Chobe Safari from Victoria Falls: Game Drive & Boat Cruise

Spot elephants and lions from both water and land in a single day

A full-day safari from Victoria Falls combining a morning boat cruise on the Chobe River with an afternoon game drive through Chobe National Park, where vast herds of elephants, buffalo, and predators gather at the water's edge. Hotel pickup, lunch at Cresta Mowana, and an English-speaking guide are included. The day ends with return to Victoria Falls by 6pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Chobe Safari with Boat Cruise and Game Drive

• Pick-up from Victoria Falls hotel
• Transfer to Kazungula Border
• Meet guide and receive briefing
• Boat cruise on Chobe River
• Lunch at Cresta Mowana
• Afternoon game drive in Chobe Park
• Return to Victoria Falls hotel

The experience

The tour starts with a 7am pickup from your Victoria Falls hotel, then crosses into Botswana at the Kazungula Border. Your guide meets you at immigration and briefs you on what to expect. The morning begins on the Chobe River itself: a boat cruise where you watch elephants, hippos, and crocodiles from the water's edge while scanning the banks for birdlife. The river is where the park's largest concentrations of wildlife come to drink, so sightings are frequent and close.

After lunch at Cresta Mowana, you switch to an open-sided 4x4 for the afternoon game drive. The vehicle follows the scenic waterfront route where buffalo, lions, eland, sable, and roan antelope move through the landscape. Leopards are harder to spot but possible. The open sides give you unobstructed views and room to photograph without the frame of a window. The afternoon drive covers the park's most active zones, where the concentration of animals is highest.

Immigration formalities happen on the return journey, and you're back at your hotel by approximately 6pm. The day runs eight hours door-to-door, with bottled water and snacks provided throughout, plus an air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer portions.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transfer from Victoria Falls.
• English-speaking guide.
• boat cruise on the Chobe River.
• afternoon game drive in an open-sided 4x4 vehicle.
• buffet lunch at Cresta Mowana Resort.
• bottled water and snacks.
• air-conditioned vehicle for transfers.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 33 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.

Paid on siteUS$ 25

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Victoria Falls Serious Fun Tours and Travel

Is this one for you?Eight hours door-to-door leaves the rest of your Victoria Falls day free: morning or evening activities fit around the tour's 7am start and 6pm return. Children from age 4 are welcome, and the mix of boat and vehicle time suits all fitness levels, though the game drive involves sitting in an open vehicle for several hours in the sun.

Traveler reviews

4.56★★★★★★★★★★

9 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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 wildlife will I actually see on the Chobe game drive?

Chobe National Park holds one of Africa's largest elephant populations, so herds are nearly guaranteed. Buffalo, lions, and antelope species including eland, sable, and roan are common sightings along the waterfront route where animals gather to drink. Leopards are present but elusive. Crocodiles and hippos appear during the river cruise. Birdlife is active throughout the day on both the water and the land.

Why does the tour combine a boat cruise and a game drive?

The Chobe River cruise and the afternoon 4x4 drive reach different animals and offer different vantage points. The river cruise puts you at water level where elephants and herbivores come to drink, while the game drive covers the open savannahs and woodlands where predators and antelope roam. Together they maximize your chances of sightings and give you photography angles from both perspectives.

How long is the full day, and when do I get back to Victoria Falls?

The tour runs eight hours total, including the border crossing and transfer time. Hotel pickup is at 7am, and you return by approximately 6pm, leaving the evening free for dinner or rest.

Is the open-sided 4x4 vehicle safe, and will I be exposed to the sun?

The vehicles are specially designed for safari with open sides for viewing and photography. You'll have bottled water and snacks provided throughout the day. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and light layers. The open design allows airflow but exposes you to the elements, which is standard for game drive safaris.

Do I need a visa to cross into Botswana for this tour?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. The tour includes the border crossing and immigration formalities, but you are responsible for obtaining any required visa before the tour date. Your guide will assist with the immigration process on the day.