2 Day 1 Night Chobe Safari ex Livingstone/Victoria Falls

Unique Wildlife Encounters in Chobe National Park

Our review of the 2 Day 1 Night Chobe Safari ex Livingstone/Victoria Falls offers a window into what promises to be an unforgettable adventure. While we haven’t personally joined this tour, the overwhelmingly positive reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it delivers an authentic, immersive safari experience.

What we love most are the chance to see elephants, hippos, lions, and cheetahs in their natural environment, the intimate small group setting that allows for personalized attention from guides, and the opportunity to camp under the stars with the sounds of the bush as your lullaby.

A potential consideration is the moderate physical activity level required, including game drives and being comfortable with camping. It’s ideal for those who want a genuine safari experience but might not be suited for travelers seeking luxury or minimal physical exertion.

This tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photography buffs, and adventure seekers who value authenticity and up-close encounters. Whether you’re visiting from Victoria Falls or Livingstone, this experience offers a compelling way to connect with Botswana’s wilderness.

Key Points

• Authentic Safari Experience: Combines game drives and river cruises for diverse wildlife viewing.
• Small Group Size: Max 16 travelers, allowing more personalized guides and better chances for sightings.
• Overnight Camping: Sleep in tents under the African stars, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
• All Meals Included: Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners provided, making it convenient.
• Strategic Location: Pickup options from Kasane, Victoria Falls, or Livingstone ease logistics.
• Excellent Reviews: Rated a perfect 5.0 based on 22 reviews, with glowing remarks about guides and wildlife sightings.

Discovering the Itinerary in Depth

Day 1: Starting with a bang in Chobe

The day kicks off early, with pickups happening around 7:00 AM from Livingstone, Victoria Falls, or nearby facilities. The journey begins with a brief meet-and-greet at Kazungula Border Post—a central hub for travelers crossing into Botswana. From there, it’s just a 15-minute drive to Kalahari Holiday Tours to register and fuel up with a light breakfast at Coffee Buzz, which includes muffins or scones, fresh fruit, and hot tea or coffee. This relaxed start sets the tone for the day ahead.

The star of the morning is the Chobe River boat cruise at 9:30 AM. This is often highlighted as a highlight among reviews, offering a different perspective from land-based safaris. Expect to see hippos lounging in the water, crocodiles sunbathing, and plenty of birdlife. The boat cruise provides a tranquil yet exhilarating chance to spot wildlife that might be more elusive from land.

Post-cruise, there’s a hearty lunch at Coffee Buzz, giving everyone a chance to relax and chat about the morning’s sightings. Then, the adventure shifts to the game drive in Chobe National Park. The park is renowned for its large herds of elephants, which are frequently spotted along with lions, giraffes, and cheetahs. The drive is designed to be flexible, with guides adjusting to animal activity and current sightings.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your campsite, where you’ll settle in, enjoy a well-cooked dinner, and fall asleep to the sounds of the wild. The camping aspect, praised highly by guests like Marie, offers a rare chance to sleep under the vast African sky, feeling fully connected to nature.

Day 2: More wildlife and closing the adventure

The second day begins early with a continental breakfast at 6:00 AM, followed by a morning game drive. Many reviews mention how guides like Sam are especially knowledgeable, making each sighting informative and engaging. The early morning game drive is often considered the best time for wildlife activity, and you’ll likely see animals more active in the cooler parts of the day.

After finishing the morning drive, there’s a flexible brunch, allowing guides to incorporate recent sightings or adjust based on guest preferences. The afternoon features a second game drive, giving a second chance for spotting elusive predators or herds of elephants.

The tour wraps up around 4:30 PM with a drop-off at the border, where you’ll be transferred back to Livingstone, Victoria Falls, or Kasane. The timing ensures you’re not rushed, with ample opportunity to savor the sights and sounds of Botswana’s wilderness.

The Value of the Tour: What’s Included and What’s Not

The $390 per person price covers much of what makes this a good value for a safari experience. All meals—two breakfasts, two lunches, and dinners—are included, which simplifies planning and budgeting. The small group size guarantees more attention from guides, like the praised Sam, and a more personalized experience.

