Visit Botswana from Livingstone and experience the wildlife-rich Chobe Riverfront in one memorable day. This Chobe day trip includes collection from your Livingstone accommodation, the journey to the Kazungula border, a guided safari in Chobe National Park, lunch and a Chobe River cruise before returning to Zambia.
Chobe is best known for its large elephant herds, but the park is also home to buffalo, hippo, crocodile, giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala and many bird species. Lion, leopard and wild dog may also be seen, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
The combination of a game drive and a river safari gives you two different views of the park. From the vehicle, your guide can explore the Chobe Riverfront and nearby plains. From the boat, you can watch animals gathering along the water’s edge, including elephants drinking or swimming, hippos surfacing and crocodiles resting on the banks.
From US$190 per person
Duration: approximately 10–11 hours
Departure: around 07:00 from Livingstone accommodation
Destination: Chobe National Park, Botswana
Includes: transfers, game drive, river cruise, lunch and park fees, subject to the confirmed rate
Border: Zambia–Botswana crossing at Kazungula
Your driver collects you from your accommodation in Livingstone. The journey to the Kazungula border normally takes about one hour, depending on your pickup location and road conditions.
Bring your passport and any documents required for entry into Botswana and re-entry into Zambia. Border processing times can vary, especially during busy travel periods.
At Kazungula, you complete the required immigration and customs procedures before meeting the Botswana safari team. Your driver and guide will explain the handover process and help you understand where to go next.
The border crossing is an important part of the journey, so avoid booking a fixed evening flight or another activity immediately after your return. Your arrival time can change if the border is busy.
Once the border formalities are complete, continue into Chobe National Park for a guided game drive in an open safari vehicle. Your guide will look for elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala and other plains game along the Chobe Riverfront.
Predators such as lion, leopard and African wild dog may be encountered, but Chobe is a natural wildlife environment and no sighting can be promised. Your guide’s local knowledge helps you understand animal behaviour, tracks, habitats and seasonal movement.
Take a break for buffet lunch at The Muzi Boma Restaurant. The lunch stop gives you time to relax, enjoy the scenery and prepare for the afternoon river activity.
Board a safari boat for a river-based view of Chobe National Park. The river attracts animals throughout the day, making it a rewarding place to look for elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo and waterbirds.
The cruise is also ideal for photography. Keep your camera ready for African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, storks and other birds along the banks and islands.
After the cruise, return to the Kazungula border and complete the crossing back into Zambia. Your driver then takes you to your Livingstone accommodation, normally arriving in the late afternoon or early evening.
Important: The order of the game drive and river cruise may change because of park operations, river levels, weather, supplier arrangements or border conditions. The confirmed operating itinerary will be provided before departure.
| Approximate time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:00 | Pickup from your Livingstone accommodation |
| 07:00–08:30 | Road transfer to Kazungula border |
| 08:30–09:00 or later | Border and guide handover, depending on queues |
| Morning | Chobe National Park game drive |
| Midday | Buffet lunch at the confirmed riverside venue |
| Afternoon | Chobe River cruise |
| Late afternoon | Return through Kazungula and transfer to Livingstone |
| Late afternoon/early evening | Drop-off at your accommodation |
Times are approximate. Immigration queues, road conditions, park operations and wildlife activity can affect the schedule.
Chobe National Park is particularly famous for elephants concentrated near the river during the dry season. Possible sightings include:
Chobe is not a guaranteed Big Five experience. Rhinoceros are not part of the standard Chobe Riverfront day-trip experience, so the tour should be booked for its exceptional elephant viewing, river wildlife and overall safari experience rather than a guaranteed Big Five checklist.
Adult rate: US$190 per person
Children’s rates should be displayed only after confirming the current operator policy and age bands. If the rate changes by season, group size or nationality, explain that before the guest submits payment.
Advance booking is recommended from June to October, during school holidays and around major travel periods. Last-minute bookings may be possible but depend on vehicle, boat and border availability.
For a quick quotation, send:
You must carry a valid passport for the Zambia–Botswana border crossing and return to Zambia. Botswana entry requirements vary according to nationality, passport type and current immigration rules. Any required visa or immigration fees are normally paid by the traveller.
If you are travelling with children under 18, carry the documents required by the relevant border authorities. Depending on the circumstances, this may include an original or certified birth certificate, parental consent documentation and copies of parents’ passports.
Because rules can change, check the current requirements for your nationality before travel and send your passport nationalities to us when enquiring. Do not state on the page that a birth certificate is required for every child unless that requirement has been verified for the exact border and traveller circumstances.
The dry season, generally May to October, is popular because wildlife tends to gather around the Chobe River as inland water sources decrease. September and October can offer excellent riverfront viewing, although temperatures may be high.
The green season, generally November to April, brings greener landscapes, young animals and strong birdwatching opportunities. Rain may affect road conditions and wildlife distribution, but the park remains rewarding and visitor numbers may be lower.
Families can enjoy the river cruise and game drive, but this is a long day with an early departure, border formalities and several hours of safari activity. Send the ages of all children before booking so the operator can confirm the vehicle arrangements, child rate and any age guidance.
Ready to experience Botswana from Zambia? Send your travel date, Livingstone accommodation, group size and passport nationalities. We will confirm availability, the current price, pickup time, inclusions and border information before you travel.
Request availability for your Chobe safari from Livingstone today.
TimeWhat's Happening07:00Hotel pickup in Livingstone07:00 - 08:00–08:30Drive to Kasungula Border (70km)09:00–12:30Morning game drive in Chobe National Park12:30–13:30Buffet lunch at Cresta Mowana Lodge13:40–16:00Afternoon river cruise on the Chobe River16:00–16:30Return border crossing to Zambia17:30Arrive back at your Livingstone hotelTotal duration: approximately 10 hours.
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