Chobe Day Trip from Livingstone: Elephants & River Wildlife

Watch elephant herds converge on the Chobe River in their dry-season gathering

A day trip from Livingstone to Chobe National Park in Botswana, a six to nine hour safari by air-conditioned vehicle with a live English-speaking guide. You travel through grasslands and along the Chobe Riverfront to watch large herds of elephants and Cape buffalo drink at the water's edge, plus hippos, crocodiles, lions and numerous bird species. Pickup from your Livingstone accommodation is included. Lunch and bottled water are provided. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Chobe National Park Safari

• Travel from Livingstone to Chobe Park
• Observe elephants and Cape buffalo
• Spot hippos and crocodiles
• Look for lions, leopards, and wild dogs
• Enjoy bird watching along the river
• Return to Livingstone

The experience

The Chobe Riverfront is where the park's largest animal congregations happen, especially in the dry months when elephants and Cape buffalo migrate to the water. A morning or afternoon drive puts you in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide who knows where the herds move and what to listen for. You'll stop at vantage points along the river to watch animals arrive, drink and move through the floodable grasslands. The Savuti Marsh and Linyanti Marsh areas hold their own populations: zebras migrate through Savuti, and the lagoons around Linyanti draw hippos and a wider range of bird species.

The day runs six to nine hours depending on animal sightings and the route your guide chooses. Lunch and bottled water come with the tour, so you're not hunting for food mid-safari. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters when the sun is high over open grassland. Pickup happens from your Livingstone hotel, and the guide speaks English throughout the day.

Lions, leopards and wild dogs inhabit the park, though sightings depend on the season and the day's movements. The bird life alone (drawn to the marshes and riverfront) can hold your attention for hours if you're watching for species. This is a working safari, not a game reserve where animals are guaranteed to appear on schedule, so patience and a good guide make the difference between a day in the bush and a day you remember.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Livingstone hotel.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the full day.
• English-speaking guide.
• lunch and bottled water.
• snacks.
• all park fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 24 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Royal African Experiences

Is this one for you?Choose this full-day tour if you need a guide who can follow animal herds in real time rather than stick to fixed stops. The flexible schedule lets you stay with elephants and buffalo along the riverfront as long as they're there.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years). Under 4: they 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 am I most likely to see on a Chobe day trip?

Elephant herds and Cape buffalo are the main draw, especially along the Chobe Riverfront where they gather to drink in the dry months. Hippos, crocodiles, antelopes and numerous bird species are common sightings. Lions, leopards and wild dogs inhabit the park, though spotting them depends on the day and the season.

How long does the Chobe day trip take from start to finish?

The tour runs six to nine hours depending on animal sightings and which areas your guide decides to explore. Pickup from your Livingstone hotel is included, so the time covers the full day from collection to return.

What's included in the tour price, and what do I need to bring?

Lunch, bottled water, snacks, the air-conditioned vehicle, the English-speaking guide and all fees are included. Bring sun protection, binoculars if you have them, and comfortable clothes suitable for sitting in a vehicle for extended periods.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to Chobe, or is it included?

Pickup from your Livingstone accommodation is included in the tour price. The guide and driver collect you and return you at the end of the day, so you don't need to arrange separate transport.