A Chobe Full Day Tour – Botwana

If you’re craving a chance to see Africa’s incredible wildlife in a single, well-organized day, this Chobe Full Day Tour promises just that. Operating from Livingstone, Zambia, it combines a morning game drive with an afternoon boat safari, offering a well-rounded view of the area’s animals and landscapes. While we haven’t personally experienced it, reviews and detailed itineraries suggest this tour hits the sweet spot for wildlife lovers and those short on time.

What we love about this tour? First, how efficiently it packs land and water safaris into one day, giving a comprehensive look at the animals both on land and in the river. Second, the knowledgeable guides, praised for their professionalism and friendliness, make all the difference. Third, the included lunch at a top lodge sounds like a perfect way to refuel mid-day before heading back into the wilderness.

A potential consideration is the cost of park fees, which aren’t included in the price. Travelers should budget for this separately. This experience suits travelers who want a full, authentic safari day without the hassle of organizing logistics themselves, and those eager to tick off the Big Five with a mix of land and water adventures.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience combining land game drive and river boat safari
• Expert guides enhance wildlife sightings and provide insightful commentary
• Delicious buffet lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge adds comfort and convenience
• All transportation arranged, with pickup and drop-off at your Livingstone or Victoria Falls accommodation
• Good value for what’s included, especially for wildlife enthusiasts
• Limited group size (max 12 travelers) ensures a more intimate experience

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Morning Game Drive in Chobe National Park

The day kicks off early, with pickup around 7:30 am, giving you a head start on the wildlife. Once inside Chobe National Park, you’ll find yourself amidst the park’s most famous residents — especially its elephant herds, some numbering in the hundreds. With estimates of around 120,000 elephants on the park’s grounds, spotting these giants is almost guaranteed, and reviews confirm elephants are a highlight.

But the park isn’t just about elephants. Herds of buffalo roam freely, and lions are also abundant, often seen lounging or stalking prey. One reviewer highlighted a sighting of a pride of 10 lions, noticing how well-organized the guide was in tracking and finding animals. The experience of seeing animals in their natural habitat, especially with an experienced guide, makes this drive particularly rewarding.

The guides seem to excel at providing insights into animal behavior and park ecology, making the game drive educational as well as exciting. Reviewers consistently mention how friendly and helpful the guides are, valuing their ability to spot wildlife and share interesting facts, which makes the drive both fun and informative.

Lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge

After a few hours of game viewing, the tour pauses for a buffet lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge. The lodge’s riverside setting offers a relaxing atmosphere and scenic views, providing a break from the morning’s adventure. Several reviews rave about the delicious food and good service, describing it as a well-deserved rest where you can refuel before the next activity.

This mid-day break is also a chance to enjoy the lush surroundings and maybe even chat with fellow travelers about their sightings so far. The lodge’s location by the river provides a peaceful backdrop, making the lunch a highlight for many.

Afternoon Boat Safari

Post-lunch, the journey continues with a river boat cruise. This part of the experience is often praised for the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds, along with elephants and other land animals coming to drink or bathe. The water-based perspective offers a different view of wildlife and the chance to see animals that might be elusive on land.

Reviewers mention that the boat safari often reveals wildlife close-up, with watercrafts navigating calmly through the river, giving unobstructed views. Many are particularly impressed by the up-close encounters with elephants and hippos, which simply aren’t possible from land.

Final Touches and Drop-Off

The day wraps up with the return journey to your hotel or lodge, usually by late afternoon, allowing plenty of time to relax after an action-packed day. The organized logistics and transportation are praised for being seamless, with pickup and drop-off included, which adds great value for travelers unfamiliar with the area.

What Travelers Say

Reviews consistently highlight the professionalism of guides, with one reviewer noting “Nick made sure everything went smoothly,” and another praising the “knowledgeable and well-behaved” guides who ensured they saw plenty of animals. Many appreciate the small group size (up to 12 travelers), which fosters a more personal experience and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

Food and accommodation are also frequently mentioned positively—several reviewers said the lunch was delicious and the views from the lodge are stunning. Others appreciated the tour’s smooth organization, noting that everything from crossing from Zimbabwe to Botswana to the safari activities was well-managed.

A few critics mention a cancellation issue, but these seem isolated and not representative of the overall professionalism shown by the operators. For most, this tour is a reliable, value-packed way to experience Chobe’s wildlife in a single day.

The Cost and Value

Priced at $190 per person, this tour offers a solid balance of value and experience. The package includes transportation, a game drive, lunch, and the boat safari, which would be difficult to organize independently, especially in a foreign country.

Keep in mind, park entry fees are not included, so budget extra for that. Nonetheless, with guides, meals, and activities covered, most travelers find this to be a worthwhile expense, especially considering the potential to see the Big Five and iconic animals like elephants and lions.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts wanting a comprehensive day without the hassle of planning multiple safaris. It’s also great for families and solo travelers looking for an accessible, well-organized excursion. If you’re short on time but eager to tick off a full safari experience, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your lodge or hotel in Victoria Falls or Livingstone.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 11 hours long, starting around 7:30 am and returning in the late afternoon.

Are drinks included?
Yes, bottled water and drinks are provided throughout the day.

What animals can I expect to see?
You’ll likely see elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and possibly wild dogs and leopards.

Do I need to pay park fees separately?
Yes, park fees are not included in the $190 price, so you should budget for this additional cost.

Is the group size small?
Yes, a maximum of 12 travelers, which helps ensure a more intimate and engaging experience.

What’s the food like?
A buffet lunch at the Chobe Safari Lodge is included, and reviewers report it as tasty and well-presented.

What is the best time to go?
The tour starts early in the morning, allowing you to catch animals active during cooler parts of the day.

Can this tour be canceled?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund if canceled in time.

Final Thoughts

The Chobe Full Day Tour from Livingstone stands out as a well-rounded, value-packed safari adventure that combines the best of land and water safaris in one seamless day. With experienced guides, carefully curated activities, and scenic views, it offers a great way to see some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife without the need for multiple bookings or overnight stays.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free experience that maximizes wildlife sightings and offers plenty of memorable moments. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned safari-goer, the day’s mix of game drive, river cruise, and good food makes for a satisfying adventure.

If you’re looking to tick off the Big Five and enjoy a variety of safari experiences within a manageable timeframe, this tour is a smart choice. Just be prepared for the additional park fees and a full day of activity — but in return, you’ll get a day packed with wildlife, scenic views, and expert guiding that many say is worth every penny.