Botswana: Private Mobile Safari  |  July 5-12, 2027

$16,995 ($2,995 Deposit)

Spots Available

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Workshop at a Glance

  Physical Activity
  Photographic Intensity
  Classroom Instruction
  Climate/Weather Severity
  Food and Accommodations
  Cultural Immersion
  Good for Non-photographers



  • In July 2027, join us for an immersive private mobile photo safari through two of Botswana’s most wildlife-rich regions: the Mababe Concession and the Khwai Private Reserve, on the edge of the Okavango Delta. Traveling with purpose-built mobile tented camps, we’ll follow the rhythms of the land rather than a fixed lodge schedule, allowing us to be in the right place at the right time for exceptional wildlife encounters. July is peak dry season, with clear skies, cool mornings, and increasing concentrations of animals along permanent water sources, making it one of the most rewarding times of year for photography in northern Botswana.

    Our journey, curated by Natural World Safaris, begins in the Mababe Concession, a diverse and under-photographed area linking Chobe and the Okavango, known for its open floodplains, riverine forests, and dramatic predator activity. From there, we move south into the Khwai Private Reserve, where seasonal waterways, lagoons, and mopane woodlands create classic Okavango scenery and extraordinary photographic opportunities. With flexible daily schedules, exclusive off-road access, and expert local guides working alongside dedicated photographic instruction from Michael Turek and Peter Dooling, this safari is designed to maximize time in the field, morning, afternoon, and night, while offering the comfort and intimacy of a thoughtfully run mobile camp. This is Botswana at its most authentic: wild, remote, and deeply rewarding for photographers seeking both iconic moments and meaningful time in remarkable places.


    Your photographic guides

    Michael Turek is an award-winning British-American fine art photographer who focuses on documentary assignments for clients including The Financial Times, The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Paris Review. He has worked extensively in challenging environments, most recently in Iraq and Tajikistan. His book, CONTRAIL, published by Roman Nvmerals in 2021, is included in the MoMA Archives and Library. His first photographic monograph, SIBERIA was published by Damiani in 2020 — the culmination of three years’ work in Russia with long-time collaborator, writer Sophy Roberts, which received global TV, radio, and print coverage. He is currently working on two long-term documentary projects in East Africa and northern England.

    Peter Dooling has been with Leica Store Miami since 2012 and heads up the Leica Photo Workshops Program, planning and leading workshops around the globe. He was born in Philadelphia and received degrees in Geography and Philosophy from Pennsylvania State University. He fell in love with photography as he traveled the world while working for United Airlines and it has been his passion ever since. When he’s not helping people improve their photography in exotic destinations, he’s spending time with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs in Carrboro, North Carolina.



  • Dates:

    Monday, July 5 - Monday, July 12, 2027

    Cost: 

    $16,995 - Double occupancy lodging (Single tent available for $2000)

    Size:

    Limited to 6-8 attendees (depending on tent shares)

    Included in the cost of the trip:

    • Double occupancy lodging w/ private facilities (Single tent available for $2000)
    • All meals and beverages (including house beer, wine and spirits)
    • Scheduled private game viewing activities with expert safari guides
    • All airport transfers and ground transportation
    • All domestic flights within Botswana - note there is a 45 lbs total soft bag allowance per person including carry on
    • Transfers to all visited areas as per itinerary
    • National park & conservancy entrance fees as per itinerary
    • Bush walks lead by expert guides
    • Boat trips (where possible)
    • Laundry service
    • Gratuities
    • In-the-field photography instruction
    • Adobe Lightroom post processing instruction
    • 1-on-1 critique/review sessions

    Not included in the cost of the trip:

    • International flights to and from Botswana
    • Comprehensive travel insurance
    • Additional hotel nights before or after the trip (NWS can assist you)
    • Early/late checkouts
    • Premium wine, spirits and champagne
    • Items of a personal nature
    • Visas (if necessary)

    Note about luggage

    The total luggage limit per traveler is approximately 45lbs in soft sided bags (no hard-shelled suitcases) and is to include all carry on and photographic equipment. *This number may change slightly depending on the overall size of our group.

    Pre & post safari add-ons

    The team at Natural World Safaris can gladly arrange any travels either before or after this adventure in Botswana. 

    Getting there

    Flying to Mababe Tented Camp in Botswana requires a long-haul flight to a major African hub, usually Johannesburg (JNB), and then a regional flight to Maun (MUB). From Maun, you will be met and assisted to your light aircraft flight to the Okavango Delta.

    Signing Up

    To sign up for this photo safari, checkout here on our website, call 305-921-4433 or email us (workshops@leicastoremiami.com). We are happy to answer any questions you may have. A $3995 deposit, along with the single tent supplement should you choose it, is required to hold your spot. The balance will be due on April 5, 2027.

    We look forward to seeing you in Botswana!

    • Itinerary

      Day 1 (July 5): Arrival in Maun



      Upon arrival into Maun International Airport (MUB), you will need to clear immigration before being met and assisted to your onward light aircraft flight to the Okavango Delta to begin your time on safari in Botswana. Upon landing in the local airstrip you will be met by your guide and game driven to your exclusive private camp. On arrival, you will be introduced to the lodge/camp and briefed on your stay. You will have the chance to have lunch and relax before going on your first safari activity this afternoon.
 *We recommend arriving in Botswana (or Johannesburg) a day early for this trip, just in case there are any travel or weather delays. NWS can help you to book the additional room night should you wish.

      Overnight: Mababe Tented Camp - Exclusive Use


      Days 2 - 3 (July 6 & 7): On safari at Mababe



      Encompassed by a vast vegetation of dry mopane woodland, the Mababe Concession lies in a privileged yet less-frequented position between two national parks on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta. Sluicing through the
      dry woodland is the Mababe Marsh at the end of the Khwai River, a regional highlight as it attracts a plethora of abundant wildlife, ranging from large predators to rare bird species. Witness massive herds of up to 2,000 buffalo and spectacular migrations of zebras, a sight to behold, especially when lions engage in daytime hunts. The forests provide sanctuary for elusive leopards, while the marsh fringes teem with diverse birdlife. Additional wildlife species
      found in the area comprise hyenas, cheetahs, wild dogs, bat-eared foxes, jackals, African wild cats, and servals, enriching the safari experience.

      Overnight: Mababe Tented Camp - Exclusive Use



      Day 4 (July 8): Intercamp transfer by flight

      After your morning's game drive, you will be driven to the local airstrip for your light aircraft flight to your next camp in the Okavango Delta. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and driven to your private mobile tented camp. Enjoy a bite to eat and the chance to relax, before heading out on an afternoon's game activity.

      
Overnight: Private Mobile Camp

      Days 5-7 (July 9-11): On safari in the Khwai Concession


      The Khwai Private Reserve is a private concession north of the Khwai river, west of the Chobe NP, east of the private Delta concessions and south of the Selinda. The massive Khwai Private reserve is a joint venture partnership with the local community and offers luxury safaris with all the perks of being a private concession such as night drives, off-roading and walking. The huge concession is relatively empty with only a handful of lodges operating within its boundaries. Its size ensures a large diversity of habitats and ecosystems ranging from riverine forests to large mopane woodland, open savannah and seasonally inundated floodplains. Also due to its size game is not as concentrated as the Khwai Community area but rather spread out among the different habitats. The area is known for its large herds of rare sable and roan antelope, lechwe, multiple other species of plains game as well as the always accompanying predators such as lion, leopard and wild dog.



      Overnight: Private Mobile Camp

      Day 8 (July 12): Departure

      Today, at a time to be advised locally, you will bid farewell to your private camp team and be driven to the airstrip in time for your light aircraft flight to Maun. On arrival into Maun Airport you will be assisted to your onward international flight, marking the end of your time on safari in Botswana.

      Mababe Tented Camp

      Set on the tranquil banks of the Khwai River within the Mababe Private Concession, Mababe Tented Camp offers front-row access to one of Botswana’s
      most pristine and wildlife-rich environments. Operating seasonally from April to November, this exclusive camp is a gateway to unforgettable safari adventures, including game drives and optional mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions in the
      neighbouring lush wetlands.

      The camp features just eight Meru-style tents, ensuring a quiet and intimate atmosphere. Each spacious tent is thoughtfully positioned along the riverfront and comes with an en-suite bathroom, indoor shower, personal fan, hot water bottle, and an optional extra bed roll for families. Flexible twin or double sleeping arrangements make the camp ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small groups. Embracing eco-conscious travel, the entire property is solar-powered with a backup generator, ensuring comfort without compromising the natural
      surroundings.

      At the heart of the camp lies an open-air main area that blends seamlessly with the environment. Guests can unwind in the cozy lounge, gather for meals in the open dining space, or share stories under the stars around the central campfire.
      Designed to foster connection with both nature and fellow travellers, the  communal spaces offer panoramic views and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. Mababe Tented Camp delivers a raw, authentic safari experience wrapped in warm hospitality and thoughtful simplicity.

      Private Mobile Camp

      Offering exclusive, our private mobile camping adventures across northern Botswana, combining luxury, comfort, and authentic safari experiences.
      Guests stay in custom-designed tents featuring ensuite bathrooms, flushing toilets, hot bucket showers, plush linens, and comfortable beds. The
      beautifully crafted camp includes a relaxed main area with a stocked bar, cozy sofas, games, and a library. A shaded veranda with deckchairs invites
      you to unwind and watch wildlife pass by. Guided by top experts and designed for flexibility and privacy, this experience is ideal for those seeking an intimate and unforgettable journey into the wild.

    • Payment

      A $3995 deposit, along with the single tent supplement if you choose it, is due at the time of registration. The balance will be due on April 5, 2027.

      Withdrawal and Refund Policy

      Enrollment is limited to 6-8 participants (depending on room shares), and once you sign up, we are counting on your attendance. If you need to withdraw from this workshop, please notify us in writing (email is acceptable) as soon as possible. This is our refund policy:

      If you cancel and we find someone to fill your seat, we will refund you the full amount you have paid towards the tuition, minus a $250 service charge. If you cancel and we cannot find someone to fill your seat, then you will be refunded according to the following schedule:

      At least 90 days before the start of the workshop: Full refund minus $250 service fee.
      Between 89 and 60 days before the start of the workshop: 75% refund
      Between 59 and 45 days before the start of the workshop: 50% refund
      Less than 45 days from the start of the workshop: No refund

      Course Cancellation and Other Terms

      Leica Store Miami reserves the right to cancel a reservation if full payment has not been received by 90 days prior to the start of the workshop.

      In the event that this workshop must be canceled due to inadequate enrollment, all fees and deposits will be refunded in full or may be transferred to another workshop within 24 months.

      In the unlikely event of illness, accident or injury to one of the instructors, Leica Store Miami reserves the right to replace that instructor with a comparable instructor.

      In the event of a natural disaster or severe weather event, Leica Store Miami reserves the right to postpone or cancel the workshop.

      Travel Insurance (required)

      It is a requirement of booking that guests provide evidence of comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellation and curtailment, medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation), personal accident, injury and death in addition to loss of/damage to luggage and possessions, personal possessions and flight cancellations/delays. Companies like Travelex and Allianz Global Assistance are reputable but you can choose any vendor you like. Leica Store Miami is not responsible for reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets in the event of a workshop cancellation, nor are we responsible for trip cancellations due to medical emergencies, personal emergencies or other unforeseen events.

      Camera Gear Insurance (STRONGLY recommended)

      We advise all of our workshop attendees to insure their camera gear against damage, theft, loss, etc. If your gear is not already insured, check with your home owner's insurance to see if they offer coverage. There are several photo specific insurance policies out there as well.

      Communicable Illness Protocols

      Our main goal on all of our tours is to keep everyone safe. To that end, we ask that everyone do their best to avoid exposure to communicable diseases like Covid-19, influenza, RSV, etc before and during our trip. If someone in our group becomes ill on the trip and we deem it to be harmful to the group, we reserve the right to remove them from group activities where social distancing is not possible.


      Single Tent Policy

      If you sign-up for double occupancy room sharing and there are no other attendees to pair you with, you will be responsible for paying the single tent supplement.

      Transfers

      If for any reason you wish to transfer your deposit or workshop fee, please notify us by email. You must register and complete a new workshop within 24 months of the withdrawal. We reserve the right to accept or deny any transfer.

      There are no exceptions to our Cancellation and Transfer Policy.



    Click here to email us any questions about this workshop




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