Pangolin Photo Safaris
Pangolin Photo Safaris
Pangolin Photo Safaris
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Pangolin Photo Safaris caters for photographers of all levels of experience - from complete novices to seasoned professionals. We operate from our very own place The Pangolin Chobe Hotel where our guests enjoy morning and afternoon cruises and drives in the Chobe National Park accompanied by photographic guides and hosts. Dont worry if you dont have a camera either as one will be supplied free of any extra charges with a fresh memory card for you to fill and keep.
Kasane, Botswana
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Pangolin Photo Safaris
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(5 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
323 reviews
Excellent
314
Very good
9
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Jamie C
Greater London, UK10 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We had a fantastic time at the wonderful Pangolin, everything was terrific.
The staff were wonderful, both in the hotel and the Bush and all clearly well trained and very welcoming and helpful led by Dan. Charl was just what was needed on tour and with the photographing, we feel we all learned a lot as well as having fun. The food was delicious and the Chef great fun as well with his theatrical intros! I enjoyed the pool’s pond like qualities, which felt just right for the bush! Highly recommend this for photographic enthusiasts as well as everyone who enjoys the excitement of the Chobe wild life.
The staff were wonderful, both in the hotel and the Bush and all clearly well trained and very welcoming and helpful led by Dan. Charl was just what was needed on tour and with the photographing, we feel we all learned a lot as well as having fun. The food was delicious and the Chef great fun as well with his theatrical intros! I enjoyed the pool’s pond like qualities, which felt just right for the bush! Highly recommend this for photographic enthusiasts as well as everyone who enjoys the excitement of the Chobe wild life.
Written 29 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lumenstein94002
Austin, TX126 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
When I had an issue with a safari in the Okavango Delta, the company I had booked through pivoted and made arrangements for me to stay here for two nights. I have but one complaint, it was ONLY two nights. There cannot be anything said about this place that is not incredible. First, the staff is friendly from the pick up, to the in house staff to the team that works to make sure that your time here is as if you are family that you have known a lifetime. Because I was not originally planning on being here, I went in blind. Well, I can tell you that if you are thinking for a second of going here you have already thought too long. Just book it! I have already spent time looking at my next trip and it will be 100% with Pangolin. The boats are amazing, the team made you look better, spent time teaching me editing tips, and just cannot say enough about this company, the people and oh, the food!! The food each night was amazing.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Rick - thanks for writing such kind words, we really enjoyed having you stay with albeit very last minute, sounds like we will be seeing you again soon, can't wait!
Written 26 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MPA
El Dorado Hills, CA1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Business
Wow these folks do it right! We just returned from leading our clients through Pangolin for our photography tour on the Chobe.
I can't say enough about them. Everything from the staff and our guide (Richard) to Dan at the front desk and Guts with operations as well as the entire team are fantastic.
We are for sure going to be working with them again in the future and look forward to it!
I can't say enough about them. Everything from the staff and our guide (Richard) to Dan at the front desk and Guts with operations as well as the entire team are fantastic.
We are for sure going to be working with them again in the future and look forward to it!
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks - you guys were a fabulous group & we are all looking forward to hosting more of your guests very soon!
Written 26 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sheree R
18 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This was a holiday that my husband wanted to do. I was very sceptical about doing it. After all how much were you going to see from a boat anyway. I was afraid of using my camera, so thought this may help.
It was awesome, we had 3 days on the Houseboat and 3 days in their Lodge. Whilst in the boat we got to see 2 Lions bring down an Impala, only meters away from our boat.
Jarco & Ray, our guides, were awesome. The people we met were lovely and we got some great photos. This is a holiday that we have and will continue to recommend. It was totally worth it.
It was awesome, we had 3 days on the Houseboat and 3 days in their Lodge. Whilst in the boat we got to see 2 Lions bring down an Impala, only meters away from our boat.
Jarco & Ray, our guides, were awesome. The people we met were lovely and we got some great photos. This is a holiday that we have and will continue to recommend. It was totally worth it.
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amazing feedback! Thanks for taking the opportunity to write such a wonderful review of our best in Chobe workshop, wonderful to hear you enjoyed its so much!
