From Livingstone: Chobe National Park Day Trip with Lunch

Introduction: What to Expect from This Chobe Day Trip

If you’re eyeing a full day exploring Botswana’s iconic wildlife without breaking the bank or sacrificing comfort, this Chobe National Park day trip from Livingstone might catch your interest. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and descriptions provide enough insight to help you decide if it’s right for you.

What we love about this experience? First, the chance to see Africa’s largest concentration of elephants in their natural habitat is definitely a highlight. Second, the combination of a river cruise and a game drive gives a well-rounded perspective, blending aquatic and land-based wildlife viewing. Lastly, the lunch on the Chobe River banks offers a relaxing break amid wildlife sightings.

However, one notable consideration is the crowded nature of the tours—both on the water and during game drives. As one reviewer pointed out, “Far too many travelers/jeeps on game drives,” which can sometimes diminish the intimacy of wildlife encounters.

This trip is best suited for travelers who don’t mind sharing the wildlife experience with others and are eager to see the big game, especially elephants. It’s ideal for those who want a straightforward, guided day out with some stunning scenery and wildlife sightings, but perhaps aren’t looking for a boutique or private safari experience.

Key Points

• Wildlife Focus: The trip centers on spotting elephants and other large mammals like lions, leopards, buffalo, and various antelope species.
• Combination Experience: A morning cruise on the Chobe River pairs beautifully with an afternoon game drive for diverse perspectives.
• Guided Tour: Includes both Botswana and Zambian guides, providing expert insights and smooth border crossings.
• Value Consideration: At $285 per person, it’s a moderately priced safari, offering a full day of activity, but with some crowds and basic amenities.
• Crowd Factor: Expect a popular tour with many other vehicles and boats, which can impact the intimacy of wildlife viewing.
• Practical Details: Transfers are included, and the itinerary is flexible enough for most travelers, but early mornings and comfortable clothing are a must.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Day’s Itinerary

Pickup and Border Crossing

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup in Livingstone, an easy way to start without the hassle of organizing transport. The guide, often from Floating Skies Safaris, will take you to the Kazungula border, where you’ll go through the necessary formalities before entering Botswana. The border crossing is straightforward but expect a quick process, so patience is key, especially during busy times.

Morning Cruise on the Chobe River

Once in Botswana, the first stop is the morning cruise on the Chobe River—a highlight that offers a different kind of wildlife viewing. As you glide along the water, you’ll see hippos and crocodiles, along with a variety of birdlife. The river is renowned for its large pods of hippos and big crocodiles, making it a prime spot for wildlife enthusiasts.

According to reviews, this cruise is generally enjoyable, with animals coming close to the boat. One reviewer noted that “many animals by the water, and they came close to the car,” which makes for great photo opportunities. However, it’s worth mentioning that the cruise can be crowded; “far too many boats with travelers,” which may affect the serenity of the experience.

Lunch on the Banks of the Chobe River

Next, you’ll enjoy a lunch at a hotel on the riverbank. The meal is described as a “delicious” buffet, though some reviews mention that it’s in a canteen-style setting with a “mediocre buffet.” While the food may not be gourmet, it’s a convenient and scenic spot to relax, with views of wildlife around the river.

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Afternoon Game Drive in Chobe National Park

Post-lunch, the adventure continues with an afternoon game drive in the park. Here, you’ll have opportunities to spot big game animals like lions, leopards, buffalo, and antelope such as kudu, sable, eland, and more. The drive is conducted in a safari vehicle, usually with a Botswana guide providing commentary on the animals and their habitats.

A common theme in reviews is the issue of vehicle congestion—many jeeps competing for the best view. One reviewer lamented, “you have to be the first to spot an animal, otherwise other boats/jeeps will come and block your view,” highlighting a challenge of popular group safaris. Still, the sheer number of animals and the proximity of wildlife to the vehicle can make up for it, especially if you’re lucky with timing.

Returning to Livingstone

After the game drive, your guide will transfer you back to the Kazungula border, where a Zambian guide will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel. The entire day is designed to be smooth and convenient, with round-trip transfers included, saving you the hassle of organizing your own transport.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Assessing the value of this experience depends on your priorities. For wildlife enthusiasts eager to see elephants and big game, the chance to combine a river cruise with a game drive in one day is appealing. The inclusion of lunch on the riverbank adds a relaxed touch, making it more than just a drive.

However, the crowds and vehicle congestion might be a turnoff if you prefer a more exclusive, private safari experience. The moderate price point ($285) reflects the full day’s effort, but some might find the experience more rushed or less intimate compared to private safaris.

Plus, the quality of the lunch and the overall organization are quite standard, which is typical for group tours. If you’re on a tight budget or seeking a quick wildlife fix from Livingstone, it’s a solid option.

For those wanting a deeper, less crowded experience or a more luxurious adventure, exploring other options or private tours might be worth considering. But if you’re happy with shared safaris, enjoy scenic river cruises, and want a full day of wildlife viewing, this tour checks most boxes.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring binoculars for better wildlife viewing, especially when on the game drive.
• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for early mornings and outdoor activity, including layers for changing weather.
• Stay hydrated—bring water for the day.
• Book in advance to secure your spot, as tours can fill up, especially in peak seasons.
• Be prepared for early departure—most tours start in the morning and can last around 8 hours.
• Consider your camera gear; a zoom lens will help capture animals from a distance.
• Check visa requirements beforehand, as crossing borders is part of this trip.
• Remember, smoking and alcohol are not permitted during the vehicle and boat activities.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Chobe National Park day trip from Livingstone offers a practical and enjoyable way to experience Botswana’s wildlife and scenery in one day. It provides a good balance of river and land-based safaris, guided by experienced local guides, with the convenience of hotel transfers.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a cost-effective, full-day safari with opportunities to see elephants, lions, and hippos, all within a busy but rewarding tour setting. Those wanting more exclusivity or a private experience might find it crowded, but for most, the chance to witness Africa’s wildlife in a scenic setting outweighs the drawbacks.

If you’re after an accessible, well-organized day trip that combines wildlife and river views, this tour can be a satisfying choice. Just go prepared for the crowds and enjoy the incredible sights that await in Chobe!

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 2 years old and might be challenging for those with back problems due to the long day and vehicle seating.

Are meals included?
Yes, lunch at a hotel on the Chobe River banks is included, typically a buffet, though some reviews mention it’s basic.

How long does the entire trip last?
The full day usually lasts around 8 hours, starting early in the morning with hotel pickup and returning in the evening.

Are transfers included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from your Livingstone hotel are part of the package.

What animals are most likely to be seen?
Elephants are the main attraction, with a good chance of seeing lions, leopards, buffalo, antelope species, hippos, and crocodiles.

Are border crossing fees included?
No, border fees are not included; you will likely need your passport and possibly a visa depending on your nationality.

Is this tour good for wildlife photography?
Yes, especially if you bring a zoom lens, but be prepared for crowds and busy boat and jeep traffic.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring binoculars, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothing, a hat, and camera gear.

How many people are in a typical group?
While not specified, group sizes tend to be large, which may affect the wildlife viewing experience.

Whether you’re a wildlife lover or just after a scenic day in Botswana’s bush, this trip from Livingstone offers a solid introduction—just keep your expectations in check regarding the crowds.

You can check availability for your dates here: