Chobe National Park 4X4 Safari and River Cruise

Spot elephants and lions from the river, then track them across the savanna

A 10-hour day trip from your hotel to Chobe National Park in Botswana pairs a three-hour river cruise on the Chobe River with an afternoon game drive in open 4X4 vehicles. Hotel pickup and drop-off, a driver-guide, lunch and refreshments are included. A minimum of two people per booking is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Chobe National Park Safari and Cruise

• Hotel pickup at 07:30am
• Drive to Chobe National Park via Zambezi Park
• Border formalities at Botswana border
• Three-hour boat cruise on Chobe River
• Enjoy soft drinks and light snack on boat
• Lunch served at 12:30pm
• Afternoon 4X4 game drive safari
• Return to border around 5pm
• Hotel drop-off around 6pm

The experience

You're picked up from your hotel at 7:30am and driven about an hour through Zambezi National Park to the Botswana border, with wildlife spotting chances along the way. After border formalities, you head straight to the jetty for a three-hour boat cruise on the Chobe River. The river is where the animals gather: waders and water birds line the banks, crocodiles and hippos surface constantly, and large herds of African buffalo and elephant come down to drink. Puku and Lechwe appear on the islands. Kudu, impala and waterbuck are common on the banks. Soft drinks, tea, coffee and a light snack are served on the boat.

Lunch is at 12:30pm, then you trade the boat for custom-made open 4X4 safari vehicles for a three-hour game drive. The open sides let you get close to the animals without barriers: lions are frequently sighted, often resting in the shade near the water where they hunt. Eland, Sable and Roan antelope appear depending on the season. Leopards are elusive but present. You'll typically drive the waterfront where wildlife congregates, and complimentary soft drinks are provided throughout. By 5pm you're heading back to the border, arriving at your hotel around 6pm.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan and open 4X4 safari vehicles.
• national park entry fees.
• a driver-guide.
• a three-hour river cruise with complimentary soft drinks, tea, coffee and light snacks.
• lunch.
• and refreshments during the afternoon game drive.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by DK Tours & Safaris

Is this one for you?At 10 hours door-to-door, this tour fills most of a day but leaves your morning free if you arrive early or your evening open after 6pm. The fixed schedule (river cruise until lunch, then the game drive) means you see both habitats without choosing between them.

Traveler reviews

4.78★★★★★★★★★★

9 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What animals am I most likely to see on the Chobe River cruise?

The Chobe River attracts large herds of African buffalo and elephant coming down to drink, along with hippos, crocodiles, waders and water birds. Puku and Lechwe are often seen on the islands, and kudu, impala and waterbuck are common on the banks.

How much of the day is spent on the water versus in the 4X4?

The three-hour river cruise runs from mid-morning until lunch at 12:30pm. The afternoon game drive in the open 4X4 vehicles lasts about three hours, starting after lunch.

What's included in the price, and what should I budget for separately?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by 4X4 and minivan, national park fees, a driver-guide, lunch and refreshments are all included. Gratuities and any additional food or drinks beyond what's provided are not included.

Is this tour suitable for children and people with mobility concerns?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants must sit on an adult's lap. Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated, and all transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

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

Hotel pickup is included, so you don't need to arrange transport. You'll be collected at 7:30am and returned to your hotel around 6pm.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

A vegetarian option is available for lunch. Let the operator know at the time of booking if you need it.