Written 26 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cuthahotha
Temecula, CA18 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I'll make this short, there are no superlatives good enough to describe our time with Pangolin.
We booked the Best of Chobe safari as my wife's first foray from North America. I had been watching all of the phenomenal YouTube content put out by Pangolin and knew they were the company to go with. They met and exceeded every expectation I had, and I had a lot.
Our guides, Ray and Charlies, were excellent, knowing the game well and how best to position our boat or game drive vehicle for the best photos.
Walter served as our photo host. Not only is he an excellent photographer, but he's an outstanding teacher. I do a lot of wildlife photography, and my wife is/was a complete novice at digital photography. By the end of the trip she was turning out outstanding images, and I learned more than a few tips. Well worth it for both of us.
Typically, you'll do two game drives per day, either by custom-designed photography boats or game vehicles. We had four meals daily, and the evening meals were some of the best I have ever had. Also, while on the game drives, there are snacks, water, coffee, or sodas. You won't go hungry!
While we both had gear (Nikon for my wife. I carry Canon R3 and Canon R5 ) they do have a loan department from which they will provide (free of charge) Canon 80Ds and 150-600mm lenses.
The photo hosts are well-versed in the major camera manufacturers and models.
Again, I can't begin to praise Pangolin, Toby, and Guts for the incredible customer service and photo safari.
We booked the Best of Chobe safari as my wife's first foray from North America. I had been watching all of the phenomenal YouTube content put out by Pangolin and knew they were the company to go with. They met and exceeded every expectation I had, and I had a lot.
Our guides, Ray and Charlies, were excellent, knowing the game well and how best to position our boat or game drive vehicle for the best photos.
Walter served as our photo host. Not only is he an excellent photographer, but he's an outstanding teacher. I do a lot of wildlife photography, and my wife is/was a complete novice at digital photography. By the end of the trip she was turning out outstanding images, and I learned more than a few tips. Well worth it for both of us.
Typically, you'll do two game drives per day, either by custom-designed photography boats or game vehicles. We had four meals daily, and the evening meals were some of the best I have ever had. Also, while on the game drives, there are snacks, water, coffee, or sodas. You won't go hungry!
While we both had gear (Nikon for my wife. I carry Canon R3 and Canon R5 ) they do have a loan department from which they will provide (free of charge) Canon 80Ds and 150-600mm lenses.
The photo hosts are well-versed in the major camera manufacturers and models.
Again, I can't begin to praise Pangolin, Toby, and Guts for the incredible customer service and photo safari.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How's wonderful to hear such great feedback, I will pass on your regards to Walter and everyone else mentioned, Im sure you came away with some fantastic images!
Written 26 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Delags D
Goodlands6 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Fantastic place to discover and observe the nature around and on the Chobe River. The team is very friendly. The guides are passionate about wildlife and know their area very well. They really take their time to teach and explain everything. The rooms are very spacious. The food is excellent and the chef a real actor!
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to write such a great review, lets hope we see you again very soon!
Written 26 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
diptensworld
Mumbai, India10 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
My wife & me and a delightful & memorable experience with the Pangolin Masai Mara Photographic Safari. Our interactions with Pangolin started almost a year earlier - Pangolin photo safaris are very popular with Wildlife Photographers and are in great demand, so one has to start early.
Sam, our Tour Planner, was patient with us and sorted all our issues in time and with understanding. we were travelling from India and had many issues to be taken care of. Thanks Sam.
Pangolin arranged our flight tickets to and stay at Samburu Saruni for our unescorted trip to Samburu. Very nice experience there. Our stay at Tamarind Tree on three occasions, airport pick-up and drop were meticulously arranged for. We thank Nira & Andy for excellent ground handling at Nairobi.
The Photo Safaris at Masai Mara was superlative. We stayed at the Mara Bush Camp Luxury Lodge inside the Masai Mara National Park. The Tents were alongside a small river, with about 50 Hippos lazing and grunting all through the day and night.
The Camp Tents were large luxurious, with all amenities, large beds, working table and fully equipped bath/ toilet area. The food was professionally cooked and served by trained Chefs and catered to various food requirements.
