5 Day Chobe National Park Safari & Victoria Falls

5 Day Chobe National Park Safari & Victoria Falls
Location: Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
Country: Zimbabwe
Price: $5,000 per person
Supplier Name: Adventures on Wheels t/a AOW-AFRICA

What We Love About This Experience

This tour promises a blend of classic wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring natural wonders, all wrapped in a touch of luxury. The mobile camp stay in Chobe offers an authentic, close-to-nature experience, while the proximity to Victoria Falls means you’re never far from the action. The variety of activities, from game drives and boat safaris to adrenaline-pumping adventures at Victoria Falls, keeps the pace lively and engaging. Lastly, the value for such a comprehensive experience — including multiple safaris, accommodations, and transfers — makes it an appealing choice for those wanting it all.

A potential consideration is the travel logistics; with transfers between Zimbabwe and Botswana plus multiple activity points, some travelers might find the schedule slightly packed. However, if you prefer an itinerary that maximizes diverse experiences without sacrificing comfort, this tour fits the bill nicely.

This experience suits travelers eager to see Africa’s iconic wildlife and natural marvels in one seamless package, especially those who enjoy a mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic wilderness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point: Authentic Wildlife Encounters in Chobe National Park

Your journey begins at Kasane Airport, a gateway into Botswana’s wild heart. From there, you’ll transfer to Savute Under Canvas, an authentic mobile camp that moves around different private spots in Chobe every five days. This is a real highlight, offering a raw, immersive experience that puts you close to nature, far from the usual lodge feeling.

Travel from the airstrip to the camp can take between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on wildlife sightings en route. As some reviews have noted, “The drive to the camp was a good chance to spot animals like elephants and giraffes.” The camp itself is a simple yet comfortable base, with open-sided tents that allow the sounds of the wilderness to be part of your nightly soundtrack.

Activities here include both morning and evening game drives in open-sided 4WD vehicles. These are led by knowledgeable guides with extensive local expertise. The chance to view large herds of elephants, Cape buffalo, lions, and leopards is the primary draw, especially along the Chobe River, where animals gather during the dry season.

Reviewers appreciated the intimacy of these drives, with one noting, “We loved the way our guide Anthony tracked lions and explained their behaviors — it made the experience so much richer.” Plus, boat safaris along the Chobe River provide a different perspective, revealing wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles from the water. As one guest said, “Seeing elephants bathing and grazing from the boat was unforgettable.”

The Game Viewing Experience: What Makes It Special?

Game drives are generally early in the morning and late afternoon, coinciding with animals’ most active times. Expect open-sided vehicles that give unobstructed viewing. Guides usually have a knack for finding animals and share fascinating insights about their behaviors, ecology, and the park’s history.

This part of the experience is particularly valuable because of the large herds of elephants and buffalo, which are a spectacle, especially during the dry season when water sources are limited. The Linyanti Marsh and Savuti Marsh areas are also rich with predators like lions and leopards, offering chances for some thrilling sightings.

A mention from a reviewer highlights the diversity: “We saw giraffes browsing, antelopes grazing, and hippos wallowing — it was like a live wildlife documentary.” Bird enthusiasts will also enjoy the variety of avian species, including kingfishers and herons, often seen during boat safaris.

Unique Aspects of the Mobile Camp Stay

Staying at Savute Under Canvas offers a taste of true wilderness living. Unlike fixed lodges, the camp’s mobility means you’re camping in different parts of the park, maximizing wildlife encounters. The campfire dinners under the stars, as several guests have commented, create a special atmosphere — “Having dinner around a fire, with lions roaring in the distance, is an experience you won’t forget.”

The camp’s simplicity is part of its charm, with basic but comfortable tents, good food, and an emphasis on eco-friendliness. The focus is on the experience of being in the wild, rather than luxury amenities.

Transition to Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls

After a morning game drive, you’ll enjoy a 3-hour road transfer into Zimbabwe to reach the Batonka Guest Lodge near Victoria Falls. This transfer is smooth, with some reviews mentioning the scenic drive and the chance to spot more wildlife or local village life along the way.

