Botswana Photo Safari

The program was an incredible experience that surpassed all my expectations. I wasn't sure what to expect as I've never done a photo tour before and I had no prior photographic experience other than using my camera in automatic mode. The trip was one of my favourite life experiences so far and I have learnt so much about my camera, selecting settings, composing shots, processing images and more. Alan was so helpful even prior to my trip and was happy to chat about my equipment and helped me hire a lens to make the most of the photo opportunities. Whilst away, he made the theory so relatable and easy to understand and was patient and always on hand to make sure everyone had what they needed. Mike was an incredible guide. He made every drive so interesting with his vast knowledge about the wildlife and geography of the area. He ensured the driver positioned the vehicle so we could all get the best shots possible and his knowledge meant he could often anticipate the animals next movements. He was amazing at helping everyone in the vehicle get the most out of every drive despite differing abilities, experience and equipment. His passion for photography and wildlife was so inspiring and I am very grateful to have spent time with someone so talented, patient and kind. Mike's expertise helped me get shots I never thought possible and he has transformed the way I look through the lens. The accommodation was also excellent- I will never forget a herd of 30 elephants drinking a few feet away from us whilst we ate, having a surprise dinner away from camp on our last night in Serolo, sitting around the campfire at Mohave, chatting and gazing at the stars and having lions wander through camp one night. The staff at the camps were also so friendly and helpful and the food was delicious. For me, the highlights were the incredible wildlife sightings, Mike's knowledge, talent and passion for photography and wildlife, the amazing group of people I got to spend the experience with, learning so much about my camera and not using the automatic settings once, getting some shots that I never thought possible, and the amazing accommodation with wildlife sightings from the dinner table, plunge pools to cool off and sitting around the campfire, chatting and gazing at the starts every night. I would recommend Penda, yes. Overall, I want to thank Amy for her patience answering all my questions before I went.

The program was a fantastic success, far exceeding my expectations. The highlights included the great guiding, plenty of space in the vehicle, supportive tutors, and getting a decent leopard sighting and a brown hyena, which I'd never seen before. I would most definitely recommend Penda.

The program was a complete success, far exceeding what I had hoped for. The experience in Botswana's Tuli Wilderness was a particular highlight, offering superior and interesting terrain with an incredible variety and quantity of wildlife. Every drive was filled with sightings of different animals along a wide river and among rocky cliffs dotted throughout the savanna. The truly special part was that we were the only vehicle around, which made the viewing and photography experience intimate, personal, and relaxed. To be in the presence of all the animals, including the lions and leopards, undisturbed by the usual safari crowds, was a rare privilege; it was as if time itself held its breath, allowing us to share a quiet moment with these majestic creatures. I would highly recommend Penda, as the programs were well thought out and well planned, and Amy was very helpful and responded promptly. Overall, Serolo Bushcamp and their staff were superb, taking wonderful care of us and always making sure we were safe and comfortable. The unexpected riverside lunch and evening dinner added delightful twists that elevated our safari experience beyond mere adventure. The ranger and tracker went above and beyond to locate the animals and provide photographic opportunities and close encounters we will never forget. Umlani Bushcamp and their staff were also excellent, though the only drawbacks were the vehicles from other camps we had to compete with to view the lions and leopards, and the overall lower quantity and variety of wildlife in the Timbavati reserve, which led to a lot of driving around without seeing any animals. The ranger, JD, made a superb effort to compensate by creating educational situations for us to learn about tracking and animal behavior.