The Photo Safaris were undoubtedly the highlight of the days in Mara. Each large Pangolin Safari Jeep would have just 4 guests with competent Guide Driver and the very capable and eager to help Pangolin Photoguides. Charl, Sabine, Nelis and Andy were all professional & highly-rated photographers, who accompanied us in turns. I learnt a great deal about Wildlife photography and camera settings. Manual with Auto ISO and Eye-focus for birds were game changing for me. Thank you Charl, Sabine, Nelis & Andy.
We were lucky to see the Migration in full swing from the Jeep and also from the Hot-air Balloon. We also saw the Mara river crossing by the Wildebeests and Zebras, apart from the big cats, big five, most other animals - many with cubs and also birds. I have taken thousands of photographs, which will keep reminding us of the Kenyan Wildlife and the utterly capable Pangolin team.
Thank you Pangolin team for giving us the most exciting and wonderful wildlife experience so far. Hopefully we meet again!
Sam, our Tour Planner, was patient with us and sorted all our issues in time and with understanding. we were travelling from India and had many issues to be taken care of. Thanks Sam.
Pangolin arranged our flight tickets to and stay at Samburu Saruni for our unescorted trip to Samburu. Very nice experience there. Our stay at Tamarind Tree on three occasions, airport pick-up and drop were meticulously arranged for. We thank Nira & Andy for excellent ground handling at Nairobi.
The Photo Safaris at Masai Mara was superlative. We stayed at the Mara Bush Camp Luxury Lodge inside the Masai Mara National Park. The Tents were alongside a small river, with about 50 Hippos lazing and grunting all through the day and night.
The Camp Tents were large luxurious, with all amenities, large beds, working table and fully equipped bath/ toilet area. The food was professionally cooked and served by trained Chefs and catered to various food requirements.
The Photo Safaris were undoubtedly the highlight of the days in Mara. Each large Pangolin Safari Jeep would have just 4 guests with competent Guide Driver and the very capable and eager to help Pangolin Photoguides. Charl, Sabine, Nelis and Andy were all professional & highly-rated photographers, who accompanied us in turns. I learnt a great deal about Wildlife photography and camera settings. Manual with Auto ISO and Eye-focus for birds were game changing for me. Thank you Charl, Sabine, Nelis & Andy.
We were lucky to see the Migration in full swing from the Jeep and also from the Hot-air Balloon. We also saw the Mara river crossing by the Wildebeests and Zebras, apart from the big cats, big five, most other animals - many with cubs and also birds. I have taken thousands of photographs, which will keep reminding us of the Kenyan Wildlife and the utterly capable Pangolin team.
Thank you Pangolin team for giving us the most exciting and wonderful wildlife experience so far. Hopefully we meet again!
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How wonderful that you had such an amazing time on our Migration trip to the Masai Mara, it truly is a stunning location to photograph. Thanks for taking the time to write this review, lets hope you are able to join one of our other trips or join us here in Botswana!
Written 26 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Extraordinary792634
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We chose Pangolin Photo Safaris for our first visit to Africa from the US and we can't say enough good things about the trip and the company. From our stay at the Pangolin Hotel in Kasane, Botswana to the Great Migration in the Masai Mara in Kenya, the experience was incredible. The photo hosts were very helpful and the guides in the jeeps and boats knew all about the area as well as the natural and human history. They could find us wildlife and get us to a vantage point where were were able to have great views of the animals. As a birder, I was very pleased that the guides could always come up with an identification for what we saw. The accommodations in both places were extremely comfortable and we were very well taken care of by the staff. The food was some of the best that I've ever tasted. We have absolutely no complaints about our trip and many, many thanks to give to those that work for Pangolin Photo Safaris.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow how amazing - what a trip to include both or Chobe experience with our Masai Mara trips, Im sure it was an amazing combination that meant you came away with many stunning images, thanks for the great review!
Written 27 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
barbaraebner
Leonding, Austria895 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This was our second trip, this time to the Masai Mara to see the Great migration. we stayed at the Mara Bush camp and it was a wonderful experience. Not only did we see the great 5 and migration but many more beautiful moments shared with fellow guests. our group of 16 had 4 cars with a driver and the Pangolin photo guides - happy to see Sabine and Charl again! Every one of them an expert himself with certain special interests in wildlife changed the cars daily to give as an even more profound and interesting look at nature and photography. The accommodation is wonderful, directly on the river with lots of hippos and at night a Masai with a spear brings you back to your (luxury) tent. The camp is fairly new therefore the rooms are Wonderfull with a large deck overlooking the river. Everything was very well planned and executed by Pangolin Safaris. The food in the camp and on the trips were delicious and in fact incredible for being out in the bush. Lunches were served underneath beautiful old trees with wildlife surrounding us.
Leaving in the morning at 6 am and returning at 7 pm is intense but if you are into photography and wildlife this gives you the best chance to see everything. It is on some days possible to stay in the camp half days but not on all. The highlight was the Balloon trip with lunch afterwards - Sergei: best pilot ever!
...and there is always help with post production too. the pictures added are I-phone only.
Tipping is extra for the drivers and Lodge stuff - but can be done with CC.
Thanks to our guides Sabine & Charl, Nellis and Andy!
Leaving in the morning at 6 am and returning at 7 pm is intense but if you are into photography and wildlife this gives you the best chance to see everything. It is on some days possible to stay in the camp half days but not on all. The highlight was the Balloon trip with lunch afterwards - Sergei: best pilot ever!
...and there is always help with post production too. the pictures added are I-phone only.
Tipping is extra for the drivers and Lodge stuff - but can be done with CC.
Thanks to our guides Sabine & Charl, Nellis and Andy!
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Barbara - wonderful to hear that you enjoyed our Masai Mara trip, Charl & Sabine will be absolutely delighted that you had such a great time! Hope to see you in Chobe soon!
Written 24 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynn H
Pittsburgh, PA12 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The instruction by professional wildlife photographers, and the game and bird viewing, were phenomenal. The experience was so exceptional that we're going back. Rooms upscale, had what we needed. Food was plentiful plus the cooking was really, really good. Staff are laid-back & warm-hearted so it was a fun environment. We love it!
Written 22 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to write such kind words, super pleased you enjoyed your stay with us and lets hope you are back agin soon!
Written 24 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daknarr
Dubai, United Arab Emirates10 contributions
Into what airport is best to fly. I am coming from Dubai...
Anne Opperman
1 contribution
Hi - From OR Tambo airport - Johannesburg - you should fly to Kasane in Botswana. There are daily flights - which are nonstop. We are flying in with Airlink. The Pangolin hosts will collect you there.
I doubt there is a direct flight out of Dubai to Kasane..
I believe the other alternative is to fly from Johannesburg to Livingstone airport in Zambia and then take a taxi. You will need to allow much more time if you use this option though.- probably put aside the whole day
Hope this helps
Samantha H
Boston, MA
Has anyone visited in October? Wondering what the most preferable time of year to travel. Any advice is appreciated!
Pangolinphotosafaris
Cape Town, South Africa183 contributions
Hi Samantha,
October is fantastic for game viewing but also very warm. Its the month before the rains arrive and there are large numbers of larger mammals staying close to the river. Its a lovely time of year for big elephant herds. Luckily all the rooms at the Pangolin Chobe Hotel are air conditioned so you can escape the heat whenever you want!
Samantha H
Boston, MA
Does anyone know if these tours run Year-round? Or what the best time of the year to visit for large game viewing is? Any information would be helpful!
Pangolinphotosafaris
Cape Town, South Africa183 contributions
Thank you mz-asterix.
Please visit our website by googling Pangolin Photo Safaris for information on all our safari packages.
We operate throughout the year in the Chobe.
hodomann
Orlando, FL45 contributions
has anyone visited africa these folks in mid-december? i'm curious about what the weather is and also which airport i can fly into?
sareldlh
Calabasas, CA27 contributions
Write to them with any concerns . They are a truly professional operation. You will not be disappointed whenever and what ever you book with them..
Stanley S
San Francisco Ca. Bay area7 contributions
Does Pangolin have any office or representative in the USA that I can telephone? I previously inquired and was provided your address and telephone number in So. Africa>
CalgaryTravelgal
Calgary, Canada111 contributions
Sorry, I have no idea. Again, email is probably your best option. Have to say, my friends are really impressed with the pictures I took on the tour. It was fabulous, hope you are able to make arrangements.