Chobe National Park Day Trip: Game Drive & River Safari

River safari at dawn, game drive at dusk: two ways to hunt for elephants and lions in a single day

A full-day Chobe National Park tour from Livingstone combines a morning river safari along the Chobe River with an afternoon game drive deep into the park, separated by a three-course lunch. You travel with an English-speaking guide who shares insights into the ecosystem. Hotel pickup and return transfer are included. The itinerary is built to maximize wildlife encounters across both habitats (water and land) in one outing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Chobe River Safari and Game Drive

• Morning river safari on Chobe River
• Enjoy a three-course meal
• Afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park

What’s included

• Game drive and river safari.
• return transfer from your hotel.
• three-course lunch.
• parking fees.
• English-speaking guide throughout the day.

Times

• Every day 07:00

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Before you book

Group Up to 20

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Book up to 8h before

Ages Adult (12 to 85 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

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

Good to know

Low physical effort Public transport nearby Not recommended with heart problems Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Ayoba Adventures

Prices and times updated yesterday

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The experience

The day starts on the Chobe River at first light. You board for a morning safari along the banks where hippos surface and crocodiles sun themselves on the mud. The guide points out bird species and watches for elephants that come down to drink. After two hours on the water, you return to a lodge for a three-course meal, a break before the heat of the afternoon.

The game drive begins after lunch, taking you into the depth of Chobe National Park itself. This is where the larger herds move: elephants, lions, and the smaller antelope that scatter as the vehicle approaches. The guide navigates the park roads, stopping when animals appear and explaining what you're seeing: behavior, habitat, the seasonal patterns that shape the park's rhythm. The drive runs through the hottest part of the day, when many animals rest in the shade, but sightings still happen. Seven hours total, from pickup to drop-off, means you're back at your hotel by evening.

Bring sunscreen and a hat. The sun reflects off the water in the morning and off the dust in the afternoon. The river section is calm water, no rapids. Children from age six travel on this tour. Alcoholic drinks aren't included, though the lodge lunch and the refreshments during the river safari are.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What wildlife am I most likely to see on the Chobe River safari?

Hippos and crocodiles are common sightings along the riverbanks, especially in the morning when animals come to drink and cool off. Elephants often appear at the water's edge, and the guide watches for various bird species throughout the cruise.

How much walking is involved in the game drive portion?

The game drive is conducted from the vehicle, so walking is minimal. You remain seated as the guide drives the park roads and stops for wildlife viewing. No hiking or extended walks on foot are part of this tour.

Is the three-course lunch included in the price, and what kind of food is served?

Yes, lunch is included and served at a lodge between the river safari and the game drive. The operator describes it as a three-course meal, though the specific menu details are not listed in advance.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour runs for seven hours total from hotel pickup to return. The exact start time depends on your hotel location and the operator's schedule. Confirm the pickup time when you book.

Do I need any experience or fitness level to do this tour?

The tour suits all physical fitness levels. It is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to the full day of activity and the heat. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during both the river safari and the game drive.

What's the difference between the river safari and the game drive, why do both in one day?

The river safari lets you see animals that gather at the water to drink and cool, including hippos, crocodiles, and elephants at the shore. The game drive takes you into the park's interior where herds move across open ground and predators hunt. Together, they cover two distinct ecosystems and maximize the variety of wildlife you encounter.