Transform Your Photography and Soul on a Botswana Soul Safari
Come rejuvenate your soul on this peaceful photographic journey through the wilderness of Botswana.
Let us bring you on a true journey, a journey not only through the spectacular beauty of Botswana but a journey of self-discovery through your photography. From the moment you arrive in Maun, we will guide you through the process of slowing down, leaving your troubles behind, and staying in the moment. Expect a quieter, less frantic safari experience and see the transformation in yourself and your photography. You will leave not only with incredible photos, but with all the necessary tools to help you use your photography and nature to de-stress and form a deeper connection with the world around you.
The Okavango Delta is a breathtakingly beautiful and unique oasis in the heart of Botswana. This vast, inland delta transforms annually into a lush, green paradise, thanks to the seasonal floodwaters that surge from the Okavango River. As the waters spread out over the flat landscape, they create a labyrinth of channels, lagoons, and islands, each teeming with life.
It is this marriage of water and life that creates the perfect environment to tap into our own inner flow and explore our connection to the natural world around us. With the assistance of soulful practitioners, your tour leader, and local guides, together we will become deeply engaged with our surroundings, becoming fully present in the moment. We’ll observe and appreciate the details of our environment—the play of light, the textures, and the subtle nuances of color and form. This attentiveness will allow you to connect more profoundly with your subject and create more meaningful images.
This tour is designed to help you to slow down and dig deep into your photography. Photography is a form of mindfulness that very few tap into. Most game drives are a harried experience, rushing from one sighting to another and mindlessly snapping photos to get “the shot”. What if there was a way to have all the excitement of two game drives a day without the focus on getting the shot, but rather soaking in the wondrous wilderness of Botswana and taking photos that express what you are experiencing in the moment? What if you took less photos but more photos that have meaning? More photos that have feeling?
Women that have suffered from depression and/or anxiety will find this experience especially useful. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out in photography you will be fully supported and will feel a special camaraderie with other women.
In addition to the stunning landscape, our subjects will include elephants, big cats, hippos, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, a plethora of bird species and much, much more.
“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread.” ~ Edward Abbey
This safari has two locations, beginning with a true wilderness experiences in a mobile tented camp in the Moremi Game Reserve and ending on a houseboat on the Chobe River.
What is a Soul Safari? Watch this video.
About your leader….
Sarah E. Devlin is a wildlife and nature photographer and the founder of Women In Wildlife Photography LLC. Her love for nature photography began many years ago when she discovered the positive connection between photography and mental health. Since then Sarah has developed a deep connection with nature through her photography that has transformed and improved the quality of her life. It is her passion to encourage others, especially women, to find the therapeutic quality of nature through a lens. Today she travels internationally organizing and leading wildlife photography tours for women and helping to promote and support other women wildlife photographers. Sarah has a unique style to her photography which has garnered several awards including Audubon and NANPA (North American Nature Photography Association) top 100. Her work has been featured in publications such as Natures Best Photography and Wild Planet. Sarah is based in the eastern United States.
6 Participants
$9,975
Single supplement $800 (singles have sold out)*
Payment schedule: March 30th, 2025 and May 30th, 2025
*There are only two singles available on this safari, which means you would have a tent to yourself while in Moremi and a cabin to yourself while on the houseboat on the Chobe River. Most women travel alone on our safaris and prefer to be paired with a roommate. If this is your desire, we will make every effort to pair you with someone, however if there are only singles left at the time of signing up, you will be obligated to pay the single supplement.
August 23rd – September 1st, 2025
*This itinerary is subject to slight variations.
Day 1 (Aug. 23rd)
- Approximately 2:00 pm – International flight arrives in Maun International Airport (MUB)
- 3:30 -4:00 pm Arrival at airstrip in Moremi Game Reserve
Meditation Walking – sense of slowing down into the present moment and simply enjoying whatever arises, even if it is exhaustion from a long flight and accumulated stress of busy lifestyles back home
Settle in – cup of tea.
