Chobe Full Day Safari From Victoria Falls

Travelers seeking a day filled with incredible wildlife sightings, stunning landscapes, and memorable photo moments often consider a trip to Chobe National Park. This particular tour, offered by Afri Tours Company, promises a six-hour journey spanning two countries — Zimbabwe and Botswana — with the chance to see elephants, lions, hippos, and hundreds of bird species in their natural habitat. It’s a well-loved option, boasting a perfect rating of 5.0 based on just two reviews, which hint at the tour’s potential to impress even seasoned safari enthusiasts.

What makes this safari stand out? First, the early morning start maximizes wildlife activity during the cooler hours. Second, the combination of game drives and boat cruises offers a diverse perspective on Chobe’s wildlife. Third, the itinerary’s focus on ease — including hotel pickup and drop-off — makes it a straightforward adventure. However, one point to consider is the need for proper planning around border formalities, which can sometimes add a layer of complexity or delay. This tour suits those looking for a full, authentic day of safari action without the hassle of organizing transport themselves, making it perfect for first-timers and wildlife lovers alike.

Key Points

• Ideal for photographers seeking stunning wildlife and landscape shots
• Includes multiple activities: game drives, lunch, and boat cruises
• Excellent value for the experience, considering the diverse activities and transportation
• Flexible cancellation policy allows peace of mind
• Border formalities require some patience but are smoothly handled by guides
• Small group size (maximum 15 travelers) ensures a more personalized experience

A Full Breakdown of the Chobe Full Day Safari

Starting the Day at Dawn

The adventure begins early at 6:00 am, giving you a head start when wildlife is most active. The pickup service ensures a seamless start from your hotel near Victoria Falls, saving you the stress of organizing your own transport. The drive through Zambezi National Park takes roughly 40 to 50 minutes, during which you might catch glimpses of the landscape’s verdant stretches and perhaps some early morning birds.

The first major highlight? Crossing the border from Zimbabwe into Botswana. Guides handle the formalities, which some travelers have noted can be quick and efficient, but it’s good to be prepared for some waiting time. Once in Botswana, you’ll be greeted by your Chobe hosts, who are typically local guides familiar with the park’s best sights.

Chobe National Park: A Wildlife Haven

Chobe National Park is renowned for its large herds of elephants and Cape buffalo, which gather along the Chobe Riverfront during the dry season — making for remarkable photo opportunities. Reviewers mention the view as “beautiful” and “amazing,” emphasizing how the landscape itself adds grandeur to the wildlife sightings. The floodable grasslands of the Savuti Marsh attract zebras, antelopes, and migrating birds, creating a lively tableau of life.

First Game Drive: Expect Close Encounters

Your first game drive in Botswana is designed to maximize wildlife encounters. The open safari vehicles, usually accommodating no more than 15 travelers, allow for good visibility and easy photography. Reviewers praise their guides for being knowledgeable, with one mentioning how well-organized the trip was and how “amazing views” made the experience memorable.

Lunch Break: A Rest in the Wilderness

Midway through the safari, a well-timed lunch provides a chance to relax, hydrate, and reflect on the morning’s sightings. Being included in the package, the lunch typically features bottled water, snacks, and a hearty meal, delivering good value for the overall experience. Travelers have appreciated the “good value for money” and the opportunity to sit and enjoy the wild surroundings while refueling.

The Boat Cruise: A Different Perspective

Post-lunch, the journey continues with a boat cruise along the Chobe River. This is often highlighted as a top highlight, offering a new vantage point for viewing elephants bathing, crocodiles lounging, and numerous bird species soaring overhead. The calm water and close proximity to wildlife often result in stunning photo opportunities.

Final Game Drive & Return

The last leg involves a second game drive, where the guide might focus on areas missed earlier or zones known for specific wildlife activity. The tour then concludes with a transfer back through the border, returning to your hotel with plenty of time to rest or explore more.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This safari is particularly suited for those who want a comprehensive day of wildlife viewing without the need to piece together multiple arrangements. The small group size ensures an intimate experience, ideal for photographers aiming to capture wildlife in their natural habitat. The diverse activities—game drives and boat cruises—offer different angles of wildlife observation, increasing the chances of memorable sightings.

The inclusion of lunch, bottled water, and snacks adds to the sense of value, especially considering that wildlife parks often charge high entrance fees separately. The early start maximizes chances of seeing more active animals but also means an early wake-up call, which might be a drawback for some.

Travelers have noted the smooth logistics and friendly guides make the trip enjoyable. One reviewer described it as “miraculous,” praising the organization and views, while another called it “worth every penny,” emphasizing the landscape and wildlife diversity.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Safari

• Book in advance (average booking is 14 days ahead), especially during peak seasons.
• Prepare for border formalities; carry all necessary documents and be patient.
• Bring your camera, extra batteries, and memory cards — the scenery and wildlife are picture-perfect.
• Dress comfortably in neutral tones to blend into the environment and avoid bright colors that might distract animals.
• Confirm dietary requirements if you have specific needs, as the tour can accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and others.
• If you have health conditions, inform the tour provider beforehand; the activities are mostly seated in vehicles and boats.
• Arrive early at your pickup point to ensure a timely start.

The Sum Up

The Chobe Full Day Safari from Victoria Falls offers a strong combination of wildlife, landscape, and convenience. For those wanting to see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, the tour’s combination of game drives and river cruises is hard to beat in terms of variety and value. The guided experience and well-organized logistics make it an excellent choice for first-time safari visitors and seasoned wildlife lovers alike.

If your goal is to experience the thrill of seeing elephants crossing the Chobe River or capturing stunning birdlife, this trip is likely to meet or exceed your expectations. The consistent praise about the views, wildlife encounters, and overall organization makes it clear that this safari can be a highlight of any Victoria Falls visit.

While border formalities might add a little waiting time, the overall experience, excellent guides, and the opportunity to see world-famous wildlife make it a worthwhile adventure. It’s ideal for travelers who want a full, authentic day in the wild without the hassle of planning each element themselves.

This tour offers good value for money, memorable scenery, and the chance to tick off a bucket list wildlife experience — a perfect pairing for a day exploring Zimbabwe and Botswana’s wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 6:00 am, ensuring you reach the park early for prime wildlife viewing.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from your Victoria Falls hotel is offered, making the start of your day stress-free.

How long does the border crossing take?
Border formalities typically take around 10-15 minutes, but it can vary depending on the day’s traffic and procedures.

What activities are included in the tour?
The program includes a game drive in Botswana, a mid-morning meal, a boat cruise on the Chobe River, and a second game drive before returning.

Are drinks and snacks provided?
Yes, bottled water and snacks are included, along with lunch, making it easy to stay refreshed throughout the day.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with health conditions?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best to notify the provider if you have health conditions. The activities involve sitting in vehicles and boats, which are generally manageable.

Can I customize dietary needs?
Yes, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can be accommodated if noted at booking.

How many people usually join this tour?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What wildlife might we see?
Expect large herds of elephants, buffalo, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

What is the value of this tour?
Considering the inclusions, small group size, and multiple activities, many find it offers excellent value for the price of $220 per person.

This safari promises a full day of wildlife adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural cross-border exploration. If you’re after authentic encounters and memorable photos, it’s definitely worth considering for your Victoria Falls itinerary.