2-Day Zambezi Rafting & Rhino Safari: Chobe Option

Two days of river, land and cross-border wildlife in one trip

A 2-day activity combining half-day white-water rafting on the Zambezi River with a guided white rhino walk in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, followed by a choice of a same-day return from Chobe National Park in Botswana or an overnight camping safari inside the park. Hotel pickup, professional guides, meals, park fees and cross-border transfers are included. You choose the pace of Day 2 at checkout.

The experience

You start with hotel pickup in Livingstone and head straight to Batoka Gorge for a safety briefing before the half-day rafting run. The Zambezi here runs Grade 3–5 rapids, and you navigate them with a professional guide and all safety gear provided. Porters carry the rafts and equipment in and out of the gorge so you hike down light. After a riverside lunch, you drive to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for an afternoon game drive and a walking safari to track endangered white rhinos with a certified ranger.

Day 2 splits into two paths at checkout. The day-trip option crosses the border into Botswana early morning for a boat cruise on the Chobe River, a game drive inside Chobe National Park, and a buffet lunch at a lodge in Kasane before returning to Livingstone by evening. The camping option keeps you in the park overnight: you get the same boat cruise and game drives, plus a bush dinner and breakfast, sleeping in the park itself before the return drive home the next day. Either way, the operator handles immigration and customs at Kazungula Border.

Rafting season runs year-round, though August through January offers the strongest rapids and longest runs. You need a valid passport with visas for Zambia and Botswana (a KAZA Univisa covers both if you're eligible), active travel insurance that covers adventure activities, and a moderate fitness level to hike in and out of the gorge with porter support. Minimum age is 15.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Livingstone.
• half-day white-water rafting with professional guide and all safety gear.
• porters to carry rafts and equipment.
• light riverside lunch.
• guided game drive and white rhino walking safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park with a certified ranger.
• all park entry fees and conservation levies.
• bottled water during activities.
• cross-border transfers and border assistance.
• Chobe River boat cruise (approximately three hours).
• afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park.
• buffet lunch at a safari lodge in Kasane (day trip) or bush dinner and breakfast (camping option).
• camping equipment if you choose the overnight option.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 07:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by HSM Adventures Tours and Safaris

Is this one for you?Book the two-day version if you have a free afternoon and the next full day in Livingstone. It's the only way to fit both the Zambezi rafting and a meaningful safari across two countries without rushing. Choose the day-trip return if you need to be back in town by evening. Pick the overnight camping if you want to stay inside Chobe and maximize wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk.

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Top questions

What are the Grade 3–5 rapids on the Zambezi actually like for someone who has never rafted before?

Grade 3–5 rapids range from moderate to advanced whitewater. The Zambezi's rapids here are technical and fast-moving, with waves and drops that require active paddling and quick reactions, but the professional guide leads you through the route and all safety gear is provided. First-time rafters do this run regularly, though a moderate fitness level and comfort in moving water are expected.

How much time do I actually spend in the water versus hiking and waiting?

The rafting itself is a half-day activity, roughly three to four hours on the river including the safety briefing and setup. You hike down to the gorge before the run and back up after, with porter support both ways. Add the riverside lunch break, and the full Batoka Gorge experience takes most of the morning and early afternoon on Day 1.

Can I see elephants in Chobe National Park, or is it mostly other wildlife?

Chobe National Park is renowned for its massive elephant herds: the largest concentration in Africa. You'll see them on both the boat cruise along the Chobe River and the game drive inside the park. Other wildlife including buffalo, lions, and antelope are common, though sightings vary by season and time of day.

If I choose the camping option, what is the overnight setup actually like?

The camping safari includes a bush dinner and breakfast inside Chobe National Park, with camping equipment provided. The operator arranges the full overnight experience. You return to Livingstone the following day after morning activities in the park.

Do I need a visa before I arrive, or can the operator help with the border crossing?

You need a valid passport and the necessary visas for both Zambia and Botswana before arrival. The operator assists with immigration and customs at Kazungula Border during the crossing on Day 2, but you must have your documents in order beforehand. A KAZA Univisa, if you're eligible, covers both countries.