Chobe National Park is home to Africa's largest elephant population, where herds gather at the river's edge in scenes you'll never forget. Our expert guides will take you on game drives and boat safaris to spot lions, hippos, and incredible birdlife along the Chobe River. These authentic safari adventures create memories that last a lifetime.
Our most popular Chobe tours, loved by travelers seeking Africa's greatest elephant herds and incredible wildlife along Botswana's legendary river.
Journey from Victoria Falls to Botswana's renowned Chobe National Park on this full-day safari, crossing the Kazungula Bridge after immigration formalities, enjoying a morning game cruise along the Chobe River spotting large elephant herds and wildlife, savoring buffet lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge, then boarding an open 4x4 vehicle for an afternoon game drive searching for the Big 5, all with hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, guide, and national park fees included.
Visit Africa's renowned Chobe National Park on this full-day trip from Victoria Falls, traveling through rugged African countryside to one of the continent's best wildlife destinations, famous for its exceptionally high elephant concentration almost guaranteeing sightings of these magnificent giants, exploring by both river cruise and 4x4 game drive for maximum wildlife viewing opportunities including the Big Five, with early morning departure ensuring plenty of time in the park, all with hotel pickup, professional guide, mineral water, lunch, and double entry visas included.
Marvel at Chobe National Park's incredible wildlife on this full-day safari combining both Jeep game drive and river cruise (order depends on conditions), searching for lions, leopards, wild dogs, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species in one of Africa's richest habitats, including witnessing elephant herds traversing the river and tracking big cats across the vast park, enjoying all-you-can-eat lunch with stunning park views, all with seamless hotel pickup, border crossing assistance, expert guides ensuring the best wildlife tracking, and hassle-free transfers included.
Comprehensive all-day Chobe experiences combining morning game drives and afternoon river cruises for maximum wildlife encounters across land and water.
Visit Chobe National Park effortlessly on this guided full-day trip from Victoria Falls with all logistics handled including round-trip border crossings, exploring Botswana's wildlife-rich park through both safari game drive and boat cruise to maximize animal viewing opportunities including large elephant herds, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and buffaloes, enjoying buffet lunch with park views, all with professional guide, bottled water, hotel pickup and drop-off, and seamless border assistance included for a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
Journey from Livingstone to Botswana's Chobe National Park on this full-day adventure, starting with a 3.5-hour river cruise spotting abundant elephants, lions, and wildlife, savoring buffet lunch at a beautiful riverside lodge, then boarding an open-sided vehicle for a 3.5-hour game drive witnessing elephants, buffalo, lions, and more with expert guide insights into flora, fauna, and culture, all with hotel pickup, beverages, seamless border crossing, and park fees included.
Maximize your time on this full-day Chobe National Park tour from Victoria Falls with hassle-free hotel transfer and seamless border crossing, enjoying a 3-hour morning game drive spotting lions, elephants, hippos, and wildlife in Botswana's most diverse park, savoring buffet lunch, then cruising the Chobe River for 3 hours observing animals from the water, all with air-conditioned transport, bottled water, and fees included.
Extended Chobe expeditions offering deeper wilderness immersion with overnight stays, sunrise safaris, and multiple game drives across different park zones.
Embark on this 4-day adventure combining Victoria Falls, Chobe, and Hwange parks, starting with a Zambezi River sunset cruise with drinks and snacks, exploring Chobe National Park with morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise plus riverbank lunch, venturing into Hwange for a full-day safari through traditional villages visiting strategic wildlife hides near sunset watering holes with picnic lunch, and finishing with an exclusive sunrise Victoria Falls tour before airport transfer, all with 3 nights accommodation, daily breakfast, select lunches, park fees, and small-group limited to 9 participants.
Journey through Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana on this 3-day adventure, tracking endangered white rhinos on foot in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, exploring Livingstone Museum showcasing Dr. Livingstone's legacy, touring Victoria Falls from both Zambian and Zimbabwean sides for breathtaking views, visiting traditional Mukuni Village to experience authentic Leya culture, and concluding with a full-day Chobe National Park safari featuring morning game drive spotting lions, leopards, and giraffes, lodge lunch, and afternoon river boat cruise encountering hippos, elephants, and crocodiles, all with professional guides, transport, park fees, and Day 3 meals included.
Venture across three countries on this comprehensive 5-day tour beginning with Victoria Falls Airport pickup and transfer to Dzimbahwe Guest Lodge, trekking through rainforest to witness the majestic Victoria Falls, unwinding on a tranquil sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, embarking on thrilling game drives through Chobe National Park spotting wildlife in their natural habitats, and browsing vibrant markets in Livingstone City for local crafts and souvenirs, all with 4 nights' comfortable accommodation, daily breakfast, select lunches and dinners, return airport transportation, and entrance fees to Victoria Falls from both Zambian and Zimbabwean sides included.