However, beverages like soft drinks or alcohol, personal toiletries, and visa fees (if applicable) aren’t included. Travelers should factor these into their overall trip budget. The tour’s flexibility—offering pickups from multiple locations—adds to its convenience, especially if you’re based around Victoria Falls or Livingstone.

A notable advantage is the free cancellation policy, allowing peace of mind for travelers wary of changing plans.

What Sets It Apart: Authenticity and Expert Guidance

The tour’s reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning wildlife encounters. Marie, one reviewer, mentioned how the guide’s expertise made the wildlife sightings more meaningful, emphasizing the importance of good guiding in safari experiences. Anne’s review highlights feeling safe sleeping in the bush, with her group comfortably unzipped in tents without fences—a true test of trust in the guides and safety protocols.

Guests also appreciate the small group setting, which often results in more frequent sightings and a more intimate experience. The combination of game drives and boat cruises enhances the diversity of wildlife, offering both land and water perspectives.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Physical fitness: The tour notes a moderate level, mainly due to multiple game drives and outdoor camping. Travelers should be comfortable with outdoor conditions.
• Clothing: Pack neutral-colored clothing suitable for safaris—think khaki, beige, or green—and layers for early mornings and evenings.
• Camera equipment: With such abundant wildlife, a good zoom lens will help capture those unforgettable moments.
• Beverages: Bring extra drinks or alcohol if desired, as these aren’t included.
• Booking in advance: With an average reservation time of 71 days, securing your spot early is advisable, especially during peak seasons.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This safari is ideal for wildlife lovers who thrive on genuine encounters rather than luxury. It suits those who enjoy the outdoors, don’t mind camping, and are eager to learn from knowledgeable guides. It’s also perfect for travelers moving through the Victoria Falls or Livingstone area seeking a deeper adventure into Botswana’s wilderness.

The Sum Up

The 2 Day 1 Night Chobe Safari offers a well-rounded, authentic look at some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Combining game drives, a river cruise, and camping under the stars creates an immersive experience that appeals to adventure-minded travelers. The knowledgeable guides and small group size ensure you’ll get plenty of personal attention and chances for incredible sightings.

While it’s not geared towards luxury-seekers, the value lies in the genuine connection with nature and the opportunity to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. If you’re after a memorable, heartfelt safari that balances comfort with adventure, this tour delivers on both fronts.

It’s especially suited for wildlife enthusiasts, photography fans, and those craving an outdoorsy, up-close experience in Botswana’s wilderness. Just remember to prepare for early mornings, outdoor camping, and plenty of memorable animal sightings.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes all meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners), game drives, river cruise, and camping accommodations. Pickup from Kasane, Victoria Falls, or Livingstone is also provided.

Are there any additional costs?
Beverages such as soft drinks and alcohol aren’t included, nor are personal items like toiletries or towels. Visa fees, if required, are also not covered.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

What should I bring?
Pack neutral-colored clothing, layers for varying weather, a camera with a zoom lens, and any personal essentials. Consider bringing extra drinks or alcohol if desired.

Is camping comfortable?
Guests praise the experience of sleeping under the stars in tents, with some noting safety and comfort provided by guides. It’s a true outdoor experience, not a luxury lodge.

What guides can I expect?
Guides like Sam are highly recommended for their knowledge and attentiveness, making the safari both educational and engaging.

When is the best time to do this tour?
While the tour operates year-round, early mornings and late afternoons tend to be the best for wildlife activity, which aligns with the schedule.

Can I book this tour on short notice?
Booking in advance is advisable, with most reservations made about 71 days ahead. Last-minute availability might be limited.

How do pickups work?
Pickups are offered from facilities near Kasane, Victoria Falls, or Livingstone, making it convenient for travelers in those areas.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of game drives, river cruises, small group size, and authentic camping experience creates a memorable, immersive safari that balances adventure and connection with nature.