From Victoria Falls: Sunrise to Sunset Chobe Safari

Travelers looking for a day packed with wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and expert-guided adventures will find the Sunrise to Sunset Chobe Safari offered by Tamuka Travel a compelling option. This full-day tour promises a mix of game drives, river cruises, and cultural insights, all within Botswana’s renowned Chobe National Park — famous for its elephants and birdlife.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are its early start, the variety of wildlife experiences, and the chance to see Chobe’s big game up close. You’ll love the thrill of spotting herds of elephants in the morning light, the peaceful cruise along the river, and the scenic landscapes that unfold throughout the day. However, a consideration worth noting is the logistical aspect of crossing into Botswana, which can sometimes involve additional costs or complications, as reported by some travelers. This tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photography lovers, and anyone eager to explore Botswana’s incredible ecosystem from the comfort of Victoria Falls.

Key Points

• Early Morning Advantage: Arriving at the park gates at dawn maximizes wildlife sightings, especially for elusive predators.
• Diverse Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and hundreds of bird species.
• Expert Guides: Guides like MB and TT are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach.
• River Cruise Highlight: The 3-hour boat trip offers close-up views of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.
• Value for Money: At $260, the tour includes transportation, meals, and drinks, offering a well-rounded day.
• Border Crossing Nuances: Some travelers faced extra costs or entry issues at the Botswana border, so proper preparation is advised.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Early for Maximum Wildlife Sightings

The tour kicks off at 5:00 AM with hotel pick-up in Victoria Falls. This early start is no coincidence. Arriving right as the park gates open is a game-changer because wildlife tends to be more active in the cooler morning hours. Guides like Wisdom, who many reviewers commend for their extensive knowledge, emphasize that being among the first allows for sightings of predators like lions and leopards before the heat drives animals into cover.

Traveling from Victoria Falls to Chobe takes just over an hour, making it a manageable early-morning journey. The drive itself is comfortable, with guides sharing insights into the landscape, ecological zones, and the park’s history. As you enter the park, you’ll immediately notice the diversity of scenery — from dense woodland and lush floodplains to wide savannahs.

The Game Drive: Spotting Big Game and Birds

Once inside, the real adventure begins. The game drive covers the Caprivi floodplains, known for their high concentration of animals. Guides like TT have been praised for their ability to find animals and share interesting facts about their behaviors. Reviewers have recalled seeing a hyena and even witnessing a leopard twice, which is no small feat, especially during a day trip.

The early morning drive not only increases your chances of seeing lions and leopards but also allows you to observe herds of elephants and buffalo in their natural environment. The guide’s knowledge helps you understand the significance of each sighting, whether it’s the size of a herd or the individual behavior of a big cat.

The Picnic-Style Lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge

Midday, after several hours of game viewing, you’ll stop for lunch at the Chobe Safari Lodge. The meal is generally described as “fine,” with some reviews mentioning that drinks like soft drinks are paid for separately, which can be a surprise for some. The lodge offers a comfortable setting to relax and reflect on the morning’s sightings, all while enjoying the park’s scenic backdrop.

The River Cruise: Water-Based Wildlife Watching

Post-lunch, the tour shifts gears with a 3-hour cruise along the Chobe River. This is often highlighted as the tour’s signature experience. As the boat glides along the water, you’ll get astonishingly close views of animals like elephants bathing, hippos lounging, and crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks.

Reviewers have described the boat trip as “exceptionally good,” with one noting that their guide MB made the experience unforgettable through friendly, knowledgeable commentary. The river provides a different perspective—seeing animals from below and across the water adds a sense of intimacy and adventure.

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Sunset Over the River and Return Journey

The cruise culminates with a stunning sunset view, casting warm hues over the water and wildlife. As daylight fades, the boat heads back to the dock, and the journey concludes with a transfer back to Victoria Falls, arriving late evening.

Practicalities and Value

For $260 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the inclusions: all transportation, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and the guided expertise. The logistics are well-organized, with pickup and drop-off included, making it a hassle-free day.

Important notes include bringing your passport, sun protection, neutral clothing, and being prepared for border crossing procedures. Travelers have noted that border entry can sometimes involve additional costs or delays; one review highlighted a frustrating experience of being charged extra and denied entry into Botswana, emphasizing the need for travelers to be prepared with visas and cash.

What We Loved—and What to Watch Out For

The guides like MB and TT earned praise for their friendliness and wealth of knowledge, making each sighting educational and engaging. The early morning start truly pays off, according to reviews, with some guests witnessing animals that tend to be less active later in the day.

The river cruise, with its close-up wildlife encounters, offers a peaceful, awe-inspiring contrast to the excitement of the game drive. Many found this to be the highlight of the trip, especially the views of elephants and hippos in their natural habitat.

However, some guests experienced long waits after lunch or had issues with border crossing costs, so it’s wise to clarify these before booking. Also, the review mentioning an extra $250 fee for transport and visas underscores the importance of clear communication about additional costs.

This safari is best suited for wildlife lovers and photographers eager to catch animals in their natural environment from both land and water. Those looking for a well-organized day with professional guides and a variety of wildlife sightings will find great value here.

Travelers comfortable with early mornings, open vehicles, and outdoor conditions will enjoy every minute of it. Be prepared for border formalities and potential extra costs, especially if crossing into Botswana. It’s also perfect for those wanting a comprehensive experience that combines game drives with a relaxing river cruise.

Absolutely, if your goal is to see Chobe’s iconic animals, especially elephants, and experience the park’s diverse ecosystems firsthand. The combination of an early start, guided game drive, and river cruise makes this tour a full, varied day out. The knowledgeable guides, particularly MB and TT, add to the experience with their friendly demeanor and insights into animal behavior.

While there are some logistical considerations, such as border crossing costs and timing, most guests find the experience memorable and worth the price. It offers a good mix of adventure, comfort, and educational value, making it a solid choice for anyone wanting an authentic taste of Botswana’s wilderness from Victoria Falls.

Do I need a visa to cross into Botswana?
Yes, visas are required for travelers from countries outside the Commonwealth and can typically be purchased at the border. Be sure to carry your passport and relevant documents.

What is included in the tour price?
The $260 fee covers transportation from Victoria Falls, breakfast, lunch, drinks, light snacks, and guided wildlife drives and boat cruise.

Can I see big cats like lions or leopards?
Yes, many guests have reported sightings of leopards and lions, especially during the early morning drive when animals are more active.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, neutral-colored clothing, and sunscreen. Avoid large luggage and bright colors.

Is the river cruise suitable for wildlife viewing?
Absolutely. The cruise offers close-up, water-level views of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife, often described as a highlight.

How long is the entire tour?
The day starts at 5:00 AM and returns late evening, making it a full-day adventure.

What if I don’t want to do the river cruise?
Some guests have opted out or experienced delays, but the cruise is generally considered a major highlight of the tour.

Are guides experienced?
Yes, guides like MB and TT are known for their friendliness and extensive wildlife knowledge, greatly enhancing the experience.

What are the main wildlife species I can expect to see?
Elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and hundreds of bird species are common sightings.

What should I do if I encounter border crossing issues?
Be prepared with visas and cash, and communicate with your guides ahead of time. Clarify any additional costs before the tour starts.

In essence, the Sunrise to Sunset Chobe Safari provides a comprehensive, exciting, and visually stunning way to spend a day exploring Botswana’s wilderness from Victoria Falls. It’s ideal for those who value wildlife encounters, professional guidance, and a scenic mix of land and water adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here: