Chobe Sunrise upto Sunset Day trip from Victoria Falls 5AM – 7PM

Planning a safari that covers both land and water in one day sounds ambitious, but the Chobe Sunrise to Sunset Day Trip from Victoria Falls makes it possible and surprisingly rewarding. This 13 to 14-hour adventure takes you from Zimbabwe into Botswana, offering a full immersion in Africa’s incredible wildlife and scenic landscapes. While it’s not a cheap outing at $230 per person, the tour promises a comprehensive experience with plenty of opportunities to see elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and more.

What we love about this trip? First, the early morning start means catching animals at their most active and avoiding the crowds. Second, the combination of a game drive and a river cruise provides a diverse perspective that truly enhances the safari experience. Third, the professional guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, making the journey both educational and enjoyable.

However, one aspect to consider is the length of the day — at around 15 hours, it’s long, and some travelers noted that the experience can be a bit structured and “not quite as advertised,” with certain moments feeling rushed or less engaging. This trip works best for those comfortable with a full day of outdoor activity and looking for a well-rounded wildlife safari with a bit of adventure.

This tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photography lovers, or anyone wanting to combine a scenic border crossing with an authentic safari. If you’re eager to beat the crowds, see nocturnal animals, and enjoy a mix of land and water safaris, this could be a fantastic choice.

Key Points

• Early start maximizes wildlife sightings and minimizes crowding
• Combination of land and water safaris offers a well-rounded experience
• Professional guides enhance your understanding of wildlife and environment
• Border crossing included makes it a hassle-free day trip
• Long day but packed with diverse activities and scenic views
• Cost reflects full-day coverage and multiple experiences

The Complete Breakdown: What to Expect from the Tour

Arriving Bright and Early: The 5am Pickup

The adventure begins with a hotel pickup around 5am, which is crucial for beating the crowds and catching the animals at their most active. The transport is an air-conditioned minivan, and groups are small — capped at 12 travelers — ensuring a more personal experience. The journey to Botswana involves crossing the border, but with round-trip transport included, there’s no need to worry about logistics or paperwork, making this a stress-free start.

Many reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides and drivers. One reviewer, Kirk P, appreciated the “informative guides” who pointed out various animals en route, and some mentioned the smooth border crossing process as a definite plus.

First Stop: Chobe National Park Land Safari

As soon as you arrive in Chobe, the real game begins. The game drive in a 4×4 safari vehicle offers a closer look at Africa’s iconic wildlife. The early start means you might see nocturnal creatures like big cats hunting or resting after a night of activity — a rare glimpse that later parts of the day might not offer.

One reviewer, LeighAnn_K, raved about seeing animals “everywhere” and appreciated the informative guides. The guides are experienced, often sharing insights about animal behavior and habitats, which adds depth to the observation.

Mid-Morning: Exploring Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

En route, you’ll pass through Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, which provides an interesting backdrop to the journey. While it’s not the primary focus, this stop offers a chance to see some wildlife from the vehicle and enjoy the scenery.

Lunch Break: Rest and Refuel

Midday, you’ll stop for a buffet lunch, a welcome break after hours of safari. Many reviews mention the quality of the meal, with some noting the convenience of having both breakfast and lunch included. It’s basic but sufficient to keep you energized for the afternoon.

Afternoon: Water Safari on the Chobe River

Post-lunch, the trip continues with a boat cruise on the Chobe River. This is where the trip stands out. Observing animals — elephants, crocodiles, hippos, birds — from the water provides a different perspective. The river is a haven for wildlife, especially during the heat of the day when animals come to drink.

One reviewer, Kirk P, described seeing “lots of crocodiles, giraffes, and hippos,” and called the boat ride “the perfect complement” to the land safari. Since the boat is smaller and more personalized, you can often get closer to the animals and photograph them from unique angles.

Sunset and Final Experiences

The day winds down with a sunset river cruise, offering incredible views and a peaceful end to a busy day. Watching the sun dip behind the landscape while elephants bathe or birds soar overhead creates a memorable scene.

Returning to Victoria Falls

The trip concludes with a round-trip transfer back to Victoria Falls, usually arriving around 7pm. While some reviews mention that the day can feel long or that certain moments seemed rushed, most travelers agree that the overall wildlife sightings and diverse experiences justify the effort.

Practical Details and What They Mean for You

Duration and Group Size

At 13 to 14 hours, this is a full-on day out. The small group size (max 12 travelers) often results in more personalized attention and a more intimate experience, as noted by reviewers who appreciated the guides’ knowledge and friendliness.

Transport and Border Crossing

Round-trip transportation simplifies the logistics, especially for international border crossing, which can otherwise be complicated. Many travelers found the border crossing smooth, with some commenting on the efficiency of the process.

Price and Value

While $230 is on the higher end for a day trip, it includes park fees, lunch, bottled water, refreshments, hotel pickup/drop-off, and professional guides. The cost might seem steep, but considering the diversity of activities and the full-day coverage, most agree it offers good value, especially if you want a comprehensive safari experience without the hassle of organizing logistics yourself.

Timing and Physical Demands

The early start and long hours mean this trip requires moderate physical fitness. You’ll spend much of the day sitting outdoors, sometimes exposed to the sun, and should be prepared with hats, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing.

Ideal Travelers

This tour suits those who want to see large numbers of animals in a single day, enjoy both land and water safaris, and prefer guided, all-inclusive experiences. It’s perfect for wildlife photographers, families, or anyone eager to maximize their time in Africa without multiple trips.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Many guests emphasized the expertise of the guides. LeighAnn_K praised the guides for their informativeness and the abundance of animal sightings. Kirk P highlighted the thrill of seeing “mating leopards” and “birds feeding on an elephant carcass,” adding a rare and captivating element to the safari.

Some guests found the experience less magical, citing moments where the experience felt rushed or not as advertised. For example, one reviewer was disappointed by how the vehicle was positioned during the sunrise, and another felt the day was overly structured without enough flexibility.

Despite that, the majority of reviews are positive, especially regarding the diverse wildlife and scenic views. The boat cruise, in particular, is frequently praised as a highlight.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Chobe Sunrise to Sunset Day Trip offers a comprehensive, well-organized way to experience the iconic wildlife of Chobe National Park from Victoria Falls. It’s best suited for travelers who prioritize full-day adventure, don’t mind long hours, and want guided, hassle-free access to Botswana’s wildlife hotspots.

If you’re a wildlife fanatic eager to see elephants, lions, and crocodiles in one go, this tour delivers. Those looking for a more relaxed or flexible experience might find the schedule a bit rigid. But for anyone wanting a diverse, memorable safari with knowledgeable guides and scenic river views, this trip hits the right notes.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins with hotel pickup at 5:00am, so be prepared for an early start to maximize wildlife sightings.

Is transportation included?
Yes. Round-trip transport by air-conditioned minivan is included, covering the border crossing and all transfers.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers per booking is 12, ensuring a more personal experience.

Are meals provided?
Yes. A buffet lunch, bottled water, and light refreshments are included, keeping you energized throughout the day.

Do I need a passport?
Absolutely. A valid passport is required to cross into Botswana for this safari.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult; the physical demands and long hours are best suited for teens and older.

Can I customize the boat session?
The tour offers options for boat departures at 1:30pm or 3:00pm after lunch, but specific customization isn’t typically available.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect elephants, lions, buffalo, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species, based on previous sightings.

Is this tour worth the cost?
Considering the full-day experience, expert guides, and inclusive logistics, many find the $230 price point reasonable for such an immersive safari.

A full-day safari from Victoria Falls to Chobe offers so much more than just spotting animals — it’s about experiencing Africa’s wilderness from multiple angles, guided by experts who are passionate about wildlife. If you’re craving an adventure that combines scenic beauty with unforgettable animal encounters, this tour could very well be your next highlight.