Chobe Day Trip from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

If you’re looking for a way to truly feel the pulse of Africa’s wildlife without committing to a multi-day safari, the Chobe Day Trip from Victoria Falls offers a compelling glimpse into Botswana’s stunning wilderness. This full-day tour combines a scenic river cruise, a hearty buffet lunch, and an exhilarating game drive — all packed into around nine hours of adventure.

What makes this trip special? You’ll love the chance to see elephants crossing the Chobe River, spot lions, crocodiles, and hippos from close quarters, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the park’s landscape. The guides are praised for their knowledge, and the small-group vibe means plenty of personal attention.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the potential for long border crossing times, especially if your visa process isn’t pre-arranged. It’s a well-organized experience but expect some waiting and a packed schedule.

This tour appeals most to wildlife enthusiasts, day-trippers in Victoria Falls, and those wanting a taste of Botswana’s rich fauna without lengthy overnight stays.

Key Points

• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to see elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and more in their natural habitat.
• Diverse Activities: Enjoy both a relaxing boat cruise and an energetic game drive.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Cobra and AK are highly praised for their knowledge and personable approach.
• Meal & Refreshments: Buffet lunch at Cresta Mowana Lodge with drinks available for purchase.
• Border Experience: Smooth visa and border crossing process, with some reviews noting potential wait times.
• Value for Money: At $170 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded, full-day experience that many reviewers find worth the cost.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Complete Experience: What You Can Expect

This trip is a well-balanced mix of water-based and land-based wildlife encounters, giving you a broader perspective of Botswana’s fauna and landscapes. It starts early — at around 7:00 AM — with a transfer from your Victoria Falls hotel to the Kazungula border. The journey itself is quite scenic, with wildlife often visible roadside, and guides like Stanford are lauded for their friendliness and helpfulness, making the border crossing smooth.

Border Crossing and Transfer

The border crossing is a critical part of this adventure. The process is generally straightforward, but the reviews highlight that visa arrangements can affect your timing. For travelers from Zambia, a quick request for permission to travel through Zimbabwe is essential, and for Indian travelers, specific visa requirements are in place. Guides assist with the paperwork, but arriving prepared speeds things up.

The Boat Cruise on Chobe River

At around 9:15 AM, you’ll hop aboard a small boat for a cruise along the Chobe River. This is often the highlight for guests, with many noting the closeness to wildlife. The boat is equipped with a cool box stocked with mineral water and soft drinks, making the experience more comfortable as you glide past herds of elephants, crocodiles basking on riverbanks, and a variety of birdlife.

As Eun Hee shared, “Watching elephant families and seeing them cross the Chobe River was simply breathtaking. We could get much closer to animals than expected.” The small boat size allows for proximity and a more intimate view of the environment — a real treat for photography buffs or wildlife enthusiasts. Many reviewers appreciated how guides like PK or Cobra expertly positioned the boat for the best sightings, often providing fascinating insights into animal behavior.

Lunch Break at Cresta Mowana Lodge

Around 12:30 PM, you’ll arrive at Cresta Mowana Lodge in Kasane for a buffet lunch. The setting is often praised for its scenic location along the river, making for a relaxing break amidst your busy day. While drinks are not included, there’s a little shop if you want to pick up souvenirs or additional beverages. Reviewers like Ian mention the lunch as “delicious” and a “great way to recharge,” with some noting the buffet’s variety and quality.

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The Game Drive in Chobe National Park

Post-lunch, the adventure continues with a game drive in the afternoon. Departing around 1:30 PM, this part of the tour is where the wildest sightings happen. Open-top jeeps provide excellent visibility, and guides such as Cobra or Rocky are praised for their sharp eyes and extensive knowledge. They actively track animals, sometimes even spotting lions and leopards from considerable distances, as Ian describes, “Cobra was very knowledgeable and helped us learn more about the park.”

Guests often remark on the diversity of animals seen, including elephants, hippos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and impalas. The land drive covers different terrain and offers a different perspective from the river cruise, enabling a more comprehensive wildlife experience. As some reviews highlight, the guides go beyond just spotting animals—they share stories and insights that deepen understanding of Botswana’s ecosystem.

Return Journey and Reflection

At around 4:30 PM, the guides drive you back to the border for the return trip. Expect to arrive back in Victoria Falls by about 6:30 PM, completing a full day of adventure. The journey itself is smooth, with some travelers mentioning that the guides like Stanford or Pamela make border crossing and transfer logistics seamless.

