Chobe National Park Tour: Full Day with River Cruise

Chobe National Park Tour: Full Day with River Cruise

Chobe National Park from Livingstone – 3.5-hour morning river cruise with elephant herds and lions, riverside buffet lunch, 3.5-hour open-vehicle afternoon game drive for buffalo, predators and birds, hotel pickup, drinks, border assistance and park fees included (full day).

4.7
$ 165 per person
10 hours
1.078 + bookings
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Overview

Cross from Livingstone or Victoria Falls into Botswana for a full-day immersion in Chobe National Park, where the Chobe Riverfront draws massive elephant herds and Cape buffalo to drink, while lions, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles roam the wooded banks and lagoons.

Start with a morning open 4x4 game drive along the forested river edge, scanning for predators and herds in the golden light, then enjoy a hearty lunch in Kasane with river views. In the afternoon, switch to a boat cruise on the Chobe River—gliding close to drinking elephants, yawning hippos, sunning crocodiles, and countless birds for an intimate, water-level perspective.

This 10-hour adventure includes hotel pickup/drop-off in Livingstone (or Victoria Falls/Kasane), air-conditioned transport, bottled water/drinks, a professional guide, the game drive, boat cruise, lunch, and park fees.

Real talk: bring passports (and birth certificates for kids under 18); border crossings are smooth with guide help, but visa needs vary—check Kaza visa eligibility.

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

What's Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Livingstone (or Victoria Falls/Kasane).
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transport.
  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • Morning open 4x4 game drive in Chobe National Park.
  • Afternoon boat cruise along the Chobe River.
  • Buffet lunch in Kasane with river views.
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, and refreshments.
  • Park fees.
  • Visa fees (if applicable for Botswana/Zambia entry/exit).
  • Gratuities for guide/driver.
  • Additional food/drinks beyond provided.
  • Personal items (binoculars, sunscreen, etc.).

Itinerary

  1. Hotel pickup in Livingstone (or Victoria Falls/Kasane) early morning.
  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 the morning game drive (~3.5 hours): search for elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and birds along the riverfront.
  4. Lunch at a lodge in Kasane with river views (~1 hour).
  5. Transfer to a boat for the afternoon river cruise (~3.5 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 Livingstone (or Victoria Falls/Kasane) (total ~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 excels in elephants—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. Comfortable size—guests said it felt relaxed with good guide attention.
  • 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 Early morning
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 ~3.5 hours; afternoon boat cruise ~3.5 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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