Thru-the-lens Nature Safaris Botswana
Thru-the-lens Nature Safaris Botswana
Thru-the-lens Nature Safaris Botswana
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About
Thru-the-lens Nature Safaris Botswana is a specialist wildlife photography mobile safari company based in Maun, Botswana. Our safari packages are designed with photographers in mind, whether you are a budding wildlife photographer, a hobbyist or professional. Our tailor-made safari tours will take you to game reserves of Botswana, eg the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park.
Maun, Botswana
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Thru-the-lens Nature Safaris Botswana
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
7 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
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Mike Bayly
25 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Ever left a destination grinning so hard your face hurts? That was our experience of Botswana hosted by Joe from Thru the Lens. Joe and his team were so incredibly gracious, professional and kind in providing great campsites and camp experiences from which our photographic journey of the Moremi Game Reserve began and ended. That journey was epic!!! Joe Ramsden is a tracker, animal behavioural expert, gifted photographer and all round great bloke. His expertise, at all times, placed us in the perfect position for the perfect image. The bloke is a modest genius! If you are considering a trip to Botswana, seek out Thru the Lens Photographic Safaris Botswana. 10/10... absolutely amazing....
Written 15 June 2024
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.
G B
San Jose, CA8 contributions
Aug 2022
Call me lazy but I would just be repeating all the good things the other reviewers wrote. I will say that prior to our Moremi safari we had visited Uganda (Chimps, Gorillas & wildlife), Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti, and thought we have seen it all but Joe experience, with the help of his team, shined through providing us the most amazing adventure. Highly recommend Joe. He looks out for every little detail, and then some!
Written 19 September 2022
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.
Billadvisor75
Chavannes-de-Bogis, Switzerland16 contributions
Jul 2019
We had a one week safari with Through-the-lenses co-owner Joe and his wonderful staff.
It was such an extraordinary experience in the beautiful country of Botswana. Even though in the middle of the bush for the full week (including at nights), and surrounded by various animals, we never felt in danger. Which is a crucial point while traveling with children and parents. The accommodation are top notch with large tents, private bathroom and warm showers (inside the tents). Three course meal are serve at night, made on sight by a wonderful cook Kelly. Thanks to Joe’s long time experience, we’ve been able to see almost all the renowned animal of the area including lions, leopards, cheetahs and hundreds of buffalos and elephant to name a few.
We felt bless to have been recommended this company as we quickly realized that on all points mentioned above it was the best around. We have souvenirs for life.
Can’t wait to come back! Thank you Joe and staff.
It was such an extraordinary experience in the beautiful country of Botswana. Even though in the middle of the bush for the full week (including at nights), and surrounded by various animals, we never felt in danger. Which is a crucial point while traveling with children and parents. The accommodation are top notch with large tents, private bathroom and warm showers (inside the tents). Three course meal are serve at night, made on sight by a wonderful cook Kelly. Thanks to Joe’s long time experience, we’ve been able to see almost all the renowned animal of the area including lions, leopards, cheetahs and hundreds of buffalos and elephant to name a few.
We felt bless to have been recommended this company as we quickly realized that on all points mentioned above it was the best around. We have souvenirs for life.
Can’t wait to come back! Thank you Joe and staff.
Written 22 August 2019
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.
Suzanne D
8 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
I stayed at Thru-the-lens mobile safari camp as part of an all-women’s safari trip to Botswana. This was a totally unique and wonderful experience. The camp was set up within the Moremi Game Reserve which gave us ready access to the park without having to come through the gates from outside. Joe, the co-owner, was our guide and, right from pick-up from our bush plane flight, was brilliant. His tracking skills and knowledge of the park and wildlife meant that we had some unforgettable wildlife viewings. The fact that Thru-the-Lens caters to photographers meant that everyone in our group had obstruction-free views from the vehicle. The vehicle we were in was also noticeably quieter that those of other outfits so we were less likely to disturb any wildlife we were viewing. Tents were spacious, nicely set-up with a private space at the rear of each tent for ablutions. Even though the mobile camp does not have permanent running water, this was not an issue. Drinking water was provided in flasks and Joe would communicate with staff back at the camp by satellite phone so there was always hot water in basins upon return from game drives as well as upon waking up. Similarly, we were notified when hot water would be available in the bucket showers.
The camp staff were fantastic and Kelly, the chef, produced wonderful meals for our group which included 2 vegetarians and a vegan. Joe joined us for every meal and had some really interesting stories and observations from his many years’ experience. Joe was also very attentive to the individual needs of our group, bringing out a step-stool for getting in and out of the vehicle, lending binoculars to those without, and always ensuring that we were able to see what was being pointed out without being patronizing or condescending. All-in-all, a once in a lifetime experience.
The camp staff were fantastic and Kelly, the chef, produced wonderful meals for our group which included 2 vegetarians and a vegan. Joe joined us for every meal and had some really interesting stories and observations from his many years’ experience. Joe was also very attentive to the individual needs of our group, bringing out a step-stool for getting in and out of the vehicle, lending binoculars to those without, and always ensuring that we were able to see what was being pointed out without being patronizing or condescending. All-in-all, a once in a lifetime experience.
Written 2 June 2024
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.
Jess S
2 contributions
Nov 2022
There are so many great things to say about Thru-the-lens, Joe, Nkosi and their teams that it would not fit in one review but here are our highlights:
- Joe, our guide, was so knowledge, friendly and made sure we made the most out of our 7 days in Moremi and Savuti. His knowledge of the wildlife, and of course of photography, was so precious. He always ensured we would get the right angle, and that we would be at the right place to take the best possible pictures. We have seen so many animals thanks to his ability to spot even the tiniest bird. We had a great time with Joe who always has some good jokes and fascinating stories to tell.
- We also had the chance to meet Nkosi, Thru-the-lens’ other guide and co-founder. He was equally friendly and knowledgeable!
- The crew will make sure you have the most comfortable camping experience possible. Thank you Tfo, Lobs, Tu and Be (I’m very sorry for the bad spelling) for the great company!
- Be, the chef, cooked amazing food (and made it vegan for us, we can’t thank her enough for this) in the middle of the bush! We were worried to get hungry while on safari but we ended up being constantly full of delicious food :)
- The car is super comfortable and perfectly adapted to photography.
We, of course, highly recommend Thru-the-lens if you are looking for an unforgettable safari.
- Joe, our guide, was so knowledge, friendly and made sure we made the most out of our 7 days in Moremi and Savuti. His knowledge of the wildlife, and of course of photography, was so precious. He always ensured we would get the right angle, and that we would be at the right place to take the best possible pictures. We have seen so many animals thanks to his ability to spot even the tiniest bird. We had a great time with Joe who always has some good jokes and fascinating stories to tell.
- We also had the chance to meet Nkosi, Thru-the-lens’ other guide and co-founder. He was equally friendly and knowledgeable!
- The crew will make sure you have the most comfortable camping experience possible. Thank you Tfo, Lobs, Tu and Be (I’m very sorry for the bad spelling) for the great company!
- Be, the chef, cooked amazing food (and made it vegan for us, we can’t thank her enough for this) in the middle of the bush! We were worried to get hungry while on safari but we ended up being constantly full of delicious food :)
- The car is super comfortable and perfectly adapted to photography.
We, of course, highly recommend Thru-the-lens if you are looking for an unforgettable safari.
Written 12 December 2022
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.
Sam_and_Jumby
London7 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Joe met us in our hotel in Maun the night before we set off to run through our itinerary and to get a good understanding of the group (we were a large group of 8 adults and 7 kids from 7 to 14 years old).
The safari started the next morning and we were immediately treated to a deluge of zebras, giraffes, antelopes, rhinos and elephants. Not to mention the countless birds, which Joe and (our other guide) Benson were experts at identifying and enlightening us on any interesting facts related to them.
The facilities at camp were excellent and the standard of food and service provided by the camp staff was of the highest order. Joe and Benson sat with us for every meal and you really felt like you were sitting down with friends.
They were both excellent trackers and were constantly sharing their thoughts on the tracks they were seeing and the implications that they might have for the likelihood of different animals being in the area. It is unbelievable how good they were at spotting animals half hidden in the bushes while driving. As a consequence we saw countless animals of all varieties and the days seemed to pass at lightning speed… there was always so much to see and learn about.
We managed to see all the big game, often after a period of tracking and being guide by subtle queues such as paw prints, the posture of the herbivores or the alarm call of various animals. The anticipation built when we were tracking an animal which made the eventual sighting of it all the more enjoyable.
Joe is also an excellent photographer so for any budding enthusiasts he is the ideal guide to get you in the correct position to get some great shots. Add to that his excellent knowledge of all the animals and his ability to identify them from a distance (how he spots some of the birds while making sure he doesn’t crash the game viewer is a mystery to me) ensures that you get multiple opportunities to view all the animals that interest you.
What an excellent holiday and a great way for a family to bond and spend time together. Thanks to Joe and Benson, and the whole Thru the Lens team.
The safari started the next morning and we were immediately treated to a deluge of zebras, giraffes, antelopes, rhinos and elephants. Not to mention the countless birds, which Joe and (our other guide) Benson were experts at identifying and enlightening us on any interesting facts related to them.
The facilities at camp were excellent and the standard of food and service provided by the camp staff was of the highest order. Joe and Benson sat with us for every meal and you really felt like you were sitting down with friends.
They were both excellent trackers and were constantly sharing their thoughts on the tracks they were seeing and the implications that they might have for the likelihood of different animals being in the area. It is unbelievable how good they were at spotting animals half hidden in the bushes while driving. As a consequence we saw countless animals of all varieties and the days seemed to pass at lightning speed… there was always so much to see and learn about.
We managed to see all the big game, often after a period of tracking and being guide by subtle queues such as paw prints, the posture of the herbivores or the alarm call of various animals. The anticipation built when we were tracking an animal which made the eventual sighting of it all the more enjoyable.
Joe is also an excellent photographer so for any budding enthusiasts he is the ideal guide to get you in the correct position to get some great shots. Add to that his excellent knowledge of all the animals and his ability to identify them from a distance (how he spots some of the birds while making sure he doesn’t crash the game viewer is a mystery to me) ensures that you get multiple opportunities to view all the animals that interest you.
What an excellent holiday and a great way for a family to bond and spend time together. Thanks to Joe and Benson, and the whole Thru the Lens team.
Written 8 August 2022
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.
Patrick B
13 contributions
Feb 2019
It was my third safari, so maybe it could have been a bit of deja-vu, but no. We had 10 days of adventures, with innumerable fantastic souvenirs. Joe had this uncanny ability to know where things will happen. He is a friendly, reliable, conscientious guide, and so are his associates/team. We saw lots of animals. We were well looked after. We had fun. I would highly recommend him and Thru-The-Lens. The only problem is we had so many great photo opportunities that I spent a couple of months afterwards going through them! Sorting so many magical memories. I have finished though and look forward to do it again!
Written 1 November 2019
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.
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