Chobe National Park Camping Safari From Victoria Falls (2 Days and 1 Night)

Exploring the Chobe National Park Camping Safari from Victoria Falls: An Honest Review

If you’re thinking about crossing borders from Zimbabwe into Botswana for a quick wildlife fix, this 2-day Chobe National Park camping safari offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic bush experiences. While we haven’t personally gone on this exact tour, reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it’s a fantastic option for travelers craving a taste of Africa’s iconic wildlife without breaking the bank or sacrificing comfort.

What really shines about this trip are the guided game drives and river cruises—both offer incredible chances to see elephants, big cats, hippos, crocodiles, and a vibrant array of birdlife. The round-trip transfer from Victoria Falls makes border crossing seamless, removing the usual stress of navigating international borders yourself. Plus, staying overnight in a safari camp under the stars, complete with meals and campfire chats, promises an immersive experience.

One potential consideration is that, with only a single night in camp, it’s a quick snapshot rather than an in-depth safari. Also, the group size is limited to 13 travelers, which helps keep things intimate but might not suit those seeking total privacy. This safari appeals most to those who want a cost-effective, guided wildlife experience with a good mix of water and land activities in a short time frame—perfect for busy travelers or those on a broader Southern Africa itinerary.

Key Points

• Seamless border crossing with round-trip transport from Victoria Falls.
• Multiple game viewing opportunities on land and water, maximizing wildlife sightings.
• Professional guides and drivers enhance the experience with expert knowledge and spotting skills.
• Comfortable camping under the stars offers authentic bush hospitality with all meals included.
• Time for relaxation and stargazing in the evenings, balancing adventure with downtime.
• A short but highly concentrated safari, ideal for travelers with limited time or budget.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You Can Expect

Day 1: Arrival and Early Adventures

Your day begins bright and early at 7:30 am. You’ll be collected from your hotel or lodge in Victoria Falls, ensuring a hassle-free start. The transfer takes about an hour to the Kazungula border post, where you’ll cross into Botswana—an easy process that’s included in the tour, saving you the stress of border negotiations.

Once across, your first adventure kicks off around 9:30 am with either a 3-hour boat cruise or a jeep safari into Chobe National Park. The boat cruise is often highlighted as a must-do—it’s a chance to get close to the hippos, crocodiles, and scores of waterbirds. Reviewers like Toni_V praised this part, mentioning “saw lions, elephants, crocs, lizards, hippos,” which underscores how close-up and varied the wildlife encounters can be. The boat gets you right into the action, especially with the morning light casting perfect conditions for wildlife photography.

Following this, a buffet lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge resets your energy. The meal is a great mix of local and international flavors, giving you fuel for the afternoon game drive or cruise, which is usually the prime time for spotting larger herbivores like elephants and buffalo making their way to the river. These afternoon excursions often produce good sightings, as the animals are more active and relaxed after the heat of midday.

Day 2: More Wildlife and a Bush Retreat

Early mornings are the highlight for many. By waking up with a quick cup of tea or coffee, you join a game drive where the chances of spotting predators like lions or elusive animals like wild dogs are at their highest. Multiple reviews, including Toni_V’s, mention the thrill of seeing big cats during the morning drives.

Mid-morning is for a bush brunch and some rest, giving you the chance to relax at camp—whether that’s reading, showering, or simply soaking in the peaceful bush surroundings. The afternoon game drive then revisits previous spots or explores new areas, often revealing more of the park’s diverse inhabitants, including rare antelope species like sable, roan, Puku, and Eland.

The safari wraps up around 4:30 pm with your transfer back to the Zimbabwe side, ending a concise yet fulfilling wildlife experience. Reviewers find the guides highly knowledgeable, which makes all the difference in spotting and understanding the animals and landscape.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $500 per person, this safari packs a lot of value into just two days. The price includes accommodation in camping tents, meals, transport, and guided activities, which makes it a cost-effective way to experience Chobe’s wildlife. The organized nature of the tour means you won’t worry about logistics or border crossings—everything is taken care of, allowing you to focus on the animals and scenery.

The combination of water-based and land-based game drives maximizes your chances for sighting wildlife. The boat cruise, in particular, is often cited as a highlight, offering unique perspectives and close-up encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. The expert guides improve your chances too—they point out species you might overlook and share fascinating insights into animal behaviors.

The Authentic Camp Experience

Staying in a tent at the safari camp under the starry sky adds a genuine African flavor to your trip. Reviewers mentioned how fun and memorable the overnight stay is, with Toni_V describing it as “really fun” and emphasizing the well-organized nature of the experience. Evening drinks around the campfire and stargazing create a relaxing atmosphere after a busy day of wildlife viewing.

Flexibility and Convenience

The tour’s timing is well-planned, starting early to catch animals when they’re most active, and ending by late afternoon. This schedule allows for a comfortable pace, with ample time for rest, meals, and enjoying the camp environment. The small group size enhances the experience, making it easier to spot animals and ask questions.

How the Tour Holds Up in Practice

Based on the review from Toni_V, the guided game drives and boat cruise are well-organized, with knowledgeable guides making a real difference. The early morning game drives are highlighted as especially rewarding for seeing predators, which are often elusive later in the day.

The border crossing is described as smooth, which is often a concern for travelers unfamiliar with the process. The tour handles this seamlessly, so you can concentrate on the wildlife rather than bureaucratic hassles.

The meals are considered satisfying, with buffet lunches and hearty dinners, fueling you for long, active days. The campfire evenings are a highlight, providing a chance to relax and swap stories with fellow travelers under the stars.

Group Size and Personal Experience

With a maximum of 13 travelers, this tour strikes a good balance between intimacy and social opportunity. Small groups help guides focus on each guest’s interests and enable better wildlife sightings. Travelers who enjoyed the experience frequently mention the guides’ expertise and friendliness as standout features.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Safari?

This Chobe National Park camping safari is perfect for those seeking a cost-effective, guided wildlife adventure that combines game drives, river cruises, and authentic bush camping. If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive taste of Botswana’s wildlife, this tour delivers just that.

It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate the small group experience, love being close to nature, and don’t mind sleeping in tents. The mix of water and land activities ensures you see a wide variety of animals, with plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photos.

For anyone wanting a balanced safari—combining adventure, comfort, and cultural authenticity—this tour offers an excellent package. Plus, the smooth logistics and knowledgeable guides make it accessible even for first-timers.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers? Yes, the tour is designed for small groups, so solo travelers will find it easy to join and meet others with similar interests.

What is included in the price? The price covers accommodation at the safari camp, meals (buffet lunch, dinner, breakfast), guided game drives, boat cruises, hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and park fees.

How long does the border crossing take? The transfer from Victoria Falls to Kazungula border post takes about an hour, and the border crossing itself is included in the tour, making the process hassle-free.

What wildlife can I expect to see? Expect elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, big cats, and a variety of antelope species like sable, roan, Eland, and Puku. Birdlife is also abundant.

Is camping comfortable? The tents are organized as part of a safari camp, providing a memorable outdoor experience with basic comforts suitable for outdoor enthusiasts.

When is the best time for this safari? While the itinerary is designed for year-round operation, early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for wildlife sightings.

Can I customize this tour? As a guided group tour, customization options are limited, but guides are usually knowledgeable and eager to share insights and help maximize your experience.

This 2-day safari from Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park offers a compact yet deeply rewarding wildlife experience. Combining expert-guided game drives, river cruises, and the charm of bush camping, it’s a wonderful way to get a true taste of Africa’s wilderness—without the fuss or the hefty price tag. Perfect for those with limited time but big wildlife dreams.