Botswana and Zimbabwe Photo Workshop

Botswana and Zimbabwe Photo Workshop Trip Report for Tom Bol Photo Workshops

Part 1 Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe

We started photographing animals as soon as we left the Bomani Tented Lodge. Our first encounter was a giraffe drinking from a pond full of hippos. Our open area safari vehicles gave us plenty of room to spread out and enjoy.

Accommodations at the Bomani Tented Camp

Hippos yawn to warn others to stay away

Elephants and lions were everywhere in the national park in Zimbabwe. We were able to photograph elephants at a watering hole from an underground "Look Up" blind.

Outdoor lunch overlooking the elephant water hole and "Look Up" blind

Several of the local lionesses had youngsters. Their affection towards each other was easy to document.

An added surprise at Hwange National Park were the Vlei (pronounced "flay") Lily bloom. These delicate pink blossoms covered the ground, showing signs that the long dry season was ending.

Part 2 Victoria Falls

We moved to the town of Victoria Falls for our next session. The group photographed the falls from a helicopter in the morning and loved the Elephant Experience at Elephant Camp. We all had a chance to touch the elephant's trunks and feed snacks to baby elephants

Victoria Falls photographed from a helicopter

A bushbady at the Elephant Camp

Part 3: Chobe River in Botswana

For the next two days we cruised along the Chobe River photographing exotic bird species in the reeds, papyrus and grasses along the shores. On one side of the river lies Botswana, on the other Namibia.

A Malachite Kingfisher perched on papyrus

Wire=Tail Swallows

Lilac Breasted Roller on the wing

The boats on the river had swivel chairs and built in tripods. This made it very easy to photograph the prolific animals on both sides of the boat. On occasion, hippos would come so close to the boat that our driver would beat a hasty retreat.

Low key, backlit hippo in morning light

Once again, there were wonderful opportunities to photograph elephants. At one point we had 40 elephants on shore near our boat, including a baby that was only 4 days old.

Elephants covered in white chalk from a natural mineral deposit

Part 4: Splash Camp in Botswana

Splash Camp on the Okavango Delta was the final stage of our journey. Male lions, female lions with cubs and cheetah all showed up during our 3 day stay.

We timed our trip for to coincide with the birthing season. With baby wildebeest, impala, tsessebees, zebra and giraffe in abundance, the predators stay busy looking for meals for their own youngsters. This also provides great baby animal photo opportunities.

Male kudu

Young impalas

A final highlight of Botswana was the Painted Dogs. These beautiful, nomadic animals are endangered with fewer than 7000 in the wild. Botswana is one of the best places to find them and our group was able to see them on two days at Splash Camp.

We had a wonderful time in 2021 and are going back for another Botswana and Zimbabwe Workshop on November 11-22, 2022. Two spaces have opened up. Click here to learn more.

www.tombolphotoworkshops.com

Created By

Cree Bol

Appreciate

Credits:

Tom Bol and Cree Bol