Sleep under African stars on this immersive 3-day Chobe safari with two nights of bush camping within the park, joining expert trackers and guides to explore the Chobe River floodplain via 4x4 game drives and river boat cruises spotting elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, giraffes, and buffalo while listening to lions' roars at night and waking to hippo snuffles at dawn, enjoying Chef Pete's delicious homemade meals including fresh bread, fine South African wines, and bush snacks around the campfire, relaxing in comfortable walk-in tents with bed rolls and bedding plus mobile shower and toilet facilities, all with return transfers from Livingstone, Victoria Falls, or Kasane and all meals included.
Welcome to your unforgettable Botswana safari exploring four distinct ecosystems, starting at Chobe River Front with boat and game drives witnessing massive elephant herds at the exclusive Chobe Game Lodge—the only lodge inside the park—then venturing to Savute in western Chobe for predator viewing around Savute Marsh with full-day game drives, moving to lush Moremi Game Reserve on the delta's fringe offering combined land and water activities, and concluding at the legendary Okavango Delta—the world's largest inland delta—gliding through magical waterways by traditional mokoro canoe for unique wildlife encounters, all with 8 nights' full-board accommodation at premium lodges.
Optimize your southern Africa adventure on this 6-day safari with three days in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park enjoying full-day game drives, night drives encountering big cats, and Serengeti-level wildlife without crowds, then transferring to Victoria Falls for a guided waterfall tour, curio market shopping, and Zambezi River sunset cruise, concluding with full-day Chobe National Park safari in Botswana featuring river boat cruise, buffet lunch, and 4x4 game drive searching for lions and leopards, all with accommodation, daily breakfast, select meals, and transfers included.
Authentic bush camping adventures where you sleep under African stars, wake to wildlife sounds, and experience Chobe's wilderness with guided safaris and campfire evenings.
Pack adventure into this overnight Chobe safari beginning with a sunrise tour of Victoria Falls—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World—then traveling to Chobe National Park for a safari river cruise and overnight camping within the park under the stars with dinner in the bush, followed by an early morning leisurely game drive with bush breakfast spotting the Big 5, giraffes, impalas, and diverse wildlife in their natural habitat, all with pickup from Victoria Falls or Livingstone lodges, safari tent accommodation, most meals, bottled water, 4-hour game drive, and park entry fees included.
Combine wildlife and culture on this unique 2-day Chobe safari from Livingstone or Victoria Falls, staying in Lesoma Village between two unfenced national parks, exploring the village with visits to local school, clinic, and traditional center, enjoying traditional lunch, embarking on a 3-hour Chobe River boat cruise, savoring dinner followed by thrilling night drive spotting nocturnal animals, camping overnight listening to wildlife sounds around the bonfire, then waking early for a 5-hour game drive before returning after lunch, all with transfers, meals, park fees, and activities included.
Immerse yourself in Chobe National Park's wilderness on this 2-day overnight camping safari, joining expert guides who track animal footprints to lead you to incredible encounters with lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and diverse birdlife across multiple game drives and Chobe River boat cruise, camping overnight in comfortable tents listening to Africa's sounds with hippo grunts and lion roars, gathering around the campfire for hearty homemade meals, waking to fresh coffee and sunrise safari adventures while learning fascinating ecosystem insights from passionate guides, all with transfers from Livingstone, Victoria Falls, or Kasane, meals, and small-group limited to 16 participants included.
Chobe National Park in northern Botswana is home to the largest elephant population in Africa, with herds sometimes numbering in the hundreds gathering along the Chobe River. The sight of these giants crossing the water at sunset is unforgettable. Lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles thrive in this unique landscape that shifts between lush wetlands and dry woodland. River cruises bring you close to wildlife along the water's edge, while game drives take you deeper into the bush where predators hunt. The dry season from May to October offers the best viewing as animals congregate around water sources, revealing why Chobe ranks among Africa's greatest safari destinations.
Witness the largest elephant population in Africa, with massive herds gathering along the Chobe River in breathtaking numbers.
Track lions, leopards, and cheetahs across the savanna with expert guides who know where these magnificent predators roam.
Glide along the river at sunset, observing hippos, crocodiles, and elephants from the water in their natural habitat.
Immerse yourself in African bush culture with experienced local guides, traditional accommodations, and genuine Botswana hospitality.
Our expert team has been helping travelers from the US and Canada discover and book Chobe safari experiences for over a decade, ensuring your African adventure is seamless with everything arranged before you arrive.
With deep knowledge of Botswana's wildlife and ecosystems, partnerships with the most experienced local guides and safari operators, and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, we're committed to making your safari journey truly extraordinary. From your first inquiry to your last game drive, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Chobe Tours is honored by travelers and wildlife conservation organizations
Travelers' Choice Award
2023
Guest Experience Excellence
Best Safari Operator Botswana
2024
Outstanding Wildlife Tour Service
Chobe Conservation Tourism Award
The dry season (May to October) is peak season for wildlife viewing, especially for elephants congregating along the Chobe River as animals gather near permanent water sources. This period offers excellent game viewing with clear skies and easier animal spotting. The wet season (November to March) brings greener landscapes, fewer tourists, and exceptional birdwatching opportunities, though wildlife disperses as water becomes abundant throughout the park. For the Chobe Riverfront, visit May-October; for Savuti (known for predators), any time works well, including the rainy summer season. Plan to stay at least a few days to experience morning game drives, afternoon boat cruises, and the park's diverse ecosystems.
Chobe is famous for having one of Africa's largest elephant populations, with thousands migrating to the Chobe and Linyanti Rivers during dry season, sometimes traveling all the way from Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park. You'll encounter massive buffalo herds, lions, spotted hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, impalas, giraffes, kudus, warthogs, and blue wildebeest year-round. Reintroduced white rhinos are gradually spreading through the park—spot one if you're lucky! With over 450 bird species including fish eagles, kingfishers, storks, herons, and bee-eaters, Chobe is a birdwatcher's paradise. Night drives reveal nocturnal creatures like bushbabies, African wildcats, and honey badgers.
Chobe consists of distinct ecosystems, each offering unique experiences. The Chobe Riverfront is the most accessible area with the highest wildlife concentration, famous for massive elephant herds, boat safaris, and riverine species like hippos and crocodiles. The Savuti area in south-central Chobe is known as "predator capital" with abundant lions, leopards, wild dogs, and spectacular zebra migrations (late November/December and February/March) along the recently re-flowing Savuti Channel. The Linyanti Marshes offer a more remote, predator-rich wilderness experience. Each area has different vegetation—from lush riverine forests to thick thorny bushes to open broadleaf woodlands—creating diverse habitats across the park's 10,700 km².
Chobe offers diverse safari experiences including land-based game drives in open-sided 4x4 vehicles for spotting elephants, lions, and other wildlife across different terrains. Boat safaris on the Chobe River provide unique perspectives, especially afternoon sunset cruises during dry season when elephant herds come to drink—choose small motorboats for maneuverability or larger pontoons for comfort and better views. Guided bush walks allow intimate wildlife encounters (check minimum age requirements). Some lodges offer thrilling night drives on their properties to spot nocturnal animals. With over 450 bird species, birdwatching is exceptional year-round, especially summer months. Combine morning and late afternoon activities for the best wildlife viewing.
Yes! Chobe offers incredible family bonding experiences, though planning is essential. Prepare children by discussing the trip beforehand, showing wildlife pictures, creating animal checklists, and involving them in packing to build excitement and responsibility. Since lodges are in unfenced wilderness, safety restrictions apply—always check minimum age requirements for camps, game drives, and guided walks, as these vary by property. Family highlights include waking up with wildlife roaming outside your suite, reminiscing under star-studded skies, and experiencing Africa's biggest natural playground together. Choose family-friendly lodges with appropriate facilities and activities designed for younger guests to ensure everyone enjoys this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Fly into Kasane International Airport (overlooking the Chobe River), which receives flights from Maun, Johannesburg, and Gaborone, then transfer by road to your safari accommodation. Alternatively, fly into Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe (only 70km/1 hour away), making it easy to combine Chobe with a Victoria Falls visit. The Savuti region in central Chobe is accessed by charter flights from Kasane, Maun, or the Okavango Delta, or by road as part of mobile camping safaris. Most transfers and logistics are arranged by lodges or tour operators, ensuring seamless connections between destinations.
Yes, Chobe is located in a high-risk malaria zone. It's essential to consult your doctor well before traveling to discuss antimalarial medication options. Take precautions including using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants (especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active), sleeping under mosquito nets, and staying in screened accommodations when possible. Most lodges take extensive measures to minimize mosquito exposure, but personal protection remains crucial for a safe and healthy safari experience.
Pack light, casual clothing in neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive) that blend with the environment. Essential items include: wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection; windbreaker or fleece for cool mornings and evenings; comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking; high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm; insect repellent; binoculars for wildlife and bird viewing; camera with zoom lens and extra batteries/memory cards; and any personal medications including antimalarials. Many lodges offer laundry service, so you can pack light. Avoid bright colors and camouflage patterns (camouflage is illegal in Botswana). Most lodges provide specific packing lists upon booking.
We recommend staying at least 2-4 days to fully experience Chobe's diverse offerings. This allows time for multiple morning and late afternoon game drives (when animals are most active), at least one boat cruise on the Chobe River, and exploration of different park areas. If possible, include both the Chobe Riverfront and Savuti region for contrasting experiences—riverine wildlife versus predator-rich bushveld. Longer stays increase chances of exceptional wildlife encounters and let you appreciate the park's varied ecosystems at a relaxed pace rather than feeling rushed between activities.
Boat cruises offer one of the best ways to see Chobe's legendary elephant herds during dry season afternoons when hundreds come to the riverbanks to drink, bathe, and play. From the water, you'll also spot hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and incredible birdlife including fish eagles, kingfishers, and African skimmers at close range. Choose small motorboats for maneuverability and intimate encounters, or larger pontoons and double-decker boats for comfort, stability, and elevated views—perfect for sunset cruises with sundowners. The river perspective provides unique photographic opportunities and a peaceful contrast to land-based game drives, making it an essential Chobe experience.