- Late afternoon Photographic drive
- Bush fire Supper
- Evening around the fire: Simple Orientation and early bed.
Day 2 (Aug. 24th)
5:30 am Early morning photographic expedition
Photography as an exercise in mindfulness
Guided mindfulness meditation
- Breakfast back at camp
- Mid morning. Process and group exploration; setting intentions for our time together. Being present as a mindfulness exercise. Comparison between controlling the mind versus the expanded awareness that arises through letting go of expectations and judgments of self and other – moving into relaxed presence.
- Lunch
- Siesta for relaxation and for overcoming jet lag – guided relaxation for those who would like to participate
- Afternoon. Breath work and stretching or time for journaling. Photographic guidance and work with Sarah. Individual check-ins with Robyn about soul work
- Late afternoon Photographic drive
- Supper as a ceremony. Phahla (pronounced ‘Patla’) in the evening. A ceremony for honouring the ancestors; yours, ours and the ancestors of the land. Sharing food with them. This is a fun way to say we are grateful for this beautiful land.
• Evening around the fire. Circle sharing. Optional ‘Go siamisa’ prayer meditation.
Day 3 (Aug. 25th)
- Early morning photographic expedition. Slowing down, noticing the little things, meditation in the bush, exploring the symbolic meaning of the wildlife that come to meet and engage with us. (The external world as a reflection of our internal energy)
- Breakfast
- Mid morning. Process and group exploration. Sensory awakening. Beginning to slow down and come into alignment with the ancient rhythm and wisdom of the trees and the Earth. Circle sharing. Deep Listening as a powerful skill for centering
- Lunch. Eating as a meditation
- Siesta. Guided relaxation for those who would like to participate • Afternoon. Deep Listening as a powerful skill for centering. Individual check ins with Robyn about soul work
Shamanic art for honouring the land and our connection to its wisdom and symbolic significance. Journaling the experience
- Late afternoon Stillness and silence photographic game drive to practice deep listening skills and to see how those translate into the quality of the photographs taken.
- Supper – Bush food around the fire.
- Evening; the value of myths and stories while breathing in the cadence of the stars, the bush sounds and the crackling fire.
Day 4 (Aug. 26th)
- Early morning photographic expedition. Slowing down, noticing the little things, meditation in the bush, exploring the symbolic meaning of the wildlife that come to meet and engage with us. (The external world as a reflection of our internal energy)
- Breakfast
- Mid morning. Process and group exploration. Sensory awakening. Beginning to slow down and come into alignment with the ancient rhythm and wisdom of the trees and the Earth. Circle sharing. Deep Listening as a powerful skill for centering
- Lunch. Eating as a meditation
- Siesta. Guided relaxation for those who would like to participate • Afternoon. Deep Listening as a powerful skill for centering. Individual check ins with Robyn about soul work
Shamanic art for honouring the land and our connection to its wisdom and symbolic significance. Journaling the experience
- Late afternoon Stillness and silence photographic game drive to practice deep listening skills and to see how those translate into the quality of the photographs taken
- Supper – Bush food around the fire
- Evening; the value of myths and stories while breathing in the cadence of the stars, the bush sounds and the crackling fire
Day 5 (Aug. 27th)
- Early morning photographic expedition. Deepening the quietude.
- Breakfast
- Mid morning. Process and group exploration. Guided Group practice for connecting to your soul self. Reflections on what is arising as we sink into places of stillness.
- Dance and movement for somatic healing and for sheer enjoyment • Lunch
- Siesta – Individual check-ins with Robyn about soul work
- Mokoro trips into the delta. Further deepening the stillness and the relaxation while enjoying being poled out on the waterways in dugout canoes. • Late afternoon Photographic drive
- Supper
- Evening around the fire. Closing Ceremony
Day 6 (Aug. 28th)
- Early morning unhurried photographic expedition. Breathwork and guided meditation to retain the sense of stillness as we prepare to move onto the next leg of the journey
- Breakfast
- Game drive to airstrip
- Mid morning. Leaving at 10:00am for flights to Kasane.
