Chobe Day Trip from Livingstone: Game Drive & River Safari

Two wildlife encounters in one day: the river at dawn, the park at midday.

A full-day tour from Livingstone combines a morning boat safari on the Chobe River with an afternoon game drive through Chobe National Park, both led by professional guides. The river cruise targets the massive elephant herds and hippo pods that gather along the water. The game drive covers the park's 11,700 square kilometers where around 70,000 elephants roam alongside lions, buffalo, zebra and giraffe. Lunch at a riverbank hotel and all transfers from Livingstone are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Chobe River cruise and game drive

• Enjoy Chobe River cruise
• Have lunch at riverbank hotel
• Take game drive in Chobe National Park

The experience

The day starts on the Chobe River, a 730-kilometer waterway that rises in Angola and flows through Botswana before joining the Zambezi. The morning boat safari puts you on the water when wildlife congregates at the banks: massive elephant herds, scattered hippo pods, and crocodiles basking in the sun. A professional guide narrates what you're seeing as the boat moves slowly enough to let you watch without missing anything. After the river, you're brought to a hotel on the riverbank for a buffet lunch and a break before the afternoon shift.

The game drive takes over in the afternoon, moving through Chobe National Park in an open-air safari vehicle. The park's reputation rests on its elephant population (around 70,000 of them), so sightings are frequent rather than lucky. Beyond elephants, the park holds a large population of lions, a rarity in many African reserves, plus buffalo, zebra, kudu, giraffe, sable and impala. The open vehicle means unobstructed views and the guide positions stops where animals are active. The full day runs eight hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Professional guides in English.
• return transfers from Livingstone.
• boat safari on the Chobe River.
• game drive through Chobe National Park in an open-air vehicle.
• buffet lunch at a riverbank hotel.
• snacks and beverages throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 27 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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Vanaway Tours

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here since the open-air vehicle and boat both accommodate multiple travelers without crowding the wildlife views. The eight-hour day suits anyone comfortable with a full morning and afternoon in the field. The pace is set by where animals are, not by a fixed schedule, so flexibility matters more than speed.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

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 the Chobe River and in the park?

Elephants dominate both parts of the day: the river cruise targets the massive herds that gather at the water, and the park holds around 70,000 of them across its 11,700 square kilometers. The river also hosts hippo pods and crocodiles. The game drive adds lions, buffalo, zebra, kudu, giraffe, sable and impala, with the guide timing stops where animals are active.

How does the day break up between the river and the park?

The morning is spent on the Chobe River in a boat safari, followed by a buffet lunch at a riverbank hotel. The afternoon is the game drive through Chobe National Park in an open-air vehicle. The full outing runs eight hours from Livingstone pickup to return.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes services of professional guides, return road transfers to and from Livingstone, buffet lunch at the riverbank hotel, and snacks and beverages throughout the day.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the meeting point?

No, hotel pickup and return transfers from Livingstone are included. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you prefer to meet the group at a central point.