Victoria Falls to Chobe: Safari Day Trip with Boat & Game Drive

Summary

From Victoria Falls to Chobe riverbanks wild elephants hippos and open skies

You’ll start early from Victoria Falls with coffee in hand, cross into Botswana, and spend your day drifting along the Chobe River spotting hippos and elephants before heading out on a classic game drive with a local guide. Lunch is included (watch for warthogs nearby). You’ll come back dusty, probably tired—and carrying those wild river moments home with you.

What’s the experience like?

"Don’t forget your passport — border’s only an hour away," our driver, Tendai, grinned as we piled into the van just after sunrise in Victoria Falls. I was still half-awake, clutching my mug of tea. The road to Chobe felt like it belonged to the animals; we slowed for baboons and at one point Tendai pointed out a kudu grazing so close you could see its eyelashes flicker. Crossing into Botswana was quick but I did double-check my papers about three times (if you’re bringing kids, seriously—birth certificates matter). The air changed somehow—drier, maybe—or maybe that was just nerves turning into excitement.

The first thing that hit me on the Chobe River wasn’t the view but the smell — warm mud and something green, like crushed reeds. Our guide Li had this way of spotting things before anyone else; he’d tap the side of the boat and suddenly there’d be hippos bobbing up or a line of elephants lumbering down for a drink. There was a moment where everything went quiet except for birds flapping up from the water — I didn’t expect it to feel so peaceful. Lunch was simple but good (I’m still thinking about that cold orange Fanta), eaten under a canvas awning while warthogs snuffled nearby.

The afternoon game drive in Chobe was dustier than I expected — my shirt still smells faintly of earth and diesel. We bumped along tracks with Li telling stories about lion prides and how he once had to change a tire with buffalo watching. It’s not all postcard moments; sometimes you wait in silence for something to move in the bush, or you laugh at yourself for misidentifying yet another impala. But then you catch sight of giraffes silhouetted against that huge sky and it’s hard not to feel small in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chobe boat cruise and game drive

• Enjoy tea and coffee before start
• Drive from Victoria Falls to Chobe
• Spot wildlife during the drive
• Take Chobe boat cruise
• Have lunch included
• Go on game drive in park
• Refresh with mineral water and drinks

Top questions

How long is the drive from Victoria Falls to Chobe?

It's about an hour from Victoria Falls to Chobe by road, depending on border crossing times.

Is lunch included on this Chobe day trip?

Yes, lunch is included during your day trip in Chobe.

Do I need any documents for children under 18?

Yes, you'll need certified copies of unabridged birth certificates for children under 18. If one parent isn't traveling, an affidavit is required.

Are hotel pickups provided from Victoria Falls?

Yes, transfers from Victoria Falls hotels are included in this day trip.

What activities are part of this tour?

The tour includes a boat cruise on the Chobe River and a guided game drive within Chobe.

Are park fees included in the price?

Yes, all park fees are covered as part of your booking.

Is mineral water provided during activities?

Yes, mineral water and refreshments are available during your activities.

What should I wear or bring for this safari?

Dress casually or in safari wear; bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent as recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transfers from Victoria Falls hotels across the border into Botswana, all park entry fees for Chobe activities, a morning boat cruise on the river with refreshments served onboard, lunch under shaded cover (with drinks), plus an afternoon game drive through wildlife-rich terrain before returning home as dusk settles over Victoria Falls.