Victoria Falls Rafting & Chobe Safari: 2-Day Adventure Combo

Summary

Whitewater Rafting on the Zambezi & Chobe National Park Safari

You’ll get soaked on wild Zambezi rapids one day and spot elephants or maybe even lions in Chobe National Park the next. It’s two days packed with action, real wildlife moments, and good food—all sorted for you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the mist—cool and sharp—rolling off the Zambezi as we geared up for rafting. Our guide, Blessing, handed out helmets and cracked a joke about “meeting the crocodiles only if you fall in.” The river looked calm at first, but you could hear the rapids before you saw them—a low roar echoing through Batoka Gorge. We paddled hard through Class 3 to 5 rapids; at one point, my paddle nearly slipped right out of my hands. There’s this wild rush when the raft drops into a wave and cold spray smacks your face. By lunchtime, we were starving. They set up a barbecue right on the edge of the gorge—smoky chicken, grilled veggies, and cold beer. I remember thinking nothing ever tasted so good after all that adrenaline.

The next morning started early—border crossing into Botswana is quick but don’t forget your passport. Chobe National Park feels different from Zimbabwe: drier air, more open spaces. Our driver pointed out elephant herds almost immediately; they move quietly for their size. Hippos grunted from the riverbank while baboons darted across the road ahead of us. On the boat cruise, buffaloes lounged in muddy shallows and we spotted a leopard stretched out on a tree limb (the guide said it’s rare to see them in daylight). Lunch was a buffet overlooking the Chobe River—simple food but plenty of it, with warthogs grazing just below the deck. I liked how relaxed everyone felt by then; even the guides swapped stories about close calls with lions or elephants blocking their path.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Victoria Falls Rafting and Safari

• Whitewater rafting on Zambezi River
• Game drive in Chobe National Park
• Boat safari in Chobe National Park
• Buffet lunch in Chobe
• Barbecue lunch at Batoka Gorge

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners or people who can’t swim?

The rafting section is best for those with moderate fitness and some swimming ability due to strong currents. Guides give full safety briefings though.

What should I bring for both days?

Bring sunscreen, hat, passport (for Botswana), change of clothes for rafting, camera or phone (in waterproof bag), and any personal medication.

Are meals included during both activities?

Yes! You’ll have a barbecue lunch after rafting by Batoka Gorge and a buffet lunch overlooking Chobe River during your safari day.

Will I definitely see big animals like lions or leopards?

Sightings can’t be guaranteed since it’s real wilderness—but elephants, hippos, buffaloes are common in Chobe; lions or leopards are possible too.

What’s included

You’ll get round-trip transfers to both activities, all rafting gear plus safety briefing, bottled water throughout, beer or soft drinks after rafting, barbecue lunch at Batoka Gorge, border transfer to Botswana for Chobe National Park entry with game drive and boat cruise included—and a hearty buffet lunch by the river in Chobe.