Chobe Full day Safari with Victoria falls Sunrise Tour Combo

When it comes to combining iconic African scenery with unforgettable wildlife encounters, the Chobe Full day Safari with Victoria Falls Sunrise Tour Combo offers a compelling package. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, we’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers and reviews to paint a vivid picture of what you can expect.

What we love about this experience: the chance for intimate wildlife viewing in Chobe National Park, the beautiful sunrise at Victoria Falls, and the personalized service that comes with a private guide and vehicle.

One potential snag is the need to book well in advance, typically 14 days ahead, especially during peak seasons. Also, the tour involves crossing borders, so some travelers might find the formalities a bit lengthy.

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers craving a blend of wildlife, scenery, and cultural insight, especially those who appreciate a more tailored, personal experience rather than large group safaris.

Key Points

• Private Game Drive: You get your own vehicle and guide, offering a more personalized experience.
• Diverse Wildlife: Lions, leopards, elephants, and a variety of bird species are common sightings.
• Stunning Scenery: From the lush landscapes of Chobe to the iconic views of Victoria Falls at sunrise.
• Comprehensive Day: Includes game drives, a boat cruise, and a visit to Victoria Falls, making it a full-day adventure.
• Timing & Logistics: Starts early, with hotel pickup, ensuring you make the most of the day.
• Value for Money: For $230, you cover multiple highlights with guided expertise, meals, and transport included.

An In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

The Morning: Sunrise at Victoria Falls

Your day begins with an early pickup from your hotel around 5:45 AM, giving you a head start before the crowds and the heat. The journey takes you from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, across the border into Botswana at Kazungula. The border crossing is straightforward but involves some formalities—patience is key.

Once in Botswana, you’ll arrive at the renowned Victoria Falls, opening at 6 AM. Standing at the 16 viewpoints, you’ll witness the falls in their morning glory, with the sunrise illuminating the cascading water. The tour guide, experienced and knowledgeable, shares insights into the falls’ history and cultural significance, enriching the visual spectacle. Expect to take excellent photos of the falls, especially with the softer morning light.

This early start is highly appreciated by travelers who love a peaceful, scenic experience without the midday crowds. As one reviewer noted, the sunrise view is a highlight, and having an expert guide makes all the difference in understanding the land’s stories.

The Mid-Morning: Cross-border Journey & Chobe Game Drive

After swooning over the falls, the adventure continues with a roughly 3-hour game drive into Chobe National Park. The drive is in a private 4×4 vehicle, which means you’re not stuck with a busload of travelers. Your guide, well-versed in wildlife behavior and ecosystems, will point out animals and share stories about their habits and habitats.

During the drive, expect sightings of lions, elephants (the park boasts around 50,000), leopards, buffaloes, and various bird species. Reviewers, like Jesper, mentioned seeing lions, giraffes, and elephants—”the actual activities were fantastic,” with scenic views and a good guide. However, some noted that lack of detailed information sometimes caused minor frustrations, especially regarding timings and lunch arrangements.

The landscape of Chobe is lush and varied, offering excellent photo opportunities, especially when herds of elephants gather near water or lions lounge under the trees. The guide’s expertise helps you understand the significance of each sighting, making the experience more enriching.

Lunch & Relaxation

Post-game drive, you’ll head to Chobe Safari Lodge for a buffet-style lunch overlooking Namibia. The setting is relaxed with beautiful scenery, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the wildlife encounters. Having a properly prepared meal in the midst of a busy day is a definite plus, especially since it’s included in the package.

Some travelers have expressed that the overall value is improved by this included lunch, which offers a break from the day’s excitement. It’s worth noting, however, that lunch and breakfast are not included in the base price if you want specific dietary options or packed meals, which can be arranged at an additional cost.

The Afternoon: Boat Cruise on the Chobe River

Following lunch, the tour proceeds with a boat cruise along the Chobe River. This offers a different perspective—close-up sightings of elephants bathing, hippos, crocodiles, and birds. It’s a peaceful yet captivating experience, with the chance to capture stunning photos of wildlife against the backdrop of the river and sky.

The boat cruise is highly appreciated for its tranquil atmosphere and the chance to see animals from eye level. It’s also a great time to relax and enjoy the scenery in a different setting.

Evening: Return & Final Impressions

The return trip to Victoria Falls wraps up the roughly 13-hour day. You’ll be dropped back at your hotel, tired but filled with vivid memories. Travelers often note that the day is long but worth every minute, especially if wildlife and scenery are your priorities.

What’s Included & What’s Not

• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a private guide, transport via open 4×4 vehicle, lunch, boat cruise, and bottled water and soft drinks.
• Extras like park entrance fees ($25 per person) and Victoria Falls entry fees ($7 local, $30 SADC, $50 international) are not included but are standard across most tours.
• You can customize your experience, and packed breakfast options are available for an even smoother start.

Practical Considerations

• The tour operates in all weather, so dressing appropriately is advised—think neutral, no bright colors.
• It’s suitable for most travelers, but children under 5 may find the early start and long day challenging.
• Bookings tend to fill up around two weeks in advance, so plan ahead.

Who Will Love This Tour

This combination experience truly shines for those wanting a comprehensive day of wildlife and scenic highlights. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy personalized, intimate safaris rather than large group tours, thanks to the private vehicle and guide. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diversity of encounters—big cats, elephants, birdlife—and the chance to see Victoria Falls in the early morning light.

The inclusion of both land and water safaris, along with a cultural touchstone at the falls, makes it a great value for a full day of exploration. It works well for couples, families, or small groups seeking a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a well-rounded, guided experience that combines wildlife, scenic beauty, and cultural insights, this tour ticks many boxes. It offers the kind of flexibility and intimacy that larger tours often lack, with a personal guide sharing knowledge along the way.

The early morning at Victoria Falls is a real highlight—standing there watching the sunrise over one of the world’s most famous waterfalls is unforgettable. Later, the game drive and boat cruise provide ample chances for wildlife sightings and stunning photos, especially with a knowledgeable guide to point out what you might miss on your own.

At $230, this experience offers good value when considering what’s included—meals, transport, and private guiding. However, it’s important to remember the additional costs for park entry fees if you’re budgeting strictly.

Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for travelers looking for a balanced, immersive day exploring one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes, with the bonus of personalized service and a variety of memorable sights.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins with hotel pickups around 7:30 AM, with early departures for Victoria Falls and the border crossing.

Is the pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package, making logistics easier.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 13 hours, from early morning until you’re back at your hotel in the evening.

Are meals included?
Lunch is included at Chobe Safari Lodge, but breakfast and dinner are not. Packed breakfast can be arranged if preferred.

What animals might I see during the game drive?
Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and various bird species are common sightings.

Do I need to pay extra for park entries?
Yes, park entrance fees are not included in the price. Expect to pay around $7 for Victoria Falls and $25 for Chobe National Park.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children under 5 may find the early start and long day tiring.

What should I wear?
Dress in neutral, comfortable clothing—bright colors are discouraged to avoid startling wildlife.

Can I customize this tour?
Yes, the tour can be tailored at no extra cost, making it flexible for your preferences.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about two weeks prior, especially during peak seasons.

To sum it up, the Chobe Full day Safari with Victoria Falls Sunrise Tour Combo offers a fantastic, well-organized way to tick off two of southern Africa’s most spectacular sights in a single day. With private guiding, diverse activities, and stunning scenery, it’s perfect for those seeking a more personal, engaging adventure. Just remember to plan ahead, bring your camera, and prepare for a day packed with wildlife, waterfalls, and unforgettable moments.