1-Day Chobe River Safari with Two Private Boat Cruises and Lunch

1 Day Round trip from Kasane Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Two private Chobe River boat safaris for wildlife viewing from the water
02 Morning cruise in cool light ideal for photography and birdlife spotting
03 Buffet lunch at a premium 4-star riverside lodge overlooking the river
04 Afternoon cruise timed for elephants, hippos, and other wildlife at the water's edge
05 Close-up river-level views of Chobe's active banks and shallow channels

Spend a full day on the water in Chobe National Park with two private boat cruises timed for excellent wildlife viewing. With pickup from Kasane, Victoria Falls, or Livingstone, you'll head into the park area for a morning river safari in the cool light, ideal for photography and relaxed viewing along the banks. After a buffet lunch at a premium 4-star riverside lodge overlooking the Chobe River, continue with an extended afternoon cruise when elephants, hippos, and other wildlife gather at the water's edge to drink, swim, and cool off.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Shared

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Chobe National Park, Kasane

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Hotel Pickup, Two Chobe River Cruises and Riverside Lunch

07:00 AM - Hotel Pickup & Departure: Your guide picks you up from your accommodation in Kasane, Victoria Falls, or Livingstone. Travel toward the park, passing local landscapes where wildlife can often be seen from the road.
09:00 AM - Extended Morning River Cruise: Board your first boat safari on the Chobe River. At this hour, the light is cool and perfect for photography. Watch buffalo, dynamic bird species, and antelope starting their day along the peaceful banks.
12:00 PM - Riverside Buffet Lunch: Pause your safari for a high-end buffet lunch at a premium 4-star riverside lodge, such as Chobe River Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge, overlooking the active riverfront.
01:30 PM - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise: Step onto your second 3-hour river safari. The peak heat of the afternoon draws large herds of elephants, hippos, and apex predators down to the shallow channels to drink, swim, and play.
05:00 PM - Return Transfer: Head back to the dock and hop into your transfer vehicle for the return to your hotel, or to clear afternoon border customs checks.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kasane 4 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Two Private River Cruises: A morning exploration cruise (approx. 3 hours) and an afternoon wildlife-viewing cruise (approx. 3 hours) on a specialized safari boat.
4-Star Buffet Lunch: A multi-cuisine buffet meal at a luxury riverfront lodge, such as Chobe Safari Lodge or Chobe River Lodge, including vegetarian options.
National Park Fees: All Chobe National Park entry fees, conservation levies, and local river passenger taxes.
Complimentary Beverages: Bottled mineral water and light soft drinks provided on board both boat safaris.
Professional Guiding: Services of an experienced, licensed local skipper and wildlife tracking guide.
Round-Trip Hotel Transfers: Door-to-door transport from your accommodation in Kasane, or from Victoria Falls/Livingstone if the border-crossing variant is selected.
Border Crossings Logistics: Assisted navigation through customs and immigration checkpoints if you are traveling internationally for the day trip.

What's Not Included

Alcoholic Beverages: Premium beer, wine, and spirits are available for purchase separately at lunch or on the boat.
Visa Costs: International visa fees required to enter Botswana, Zimbabwe, or Zambia, such as the KAZA UniVisa.
Driver & Guide Gratuities: Optional tips for your transfer drivers, boat skippers, and lodge staff.
Personal Travel Insurance: Comprehensive medical and trip cancellation insurance coverage.

What to bring

Layered Clothing: Early mornings on the open water are surprisingly cold and windy. Bring a lightweight fleece or windbreaker that you can remove as the afternoon warms up.
Cash Reserves: Keep small denominations of US Dollars (USD) or Botswana Pula (BWP) on hand for tipping your driver, boat captain, and buying drinks at lunch.
Waterproof Protection: Bring a dry bag, Ziploc bags, or a waterproof sleeve to protect your cameras, lenses, and smartphones from occasional river spray and boat splashes.

Know before you go

Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date and have at least 2 blank pages.
Traveling with Minors: Children under 18 must travel with an unabridged birth certificate showing both parents' details. If only one parent is traveling, a certified parental consent affidavit from the absent parent is legally required.
Visa Entry Fees: If crossing from Zimbabwe or Zambia, ensure you have the KAZA UniVisa ($50 USD) or cash for a Botswana entry visa, depending on your nationality.
Malaria Zone: The Chobe region is a high-risk malaria area. Consult your doctor about taking prophylactic medication well before departure.
Wildlife Proximity: Boats get incredibly close to hippos, crocodiles, and swimming elephants. Always keep your hands and cameras inside the boat's perimeter, and do not make sudden loud noises.
Insect Protection: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, especially as the sun sets over the water when mosquitoes become highly active.