Victoria Falls to Chobe Safari: Day Trip with River Cruise

Summary

Chobe National Park Safari & River Cruise from Victoria Falls

You’ll cross two borders in one day and get close to Africa’s biggest elephant herds on both land and water. This trip packs in real wildlife moments—plus local guides who know every track and shortcut.

What’s the experience like?

The day kicked off before sunrise—still chilly, breath hanging in the air as we crossed the border into Botswana. Our guide, Tinashe, handled the paperwork while we sipped hot coffee from battered flasks. It’s a quick drive to Chobe National Park’s gate, but you’ll notice the landscape shift right away: mopane trees, dusty tracks, and that earthy smell after last night’s rain.

We piled into an open 4x4 and rolled slowly through the park. Elephants were everywhere—whole families lumbering by, ears flapping. At one point, a young bull blocked our path for a good ten minutes. No one minded; it’s his road too. Tinashe pointed out fresh lion prints in the sand and explained how leopards sometimes nap in the sausage trees when it gets hot.

Lunch was set up under a canvas awning near the riverbank—simple grilled chicken and salads, nothing fancy but just what you want after a morning bumping along game trails. By early afternoon, we boarded a flat-bottomed boat for the Chobe River cruise. The water was calm except for hippos snorting nearby and fish eagles calling overhead. I lost count of how many different birds we spotted—kingfishers darting low over the water, herons stalking quietly at the edge.

The light started to soften as we drifted past pods of hippos and watched elephants wade right in to cool off. There’s something about that golden hour on the river—the way everything slows down and you can just listen to the sounds: distant chatter from other boats, frogs starting up as dusk settles in. We made it back to Victoria Falls just after dark, tired but still buzzing from everything we’d seen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chobe Safari and River Cruise

• Full day safari with Chobe River cruise and game drive

Top questions

Do I need a visa for Botswana if I'm coming from Zimbabwe?

Most travelers do need a visa or entry stamp at the border; check your nationality requirements ahead of time or ask us for guidance.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Kids are welcome but must sit with an adult during transfers; please note infants must be on laps during drives and cruises.

What kind of animals will I see?

You’re likely to spot elephants (lots!), hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, plus lions or leopards if you’re lucky—and plenty of birdlife along the river.

Are meals included?

Yes! Breakfast snacks, lunch by the riverbank, bottled water, tea/coffee, plus some drinks are all part of your day.

What’s included

Your day covers breakfast snacks, lunch by the river (with vegetarian options), bottled water throughout, coffee or tea in the morning, plus some alcoholic drinks and light snacks during the cruise. All park fees and transfers between Victoria Falls and Chobe are sorted too—you just bring your camera and sense of adventure!