Chobe National Park Full Day Safari + boat cruise(Botswana)

Chobe National Park Tour: Full-Day Safari + Boat Cruise (Botswana)

Chobe National Park from Victoria Falls – seamless border transfer, 3-hour morning 4×4 game drive for lions & elephants, buffet lunch, 3-hour afternoon river cruise with hippos and herds up close, A/C transport, water and all fees included (full day).

4.7
$ 176 per person
10 hours
495 + bookings
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Overview

Cross from Victoria Falls into Botswana for a full-day safari in Chobe National Park, Africa's premier wildlife haven where massive elephant herds converge along the riverfront and the Big 5 roam free.

Start with a mid-morning open 4x4 game drive through the park's rugged interior, scanning for lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, and more in the golden light. Refuel with a hearty buffet lunch at a scenic lodge, then switch to an afternoon boat cruise along the Chobe River—gliding close to drinking elephants, yawning hippos, sunning crocodiles, and countless birds for an intimate water-level perspective.

This 8–10 hour adventure includes hotel pickup/drop-off in Victoria Falls town, air-conditioned transport, bottled water, a professional guide, the game drive, boat cruise, and lunch.

Real talk: park fees (~US$25/person) are typically included but confirm with your operator; bring passports and birth certificates for kids under 18.

Comfortable group size (max 20)—book early for dry season peak (May–October) when wildlife concentrates along the river.

What's Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Victoria Falls town area.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transport.
  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • Mid-morning open 4x4 game drive in Chobe National Park.
  • Buffet lunch at a riverside lodge.
  • Afternoon boat cruise along the Chobe River.
  • Bottled water and soft drinks.
  • All taxes and fees (park fees often included—confirm).
  • Visa fees (if applicable for Botswana entry).
  • Gratuities for guide/driver.
  • Additional food/drinks beyond provided.
  • Personal items (binoculars, sunscreen, etc.).

Itinerary

  1. Hotel pickup in Victoria Falls town (around 7:00 AM).
  2. Drive ~1 hour to Kazungula border; complete immigration formalities (passport required; birth certificates for kids 0–18).
  3. Arrive at Chobe National Park and board an open 4x4 for mid-morning game drive (~3 hours): search for elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and birds.
  4. Enjoy buffet lunch at a riverside lodge with river views (~1 hour).
  5. Transfer to a boat for afternoon river cruise (~3 hours): glide past hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birdlife in the Chobe River.
  6. Return drive to the border, cross back, and drop-off at your hotel in Victoria Falls (total 8–10 hours).

What to Expect from the Tour

Here's practical advice to help your Chobe day go well, based on common experiences with wildlife, borders, and weather. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.

  • Gear essentials. Light layers (early mornings cool, afternoons warm), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, and a good camera/phone aren't optional. Several guests said the boat breeze chills—bring a windbreaker. Cash for tips and any extra fees essential.
  • Wildlife sightings. Chobe is elephant central—guests reported huge herds drinking at the river, plus lions, leopards, and buffalo. Morning drives often yield predators; boat cruises give close-up water-level views.
  • Border crossings. Quick and straightforward with guide assistance. Bring passports (and birth certificates for kids 0–18). Guests said the process took ~30 minutes total.
  • Boat and game drive. Morning 4x4 is open-air and bumpy; afternoon cruise is calm and shaded. Guides spot animals from afar—binoculars help.
  • Lunch. Buffet at a lodge with river views—hearty and varied. Guests loved the fresh options and relaxing break.
  • Group setup. Max 20 feels relaxed with good guide attention. Past visitors said it offered solid value and wildlife payoff.
  • Best time to visit. Year-round, but May to October (dry season) for best wildlife concentrations along the river. Guests early 2026 noted June–September offered epic elephant herds and clear skies.
Month/Season Upsides Downsides Recommended Start Time
May-Oct (Dry) Animals concentrate on river, best sightings Colder mornings 7:00 AM early
Nov-Apr (Wet) Greener landscapes, fewer crowds Animals more dispersed Early morning

Common issues. Not wheelchair accessible—boat and 4x4 terrain. Guests found moderate walking but bumpy rides—hold on tight. Weather rarely cancels; dress in layers.

FAQ

Will we definitely see elephants and other animals?

High likelihood—Chobe is one of Africa's best for elephants year-round. Guides maximize sightings; guests saw large herds and diverse wildlife most trips.

How long are the boat and game drive?

Morning game drive ~3 hours; afternoon boat cruise ~3 hours. Flexible based on animal movement—guides adjust for the best experience.

Suitable for kids?

Yes for children who handle long days and bumpy rides. Families said kids loved the boat and elephants, but supervise closely.

Vegetarian meal options?

Buffet usually has veg choices (salads, veggies, sides). Notify early for adjustments. Guests found options sufficient.

Best photos from the tour?

Boat deck and open 4x4 give great angles—bring a good zoom lens or phone with stabilizer. Guides pause for shots when animals are close.

Why this Chobe tour?

Full river cruise + game drive combo, included meals, and smooth border handling. Past guests preferred the comprehensive wildlife experience over shorter or larger tours.

Book it today with Chobe Tours or simply following this link.

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