Chobe National Park Safari: Game Drive and River Cruise

Watch lions, leopards and elephants come down to the riverbank to drink

A full-day safari tour of Chobe National Park combines a morning game drive through Savuti and the Chobe Riverfront with a three-hour boat cruise on the Chobe River, where wildlife gathers at the water's edge. Lunch at Cresta Mowana Lodge breaks the day in the afternoon before a second game drive through the park. Hotel pickup and return transfers are included, with a live English-speaking guide throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day Chobe National Park safari

• Travel to Chobe National Park
• Enjoy wildlife viewing in Chobe
• Take a 3-hour boat safari on Chobe River
• Have lunch at Cresta Mowana Lodge
• Afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park

The experience

The day starts with a game drive through Chobe's interior, where Savuti's reputation for big cats (lions and leopards) draws the tour first. The Chobe Riverfront, closer to Kasane, is where the real concentration happens: elephants, buffalo, and predators all converge at the water during the dry season. The landscape itself is the draw. You're not watching a demonstration or a curated experience, but moving through the park as wildlife moves through it.

A three-hour boat cruise on the Chobe River is the centerpiece. From the water, animals approach the bank to drink without the vehicle between you and them, and the river's narrow channel concentrates sightings in a way the open savanna doesn't. Lunch at Cresta Mowana Lodge sits in the middle of the day, giving you time to rest and eat before the afternoon game drive covers different ground. The second drive often yields plains game and a real chance at the big five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino), though sightings depend on the season and where the herds move.

The full day runs 12 hours from pickup at your hotel or lodge. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a live guide who speaks English, and the route includes all park entry fees. Bring a packed breakfast if you want one. Coffee and tea are provided during the day. The tour suits families with children from age one onward, though the long hours and rough terrain mean small children will spend most of the day in the vehicle or on a lap.

What’s included

• Return transfers from your hotel or lodge.
• lunch at Cresta Mowana Lodge.
• coffee and tea throughout the day.
• park entry fees.
• air-conditioned vehicle and live English-speaking guide for the full 12 hours.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 16 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 17 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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cultural vibes travel and tours

Is this one for you?Book this shared tour if you want both game drive and boat cruise in one day. You'll see lions and leopards in Savuti, then elephants and riverbank wildlife from the water, but you'll need to commit to 12 hours moving at the group's pace across rough terrain.

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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.

What animals am I most likely to see on a Chobe safari?

Chobe is known for large elephant herds, especially along the riverfront where they gather to drink. Lions and leopards are common in Savuti, and the river cruise often brings sightings of buffalo, hippos and crocodiles. Sightings of all five of the big five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) are possible but not guaranteed, as animals move seasonally.

How much of the day is spent on the boat versus in the vehicle?

The boat cruise on the Chobe River lasts three hours and is the centerpiece of the afternoon. The morning and late afternoon are spent in the game drive vehicle, with lunch at the lodge in between. The full day is 12 hours from hotel pickup to return.

What's included in the price?

Hotel or lodge pickup and return transfer, lunch at Cresta Mowana Lodge, coffee and tea, park entry fees, and the services of a live English-speaking guide are all included. Bring a packed breakfast if you want one. Gratuities are not included.