Chobe National Park: Game Drive, Boat Tour, and Lunch

Exploring Chobe National Park through a combined game drive and boat cruise sounds like the perfect way to witness some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife—and from what we’ve gathered, this tour delivers just that. It’s a full day of adventure, movement, and beautiful scenery, designed to give you both land and water perspectives of the park’s rich animal life.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the expert guidance—with knowledgeable guides leading each part of the journey. Second, the variety of perspectives—seeing animals both on land and from the river adds depth to the encounter. Third, the value for money—including transport, meals, and activities for $170 per person, it feels like a well-rounded day out. The only consideration? The border crossing logistics might require some extra planning if you’re coming from Zambia, but overall, this trip seems well-organized for most travelers.

This tour suits wildlife enthusiasts, first-timers eager for a comprehensive safari experience, or anyone who wants a memorable day with minimal hassle. If you’re after a flexible, well-reviewed adventure that captures the essence of Chobe, this one’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Balanced Adventure: Combines game drive and boat cruise for diverse wildlife viewing
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights into animals and park history
• Convenient Logistics: Pickup and drop-off included, with clear timings and border procedures
• All-Inclusive Price: Meals, water, and beverages during activities make the day hassle-free
• Authentic Encounters: Multiple reviews mention seeing animals like elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and birds
• Value for Money: At $170, it offers a comprehensive day in one of Africa’s top parks

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Out: Early Morning Pickup and Border Crossing

Your day begins at 7:00 AM, with a pick-up from your Victoria Falls accommodation. This timing is perfect to maximize your day in Chobe, and the drive itself is scenic—an 80-kilometer journey through the Zimbabwean countryside. Most travelers comment on the smooth transfer process, and some mention that if you’re coming from Zambia, you’ll need to pay an extra $15 for the return transfer to the Zimbabwe border.

The border crossing at Kazungula is a notable moment—you’re passing between four countries, and it’s quite a unique geographic point. After passport control, you switch vehicles, which helps keep the process streamlined, according to guides and reviews. Expect the entire crossing to take some time, but since it’s well-coordinated, it shouldn’t cause much frustration.

Entering Chobe: First Impressions and the Game Drive

Once in Botswana, the vehicle heads straight toward Chobe Marina Lodge for a quick refresh. From there, the real fun begins: the game drive in an open vehicle. This part of the tour is what many travelers cherish most. As noted by a reviewer, the land safari was fantastic, thanks in part to the knowledgeable guides like Sisa, who was praised for professionalism and friendliness.

The open vehicle allows for unobstructed views, making it easier to spot animals—especially the elephants, giraffes, impalas, and warthogs often seen by visitors. Several reviews specifically mention seeing a large variety of animals, including hippos and crocodiles, which highlights how fruitful these drives can be. The guides are adept at spotting wildlife and sharing interesting facts, adding educational value to the fun.

Lunch at Chobe Marina Lodge

By 12:30 PM, everyone reconvenes for a buffet or à la carte lunch. Reviewers rave about the delicious meal options—a good mix of traditional and modern dishes served in a lodge with excellent river views. The lunch break is a smart way to relax and recharge before the afternoon activity, and most guests appreciate the friendly service and the inclusion of mineral water and beverages.

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Afternoon: Water-based Wildlife Viewing

Post-lunch, it’s time for the boat cruise. Boarding at the Chobe River, you’ll drift past herds of elephants crossing the water, hippos lounging in the mud, and crocodiles basking on the banks. The water perspective offers a different, often more intimate view of wildlife. Reviewers mention seeing elephants swimming across the river and a variety of bird species, which makes it clear how special this water safari can be.

Many guests describe the boat ride as relaxing and awe-inspiring. It provides excellent photo opportunities, especially during the calm, late-afternoon light. Guides during this part are also noted for their helpful commentary, though one reviewer mentioned the boat guide’s English was a bit limited, which might affect some explanations.

Returning to Victoria Falls

The journey back begins in the late afternoon, and most travelers are back around 6:00 PM—perfect timing for dinner or to relax after a full day of exploring. The transfer process is straightforward, with drop-offs at your accommodation, rounding off a well-organized experience.

The Value of This Tour

At $170 per person, including park fees ($20), meals, drinks, and transfers, this tour offers significant value. The combo of land and water safaris provides a comprehensive wildlife experience, and the inclusion of guides enhances the quality and educational aspect. The reviews indicate that the guides are a highlight—friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive—which significantly enriches the experience.

While the border crossing logistics could be a consideration for those coming from Zambia—adding an extra $15 for the return transfer—most travelers find the process smooth and worthwhile. The park fees are an additional expense, but they are standard for safaris in the area.

What You Should Know Before You Go

• Bring your passport for border formalities.
• Expect timings to be flexible, but the overall schedule is quite structured.
• The group size appears manageable, making for a more personal experience.
• If you’re staying on the Zambian side, plan ahead for the extra transfer fee.
• The tour is conducted in English, which should be suitable for most travelers.
• Cancellation policies are traveler-friendly—cancel 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Authentic Encounters from Real Travelers

Many reviews highlight the diversity of wildlife sightings—from elephants crossing the river to hippos and crocodiles in the water, plus birdlife in the thousands. A reviewer mentioned seeing many animals, even elephants crossing the river, which underscores how dynamic and active the park can be.

The guides’ expertise is repeatedly praised. One reviewer exclaimed, “the safari was really great,” and specifically appreciated the guides’ efforts, even noting a slight language barrier during the boat cruise. Still, the overall professionalism and friendliness shine through, making the experience more comfortable and informative.

Guests also love the smooth logistics—from pickup to drop-off—making the whole day feel seamless and stress-free. The meals receive high marks, with many describing the lunch as delicious and the view from the lodge as stunning.

The Sum Up

This combined game drive and boat tour in Chobe National Park offers a balanced, value-packed way to see some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. The inclusion of guides, meals, and transfers makes it an effortless day out, ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive safari experience without the hassle of organizing each component themselves.

The opportunity to see animals from both land and water perspectives, coupled with the well-reviewed guides and scenic lunch spot, makes this tour a standout. It’s particularly suited for wildlife lovers, first-time visitors, or anyone keen to maximize their day at Chobe without breaking the bank.

If you’re after a well-rounded, professionally guided safari that’s praised for its organization and wildlife sightings, this trip from Victoria Falls ticks many boxes. Just remember to bring your passport, prepare for border formalities, and get ready for a day full of memorable sights and encounters.

FAQ

Do I need a visa for this tour?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and country of residence, but the tour itself includes border crossings, so having your visa sorted in advance is advisable if needed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the data doesn’t specify age restrictions, the experience involves outdoor safaris and border crossings, so it’s best suited for older children comfortable with long days and travel.

What is included in the price?
The price covers pick-up and drop-off at your Victoria Falls accommodation, guides, game drive, boat cruise, lunch, water, and beverages during activities.

Are park fees included?
No, park fees are an additional $20 per person, payable during the tour.

How long is the entire day?
From pickup at 7:00 AM until drop-off in the late afternoon, the tour lasts roughly 11 hours, depending on border crossing times.

Can I pay for this tour on the day?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

What should I bring?
Just your passport, comfortable clothing, sun protection, and binoculars if you have them. It’s also wise to bring a camera and some extra cash for souvenirs or tips.

This Chobe National Park experience combines expert guides, diverse wildlife encounters, and convenient logistics—making it a highly recommended option for those wanting to explore Botswana’s premier safari destination from Victoria Falls.

You can check availability for your dates here: