and then enjoyed a delicious dinner at the restaurant. If you are considering a visit to Victoria Falls, we highly recommend staying here.
Address: 310 Park Way Avenue, Victoria Falls
Book your accommodation at Waterfalls Lodge here
Day Two – Pangolin Voyager Houseboat Namibia
After a substantial breakfast, our photography-focused safari tour group was treated to a short photography workshop with Jarryd whilst waiting for our transport.
Our morning was spent travelling 2 hours to the Zimbabwe border and entering Botswana before checking in at the Pangolin Lodge in Botswana. Once checked in, we boarded our safari boat to enter our second new country of the day and third border crossing, Namibia, where the brand-new houseboat was moored.
The Pangolin Voyager Houseboat is a testament to pure luxury. Only coming into service a few weeks before our arrival, it was the envy of all who sailed by.
Highlights:
- 5 beautifully appointed air-conditioned bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms on the lower level
- the first solar-powered all-aluminium houseboat in Africa
- stunning lounge and dining areas on level 2 with floor-to-ceiling windows
- large external deck with sun loungers
- The menus highlighted the richness of the region — from vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices to perfectly cooked meats and freshly baked breads.
- A well-stocked bar
- An 8-seat photo boat with 360-degree rotating gimbals (easy to access from the houseboat via the side entrance)
- On level 2, there is an editing suite where not only can you edit your photos, but also where the photographic workshops are run.
- Sunrise and sunset boat safaris
We could all sense the thrill building as we prepared to experience our first sunset safari. Cameras were set up on gimbals, and drinks were loaded into the photo boat as we set sail.
From the striking Yellow-Billed Stork and the elegant African Spoonbill to a lazy crocodile basking on the riverbank, each wildlife sighting made the afternoon more magical. Herds of elephants gathered to drink at the river’s edge, while curious guinea fowl and nimble impalas moved gracefully through the landscape, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. As the sun dipped below the horizon, a graceful giraffe stood silhouetted in the distance, while the low grunts and groans of nearby hippos rippled through the water, breaking the evening’s quiet.
On arrival back at the houseboat, we were fortunate to witness the beginning of the lunar eclipse at 7.11 pm before heading into dinner at 8 pm.
Day Three – Pangolin Voyager Houseboat
Such a peaceful night’s sleep on the Chobe River. As dawn broke, we could hear the hippos close by the houseboat and in the distance, chattering baboons creating havoc on the riverbank.
Our sunrise boat cruise departed at 6.45. A little chilly to start, but as the sun rose, you could feel the warmth on your face and skin. It was going to be a hot day. Hippos, birds, warthogs, crocodiles, impalas, monitor lizards, a pride of lions, and elephants all came to the bank to drink in the early morning light. The highlight was the five lions drinking; we sat quietly a few metres away in awe. It was not common to see all five, which made this morning’s safari extra special. A favourite bird that morning was the lilac-breasted roller, which is often called a flying rainbow. Bright blues, greens, pinks, and yellows are visible, and when it takes off in flight, its bright blue and green wings contrast against the African blue skies.
Our houseboat was relocated today, further down in Namibia, to Serondela, known for its large elephant population.
As we sailed slowly down the river, enjoying our late brunch, we experienced life on the Chobe River. We sailed past traditional Namibian homes, men tending to their cattle, hippos splashing about in the water, elephants grazing, and a variety of birds, before heading into the editing room for a Composition workshop.
With our newly learned skills in hand, we set off on our sunset safari, cameras at the ready. That afternoon’s subjects were plentiful — from elegant Grey Herons and African Darters to stealthy crocodiles, graceful Little Egrets, towering giraffes, and herds of elephants. Adding to the spectacle, playful baboons, watchful kudus, and curious vervet monkeys all became part of our photographic story.
Day Four – Sunrise, Sunset Safaris, and a Relocation Back to our Original Mooring
Those crazy little guinea fowls greeted us this morning on the riverbank as we set off for today’s sunrise safari. You see them in groups. If one panics, they all panic and scatter in all directions. Today’s birds include the Black Crowned Heron, African Darter, a White-fronted Bee-eater, impalas, a massive pod of hippos, a leopard, and crocodiles.
During our brunch, we headed back to our original mooring upriver.
Our afternoon safari brought us a fantastic array of birds and animals. We were getting into a rhythm now with the safaris in the morning and night, and we felt very spoiled with all the sightings. Our photography improved with the help of the workshops held during the day.
This afternoon brought a parade of wildlife — Open-billed Storks, the majestic African Fish Eagle, buffalo, crocodiles, Chacma baboons, giraffes, and elephants. The highlight was a comic moment watching a baby elephant wobble to its feet after a quick nap, followed by the unforgettable sight of hundreds of elephants crossing the narrowest stretch of the Chobe River from Namibia to Botswana.
Day Five – Back to Botswana To Spend 3 Nights in Pangolin Chobe Lodge
The week was flying past. We headed to the Rapids, known for its abundance of bird life, on this morning’s sunrise boat safari. We were not disappointed. Great Blue Herons, another pod of hippos, yellow-billed storks, waterbucks, African Jacanas, crocodiles, and buffalo were all out enjoying the morning sunshine.
Today, we sadly left our Voyager Houseboat, departed from Namibia and entered Botswana for the next 3 nights, staying at the Pangolin Chobe Lodge.
