Chobe Day Trip

If you’re visiting Victoria Falls and craving an authentic wildlife experience, a Chobe Day Trip in Botswana might just be your best bet. This full-day adventure offers a chance to see Africa’s iconic animals in their natural habitat, all while enjoying the comfort of guided tours and well-organized logistics.

What we love about this tour is how smoothly everything is arranged—from hotel pickup to border crossing—making it ideal for travelers who prefer a hassle-free experience. The boat safari and game drive showcase some of the most captivating views in Africa, complete with elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species. Plus, traveling with a knowledgeable guide adds a layer of insight you won’t get from self-driving.

However, one thing to consider is the extra cost of park entrance and government fees, which isn’t included in the base price. This means the total expense can climb slightly higher than the initial $150 per person, so budget accordingly.

This tour suits those who want a comprehensive wildlife outing in a single day without the stress of planning individual activities. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, the chance to witness Botswana’s incredible biodiversity makes it a worthy addition to your safari itinerary.

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Key Points

Efficiency and Convenience: All logistics are handled, from hotel pickup to border formalities.
Wildlife in Action: Expect to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and over 400 bird species.
Two-Stage Adventure: Combines a 3-hour boat safari with a 3-hour game drive for full wildlife immersion.
High Value for Price: The $150 fee includes transfers, lunch, and activities—an accessible way to experience Botswana’s famed wildlife.
Extra Costs: Park entry and government fees are additional, so plan for around $25 per person.
Flexible Scheduling: Sometimes the itinerary switches, starting with the game drive and ending with the boat safari, depending on the day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Full Experience: What You Can Expect

Starting early, the tour kicks off with your driver collecting you from your hotel around 07:00. The one-hour drive to the border is an easy, scenic ride, giving you your first glimpses of Botswana’s landscape. Once at the border, your guide takes care of the formalities—no stress, no fuss—so you’re swiftly into the park.

Looking for more options in Kasane? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Boat Safari: Three Hours of Water-based Wildlife Watching

The first activity is a 3-hour boat safari, which is arguably the highlight of this trip. As you glide along the Chobe River, you’ll be treated to sights of hippos and crocodiles basking on the banks, plus elephants coming down to cool off or quench their thirst. The boat’s vantage point offers a unique perspective of the animals coming to drink or cross the river, and the calm waters make for excellent photography.

Travelers have shared that the boat safari is “a chance to see animals coming down the river to quench the thirsty,” and that the hippos and crocodiles are often just meters from the boat. Some reviews mention that the boat’s open sides allow for unobstructed views, which is perfect for wildlife observation.

Lunch Break: Relax and Refuel

Around 12:00, the group stops for a buffet lunch. While drinks are not included, the meal offers a welcome break and the chance to exchange stories about what you’ve seen so far. Many travelers appreciate the well-organized meal, often citing it as a stress-free part of the day where you can relax and prepare for the afternoon activities.

The Game Drive: Three Hours of Land-Based Wildlife Action

After lunch, you’ll head out for a 3-hour game drive. This part of the trip offers the chance to see big game like buffalo and, of course, elephants—the highest number of elephants in Africa, according to some reviews. With over 400 bird species, birdwatchers will find plenty to delight in, from aquatic birds to raptors soaring overhead.

The guides are experienced and knowledgeable, often pointing out interesting behaviors or species that might otherwise go unnoticed. Depending on the day, the schedule can switch, starting with the game drive and ending with the boat safari, offering flexibility based on conditions.

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End of the Day: Return to Victoria Falls

By around 6:00 pm, your group will be back at the hotel, tired but enriched by the full day of wildlife encounters. The drive back often offers scenic views, giving you one last chance to appreciate Botswana’s vast landscapes.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The inclusions make this trip quite valuable: transfers from Victoria Falls to Botswana and back, the 3-hour boat safari, 3-hour game drive, and a lunch buffet. Bottled water and soft drinks are provided during the game drive, ensuring you stay refreshed.

On the flip side, park entrance fees ($25 per person), visa costs, gratuities, and any personal expenses are not included. This is typical for such tours, but it’s important to budget for these extras to avoid surprises.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

Bring your passport and check if you need a visa—especially if you’re staying in Zimbabwe, as a double entry visa or Kaza visa may be required.
If you’re traveling with children under 18, carry their birth certificates or a supporting letter from the spouse for border crossing.
Pack sun protection, comfortable clothing, and a camera with plenty of memory for all those wildlife shots.
Remember that fireworks, explosive substances, and making fires are not allowed—likely due to safety and conservation rules.
The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year, so plan accordingly.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $150 per person, this safari provides a packed day of activities in one of Africa’s most famous parks. The combination of boat and land safaris ensures a diverse range of sightings—something you can’t get from a single activity alone. The inclusive nature of transfers and meals simplifies planning, making it an appealing choice for travelers keen to maximize their wildlife viewing without the complexity of arranging multiple tours.

The quality of the guides and the well-organized schedule receive praise from previous travelers for making the day smooth and enjoyable. Seeing the elephants and hippos up close from the boat, along with the chance to spot big game on land**, makes this a well-rounded experience.

While the extra fees might seem like a small inconvenience, they are standard for park access and administrative costs. Just be prepared to add about $25 to your budget for entrance and government fees, which is quite reasonable considering the experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for wildlife lovers eager to see their favorite animals in their natural environment, especially those on a tight schedule who want a comprehensive day without fuss. It’s perfect for travelers staying in Victoria Falls who want to explore Botswana’s famed Chobe National Park without the hassle of planning individual activities or transportation.

It’s also suitable for first-time safari-goers looking for a gentle introduction, thanks to the experienced guides and well-structured schedule. However, those traveling with young children under one year should consider other options, as the tour isn’t recommended for infants.

In summary, this tour strikes a good balance between value and experience—providing a full day of memorable wildlife encounters in a stunning setting, all organized for your convenience.

FAQs

Do I need a visa to join this tour?
Yes, travelers should carry their passports and check if they require a visa to enter Botswana. Zimbabweans may need a double entry visa or Kaza visa if staying in Zimbabwe, as this will be needed for border crossing.

What is included in the tour price?
The $150 fee covers transfers from Victoria Falls to Botswana and back, a 3-hour boat safari, a 3-hour game drive, and a buffet lunch. Bottled water and soft drinks during the game drive are included.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, park entrance and government fees are extra—about $25 per person. Gratuities, visas, and personal expenses are also not included.

How long is the total trip?
The entire day lasts roughly from 07:00 pickup until around 6:00 pm, allowing for a full day of wildlife viewing and scenic travel.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year, but children over that age are generally welcome, provided they’re comfortable with long vehicle rides and outdoor activities.

What should I bring with me?
Bring your passport, any necessary visas, sun protection, comfortable clothing, and a camera. It’s also wise to carry some extra cash for souvenirs or tips.

Can the itinerary change?
Yes, depending on the day, the tour might start with the game drive and finish with the boat safari, offering flexibility based on weather or wildlife activity.

Final Thoughts

A Chobe Day Trip offers a beautifully balanced glimpse into Botswana’s wildlife treasures. The combination of floating past hippos and crocodiles, then tracking elephants and big game on land, creates a full sensory experience unmatched in many day tours. The ease of organized logistics, knowledgeable guides, and stunning scenery make it a strong choice for travelers seeking an authentic safari adventure without the long-term commitment of a multi-day trip.

While additional fees for park entry might be a small extra, they are well worth the opportunity to see Africa’s wild side in a single, action-packed day. For anyone staying near Victoria Falls with a passion for wildlife and a desire for a seamless, value-packed excursion, this tour is a smart pick.

In short, if you’re after unforgettable wildlife sightings on a manageable schedule, the Chobe Day Trip delivers — with plenty of reasons to smile long after the day ends.