Chobe Day Trip Review: Your Adventure From Victoria Falls
Dreaming of seeing elephants, like lots of them, in their home turf, very close to Victoria Falls? A day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana could be it. That’s what I discovered recently. Specifically, a day trip that runs from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm from Victoria Falls promises a full experience, yet squeezing a safari into just one day demands to know what to expect. I had questions, you probably do too. Let’s go over my experiences so you will know more or less how it goes.
What You Should Know About Booking Your Chobe Day Trip
The tour I booked, very simply, offered pickup straight from my hotel in Victoria Falls. Convenient, that is for sure! A game drive and a boat cruise on the Chobe River were part of the offer, as well as lunch. When you are shopping, just check what is and isn’t included; it really helps you decide if the deal is a good value or not. As a matter of fact, things like park fees, drinks, or even visas sometimes are not included, so you end up paying more than you figured if you’re not careful.
The Early Morning Start and Border Crossing
The adventure starts, actually, before the sun is fully up. My pickup was set for 6:30 am, which, to be honest, felt early. Make certain you have your passport handy, or else you could face serious problems at the border. Expect a bit of a wait at the border between Zimbabwe and Botswana. I mean, that is part of crossing an international line. It really isn’t too difficult, although procedures, usually, are very dependent on the current guidelines and the nationalities involved. So too make certain you double-check visa requirements before you get there.
Game Drive Experience in Chobe National Park
Once inside Chobe, is that you almost instantly notice a change in the environment. The park has thick savanna, is that right, it looks amazing as it rolls on. The main goal of the game drive, you see, is spotting animals, of course! I got very, very lucky because I came across some of Chobe’s main animal actors. The huge herds of elephants the area is sort of known for really did not disappoint. Beyond just elephants, in some respects, I even caught sight of giraffes, zebras, and some really shy antelopes. Like your driver should, mine did, know the hot spots for different kinds of animals. And, he told me plenty about their actions and behavior as well.
Lunch and a Break in Kasane
Typically, around midday, that is to say, after the morning game drive, the tour stops in Kasane, which is almost acting as the closest town to Chobe. A buffet lunch, it seemed, was usually included at a local hotel or lodge. The food is good but fairly typical. I had salads, grilled meats, and a selection of regional dishes that all hit the spot in their way. This break allows you to unwind, very, very important, to use the restroom, that too, and just recharge a little before that river cruise.
Chobe River Cruise: A Different Perspective
After lunch, it is time for, really, my favorite part: the boat cruise on the Chobe River. The perspective switches completely, with game watching that unfolds right from the water’s edge. The river really comes alive. This, right now, is where I spotted so many elephants swimming and bathing. Crocodiles were sunning on the banks, it appeared. And so too do many kinds of birds dart about. You know, just getting pretty close to the animals without, say, being too disruptive, added one more different thing. You can do that when you’re on a boat. That is the thing about this river cruise.
The Return Trip and Final Thoughts
After the cruise, around 4:00 pm or so, there starts, really, the trip back to Victoria Falls. This consists of going back through the border post, you know, then driving you back to the lodging you are staying in. Arriving around 6:30 pm, it appears to you how really full the day has been. Is that a day trip to Chobe worth it? I would need to answer that it totally depends on what you are looking for. If time is pressing and seeing a great deal of wildlife matters more, the answer tends to be “yes”. Yet bear in mind, just the transfers and border stuff take a lot of time away from safari things.
What to Bring
- Passport and visa (if needed)
- Comfortable clothes in neutral colors
- Hat and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Camera with a good zoom lens
- Bottled water
- Snacks (optional)
FAQs About the Chobe Day Trip
Is the Chobe day trip suitable for children?
Yes, but think about the very long day and also if they have the tolerance to cope. Very small children may find it hard.
Are meals included in the tour price?
As a matter of fact, generally, lunch is. Double-check when you’re shopping though, very very important. Drinks almost are never included.
What’s the best time of year to visit Chobe for wildlife viewing?
The dry season (May to October) often is thought of as best, mainly because the animals gather around water sources, very very important to know. You will see them, in short, much easier then.
Do I need any vaccinations for Botswana?
You should always speak with your health provider as to what they suggest. You know, typically, you would like your vaccines and boosters, or you may have specific things they will tell you that you need now.
What kind of animals am I likely to see?
Expect big elephant herds. And maybe you’ll spot, as I did, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, and birds. Your own list is going to vary depending on luck and weather conditions and the day, usually.