Chobe River Morning Game Cruise: Wildlife from the water

Watch herds drink at the river's edge from an open boat

A three-hour morning cruise on the Chobe River in Chobe National Park, Botswana, aboard an open-sided boat with a licensed English-speaking guide. You drift past elephants, hippos, crocodiles and birds converging on the water to drink, with park entry and round-trip shared transfer included. Minimum two guests required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Chobe River Morning Game Cruise

• Board open-sided river boat
• Cruise along Chobe River
• View wildlife drinking at river
• Spot hippos and crocodiles
• Observe elephants crossing river
• Enjoy birdlife and scenery
• Disembark after 3 hours

The experience

The Chobe River is where the park's wildlife congregates, and a boat puts you at eye level with them. Herds of elephants cross to the islands for grass, hippos surface in the shallows, and crocodiles rest on the banks: all visible from the water in a way a land-based game drive cannot match. The open-sided design means unobstructed views and room to move for photographs, and the licensed guide knows the river's patterns and where animals gather at different times of day.

Three hours on the water covers the main stretches where game concentrates. The morning departure catches animals at their most active, drinking and moving before the heat sets in. Bottled water and snacks are provided. You'll also see the birdlife the river attracts, which is substantial year-round. The boat is shared, so you'll travel with other visitors, typically a small group on any given departure.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as is the national park fee. The route is accessible for wheelchair users, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller. Book at least two people to secure a departure. If you have specific dietary needs, mention them when you reserve.

What’s included

• Bottled water and snacks.
• beverages during the cruise.
• national park entry fee.
• round-trip shared transfer from your hotel.
• licensed English-speaking guide for the three-hour river journey.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 20

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 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by To do Africa

Is this one for you?Choose this shared boat if you're traveling as a pair or small group and want wildlife viewing from the water rather than land, with morning departure timed to catch animals drinking at the riverbank.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What animals will I actually see on the Chobe River cruise?

Elephants, hippos and crocodiles are the main sightings, along with numerous bird species. Elephants frequently cross the river to reach the islands, hippos surface in the water, and crocodiles rest on the banks. The river attracts herds of animals year-round because it's a reliable water source, especially during dry seasons.

How long is the Chobe River cruise and when does it depart?

The cruise runs three hours total, including travel time on the water. The operator calls it a morning departure, which typically means an early start to catch animals at their most active before midday heat.

Is the boat covered or open, and will I stay dry?

The boats are open-sided, which gives unobstructed views and excellent sightlines for photography. You'll be exposed to sun and wind, so bring sunscreen and a hat. The operator provides bottled water and snacks during the cruise.

Does the price include the national park entry fee?

Yes. The national park fee of US$20 per person is included in the booking, along with bottled water, snacks and beverages. Round-trip shared transfer from your hotel is also included.

Can I book this cruise if I'm traveling alone or with just one other person?

A minimum of two guests is required for any booking to depart. If you're solo or a pair, you'll need to meet that threshold. You'll then travel with other visitors on a shared boat.

Is this cruise suitable if I have limited mobility or use a wheelchair?

The cruise is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller. The operator notes that travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the experience.