Van Os Photo Safaris logo
Worldwide Photography Tours since 1980

Joe’s Top Picks Photo Tours

It’s highly likely that Joe Van Os—the namesake of our company—has led more photo tours to more destinations than just about anyone—past or present! And when you’ve traveled as much as Joe has, you’re bound to develop some favorite spots for photography. Below you’ll find Joe’s current favorites. As he scouts and develops new trips, this list is likely to change, so you may want to bookmark this page and visit it from time to time.

We’re here to answer your questions about any of the trips that interest you, so don’t hesitate to contact us!

One Space Available!

Whales, Wildlife and Wilderness—Alaska

Experience the breathtaking excitement of humpback whale photography in the pristine waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage during the prime summer season. Whales breach, tail-slap, and bubble-net and lunge feed amidst snowcapped mountain backdrops on this luxurious photo cruise.

Jun 24 - Jul 03, 2024
More Information

New Departure!

Jaguars & Wildlife of Brazil's Pantanal

The world's premier wetland with photo access to stunning birds and mammals, with a focus on jaguars. Five full days are dedicated to jaguar photography from small boats—3 photographers per boat. Travel with a local photo guide who intimately knows the wildlife and natural history of the Pantanal.

Multiple Departure Dates 2024
More Information

Now Booking for 2025!

Botswana Wildlife

Two incredibly productive wildlife areas—private Mashatu Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. Photograph elephants and other animals up close and below eye level from waterhole photo blinds. Shoot from boats specially designed for photographers for a unique below eye-level perspective.

Aug 05 - Aug 17, 2024
More Information

Japan's Winter Wildlife

Incredible photographic access to snow monkeys, Japanese cranes, whooper swans, white-tailed and Steller's sea eagles in snowy landscapes. One of Earth's finest—yet little-known—winter wildlife shoots. Ranks in Joe Van Os' Top 10 wildlife photo trips in the world!

January 24 - February 8, 2025
More Information

Yellowstone in Winter

Capture images of the very best of Yellowstone’s snowy interior—unique geothermal features, snow-encrusted landscapes, and iconic wildlife—with an expert leader who knows the park intimately. Flexible itinerary with five snow coach days and short walks to explore geothermal areas and landscapes.

January 25 - 31, 2025
More Information

Bald Eagles, Sea Otters & Coastal Wildlife of Kachemak Bay, Alaska

A spectacular wildlife shoot amidst Alaska’s most photogenic settings. Five full days of photography from a chartered boat along the Kenai Peninsula to capture dynamic in-flight and perched eagle images, endearing close-ups of sea otters, and wildlife in rugged winter landscapes.

February 16 - 22, 2025
More Information

Namibia Revealed

From its beautiful quiver tree forest, surreal sand-conquered ghost town of Kolmanskop, and the colossal red sand Sossusvlei Dunes to the superlative Etosha National Park, Namibia provides exciting photo subjects at every turn. Photograph vast numbers of wildlife at Etosha's numerous water holes.

May 25 - June 10, 2025
More Information

Whales, Wildlife and Wilderness, Alaska

Experience the breathtaking excitement of humpback whale photography in the pristine waters of the Alaska’s Inside Passage during the prime summer season. Whales breach, tail-slap, and bubble-net and lunge feed amidst snowcapped mountain backdrops on this luxurious photo cruise.

June 24 - July 3, 2025
More Information

Jaguars & Wildlife of Brazil's Pantanal

The world's premier wetland with photo access to stunning birds and mammals, with a focus on jaguars. Five full days are dedicated to jaguar photography from small boats—3 photographers per boat. Travel with a local photo guide who intimately knows the wildlife and natural history of the Pantanal.

Multiple Departure Dates 2025
More Information

Botswana Wildlife

Two incredibly productive wildlife areas—private Mashatu Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. Photograph elephants and other animals up close and below eye level from waterhole photo blinds. Shoot from boats specially designed for photographers for a unique below eye-level perspective.

August 6 - 18, 2025
More Information