What wildlife will I definitely see?

Elephants and hippos are near-certain on both the river cruise and game drive. Lions, buffalo, giraffe, and zebra are commonly spotted during the game drive. Sightings of leopards and cheetahs are possible but not guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

The 11-hour duration and extended vehicle time suit children 6+ comfortably. Younger children may find the length tiring. Confirm car seat or booster availability when booking if needed.

Do I need a visa to cross into Botswana?

Chobe National Park is in Botswana. Visa requirements depend on your nationality; UK, US, EU, Australian, and Canadian citizens receive 90-day visa-free entry. Confirm your passport is valid for at least 6 months and check specific requirements for your country before travel.

What's included and what costs extra?

The tour price includes hotel transfers from Victoria Falls, the Chobe River cruise, game drive, and buffet lunch with drinks at Cresta Mowana Lodge. Tips, personal expenses, and any optional activities are not included.

How much time is spent on the boat vs. in the vehicle?

Typically the river cruise lasts 2–3 hours and the game drive 4–5 hours, with the remainder accounted for by transfers and lunch. The exact split may vary; confirm the itinerary with your operator.

Can I book a private vehicle instead of a group tour?

This listing is for a group tour. Ask your operator if private game drive options are available at a higher rate for a more customised experience.

Full-Day Safari Tour to Chobe National Park with Boat Ride 7

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Full-Day Safari Tour to Chobe National Park with Boat Ride

(5)

Vic Falls, Zimbabwe

Boat ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsATV & Quad ToursBus & Minivan ToursSafari & Wildlife

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About this activity

Combine river and land wildlife viewing on this full-day excursion from Victoria Falls, exploring one of Southern Africa's densest elephant populations and prime predator territory. A scenic Chobe River cruise and guided game drive bookend a lodge lunch, delivering concentrated wildlife encounters across two distinct ecosystems.

On this full-day tour you’ll go on a boat trip on the Chobe River and a game drive in Chobe National Park. The park is well known for its elephant and lion populations. Transfer from Victoria Falls is included, as well as lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge.

- Go on a cruise on the Chobe River
- View wildlife from the boat
- Enjoy a buffet lunch and drink at Cresta Mowana Lodge
- Take a game drive in Chobe National Park

Highlights

✓Chobe River cruise with prolific elephant and hippo sightings from water level
✓Morning or afternoon game drive through Chobe National Park's savanna
✓High density of lions, leopards, and African buffalo in their natural habitat
✓Buffet lunch and beverages at Cresta Mowana Lodge
✓Hotel transfers from Victoria Falls included
✓Expert guide commentary on animal behaviour and park ecology

Insider tips

★Early morning game drives (if available) offer cooler temperatures and more active wildlife; request this when booking if scheduling flexibility exists
★Bring polarised sunglasses and sunscreen for the river cruise—glare off water intensifies UV exposure
★The boat ride provides the best photography angles for elephants crossing; position yourself on the side facing the sun in late afternoon
★Pack a light cardigan for the river breeze, which can feel cool despite daytime heat

Good to know

•11-hour duration includes transfers; confirm exact pickup time from your Victoria Falls accommodation the evening before
•Chobe straddles Zimbabwe–Botswana border; ensure your passport is valid for multiple entries if crossing occurs
•Limited shade on game drive vehicle; hat and high-SPF sunscreen essential
•Lunch is buffet-style at the lodge; inform operator of dietary restrictions at booking
•Mobile signal may be patchy in the park; download offline maps if navigation is needed

Who it's for

Safari first-timers seeking guaranteed high-volume wildlife encounters near Victoria FallsWildlife photographers and birders targeting elephant and predator behaviourMulti-day Victoria Falls visitors extending their itinerary with a full-immersion land-and-water experienceFamilies with school-age children able to manage long vehicle hours

Best time to visit

April–September offers the best wildlife viewing, when cooler temperatures concentrate animals at water sources and vegetation is sparse. June–August is peak season; May and September offer fewer crowds with still-reliable sightings. Avoid November–March (rainy season), when muddy roads limit game drive access.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Alex D.

May 2026

our captain Yuki was brilliant and a hidden cove we anchored in to swim was the highlight, and did it on our first morning.

Zoe N.

Apr 2026

our captain Raj sorted everything for us and a hidden cove we anchored in to swim was the highlight, and good as a half-day option, and got loads of photos.

Ben P.

Dec 2025

Very enjoy, the little blue cave stop the best part. Nadia take care us very well, got loads of photos. Thank you so much!

Carlos N.

Jun 2025

our captain Aiko really knew their stuff and a hidden cove we anchored in to swim was the highlight ... Last day of the trip so it wasnt too busy. Blew our rome one out of the water, and ideal with kids (ours are 6 and 9), and about 5 hours on the water. Would book again no question.

Hugo R.

Mar 2025

our captain Lucia was brilliant and a hidden cove we anchored in to swim was the highlight, and honestly better than the boat trip we did in Crete last year.

from€145.32€145.07/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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