The Batonka Guest Lodge is a peaceful retreat just minutes from the falls, with lush gardens, a pool, and comfortable rooms. It offers a perfect blend of convenience and comfort before you dive into Victoria Falls’ many activities.

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Victoria Falls: The Grand Natural Wonder

Just a short drive from the lodge, Victoria Falls is the star of the show. You can explore the falls from Zimbabwean or Zambian sides, with the tour offering a close-up view of this world’s largest waterfall. The spray, thunderous roar, and sheer volume of water are awe-inspiring.

Guests have mentioned the variety of adrenaline activities available here, including bungee jumping, white-water rafting, ziplining, helicopter rides, and even swimming in Devil’s Pool — a natural infinity pool on the edge of the falls. That last activity is only suitable for those comfortable with heights and strong swimmers, but it’s considered a once-in-a-lifetime thrill.

Guided tours often include detailed explanations about the geology and history of the falls. Many travelers enjoy the perspective from above via helicopter, noting, “The view from the helicopter gave us a new appreciation for the scale of Victoria Falls.”

The Value of This Tour

At $5,000 per person, this experience combines luxury, adventure, and authentic wilderness encounters. The inclusions, such as game drives, boat safaris, transfers, and accommodation, are comprehensive. The cost reflects the quality of guides, the exclusivity of mobile camping, and the proximity to key attractions.

Compared to standalone safaris or separate tours, this package offers convenience and a well-rounded itinerary. Guests have reported that the activities and accommodations provided excellent value, especially with the flexibility to choose from adrenaline activities at Victoria Falls.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This safari is perfect for adventurous travelers who want to see Africa’s wildlife and iconic waterfalls without sacrificing comfort. It’s ideal for those who appreciate authentic camping experiences but still want some luxury touches.

It suits wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers alike, particularly those who enjoy diverse activities and a bit of unpredictability in their travel plans.

Key Points

• Authentic Mobile Camping offers an immersive wilderness experience with comfort.
• Diverse wildlife sightings in Chobe include elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards.
• Boat safaris give a water-level view of wildlife along the Chobe River.
• Victoria Falls activities range from viewing the waterfall to adrenaline adventures like bungee jumping and Devil’s Pool.
• Transfers and logistics are well-coordinated, blending Botswana and Zimbabwe effortlessly.
• Experienced guides enhance sightings and provide insightful commentary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price?
The tour includes game drives, boat safaris, overnight stays at the mobile camp, transfers between Botswana and Zimbabwe, and accommodations at Batonka Guest Lodge.

How long are the game drives?
Guests typically enjoy morning and evening game drives, which are designed to maximize wildlife sightings during animals’ most active times.

Is the camp comfortable?
While basic, the mobile camp offers open-sided tents and campfire dinners, giving a rustic yet cozy experience. It’s suited for those comfortable with camping in the wilderness.

Are there any activities at Victoria Falls included?
Yes, options include sightseeing, adrenaline activities such as ziplining, helicopter rides, white-water rafting, and swimming at Devil’s Pool.

How flexible is the itinerary?
The tour is designed to be well-paced, but some activities like transfers are fixed based on logistics. The focus is on providing a balanced experience of wildlife, waterfalls, and adventure.

Is this tour suitable for families or pregnant women?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems due to the physical nature of some activities and transfers.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent are essential.

How do I pay for the tour?
You can reserve your spot with a flexible booking policy — pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I customize the experience?
While the itinerary is structured, you can choose from various adrenaline activities at Victoria Falls to tailor your adventure.

Final Words

This 5-day safari offers a well-rounded look at some of Africa’s most breathtaking sights — from the bustling wildlife around Chobe to the thunderous majesty of Victoria Falls. It’s a trip packed with adventure, authentic camp experiences, and moments of awe that will stay with you long after you return home.

It’s designed for travelers who crave wildlife encounters combined with natural wonders, and who don’t mind a bit of adventure mixed with comfort. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a wildlife enthusiast, or an adrenaline junkie, this tour can meet your expectations with its diverse activities and immersive approach.

For those seeking a balanced, authentic, and memorable African experience, this safari strikes a compelling offer, blending adventure with comfort in a truly unforgettable setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: