Overview
Chobe National Park has one of Africa’s highest concentrations of elephants – over 120,000. The day trip combines a boat safari + 4×4 game drive so you see animals from water and land.
Typical Itinerary
- Early Morning Pickup – 6:00-7:00am
- Pickup from your Livingstone hotel/lodge
- 1hr drive to Kazungula border post
- Guides assist with Zambia exit + Botswana entry. Bring passport + visa if required
2. Chobe River Boat Cruise – Morning
- 3hr cruise on Chobe River
- Wildlife from boat: Massive elephant herds drinking/bathing, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, waterbuck, birdlife – fish eagles, kingfishers, bee-eaters
- Drinks + snacks served on board
- Best time for photos: animals come to the river
3. Buffet Lunch
- Served at Chobe Safari Lodge or similar on riverbank
- Usually includes local + international dishes, salad bar, dessert
- Drinks extra unless specified
4. Afternoon 4×4 Game Drive – ∼3hrs
- Open safari vehicle through Chobe National Park
- Wildlife: Lions, leopards, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, kudu, sable, plus more elephants
- Expert guide tracks animals and explains behavior
- Dry season May-Oct is best – animals concentrate near river
5. Return to Livingstone – 5:00-6:00pm
- Cross border back to Zambia
- Drop-off at your hotel What’s Included vs Extra
Usually Included: - Hotel pickup/drop-off Livingstone
- All transfers + border assistance
- Boat cruise ∼3hrs
- Game drive ∼3hrs
- Buffet lunch
- Park fees
- Professional guide
Extra Costs:
- Visas: Botswana visa if your nationality requires it. Day-trippers often get visa at border ∼$30 USD
- Drinks: Alcoholic/soft drinks at lunch + on boat usually extra
- Tips: For guide/driver
- Park fee: Sometimes paid separately ∼$10-$20 USD Practical Details
- Price: $150-$180 USD ≈ ZMW 3,000 – ZMW 3,600 per person
- Duration: 9-11 hours total
- Group size: Shared tours max 8-20 people. Private options available
- What to bring: Passport, comfortable clothes, hat, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, light jacket for morning
- Minimum age: Usually 3-6 years
- Best months: May-Oct dry season for best game viewing.
Why It’s Popular
- Two safaris in one day: Water + land gives different animal behavior
- Elephants guaranteed: Chobe has more elephants than anywhere else
- Easy from Livingstone: No flights needed, just 1hr to border
- High success rate: Predators + big herds common