Day Trip to Chobe from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Day Trip Tour to Chobe from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Chobe’s famous elephant paradise from Victoria Falls – early countryside transfer to Africa’s highest-density elephant area, river cruise + open 4×4 game drive for Big Five and massive herds, hotel pickup, guide, buffet lunch, water and double-entry visas included (full day).

4.7
$ 150 per person
9 hours
2.258 + bookings
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Overview

Cross from Victoria Falls into Botswana for a full-day immersion in Chobe National Park, one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations, famous for its massive elephant herds and riverfront action.

Start with a peaceful morning boat cruise along the Chobe River, gliding past drinking elephants, yawning hippos, sunning crocodiles, and buffalo herds while your guide shares insights on the ecosystem. After a hearty lunch at a scenic riverside lodge, switch to an open 4x4 game drive through the park's rugged interior, scanning for lions, leopards, giraffes, and the rest of the Big 5 in the afternoon light.

This 9-hour adventure includes hotel pickup/drop-off in Victoria Falls, air-conditioned transport, bottled water, an expert guide, the boat cruise, game drive, and lunch.

Real talk: park fees (usually US$25/person) are often included but confirm with your operator; bring passports, birth certificates for kids under 18, and yellow fever cert if coming from certain regions.

Large groups possible (up to 100), but split for activities—book early for peak dry season.

What's Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transport.
  • Professional bilingual guide.
  • Morning boat cruise along the Chobe River.
  • Afternoon open 4x4 game drive in Chobe National Park.
  • Buffet lunch at a riverside lodge.
  • Mineral water and refreshments during activities.
  • National Park fees (typically US$25 per person, often included but confirm).
  • Visa fees (if applicable for Botswana entry).
  • Gratuities for guide/driver.
  • Personal items (binoculars, sunscreen, etc.).

Itinerary

  1. Hotel pickup in Victoria Falls (early morning, ~6–7 AM depending on operator).
  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 a boat for the morning game cruise along the Chobe River (~2–3 hours): spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, birds.
  4. Disembark and enjoy buffet lunch at a riverside lodge with river views.
  5. Transfer to open 4x4 vehicles for afternoon game drive (~3 hours): search for lions, leopards, giraffes, and more.
  6. Return drive to the border, cross back, and drop-off at your hotel in Victoria Falls (total ~9 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 park fees (US$25/person) and tips essential.
  • Wildlife sightings. Chobe is elephant central—guests reported huge herds drinking at the river, plus lions, leopards, and buffalo. Afternoon drives often yield predators; guides spot animals from afar.
  • 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 cruise is calm and shaded; afternoon 4x4 is open-air and bumpy. 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. Up to 100 but split for boat/drive. Past visitors 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 cruise ~2–3 hours; afternoon 4x4 ~3 hours. Flexible based on animal movement—guides adjust for the best experience.

Suitable for kids?

Yes for children 2+ 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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