Chobe Safari & Victoria Falls Sunrise: Private Game Drive Combo

Track lions and elephants at dawn, then photograph the falls as the sun rises

This overnight combo pairs a private game drive through Chobe National Park with a sunrise tour of Victoria Falls. You start with hotel pickup to cross into Botswana, spend three hours in an open 4x4 spotting wildlife along the Caprivi flood plains, take a lunch break at Chobe Safari Lodge, then cruise the river for hippos and crocodiles before returning to Victoria Falls. The next morning, a local guide takes you to all sixteen viewpoints of the falls at opening time, when the light is clearest and crowds have not yet arrived.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Chobe Safari and Boat Cruise

• Pick up from Victoria Falls hotel
• Cross Kazungula border post
• Complete immigration formalities
• Drive to Chobe National Park
• 3-hour game drive in Chobe
• Lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge
• Afternoon safari boat cruise
• Transfer back to Victoria Falls

Day 2: Victoria Falls Sunrise Tour

• Pick up early from hotel
• Arrive at Victoria Falls at opening
• Visit all sixteen viewpoints
• Take sunrise photos
• Learn history and culture from guide
• Return to hotel

The experience

The game drive departs at 08:30am from Chobe National Park after you cross the Kazungula border from Zimbabwe into Botswana. Your professional guide navigates the dense woodland, savannahs and grasslands in a private open 4x4 vehicle, tailoring the route toward big cats, bird species or whatever wildlife interests you most. The park holds one of Africa's largest elephant populations, and the morning timing (before the heat drives animals into shade) raises your chances of seeing lions, leopards and buffalo. After three hours of driving, you head to Chobe Safari Lodge for a buffet lunch with views across the Namibian border.

The afternoon boat cruise departs from the lodge and follows the river where crocodiles, hippos and more elephants gather at the water's edge. You return to Victoria Falls by early evening. The next morning, pickup happens at 05:45am so you arrive at the falls when they open at 6am. Your local guide walks you through all sixteen viewpoints, explaining the land's history and culture while you photograph the sunrise light hitting the spray. The tour ends by 8am, leaving the rest of your day free.

The guide speaks English and can customize the route at no extra cost. Ask to focus on specific bird families or predators if you have a preference. A minimum of four people per booking applies. Bottled water and soft drinks travel with you. Lunch is included. Park entry fees (US$25 per person for Chobe, plus $7–$58 for Victoria Falls depending on your nationality) are separate.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Victoria Falls.
• professional guide for both the game drive and the sunrise tour.
• transport by open 4x4 safari vehicle.
• three-hour game drive through Chobe National Park.
• buffet lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge.
• afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River.
• access to all sixteen viewpoints of Victoria Falls.
• bottled water and soft drinks.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 12 · max 9 per booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tamuka Travel

Is this one for you?The private game drive means you set the pace and can linger on sightings or ask your guide to focus on specific animals: useful if you're a keen birder or want to maximize your chances of seeing big cats. The early morning timing on both days (08:30am start, 05:45am pickup the next day) is what puts you in front of wildlife and at the falls before the heat and crowds arrive, so book this if you're willing to wake early for the payoff.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4).

What wildlife will I actually see on the Chobe game drive?

Chobe National Park is known for its massive elephant herds, big cats like lions and leopards, buffalo, and a huge variety of bird species. The morning timing increases your chances of spotting predators before they rest during the heat. The river cruise adds hippos and crocodiles to the sightings.

Why is the Victoria Falls sunrise tour worth waking up at 5:45am?

The falls open at 6am, and arriving then means you walk all sixteen viewpoints in clear morning light with almost no other visitors. The sunrise angle and peaceful atmosphere make it the best time for photography and taking in the scale of the falls without crowds.

How does the private game drive work? Can I ask the guide to focus on certain animals?

You travel in a private open 4x4 with your own professional guide, who can tailor the route toward specific bird life or wildlife you want to see. The flexibility to stop and linger on sightings is built into the private format.

What happens between the game drive and the sunrise tour?

You spend the night in Victoria Falls. The game drive ends by early evening, giving you time to rest at your hotel before the 05:45am pickup for the sunrise tour the following morning.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks during the day?

Lunch is a buffet at Chobe Safari Lodge after the morning game drive. Bottled water and soft drinks travel with you throughout the day. You can ask your guide to stop for additional refreshments if needed.