Livingstone to Chobe: River Safari & Game Drive with Lunch

Summary

Chobe National Park day trip with river cruise & wildlife drive

You’ll cross from Livingstone into Botswana by boat at sunrise, spot elephants and hippos on a guided Chobe River safari, share lunch overlooking the water, then bounce through Chobe National Park on a 4x4 game drive before heading home at dusk. Expect laughter with your guide and moments that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the rail of the little speedboat, I watched the Zambezi’s morning mist slip past as we crossed from Zambia into Botswana — honestly, I was still half-asleep when our guide, Joseph, greeted us at the lodge in Livingstone. He had this easy way about him, like he’d done this run a thousand times but still noticed every bird call. The border crossing at Kazungula was quick (I’d worried it would be a hassle), and then suddenly we were gliding over water that smelled faintly of wet grass and diesel. There was this moment where a fisherman waved at us from his dugout canoe — I tried to wave back but nearly dropped my camera in the river.

The first real jolt of excitement hit during the Chobe River safari. Our local guide, Mpho, pointed out hippos barely visible under the surface — just nostrils and ears poking up. The air felt heavy and warm; you could hear insects buzzing even over the boat’s engine. At one point an elephant herd came down to drink on the opposite bank. Mpho told us Chobe has more elephants than anywhere else in Africa — I didn’t count them (obviously) but it sure looked true. There was something about watching them move so quietly for their size that stuck with me.

Lunch was served at a lodge overlooking the river — nothing fancy but honestly, after hours outside, even simple chicken stew tasted perfect. We all sat together swapping stories; someone from Cape Town tried to teach me how to say “thank you” in Setswana (I failed). After that we piled into open 4x4s for the afternoon game drive through Chobe National Park itself. The roads were dusty and bumpy enough to make my teeth chatter, but I didn’t care because suddenly there were giraffes right by the track and impala darting through dry grass. It’s hard to explain how different everything looks when you’re actually there instead of seeing it on TV.

I remember thinking on the way back — crossing the Zambezi again as dusk settled in — that I hadn’t expected to feel so connected to such a wild place in just one day. Maybe it was Joseph’s quiet jokes or just sharing lunch with strangers who felt like friends for an afternoon. Either way, if you’re near Livingstone or Victoria Falls and want a real taste of Chobe National Park without staying overnight, this day trip is worth every minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chobe National Park day trip

• Pick up from lodging at 6:45am
• Drive to Kazungula Border
• Cross Zambezi River by speed boat
• Board 4x4 game viewers
• Enjoy morning river safari
• Have lunch and relax
• Take afternoon safari game drive
• Return to Zambezi River
• Boat back to Livingstone

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Livingstone to Chobe?

The tour lasts a full day, starting early morning around 6:45am and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on the Chobe day trip?

Yes, lunch is included during your visit to Chobe National Park.

Do I need my passport for crossing into Botswana?

Yes, you'll need your passport for border crossing at Kazungula between Zambia and Botswana.

Are hotel pickups available for this safari?

Yes, pickup from your lodging place in Livingstone is included.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the trip.

What animals can I expect to see on this safari?

You may see elephants, hippos, giraffes, impala, and other wildlife during both river cruise and game drive.

Does this tour include both river cruise and game drive?

Yes, you'll enjoy a guided river safari followed by an afternoon 4x4 game drive in Chobe National Park.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning pickup from your hotel in Livingstone, all border transfers across the Zambezi by speedboat into Botswana with your local guide leading the way, bottled water throughout the journey plus coffee or tea breaks as needed. Lunch is provided at a riverside lodge before you continue exploring by 4x4 vehicle through Chobe National Park before returning home in the evening.