Upon arrival, we headed to the upstairs bar for refreshments whilst we completed our check-ins and collected our keys. The rooms are incredible, featuring a spacious bedroom and bathroom, a large desk with numerous power points, and a balcony. A warning from the staff: “Keep your balcony doors locked, monkeys are quick and love taking anything of interest to them”. The Lodge even had a watering hole with its own viewing ‘hide’, which is set up for guests with seats, power sockets and a small window.
Throughout the communal areas of the Lodge are some of the best wildlife photographs I have ever seen. Our group shared the same thoughts on viewing them: would we ever be able to reach this standard?
Some of us had travelled with only iPhones. I was delighted with my iPhone 16 Pro Max and the photos that I had taken so far. The Lodge loaned us a couple of Canon EOS R6 Mark II cameras and a Canon telephoto lens. Although I kept mine on automatic settings for the three days, I was so impressed with the difference that I am considering purchasing a camera and telephoto lens.
With camera and lens in hand, I had to get used to the weight and also how to manage the gimbal. With a quick lesson from Alesha, I was snapping away like a pro! Well, at least I thought so! I may have been snapping away like a pro, but those first photos were a disaster until I could work out the focus.
Herds of elephants, pods of hippos and the usual guinea fowl, impalas and baboons had us all snapping away until the sun set on the horizon—another wonderful experience on safari in Chobe National Park.
Day Six – Sunrise and Sunset Jeep Safaris
After spending the last few days on the river, we were keen to head out in the Jeeps. The two jeeps for our small group provided ample room to move around, allowing us to get the best shots.
Blankets were handed out — something we thought we wouldn’t need. But soon after setting off, we were all bundled up in blankets and beanies as the crisp morning air settled deep into our bones.
A land safari offers an entirely different perspective. Vehicles must stay on designated tracks, and opportunities to venture off-road are rare.
Hyenas, elephants, giraffes, birds, baboons, impalas, kudus and my all-time favourites – zebras gave us plenty of opportunities to get those great shots. A dozing pride of lions held us spellbound, while a tower of giraffes quietly merged into the bush — convinced they were hidden, even as their long tongues reached for tender leaves high above.
The only time we were allowed out of the vehicles was for morning tea and biscuits, which our driver/guide prepared. This was your time for a bushy bushy (a toilet stop), and yes, the guides know the best scenic and safest places to stop.
Back to the Lodge in time for a late brunch and then headed into the editing room for another workshop.
The food on board Voyager and in the Lodge has been excellent. They cater well for any dietary requirements. I am a vegetarian, and I was well catered for, in fact, to the point of having too much food, which the rest of the group also indulged in. Unfortunately, I don’t think I converted any of them. The meat was too good!
Day 7 Sunrise and Sunset Safaris – Morning spent tracking a Cheetah and her twin cubs
We love the jungle drum communications that occur between all the local guides. Apparently, a cheetah and her twin cubs had been seen the day before, quite a distance from Pangolin Lodge. We set off in the chill of the morning just before sunrise and headed to an area of the park that we had not covered before; it was quite a distance away. We came across her fresh tracks but did not manage to catch sight of her.
The morning safari brought more surprises, though! A pride of lions and her cubs, a herd of buffalo and an unusual sighting of a flock of pelicans all before morning tea! You never know on a safari what you are going to see or experience.
In the afternoon, we headed out for our last sunset boat safari, where a brilliant sunset was on the cards. The sunset did not disappoint: a herd of elephants kicked up the dust as the sun set, a lone giraffe was silhouetted against the setting sun, and the noisy hippos made their presence felt. As we sipped our cocktails, we marvelled at the week that had rushed by, and we did not want this adventure to end.
Day 8 – Sunrise Boat Safari and time to say our goodbyes
A final boat safari visiting the Rapids and the dazzling spectacle of birdlife. A shorter safari this morning, as some of the group had early flights and others had the morning and afternoon to relax back at Pangolin Lodge before flying out.
We were not due to fly out till the next day, so we spent our last night in Kasane at the Travelodge, a few minutes’ drive from the Pangolin Lodge and Kasane Airport. It is a good stopover hotel, with a pool, restaurant and viewing deck over the Chobe National Park.
To book your stopover at the Travelodge, click here
My thoughts
Our week-long Botswana river and land safari was more than just an adventure — it was a lesson in patience and presence. On a photo safari, there’s no rush to move on or snap the perfect shot. You can take your time, camera in hand or resting by your side, simply watching as elephants graze, lions doze, or hippos grunt in the shallows. It’s in those quiet, unhurried moments that the true magic of the wild reveals itself — raw, honest, and utterly unforgettable.
Related Reading:
To Travel Too Ultimate Tips and Travel Itineraries Private Facebook Group
Ready to unlock insider travel secrets and expert-crafted itineraries? Join our To Travel Too community – where passionate travellers share their best tips, tried-and-tested routes, and practical advice to help you travel smarter! From budget hacks to luxury experiences, discover how to make every journey unforgettable. Your next adventure starts here.
Do you need a Visa?
Book all your flights easily with Skyscanner, a trusted travel search engine that helps you find the best deals. Compare flights from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies worldwide, ensuring you get the lowest prices. With flexible search options, fare alerts, and no hidden fees, Skyscanner makes booking flights simple, fast, and affordable. Start your journey with confidence and savings.
Our travel shop
Travel smarter and safer with products from our To Travel Too Travel Shop. Whether you are looking for the latest luggage, guidebooks, or travel accessories, we have you covered with over 1,000 travel products to choose from.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Are you on Pinterest? We are at To Travel Too, and we have many travel-related boards. Check us out on Pinterest. If you enjoyed our article, why not pin it to your board and read it later?
Leave a reply