Chobe National Park Safari: Elephants & River Cruise

See elephants at their most abundant, then watch them from the water

A full-day safari in Chobe National Park combines land and water game viewing with a professional guide in custom 4x4 vehicles and a river cruise. You drive through the park in the morning and afternoon, spotting elephants, buffalo, zebra, hippos and over 460 bird species, then cruise the Chobe River where animals gather to drink and predators often appear together with their prey.

Step-by-step itinerary

Chobe Safari and River Cruise

• Join morning Chobe game drive
• Spot elephants and wildlife
• Enjoy bird watching
• Relax on Chobe River cruise
• See hippos and crocodiles

The experience

Chobe National Park spans over 21,000 square kilometres and holds the world's highest concentration of elephants: sightings are almost guaranteed. The day starts with a game drive in an open-sided 4x4 vehicle, which gives unobstructed views as your professional guide navigates the park and explains animal behavior and movement patterns. Buffalo, zebra, hyena, giraffe, red lechwe, hippos and crocodiles are regularly spotted. If conditions align, lions and leopards appear too.

The river cruise portion lets you see the same animals from a different vantage point. Chobe River is where all species come to drink, so predators and herbivores often gather in the same spot: a rare sight on land. The boat moves slowly enough that animals stay relaxed, and waders and water birds line the banks. Crocodiles and hippos are constant companions on the water.

Pickup and drop-off from Victoria Falls hotels are included, as is an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water and brunch during the day. Your guide speaks English and leads both the drive and the cruise. The full outing runs nine hours, so plan the rest of your day around an early start and mid-afternoon return.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Victoria Falls.
• air-conditioned open-sided 4x4 safari vehicle.
• professional English-speaking guide for both game drive and river cruise.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• brunch.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (17 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (13 to 16 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 12 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Wanderlust Safaris

Is this one for you?This tour works best for small groups or families who want both land and water wildlife viewing in a single day and don't mind an early start and nine hours away from Victoria Falls. The open-sided vehicle and professional guide mean you're not driving yourself, so you can focus entirely on spotting animals and learning from someone who knows where to find them.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 16 years); Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): 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.

How many elephants will I actually see in Chobe?

Chobe has the world's highest concentration of elephants, so sightings are almost guaranteed. The park holds far more elephants than any other protected area, making them the dominant wildlife encounter of the day.

What's the difference between the game drive and the river cruise?

The game drive covers the park by vehicle with open sides, letting you spot animals across grassland and woodland. The river cruise moves along the Chobe River where all species come to drink, so you see them from the water and often watch predators and prey together in the same location.

Will I see lions or leopards?

Lions and leopards do appear in Chobe, but sightings depend on timing and luck. Your guide will use their knowledge to position the vehicle where big cats are most likely to be, but they cannot be guaranteed.

What birds can I expect to see?

Chobe is home to over 460 bird species. The river cruise is especially good for waders and water birds, while the park drives reveal raptors and woodland species throughout the day.

How early does the safari start and when do I return?

The full day runs nine hours with pickup from your Victoria Falls hotel included. Your guide will confirm the exact departure time when you book, but expect an early morning start to catch animals during their most active hours.