Botswana 2 - 2026 In addition to several Alaska-based trips, I have joined David's photo safari to Botswana twice now (in 2025 and 2026), and the fact that I I returned for a second helping should tell you how much I enjoyed the experience. A kind and thoughtful guy himself, David ensures that the safaris are skillfully planned, terrifically comfortable, and highly engaging (whether or not you are a photographer). David is both a gifted photographer, always ready to share his expertise with photography and post-processing, as well as a stellar naturalist, who can explain the plants, animals, and terrain we see throughout the safari - and wow! we sure saw everything anyone could hope for: Elephants, giraffes, zebras; lions, cheetahs, and jaguars; as well as a huge variety of birds, herbivores, and critters of every sort. You will truly be amazed that we're able to get so close to these magnificent animals and snag a once-in-a-lifetime photo. David also brings along a co-guide on each safari so that both Land Rovers - the vehicles we take out every day on 'game drives' - have a pro photographer ready to assist with technical and other questions. This year I added the Cape Town extension, which gave me another week to enjoy the variety of flora and fauna in southernmost Africa - including the African penguins in Simon's Town. The entire trip is a birders paradise. The second part of David's wonderful Botswana safaris is the terrific crew with Early Kingfisher Safaris. Professional guides who grew up in Botswana, Sam (head of Early Kingfisher Safaris) and his co-leader this year, Katembo, bring a lifetime of experience in Botswana's parks and preserves, and they know intimately the habits, behaviors, and predilections of many animals (because they have viewed and studied them for years!). It was absolutely fascinating to watch Sam and Katembo read animal tracks in the sand, listen for the birds' alarm calls, and observe the behavior of prey animals as it leads them to a cheetah hunting while her two cubs wait under a tree branch or four female lions tracking impala across a valley before losing the initiative just to regroup once again. If you're worried about whether or not you'll be 'roughing it,' I can honestly say that I've never been better cared for on a trip than I have with David and Early Kingfisher Safaris: a safe and well organized camp, a personal tent with a private 'boudoir' with toilet and camp shower, an actual bed (and not just a cot), home cooked meals (with PK's nightly soups), and always helpful camp staff make the Botswana trip an absolute pleasure. It is simply one of the greatest treats of my life to have joined these safaris, taken almost two weeks off the grid, gazed at the Southern Cross while sitting around a campfire, and fallen asleep while listening to the sounds of animals and birds that you have just had the privilege of viewing. I promise you won't be disappointed. It's a feast for the eyes and for the heart. Dan Kline Anchorage, Alaska

I joined Dave on the Discover Botswana adventure, and boy was it one! Dave is not only an excellent group leader and hands-on photography coach, but also a knowledgeable bird and wildlife guide. That’s the combination I look for in a trip leader and it’s what makes trips with Dave special. The local guides Dave regularly works with are unbeatable. Their families have literally been guiding for generations, and it shows in their knowledge, passion, and ability to get us into position for the best photos while respecting the wildlife. We had incredible wildlife sightings and were never rushed—we had time to get the “postcard” shot and then focus on composition, behavior, and more creative images. Because Dave’s been running trips here for years, nothing is left to chance—from keeping gear charged to being in position for sunrise and sunset. I highly recommend this trip and would absolutely travel with Dave again.

Clean and comfortable room a short drive from the airport. The breakfasts and dinners were delicious. A great place to stay.

Well, I’m not sure where to begin. It was truly a trip of a lifetime for me! To be so close to the amazing wildlife of Botswana and being able to enjoy its beautiful landscape with each sunrise and each sunset was a joy and absolute pleasure! Although we did tent through Botswana it was definitely more glamping than tenting. The food prepared by Chef P.K. and her staff was absolutely amazing! Early Kingfisher Safari whom David uses for all his trips to Botswana are the best of the best. Great people who work hard to make sure your trip is everything you imagined it would be. I have traveled with David before and have come to expect nothing less from him or the people he sounds himself with on his workshops. He works hard to make sure everyone has an amazing experience and makes it look easy even when things don’t go as planned! So, if you are wondering if you should join one of David’s workshops, don’t hesitate for a moment.

Once again I had a fantastic experience with David Shaw and his co-leader. The photographic experience was what I hoped for with plenty of opportunities to photograph African wildlife, as well as sunrise and sunsets and on the South Africa extension magnificent scenery like the Cape of Good Hope and even a little bit of urban/street photography. The guides and crew at the camp kept us well fed and comfortable the whole trip. An amazing experience!