- Early afternoon pick up at Kasane International Airport airport and transfer to Chobe River
- Board our houseboat and cabin assignments
- Lunch
- Settle in and rest
- Late afternoon photography aboard a specially equipped photography boat with swivel gimbals and chairs with local guide.
- Dinner
Day 7-9 (Aug. 29th – 31st)
- Early morning photography aboard a specially equipped photography boat with swivel gimbals and chairs with local guide.
- Breakfast
- photography aboard a specially equipped photography boat with swivel gimbals and chairs.
- One of our soul practitioners from the Delta will continue on with us to the Chobe River to provide daily guidance with our mindful practice.
- Optional yoga session on the boat deck.
- Lunch
- Late afternoon photography aboard a specially equipped photography boat with swivel gimbals and chairs with local guide.
- Dinner
Day 10 (Sept. 1st)
- Early morning photography aboard a specially equipped photography boat with swivel gimbals and chairs with local guide.
- Breakfast
- Transfer back to Kasane International Airport (BBK) for flights home.
End of tour
- Accomodations day 1-10
- All meals day 1-10
- Internal flights
- Photography mentoring from your tour leader
- Professional wildlife guides
- Professional wellness services
- Daily guided photography sessions
- International airfare
- Trip insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Laundry
Easy. Participants will be riding in vehicles and boats. Short walks on flats surfaces.
What to Expect:
In August, Botswana is in the middle of the dry season and winter, making it one of the best times for a safari. Here’s what you can expect:
Temperatures:
- Early Mornings & Evenings: Cool to chilly, around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).
- Daytime: Pleasantly warm, ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
- On the Water (Chobe River): Early mornings can feel colder due to the breeze, so layering is key.
Weather Conditions:
- Clear skies and very little chance of rain.
- Low humidity, making it comfortable despite the temperature range.
- Dusty conditions, especially in the Moremi Game Reserve.
Wildlife Viewing:
- Vegetation is sparse, and animals congregate around water sources, making wildlife spotting easier.
- Chilly mornings are perfect for predators on the move, while warm afternoons bring out grazers and birds.
Bringing layers will keep you comfortable—start the day bundled up and shed layers as it warms up.
Photography Gear:
- Camera Bodies: Primary and backup camera bodies
- Lenses:
- Something with a range up to 500 or 600mm
- 70-200 (or close to this) for larger game (elephants)
- Wide angle lens for landscapes (optional)
- Accessories:
- Teleconverter (e.g., 1.4x or 2x for extra reach)
- Extra batteries (3-4 minimum) and charger
- Memory cards (high capacity, fast write speeds)
- Memory card reader
- External hard drive for backups
- Lens cleaning kit (blower, microfiber cloths, lens wipes)
- Sturdy camera bag with rain cover (no wheels)
- bean bag for stability in vehicles
- Laptop/tablet for image review and editing
- Universal travel power adaptor
Clothing & Personal Items:
- Neutral-colored clothing (earth tones) for game drives
- Lightweight, long-sleeve shirts and pants for sun and insect protection
- Warm layers for early mornings and evenings (fleece or light jacket)
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Hat with a wide brim
- Neck gaiter or scarf for dust and sun protection
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
- Quick-dry clothing for the boat
- Sunglasses (polarized for glare reduction)
- Gloves and beanie for chilly mornings
Toiletries & Health Essentials:
- Sunscreen (high SPF)
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm with SPF
- Personal medications and prescription meds
- First aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, painkillers, antihistamines)
- Malaria prophylaxis (if recommended by your doctor)
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Travel size toilet paper or tissues for remote locations
Other Useful Items:
- Flashlight or headlamp (with spare batteries)
- Power bank (solar option for remote areas)
- Universal travel adapter
- Binoculars (8x or 10x magnification)
- Travel journal or notebook
- Lightweight daypack
- Copy of travel documents (passport, visas, insurance)
- Waterproof phone case
- Protein bars for long game drives
- Reusable water bottle