Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park: Full-Day Experience with Lunch

Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park: Full-Day Experience with Lunch

Cross Kazungula Bridge after immigration, morning game cruise spotting elephant herds and hippos along Chobe River, buffet lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge, afternoon 4×4 drive for Big 5 encounters, hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, guide and park fees included.

4.7
$ 139 per person
10 hours
2.417 + bookings
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Overview

Cross into Botswana from Victoria Falls on a seamless full-day safari that packs two of Africa's premier wildlife experiences into one unforgettable journey.

Start with a thrilling morning cruise along the Chobe River, gliding past massive elephant herds drinking at the water’s edge, hippos yawning in the shallows, and crocodiles basking on the banks—often so close you can hear their grunts and splashes. After a hearty buffet lunch at a scenic lodge overlooking the river, switch to an open 4x4 game drive through Chobe National Park, scanning the savanna for lions, leopards, buffalo, and the elusive Big 5.

This 10-hour adventure includes hotel pickup/drop-off in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone (Zambia), air-conditioned transport, a knowledgeable local guide, soft drinks/water, and the chance to see the new Kazungula Bridge and the Quadripoint where four countries meet.

Real talk: park fees (US$25 per person) are payable in cash on the day, and border crossings are smooth but require passports (and birth certificates for kids 0–18).

Small-group vibe with big wildlife payoff—book early for peak dry season.

What's Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone (Zambia).
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transport.
  • Round-trip border crossings (Zimbabwe/Botswana).
  • Morning game cruise along the Chobe River.
  • Afternoon open 4x4 game drive in Chobe National Park.
  • Buffet lunch at a riverside lodge (Chobe Safari Lodge or similar).
  • Soft drinks and bottled water.
  • Knowledgeable local guide.
  • National Park fees (US$25 per person, cash payable on entry).
  • Gratuities/tips for guide and driver.
  • Visa fees (if applicable).
  • Personal expenses.

Itinerary

  1. Hotel pickup in Victoria Falls or Livingstone (early morning, exact time confirmed at booking).
  2. Drive ~1 hour to Kazungula border; complete immigration formalities.
  3. Board a boat for a morning game cruise along the Chobe River (~2–3 hours): spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and birds.
  4. Disembark and enjoy a buffet lunch at a riverside lodge with river views.
  5. Transfer to open 4x4 vehicles for an afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park (~3 hours): search for lions, leopards, giraffes, and more.
  6. Return drive to the border, cross back, and drop-off at your hotel (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 park fees (US$25/person) and tips essential.
  • Wildlife sightings. Chobe is famous for massive elephant herds and riverfront action. Guests reported frequent close encounters—elephants drinking, hippos yawning, lions on the move. Afternoon drives often yield predators.
  • 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. 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 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 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 small-group feel. Past guests preferred the comprehensive wildlife experience and smooth border handling over shorter or larger tours.

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

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