Project Description

Lions Madikwe photo safari

Vic Falls, Chobe and Madikwe Photo Safari

  • From $7,950

  • 12 Days

  • Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa

  • All year round

This package links two of Africa’s best and most abundant game reserves, Chobe and Madikwe, with a visit to the mighty Victoria Falls in an effortless and well-designed itinerary. This package includes accommodation at fantastic 4* lodges in both Chobe and Madikwe and is designed for clients wanting a varied and comprehensive African photo safari experience.

The Victoria Falls are on every bucket list and have to be seen to believed. The local tribes call it Mosi-o-Tunya which means the Smoke that Thunders and it’s easy to see why. Starting this trip at The Falls will give you a couple of days to ease into the pace of African life with plenty of activities on offer. Whether you fancy the rush of some white water rafting or a more sedentary afternoon taking high tea on the terrace of a grand old colonial hotel there is literally something for everyone.

Chobe is probably one of the best photographic parks on the continent with the advantage of having both water and land-based game activities. the accommodation for your time in the Chobe will be at our award winning Pangolin Chobe Hotel.You will be hosted by the Pangolin team on our custom built photo boats and vehicles and the guides will be on hand to help you make the most of every photographic opportunity. If you don’t have your own camera don’t worry as you can use one of our Canon DSLR cameras and telephoto lenses free of charge while you are with us. We will even give you a memory card to take all your images home on!

The majority of your activities in the Chobe will be on the river as you will be doing only game drives in Madikwe.

The quickest and most reliable way to get to Madikwe from The Chobe is actually via Johannesburg and is rather simple. The flight from the Chobe leaves in the early afternoon and in less than two hours you are in Johannesburg and checking into the Intercontinental Hotel which is less than 100m from the arrivals hall. The hotel is very good and has all the modern services you might need like a rapid laundry service, decent wifi and a very good restaurant. If you fancy a bit more relaxation there is a spa and swimming pool too.

The next day you have the option of seeing some of South Africa from the ground with a 3 hour drive to Madikwe (the last bit is through the reserve itself so could count as a game drive!) or you can pay a little extra and fly from the airport straight into the reserve – or indeed try both – fly there…drive back.

Day 7 – 11 – One of the best-kept secrets in Africa is Madikwe Private Game Reserve on the border between Botswana and South Africa. Getting to Madikwe is relatively easy, but will require an overnight in Johannesburg.. This beautiful reserve is home to the amazing Jaci’s Tree Lodge. As you can imagine from the name the rooms are built on stilts and nestle in the trees along a small river. The rooms themselves are huge with private terraces, beautiful en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers. Madikwe is a fantastic reserve for photography with plenty of very relaxed subjects and very good sightings of lion, wild dog, rhino and the elusive brown hyena. While at Jaci’s you will have access to the amazing Terrapin Hide which sits in the middle of a very busy waterhole next to the lodge offering the most unique photo opportunities from water level as the animals come to drink. Please note that Jaci’s lodges do have specialist photo vehicles and cameras available at a small extra charge.

2023 2024
Approx $6,150 pps
Single Supplement rates apply – please enquire for exact quote
Approx $7,450 –  pps
Single Supplement rates apply – please enquire for exact quote
  • 2 nights at Ilala Lodge in Victoria falls (B&B)

  • Vic Falls airport meet and greet.

  • Transfer by road to The Chobe (2 hours)

  • 4 nights at a The Pangolin Chobe Hotel (Full board)

  • 8 Pangolin photographic drives and cruises

  • Free use of a Canon DSLR and lens

  • Free 16gb SD cards

  • Park Fees

  • Transfer to Kasane airport

  • 1 Night at The Intercontinental Hotel located at OR Tambo ( JNB ) Airport

  • Road Transfer to Madikwe from OR Tambo Airport

  • 4 nights Jaci’s Tree Lodge (Full board excluding drinks)

  • Transfer by road to OR Tambo (Johannesburg)

  • Optional seat on Jaci’s photo vehicles (subject to availability)

  • Gratuities

  • Laundry

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Drinks other than those specified at Jaci’s

  • Single room supplement from $1,950 per person (if travelling alone)

Please note cameras are included at the Pangolin Chobe Hotel, while at Jaci’s, cameras are avaible to rent at an additional charge. Subject to availability.

Suggested Add-ons
If you are interested in any of the below add-ons, chat to your travel planner or mention it in the enquiry form below.

Pangolin Photo Safaris – Cape Town Add on

Cape Town

The Mother City and Africa’s most cosmopolitan destination, Cape Town is a wonderful destination at the start or end of a safari. Beautiful scenery, delicious food, Mediterranean climate & photo opportunities galore!

Photographing the Victoria Falls can be tricky sometimes with the massive amount of spray that the crashing water produces. It’s advisable when going to see The Falls to take a plastic bag to cover your gear when it’s out of your bag. There are some times of the year when its possible to visit the falls at night during a full moon and witness a lunar rainbow. Please ask your consultant for the dates.

Let’s start planning your safari!

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