Chobe Full Day Safari in Chobe

Planning a safari in Africa can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options promising the ultimate wildlife experience. This review focuses on the Chobe Full Day Safari, offered by Wanderlust Safaris, which has earned a perfect 5.0 out of 5 stars from 13 reviews. We’ll explore what makes this tour a standout, the value it offers, and what you can realistically expect during your day in one of Botswana’s premier parks.

What we love about this tour? First, the expert guides like Leon, Philemon, and Rocky are repeatedly praised for their knowledge and friendly approach. Second, the multi-angle experience with both game drives and a river cruise provides a well-rounded glimpse of the park’s wildlife and scenery. Lastly, the included delicious brunch and comfortable transportation elevate the whole experience.

One potential drawback is the group size limitation—with a maximum of 15 travelers, it’s not an overly intimate experience, but that often ensures better service and more wildlife sightings. This tour suits wildlife enthusiasts, birders, and those eager for a full day exploring Botswana’s stunning landscapes, especially if you’re staying in Victoria Falls and want a seamless, organized experience.

Key Points

• Excellent value for a comprehensive full-day safari experience
• Diverse wildlife sightings including elephants, buffalo, giraffe, and possibly big cats
• Expert guides make all the difference in spotting animals and sharing insights
• Comfortable transportation and well-organized logistics ensure a smooth day
• Multiple activities—game drives and a river cruise—offer varied perspectives on the park
• Ideal for travelers based in Victoria Falls looking for an authentic safari experience

What Makes the Chobe Full Day Safari Special?

This tour stands out because it combines game drives within Chobe National Park with a relaxing boat cruise on the Chobe River. For wildlife lovers, this dual approach means you get to see animals both on land and water, capturing the park’s full vibrancy. The 4×4 safari vehicles are open-sided, providing unobstructed views and excellent photo opportunities—an important feature when trying to capture wildlife moments.

With professional guides like Leon and others, you’re in capable hands. Reviewers consistently mention how guides go above and beyond, sharing not just facts, but also helpful tips to see elusive animals. As one reviewer put it, “Leon made us feel instantly safe and at ease, going above and beyond to ensure our trip was memorable.”

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Chobe Game Drive

Your adventure begins with a 3-hour game drive inside Chobe National Park. You’ll board custom-built 4×4 safari vehicles with open sides, designed specifically for wildlife viewing. Expect to see elephants almost guaranteed, as Chobe boasts the highest concentration of these giants in the world.

Reviewers love the guides’ ability to spot animals quickly and share interesting behaviors. One reviewer mentioned seeing lions and leopards, although these are less predictable sightings. You may also encounter buffalo, zebra, giraffe, hyena, hippos, crocodiles, and red lechwe.

The birdlife is another highlight—over 460 species call Chobe home, and spotting some rare or colorful birds is common. The guides’ knowledge really shines here, making this game drive both educational and exciting.

Stop 2: Kasane – River Cruise & Water-based Game Viewing

Following the land safari, the tour shifts gears with a 3-hour boat cruise along the Chobe River. This cruise offers a tranquil, low-impact way to observe animals that come to water to drink or hunt. It’s a peaceful way to see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds, often with the chance to spot animals that prefer to stay in the water’s safety.

Many reviews emphasize how relaxing and rewarding the boat ride is. One reviewer mentioned, “Sitting back and watching animals come to the water is a perfect way to unwind and observe from a different angle.” The boat cruise also facilitates sightings of predators and herbivores sharing the riverbanks, sometimes in astonishing proximity.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The price of $190 per person seems quite reasonable considering the full day of activities and the high-quality guides. Included are brunch, bottled water, air-conditioned transport, pickup and drop-off, as well as a licensed guide.

You’ll want to budget extra for alcoholic beverages, dinner, or breakfast if you plan to extend your day or wish to indulge. The tour’s flexibility means you can enjoy a hearty brunch and then relax knowing that your transport and guiding are covered.

Transport and Logistics: Why They Matter

Starting at 7:00 am, the tour maximizes daylight hours, giving ample time for wildlife sightings. The transportation is air-conditioned, which makes the long day comfortable, especially during hot months. Pickup and drop-off make it convenient, especially if you’re based near Victoria Falls.

One review highlights the seamless coordination, noting how guides assist with border crossings between Zimbabwe and Botswana. This is essential since crossing borders can sometimes be stressful, but the tour’s organization alleviates that concern.

Authentic Experiences and Reviewer Insights

Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, with one saying, “Our guides Philemon and Rocky were superb—helping us see everything we hoped for and more.” Another reviewer shared how the guides’ expertise helped them witness a lion hunt, a memorable moment that truly showcases the value of a skilled guide.

Food quality also gets a nod. The included brunch is described as delicious and plentiful, giving travelers energy for the longer excursions. Several reviews mention the professional and friendly staff, making the day not just about wildlife but also about feeling well cared for.

The Overall Experience: Is It Worth It?

Considering the round-trip transport, guided game drives, river cruise, and meals, the $190 price tag offers substantial value. The combination of land and water viewing means you won’t just see animals from afar—you’ll get close enough for memorable photos and an immersive experience.

While you can’t guarantee specific sightings, the tour’s structure and guides greatly enhance your chances. Elephants are almost a certainty, and if luck is on your side, you might witness exciting predator activity or rare bird sightings.

Reviewers repeatedly mention how well-organized and enjoyable the day is, with some calling it “a lifetime adventure” and “absolutely outstanding.” It’s ideal for those who want a broad, authentic safari experience without the hassle of planning each detail.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This safari is perfect if you’re in Victoria Falls and craving a full-day wildlife adventure with a mix of game drives and river cruising. It’s especially suitable for wildlife enthusiasts, birders, and families looking for a structured yet flexible experience. The professional guides and organized logistics** make it ideal for first-timers or anyone wanting to make the most of a day in Africa’s wilderness.

However, travelers who prefer very small, intimate safaris or highly exclusive experiences might find the group size (up to 15) a bit crowded. Still, for most, this trade-off results in excellent value and a lively atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

The Chobe Full Day Safari from Victoria Falls offers a compelling blend of wildlife encounters, expert guiding, and comfortable transportation. Its reputation for great organization and stunning scenery makes it a reliable choice for those wanting to see elephants, big cats, and hundreds of bird species in just one day.

The combination of game drives and a water-based cruise ensures you see a diverse array of animals and enjoy different perspectives of Botswana’s most famous park. The included meals and professional guides make it a hassle-free option that maximizes your time.

For wildlife lovers eager to photograph elephants or spot elusive predators, this tour delivers on promises of an authentic, enjoyable, and memorable safari experience.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The entire safari lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 7:00 am, including game drives, a river cruise, and meals.

Is pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off, making it convenient if you’re based near Victoria Falls.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 15 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable group setting.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You’ll likely see elephants, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, hyena, hippos, crocodiles, and birds. Big cats like lions and leopards are possible but not guaranteed.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, including families, especially with kids interested in wildlife.

What’s included in the price?
Brunch, bottled water, air-conditioned transport, guided game drives, boat cruise, and airport transfers are included.

Are there any additional costs?
Alcoholic beverages, dinner, and additional snacks are not included and should be budgeted separately.

What should I wear or bring?
Wear comfortable, neutral-colored clothing suitable for outdoor safaris, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. Cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

In essence, the Chobe Full Day Safari delivers a well-rounded, value-packed wildlife experience that caters to those who want the best of Botswana’s nature in one organized, enjoyable day.