Chobe Full day Trip

Exploring Chobe in a Day: A Practical and Authentic Safari Adventure

If you’re looking to add a wildlife-filled highlight to your trip from Victoria Falls, the Chobe Full Day Trip offers a balanced mix of boat safaris and game drives. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed itineraries reveal what makes it a popular choice—and what travelers should keep in mind.

What really stands out are the two different ways to see animals—both from the water and land—plus the convenience of round-trip transport from Victoria Falls. The included lunch buffet at Chobe Safari Lodge simplifies logistics, letting you focus on the animals rather than hunting for a meal. On the downside, some travelers have noted the shared group setup can lead to less privacy and occasional logistical hiccups—something to consider if you prefer a private experience. This trip suits those eager to maximize wildlife sightings without breaking the bank and who enjoy guided group tours with plenty of opportunities to snap photos.

Key Points

• Multiple safari experiences in one day: boat cruise plus game drive
• Cost-effective group tour with included transport and lunch
• Flexible itinerary with a well-timed schedule around wildlife activity
• Border crossings included, requiring some formalities
• Ideal for travelers seeking variety and value in a single day
• Possible drawback: shared vehicle arrangements may impact privacy

The Detailed Breakdown of the Chobe Full Day Trip

Starting the Day: From Victoria Falls to Chobe

The tour kicks off early at 7:00 am, which is prime time for spotting wildlife as animals are often more active in the cooler morning hours. The first leg involves a 50-minute drive from Victoria Falls to the Kazungula border post. This transfer is fairly straightforward, but it introduces travelers to the logistical side of crossing borders in the region.

Once at the border, you’ll go through Zimbabwean formalities, then switch to a 4×4 safari vehicle for Botswana entry. One interesting detail is the foot and mouth animal disease control stop, which involves stepping on a chemically treated wet mat—something you might not experience on all safaris but is part of the biosecurity measures in place.

Wildlife from Sedudu Island: The Boat Safari

After crossing into Botswana, you’ll hop onto a boat waiting by the riverside for a three-hour cruise on Sedudu Island. This boat safari is probably the highlight for many, offering a chance to see animals like elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. Reviewers note that the boats are well-organized and the guides are knowledgeable, which enhances the experience.

One reviewer mentioned the boat offered excellent wildlife sightings, making it a highlight of the day, while others pointed out that the boat feels a bit crowded during peak times. Still, if you’re patient, the chance to see animals in their natural habitat from the water is truly special and quite different from a land safari.

Lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge

Midday, you’ll disembark for a buffet lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge, conveniently located near the river. The included meal is a good way to rest and refuel before the afternoon game drive. The lunch is typically about an hour long, giving you time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Reviewers frequently mention that the lunch is decent and well-timed—enough to sustain you through the afternoon activity. The lodge’s setting also provides some lovely views of the river, making it a scenic spot for a break.

Afternoon Game Drive: Chobe National Park

Post-lunch, it’s into 4×4 safari vehicles for another three hours exploring Chobe National Park. This part of the tour is often praised for the variety of wildlife sightings, with elephants, buffalos, and antelope being common targets. Guides are generally appreciated for their knowledge, although some travelers have found the group size (up to 50 participants) a bit large for close animal encounters.

The afternoon drive tends to be slower-paced and allows multiple stops, so expect to spend time observing animals and taking photos. Reviewers have noted that the timing of this safari, starting around 1:30 pm, captures animals in the heat of the day, often making sightings more predictable than early morning.

Return and Border Formalities

Around 4:30 pm, the group heads back to the border for formalities, which can sometimes lead to delays. One reviewer expressed frustration with the organiza­tional hiccups—waiting at the border for over an hour can be tiresome, especially if you’re eager to get back to Victoria Falls.

The drive back in the minibus is approximately 1.5 hours, with arrival in Victoria Falls expected by 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm. While this makes for a full day, it leaves some travelers wishing for a longer, more relaxed experience.

What Travelers Are Saying: Insights and Tips

The reviews reflect a mix of appreciation and areas for improvement. Yasmine, who called the tour “professional, communicative, knowledgeable, and well organized,” appreciated the punctuality and clear communication from the local guides. She felt the experience was seamless and worth the price.

Conversely, Tom’s feedback highlights that the shared vehicle arrangement can sometimes feel like being a “shared taxi,” with stops and drops that may not match individual expectations. He noted that being “used as a shared taxi” led to some frustration, especially with border delays and vehicle swaps.

From the practical side, some travelers found the timing of the boat and land safaris to be well-planned, allowing for adequate wildlife viewing opportunities without feeling rushed. Others appreciated the value for $175, especially considering the round-trip transport, multiple safaris, and lunch included.

Transportation and Group Size: What You Need to Know

The tour uses group transportation, which helps keep costs down but may impact privacy and comfort, especially in larger groups (up to 50 travelers). The vehicle transitions are straightforward, but border crossing formalities can add time and require patience.

Most travelers find the pickup from Victoria Falls convenient, with the start time at 7:00 am allowing for a full day of activity. Since the tour is a shared experience, expect some variability in how the day unfolds, but generally, guides aim to maximize wildlife sightings and keep the schedule on track.

Is This Tour Worth It?

For those wanting to see wildlife from both boat and land perspectives and prefer a cost-effective group tour, this experience offers good value. The inclusion of lunch and round-trip transfers simplifies planning, making it suitable for travelers who prefer an organized, hassle-free day.

However, if privacy or a more personalized experience matters most, or if border formalities seem daunting, you might want to explore private options or smaller group safaris. Still, this tour provides a solid introduction to Chobe’s wildlife for a reasonable price.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This full-day trip is best suited for travelers seeking an efficient, all-in-one wildlife experience with minimal fuss. It’s ideal if you’re on a budget but still want multiple safari perspectives—from the river and the bush.

It’s also perfect for those who enjoy organized group tours and don’t mind sharing the experience with others. If you’re interested in seeing diverse animals and appreciate a well-structured day with lunch included, this tour ticks many boxes.

Remember, the border crossings and group size mean patience and flexibility are key. If you’re looking for a balanced, value-packed safari adventure that covers the essentials, this trip offers a memorable day in Chobe, even if it’s not a private luxury experience.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, round-trip transport from Victoria Falls to Chobe is included, making it easy to focus on wildlife rather than logistics.

How long does the entire tour last?
It’s approximately a full day, starting at 7:00 am and returning around 6:00 pm, with most of the day dedicated to safaris and border formalities.

What animal sightings can I expect?
Common sightings include elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelopes, especially during the boat cruise on Sedudu Island and the afternoon game drive.

Are the safaris in groups?
Yes, the tour is a group experience, with up to 50 travelers. This helps reduce costs but can impact the level of privacy.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a buffet lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge is part of the package, providing a convenient break and a chance to relax before the afternoon drive.

What should I wear?
Dress in neutral-colored clothing suitable for safaris and bring sun protection, a hat, and binoculars to enhance wildlife viewing.

Are border formalities complicated?
Border crossings take some time, as you’ll need to go through Zimbabwean and Botswana formalities. Guides typically handle this smoothly, but delays can happen.

Is this suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those expecting privacy or private safaris might find the group setup less ideal.

The Chobe Full Day Trip offers a well-rounded, practical way to experience Botswana’s wildlife near Victoria Falls. With thoughtful planning, it provides good value and a chance to see iconic animals in their natural habitat—perfect for travelers eager to tick off a major safari experience without extra fuss.