Chobe National Park 9-hour game drive: Elephants, lions, hippos

Nine hours tracking elephants, lions and hippos through Chobe's open plains

A 9-hour game drive through Chobe National Park from Kasane with a professional safari guide, pickup included, and stops for coffee or tea. The park holds one of Africa's largest elephant populations alongside lions, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and over 400 bird species. Children from age 8 are welcome. The guide speaks English and the route follows wildlife sightings across the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day game drive in Chobe Park

• Observe elephants and kudu
• Spot buffalo and lions
• See crocodiles and hippos
• Watch various bird species

The experience

Chobe National Park sits in northern Botswana near Kasane and holds roughly 120,000 elephants: more than any other park on the continent. The 9-hour drive starts early and covers open savanna and riverine woodland where herds gather, especially near the Chobe River. A professional guide leads the route, reading animal behavior and positioning the vehicle for sightings without disturbing the wildlife. The guide speaks English and knows the park's seasonal patterns: where lions hunt in the dry months, where buffalo congregate, which stretches of riverbank draw hippos and crocodiles.

The day breaks into natural rhythms. Early hours catch animals moving and feeding before heat sets in. Mid-morning brings a stop for coffee or tea at a stretching point: a chance to step out, scan the horizon and let the guide point out birds and distant herds. Afternoon drives push into areas where shade concentrates the larger animals. The route itself is not fixed. The guide adjusts based on radio reports from other vehicles, recent sightings and animal movement. You might spend an hour watching a pride of lions, or circle back to a waterhole where elephants are drinking.

Bring binoculars, sunscreen and insect repellent. The park entrance fee of 15 USD per person is separate. Children from age 8 ride comfortably. Specialized infant seats are available for younger children. Pickup from Kasane is included, so you don't need a rental car or arrange transport yourself. The full day (nine hours in the vehicle and on foot at stops) suits travelers with a moderate fitness level and a genuine interest in wildlife. This is not a rushed highlights tour but a patient, observational one.

What’s included

• Professional safari guide speaking English.
• pickup from your Kasane accommodation.
• coffee or tea during a mid-morning stop at a stretching point.
• full-day access to Chobe National Park wildlife and landscape.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (16 to 34 years) · Senior (50 to 75 years) · Youth (13 to 15 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 16

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Afrinature Safaris

Is this one for you?Pickup from Kasane is included, so you don't need a car or arrange transport. The guide handles the route and timing, adjusting stops based on where animals are moving that day. This suits anyone staying in town without a rental and wanting a full immersion in the park rather than a quick morning or afternoon circuit.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 15 years); Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals will I actually see in Chobe National Park?

Chobe holds elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and over 400 bird species. Sightings depend on the season and the route the guide chooses based on recent activity, so no two days are identical: the guide uses radio reports from other vehicles to track where animals are moving.

How does pickup work if I'm staying in Kasane?

Pickup from your accommodation in Kasane is included in the tour price. The guide collects you before dawn, so the drive can start early when animals are most active.

What's included in the 9 hours, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes the professional guide, vehicle, and coffee or tea at a mid-morning stop. Bring your own binoculars, sunscreen and insect repellent. The park entrance fee of 15 USD per person is paid separately at the gate.

What time does the game drive start and end?

The tour runs for 9 hours total, starting before dawn from Kasane so the vehicle reaches the park during the most active wildlife hours. The exact start time is confirmed when you book.