Are you staying in Victoria Falls, one of the seventh natural wonders by Unesco and looking for an add on? Have you read about Chobe National Park but aren’t sure if the trip is worth it?
If you want to spend a day exploring one of Botswana’s National Parks next door without overnighting there, this article is for you.
Deciding whether the day trip is worth the money and time spent and especially knowing whether the wildlife sightings are worth it (after most likely visiting another safari destination in Southern Africa) is something we want to know.
Luckily for you, I went on a Chobe Day trip and can share all of these insights with you. After this post you can decide if going there is worth it for you or not.
Chobe National Park is in the North of Botswana, and it is known for having the largest population of elephants in Africa.
Its varied ecosystems, landscapes and variety of animals (especially mammals and birds) make this area a prime destination for safari lovers. The Chobe river runs through the park and creates flood lands and woodlands.
The closest town to the Park is Kasane, with a domestic airport. It can also be reached by road transfer from Victoria Falls, hence why the Chobe Day Trip appeals to some budget-aware travellers.
When we speak about “staying in Victoria Falls” one can either stay in Victoria Falls town or Livingstone – the closest towns to the falls.
Victoria Falls is within walking distance from the falls themselves while Livingstone is about 18 minutes away by car. The distance from Victoria Falls to Chobe is around 1h30 and from Livingstone we should add another 30 minutes.
Keep this in mind when you check your visa requirements – you will need a multiple entry visa!
The bus will pick you up from your accommodation around 7h00 and start the drive to the border. During the drive, the road is tarred but you drive inside the National Park so you should look for animals!
On arrival to the border, you will queue to go through customs and then walk to the other side, where another bus will be waiting for you. The guides will direct you during the process, so you don’t get onto the wrong bus – don’t worry!
From the border you have a short drive to the hotel that you are going to use as a base.
The hotels that the different suppliers use for the day trip all have entrances to the river. You will then embark on your river cruise safari. Here you’ll have the opportunity to see elephants crossing the river or large herds of buffalo. The chances of seeing hippos and crocodiles are also super high!
On arrival back at the hotel lunch is included. You will have some lunch time and after that depart on your 4×4 safari through another part of the park. You will then have the opportunity to check out the area from a different perspective.
When the safari is finished you’ll go back to the hotel to get back on the bus. The estimated arrival time back at your accommodation, where they will drop you off, is about 17h30.
There are different suppliers offering this activity around Victoria Falls. The prices per person range between 160 USD – 180 USD in 2018. (depending on inclusions and exclusions)
The landscapes of Chobe National Park are something else.
It is a great way to discover a little piece of Botswana without overnighting and paying the high prices that characterise Botswana’s accommodations.
If you are afraid that, after being on safari before, Chobe is going to feel like too much safari, you shouldn’t be. Again, you might have seen the animals before but the difference in landscape is noticeable. The chance to see elephants crossing the river will make the experience very different and worth the time.
The best experience for me was doing the boat safari and seeing the diverse landscape. Found the 4×4 safari to be average compared to other safari experiences in Africa.
If you haven’t been on a safari before and are not sure if it will be to your liking, this day is a great way to discover two different types of activities (the boat safari and the 4×4 safari) in a single day and get a glimpse of how amazing the world of wildlife can be.
If you are a world travelled safari-goer but have never been to Botswana the day trip will give you a quick look, so you know what to expect in the country.
The Chobe day trip is totally worth the money during your stay in Victoria Falls. It acts as a great complement for the end of your trip.
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View Comments
This is very comprehensive and invaluable.
Could one stay one or two nights at the Chobe Park and take the same return transportation from the same safari organizer.
Hi Mani,
Thanks for your message. I'm sure you can organize to be picked up by the next day's day trip car in advance - enjoy Chobe :)
Thanks for your very informative message. Now I know I want to do this Chobe safari while I am visiting Victoria Falls. I wonder how Chobe is during January. Do you know? I have no choice but that month as I am picking up a cruise in Cape Town to Mumbai. Thank you very much.
Hi Telly,
Chobe has water year long, so it will be an amazing safari no matter the month of the year. Thanks, Anna
Hello there...I just landed on this page while looking for the opposite. I'm wondering if I'm staying in Botswana and visiting Chobe, is it possible to do a day trip or a potential overnight trip to Victoria Falls and then return to Botswana? Any ideas or suggestions...?
Hi Sam,
You can definitely organize an overnight trip to Victoria Falls from Chobe or a day trip - I would check for a Day trip from Chobe either on the internet or by messaging your lodge in Chobe and they will be able to assist.
Thank you so much, Anna. This is extremely useful to me being a lady solo- travel.
Appreciated.
it is a pleasure Heba - enjoy the trip!
Hi Anna
Your post is very informative is it possible to email you.
Thanks very much.
Kirsten
Hi Kirsten
Thank you for your kind words - I hope you could make a decision!
Anna
amazing picture and beautiful place thank you for creating this article
Thanks for your lovely words Zidane, appreciate them!
Thanks for this review! I'm spending a few days in Victoria falls and have been trying to decide if I should do a day trip to Chobe! I think you've convinced me!
Hi Michelle - I hope you have the best time! I do love Chobe :)
The safari on the Chobe River is unforgettable. The elephants congregated on the riverbank without paying much attention to our boat 50 feet away. We were staying at the Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe, about 90 minutes east of Chobe. One unusual aspect of our trip was the mandatory walk through a muddy-looking disinfectant due to hoof-and-mouth disease in the area. Even our bus had to drive through it. The highlight of our 4x4 safari came when a male lion awoke from dozing in the shade of vegetation and walked across an opening (with the sun behind us) as if posing on stage for pictures. We also saw elephants, baboons, monkeys and impala on the 4x4. You should do both land and water safaris.
I agree Ed, that's a special safari destination indeed