Practical Details & Tips

Transportation and Group Size: Transfers are inclusive, with small groups ensuring a more personal experience. The boat is a 10-seater, which means fewer crowds and better opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Cost & Value: At $170 per person, this tour provides a comprehensive day out, including park fees, boat cruise, game drive, and lunch. Many reviewers think it’s good value considering the variety and quality of experiences packed into one day.

What to Bring: Insect repellent is essential, especially around water. Cameras and binoculars are recommended for capturing animals up close, and comfortable clothing suited to outdoor activity is advised (layers for weather changes and hats for sun protection).

Border & Visa Info: Visa arrangements can affect the timing. Indian travelers, for example, will need to produce a certified copy of the unabridged birth certificates for children under 18. Make sure your paperwork is in order before the day of the trip to avoid delays.

Additional Notes: Drinks are available for purchase during lunch and the game drive, but as some reviews have pointed out, drinks at the lodge can be pricey. Also, check if your hotel or local guides can assist with border formalities or visa arrangements in advance.

Authentic Wildlife Encounters: What Reviewers Loved

Many guests emphasize the guides’ expertise and friendly approach. Ian specifically notes, “Cobra was very knowledgeable and personable,” making the game drive informative and engaging. Eun Hhee was impressed with the close-up views on the river, saying, “PK did an excellent job positioning us so we could have the best close-up views.”

The variety of wildlife sightings—from elephants crossing the river to lions lurking in the grass—means you’ll walk away with plenty of memories. Several reviewers, like Elen and Letitia, praised the overall organization and the opportunity to see animals up close, often describing it as “amazing” or “a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Unique Highlights in the Reviews

• The small boat size allows for intimacy with wildlife, often described as “getting closer than expected.”
• The guides’ local knowledge enhances the experience, with stories about animal behaviors and park history.
• The lunch spot offers a scenic, relaxing break, with many remarking on the quality and variety of the buffet.
• Seeing the elephants crossing the river or lions on the hunt are moments travelers cherish.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip suits wildlife lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers looking for a single-day experience that covers river and land safaris. It’s ideal for those short on time but craving a meaningful encounter with Africa’s iconic animals.

It’s also perfect if you prefer a small-group atmosphere rather than large, noisy safaris, and if you’re eager to learn from guides who are passionate about their terrain. If your main goal is to see elephants, lions, and hippos, and enjoy stunning river scenery, this trip will not disappoint.

Questions & Answers

Do I need a visa for Botswana? Yes, your tour fee includes border crossing, but you may need to arrange your visa in advance depending on your nationality. Guides can assist with the process.

What should I bring on the tour? Bring your passport, insect repellent, a camera, binoculars, and comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for a day outdoors.

Are drinks included? Lunch is buffet-style but drinks are available for purchase at the lodge. Some reviews mention drinks at the lodge being pricey, so consider bringing some cash or USD.

How long is the border crossing? Border formalities can vary, but most reviews suggest it’s generally smooth with proper preparation. Having your paperwork ready helps speed things up.

What animals are commonly seen? Expect to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and impalas, among others.

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, provided children carry their passport or ID, and are comfortable with outdoor safaris and border crossings. Be aware of the long day and potential border wait times.

Can I book the tour last minute? Yes, with options to reserve and pay later, you can book up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if needed.

Final Thoughts

The Chobe Day Trip from Victoria Falls offers a balanced, well-organized adventure into some of Africa’s most renowned wildlife areas. It combines the serenity of a river cruise with the excitement of a game drive, all within a manageable day trip.

While border crossing logistics can be an aspect to prepare for, the guides’ professionalism and the opportunity to see elephants, lions, and hippos up close make this experience worthwhile. The scenic lunch break at Cresta Mowana Lodge adds a relaxing touch to the day, giving you a chance to reflect on the wildlife encounters.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a high-quality, small-group experience with knowledgeable guides, great wildlife sightings, and a taste of Botswana’s incredible biodiversity — all without the hassle of a multi-day commitment.

In essence, if you’re after a convenient, authentic glimpse into Botswana’s wildlife with expert guidance and memorable scenery, this day trip is a strong choice. It offers good value, memorable moments, and the chance to see Africa’s iconic animals in just one day.

You can check availability for your dates here: