From Victoria Falls: Chobe Day Safari with Buffet Lunch

From Victoria Falls: Chobe Day Safari with Buffet Lunch

Traveling from Victoria Falls, this full-day safari experience promises a memorable adventure in one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations, Chobe National Park. Whether you’re chasing the Big Five or simply want to enjoy a scenic river cruise coupled with game drives, this tour offers a well-rounded day of wildlife encounters and cultural insights.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of boat and land safaris, providing a diverse perspective on African wildlife. Add to that a delicious buffet lunch on the riverbank and the chance to see elephants, crocodiles, hippos, and big cats, all in one package. However, it’s worth noting that the tour involves multiple transfers, which can be tiring for some travelers. This experience is perfect for those wanting an immersive day of wildlife viewing without the hassle of planning logistics on their own.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Diverse safari experiences: Combines a morning boat cruise with an afternoon land drive for varied wildlife sightings.
• Wildlife highlights: Likely to see elephants, crocodiles, hippos, and possibly the Big Five.
• Scenic and tasty lunch: Enjoy a buffet on the riverbank with drinks included, enhancing the day’s enjoyment.
• Efficient itinerary: Transfers from hotels, border crossing, and timing are streamlined for a full-day adventure.
• Expert guides: Local guides and drivers, including a Botswanan guide, offer insightful commentary.
• Family friendly (excluding wheelchairs): Suitable for most adults and older children, but not wheelchair accessible.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

How the Day Begins: Early Pickup and Border Crossing

The day kicks off around 7:00 AM with hotel pickups in Victoria Falls or Livingstone. The early start is designed to maximize your time in the park, and the transfer to the Kazungula border is smooth, giving you a glimpse of regional scenery and local life along the way. It’s helpful to have your passport or ID card ready, as border crossing is part of the process.

Morning Safari: Chobe River Boat Cruise

Once across the border into Botswana, you’ll meet your guide and head straight to the Chobe River for the morning boat safari. This part is often the highlight for many travelers because it offers a serene, close-up view of wildlife on the water and along the banks.

The boat cruise typically lasts until around 12:30 PM, allowing plenty of time to spot animals like elephants wading through the shallows, crocodiles basking on the banks, and hippos submerged with just their eyes peeking out. The boat’s open design enables unobstructed views, and guides tend to be knowledgeable, pointing out interesting behaviors and species.

From reviews, it’s clear that the boat safari offers excellent photo opportunities and a relaxed pace, which is perfect for those wanting to sit back and watch the animals in their natural habitat.

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Lunch Break: Delicious Buffet on the Riverbank

After the morning safari, you’ll go to a hotel on the riverbank for a buffet lunch. Travelers often note the quality of the food, with drinks and mineral water included at no extra charge. Many appreciate the scenic setting, with views of the river adding a special touch to the meal.

The lunch provides a well-earned rest and energy boost for the afternoon game drive. It’s worth noting that the lunch is buffet-style, offering a variety of dishes, which should cater to most tastes.

Afternoon Safari: Jeep Game Drive in Chobe National Park

Refreshed, you’ll jump into a Jeep for the afternoon game drive, starting around 2:00 PM. This part of the tour is where you’ll get the chance to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino), along with a host of antelope, zebra, and other species. Guides will steer you through the main sightseeing areas, focusing on the most promising spots for wildlife.

From reviews, many guests mention the thrill of spotting large herds of elephants and the possibility of encountering big cats, especially if your guide is skilled in tracking animals. The drive lasts until roughly 4:00 PM, offering a decent window to see animals at their most active.

Returning Journey: Cross Border and Hotel Drop-off

After the game drive, you’ll return to the Kazungula border, where your guides handle the border formalities. Once back in Zimbabwe, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, arriving around 6:00 PM. The entire day balances adventure and comfort, with the convenience of hotel pickups and drop-offs.

What’s Included and What Not

The cost of $215 per person covers hotel pickup and drop-off, two safaris, and lunch. It’s a good value considering the inclusions, especially given the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife from both water and land perspectives.

However, visa fees are not included, so travelers should check their visa requirements ahead of time. Also, note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, which might be a consideration for some.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring a passport or ID card for border crossing.
• Wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat—sunscreen is advisable, too.
• Luggage should be kept small—large bags or oversize luggage are not permitted.
• Photography buffs will want their camera or smartphone charged, as this is a prime opportunity for wildlife shots.
• Book in advance, especially during peak season, and be aware of the cancellation policy, which allows for full refunds if canceled 24 hours beforehand.

Why We Think This Tour Is a Solid Choice

This tour offers a well-rounded wildlife experience that balances boat viewing with land safaris, giving you chances to see animals in different contexts. The inclusion of a buffet lunch on the riverbank adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank, making this a good value for a full-day adventure.

The guides’ local knowledge and the variety of habitats you’ll explore help maximize your chances of seeing iconic animals like elephants and Big Five predators. The logistical arrangements, including border crossing and hotel transfers, are handled smoothly, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than the details.

That said, the day is quite full—long transfers and multiple safaris mean it’s best suited for active travelers who don’t mind a busy schedule. For those with limited time in Victoria Falls or Livingstone, it packs a lot of wildlife viewing into one day.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This safari is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts eager to see Africa’s iconic animals in their natural environment. It’s also well-suited for travelers who want a convenient, guided experience that combines water-based and land-based safaris without the hassle of planning logistics themselves.

If you’re looking for a scenic, immersive wildlife day with decent comfort, this tour fits the bill. However, those needing accessibility options or with limited mobility might want to explore other options.

FAQ

How early do I need to wake up for this tour? The tour departs around 7:00 AM, so early risers are rewarded with a full day of activities.

Are drinks included during the day? Yes, drinks and mineral water are provided during lunch at no extra cost.

What wildlife am I most likely to see? Expect to see elephants, crocodiles, hippos, and a good chance of spotting the Big Five during the land safari.

Is the tour suitable for families? It is generally suitable for older children and adults but not recommended for wheelchair users.

Do I need a visa to join this tour? Visa fees are not included in the tour price, and travelers are responsible for their own visas if required.

How long does the border crossing take? While not specified, the border crossing is part of the organized transfer, so expect some wait time, especially during busy periods.

Can I book this tour last minute? Yes, but it’s advisable to book in advance, particularly during peak season, and you’ll have the option to reserve now and pay later.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes, sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, and lightweight clothing suitable for warm weather.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible? No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What if I want to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Victoria Falls: Chobe Day Safari with Buffet Lunch offers travelers a chance to experience the best of Botswana’s wildlife in just one day. From relaxing boat cruises to thrilling land safaris, the tour balances adventure and comfort, making it a compelling option for those wanting to see Africa’s iconic animals without multiple overnight stays.

While it’s a full schedule, the well-organized transfers and diverse activities make it manageable and rewarding. The inclusion of lunch and drinks adds a touch of indulgence, and the chance to see elephants, lions, and other wildlife in their natural habitat delivers authentic memories.

This tour is especially suited for wildlife lovers, first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive safari, or anyone looking to maximize their time around Victoria Falls with a guided, stress-free journey. If you’re prepared for a long day and eager to encounter Africa’s wildlife, this safari will likely leave you with plenty of stories—and photos—to share.

Note: For those interested in similar experiences, Shockwave Adventures offers a variety of safaris and river cruises, so you can find options that suit your style and schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here: