Planning a safari day trip that combines wildlife viewing, cultural crossings, and a dash of adventure can be daunting. That’s why we’re taking a detailed look at the Chobe Full Day Trip from Livingstone—an experience highly rated for its value, organization, and wildlife sightings. With reviews praising its knowledgeable guides, smooth logistics, and stunning scenery, this tour seems to tick many boxes.
What truly makes this trip stand out is its all-inclusive approach—park fees, lunch, and transfers are covered—making it easy to focus on the wildlife and scenery. But, as with any tour, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, like the potential for bumpy rides or limited predator sightings depending on the day.
This tour is perfect for wildlife lovers, those keen on visiting Botswana without the hassle of planning border crossings, or travelers who want an engaging, full-day adventure. If you’re ready to explore one of Africa’s premier parks without sacrificing comfort or convenience, this may just be your ideal safari day.
Key Points
- All-inclusive: Park fees, lunch, and transfers are included, offering great value.
- Seamless border crossing: Managed professionally to minimize delays.
- Diverse experiences: Combines game drives and a river safari for a full view of wildlife.
- Guided expertise: Knowledgeable guides increase your chances of sightings.
- Early start: Pickups at 7 AM maximize your day in the park.
- Mixed reviews: Some mention variable driver quality and bumpy rides; worth considering.
What You Can Expect from the Tour
The Chobe Full Day Trip is designed to give travelers a comprehensive taste of Botswana’s famous wildlife, all within roughly 10 to 11 hours. Here’s a deeper dive into what makes this experience worthwhile—and what might be less ideal.
Looking for more options in Livingstone? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Booking and Pricing
At $193 per person, this tour offers significant value, especially considering the park entrance fees, buffet lunch, and transfers are included. Many reviews underline the benefit of not having to worry about hidden costs, which can otherwise add up quickly in safari experiences. It’s a popular choice, often booked about four weeks in advance, indicating solid demand and trust.
Transportation and Timing
The tour begins with hotel pickups at 7:00 AM, a smart move that ensures you arrive early enough to beat the crowds and maximize wildlife sightings. Transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which keeps you comfortable on the roughly 70 km drive to the Botswana border, usually lasting around an hour.
Border crossing is handled smoothly, with your guide taking care of immigration procedures. Many guests highlight this process as seamless and professional, saving time and energy. Once across the border, your Botswana guide joins you, adding local expertise to your experience.
The itinerary is well-structured:
- Morning: Board the boat for the Chobe River cruise at 9:30 AM. Expect to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of birdlife from the water. Reviewers praise the boat guides, like Brooks, who are knowledgeable and eager to show wildlife, making the cruise a highlight for many.
- Midday: At around 12:30 PM, enjoy a buffet lunch at Cresta Moana Lodge. Feedback indicates the meal offers good variety and quality, giving you energy for the afternoon.
- Afternoon: The game drive continues from 1:30 PM to around 4:00 PM, providing a different perspective and increased chances of spotting lions, elephants, and other big game. Some reviewers note that the land drive can feel rushed or somewhat routine, especially if the driver is just “going through the motions,” but others found it worthwhile for the wildlife sightings.
- Return: The tour wraps up with border crossing and hotel drop-offs by approximately 6:00 PM.
Wildlife on Display: What You’ll Likely See
Our research and reviews suggest that the Chobe National Park is a haven for elephants and lions—with some travelers citing over 100 elephants seen during their trip. Many reviewers have had close encounters, including being just a meter away from lions or mother lions with cubs, thanks to the guides’ efforts.
Other animals commonly sighted include hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, kudus, impalas, and baboons. Reviewers mention that the river cruise, in particular, provides excellent opportunities for viewing aquatic and birdlife, with hippos and crocodiles often observed sunbathing or lurking near the riverbanks.
While predator sightings—like leopards or wild cats—are somewhat less consistent, the abundance of elephants and hippos seem to make up for that. Some reviews note that predators are more active later in the day, so timing might influence your chances.
Real-Life Insights:
One reviewer remarked, “This trip was incredible! We saw hundreds of animals, many of them up close,” highlighting the proximity and richness of wildlife.
Another mentioned, “Mahindra, our land guide, went out of his way to find animals, and we were so close to lions that it was surreal.” This underscores the importance of guide expertise in enhancing your experience.
