Gaborone Wildlife Tour: Game Drive, Lion Park & Boat Cruise

Three wildlife zones in one morning or afternoon: land, predator park, and water.

A six-hour guided tour from Gaborone combining a game drive at Big Valley Game Lodge, close-up lion viewing at Lion Park, and a boat cruise at Crocodile Pools, led by an English-speaking guide with hotel pickup, snacks and mineral water included. Children from age five are welcome. The tour is wheelchair accessible throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Wildlife game drive and boat cruise

• Morning or late afternoon game drive
• Observe zebras, ostriches, antelope
• Guided lion viewing at Lion Park
• Relaxing boat cruise at Crocodile Pools
• Watch birds, crocodiles, and hippos

The experience

The day starts with a game drive at Big Valley, timed for early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active. A trained guide leads you through open valleys and rolling hills of the Botswana bush, where you'll see zebras, ostriches, antelope and other animals moving freely in their natural habitat. The air-conditioned vehicle lets you observe without disturbance, and the guide shares knowledge about the animals, plants and conservation as you move through the landscape.

From there you head to Lion Park, a wildlife attraction built around safe, close-up viewing of Africa's iconic predators. The park offers an educational experience focused on wildlife conservation, with guided access to lions and other species in a natural setting: a different angle on the animals you saw on the drive, and a stop families and nature enthusiasts often single out.

The final leg is a boat cruise at Crocodile Pools, one of the most scenic water-based wildlife experiences near Gaborone. You'll drift through calm waterways spotting African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons and other bird species, with crocodiles and hippos often visible along the riverbanks. The pace is gentle, the perspective from the water is unique for photography, and the local guide provides commentary on the ecosystem and wildlife behavior as you wind down the day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the full six hours.
• snacks and mineral water.
• a trained English-speaking guide at each stop sharing knowledge about the animals, plants and ecosystem.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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 5 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.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by VielGluck Holiday & Travel

Is this one for you?The tour runs six hours with an early morning or late afternoon start, so an early rise or afternoon commitment is built in: that timing is what puts you on the game drive when wildlife is most active and visible.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 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 see on the game drive at Big Valley?

Big Valley Game Lodge focuses on smaller wildlife rather than large predators, so you'll encounter zebras, ostriches, antelope and other species in their natural habitat. A trained guide shares knowledge about each animal and the surrounding ecosystem as you travel through the open landscapes.

Is the boat cruise at Crocodile Pools safe if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The cruise takes place on calm waterways from a boat, so swimming ability is not required. You remain on the vessel while observing birds, crocodiles and hippos from the water, making it a relaxed and safe way to experience the wildlife.

What time of day does the tour operate?

The game drive typically takes place in early morning or late afternoon, when wildlife is most active and the air is cool. The full tour runs six hours, so the timing depends on your hotel pickup and which slot you book.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, snacks and mineral water are included throughout the six hours. A live English-speaking guide leads all three stops and provides commentary on wildlife and conservation.