The Border Crossing Experience
Crossing from Zambia into Botswana is often seen as a major stress point in border-based safaris. Fortunately, this tour seems to excel here, with many mentioning the professional and smooth process. The guides handle immigration, which minimizes waiting time, and most reviews agree that border formalities are efficient.
However, a few guests have noted that border crossing times can vary, so patience is advised. Also, travelers require a current valid passport and are recommended to get a Kaza Uni-Visa (around $50) to facilitate quick movement between Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana.
Tips for a Smooth Border Experience:
- Bring cash for visa fees if card machines are down.
- Ensure all documents are in order before travel.
- Expect some waiting time, especially during busy periods.
Food and Comfort
The buffet lunch is generally praised for its variety and quality, providing a good range of options to keep you energized for the rest of the day. Snacks and bottled water are also included, which helps avoid unnecessary expenses and keeps you hydrated.
Transport is in air-conditioned vehicles, which is vital considering the often hot daytime temperatures. The small group size (up to 9 guests per vehicle) makes for a more intimate experience, allowing guides to focus on each guest.
Review Highlights: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Knowledgeable guides like Mahindra and Brooks significantly enhance wildlife sightings and provide interesting insights.
- The full day schedule maximizes your chances to see elephants, lions, and aquatic life.
- Well-organized border crossings and seamless transitions prevent unnecessary delays.
- The included meals and park fees offer great value, with many reviewers finding the price justified.
- The river safari provides unique views and close-up encounters with Hippos and crocodiles.
Cons:
- Some guests feel that the land drive can be rushed or less engaging, with drivers just “going through the motions.”
- A few reviews mention bumpy rides during some parts of the game drive.
- Not all predators, like leopards, are guaranteed to be seen; sightings depend on the day.
Who This Tour Is Best For
If you’re after a full-day experience with value-packed inclusions, this tour is ideal. It suits wildlife enthusiasts eager for diverse sightings, from elephants to predators, and those who want to experience Botswana’s famous Chobe National Park without the hassle of independent travel.
It’s also a good choice if you prefer organized logistics, with hotel pickups, border formalities, and meals taken care of. However, those wanting very specific predator sightings might want to keep expectations flexible, as animal activity varies.
Final Thoughts
The Chobe Full Day Trip offers a robust introduction to Botswana’s wildlife, with many reviewers noting the professionalism of guides and quality of wildlife encounters. Its all-inclusive pricing makes it attractive for travelers who want a worry-free experience, while the mix of boat and land safaris ensures a varied view of the park’s animals and landscapes.
While it may not guarantee every predator sighting or perfectly smooth land drives, the overall value, organization, and wildlife viewing opportunities make this a solid choice for most safari lovers.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free day in one of Africa’s premier parks, especially those staying in Livingstone and keen to include Botswana’s wildlife in their itinerary.
FAQ Section
Do I need a visa to join this tour?
Yes, a valid passport is required, and travelers from countries that need a visa should consider getting a Kaza Uni-Visa, which costs around $50 and allows travel between Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana for 30 days.
Is park entry included in the price?
Yes, the national park fees are included, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs upon arrival.
What’s the typical duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 10 to 11 hours, starting with hotel pickups at 7:00 AM and returning around 6:00 PM.
Are meals included?
Yes, a buffet lunch at Cresta Moana Lodge is included, along with snacks and bottled water.
What is the group size?
This tour accommodates up to 9 travelers per vehicle, ensuring a more personalized experience.
How are border crossings handled?
Border formalities are managed professionally by guides, making crossings quick and smooth.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Common sightings include elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, kudus, impalas, baboons, and others, depending on the day.
Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Guests have praised guides like Mahindra and Brooks for their friendly, professional, and animal-focused approach.
Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, it’s typically booked about 28 days ahead, which is recommended given its popularity.
What should I bring?
Bring essentials like passport, cash for visas if needed, sun protection, and camera gear. Comfortable clothing and a hat are also advisable.
To sum it up, the Chobe Full Day Trip offers a well-rounded, value-packed way to experience Botswana’s wildlife with expert guides, comfortable logistics, and the comfort of organized meals and border crossings. Perfect for those wanting an engaging, full-day safari adventure without the fuss.