2 Day 1 Night Chobe Safari ex Livingstone/Victoria Falls

If you’re looking to add a touch of adventure to your trip between Livingstone or Victoria Falls and Botswana, this Chobe National Park overnight tour offers an authentic wildlife experience that’s hard to beat. It’s a chance to see elephants, lions, hippos, and many other animals in their natural environment, all while camping under the vast African sky.

Designed for small groups, this tour emphasizes personalized attention and immersive experiences, making it a popular choice among travelers seeking genuine encounters rather than just staged safaris.

We particularly appreciate the small-group setting, which means more time with your guide and fewer crowds. Plus, the combination of game drives and boat cruises offers a well-rounded view of the park’s diverse ecosystem. On the flip side, camping in a tent with no fence around you might not suit everyone—if comfort and privacy are your priorities, this could be a consideration.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers ready to embrace the outdoors and keen to witness Africa’s wildlife firsthand.

This experience made our article of The 12 Most Popular Tours & Things To Do In Kasane.

Key Points

• Authentic wildlife encounters through game drives and river cruises
• Small-group tours for more personalized attention
• Camping under the stars provides an immersive experience
• Well-organized itinerary with culinary inclusions (meals included)
• Convenient pickup options from Kasane, Victoria Falls, or Livingstone
• Knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: From Border to Bush – Game Drives and a River Cruise

Your adventure begins early, with pickups around 7:00 AM from Livingstone or Victoria Falls. The 7:30 AM meet-and-greet at Kazungula Border Post is straightforward, especially if you’ve already arranged your border crossing. From there, it’s a short 15-minute drive to Kalahari Holiday Tours, where you’ll register and enjoy a light breakfast. Think muffins, scones, fresh fruit, and hot drinks—fuel for the exciting day ahead.

The first activity at 9:30 AM is a boat cruise on the Chobe River, renowned for its close-up views of elephants and hippos. This cruise is a particular highlight, as it offers a different perspective—watching animals quench their thirst or socialize along the water’s edge. Many reviews mention how stunning this experience is, with one guest noting, “Camping under the stars surrounded by Africa’s wildlife and hearing them was amazing.”

After the cruise, you’ll enjoy lunch at Coffee Buzz around 12:30 PM, giving a nice break before heading into the park for your afternoon game drive. The drive, which begins around 1:30 PM, takes you deeper into Chobe National Park, famous for its impressive herds of elephants and diverse wildlife. You’ll make your way to camp by late afternoon, arriving around 6:30 PM. The evening is spent settling into your tent, sharing a hearty dinner, and listening to the sounds of the bush—an experience many find both thrilling and humbling.

Day 2: More Wildlife, More Memories

The next day starts with an early continental breakfast at 6:00 AM, followed by another game drive at 6:30 AM. This is when the light is often best for viewing animals, and the quiet mornings in the bush are a special time. Expect to see animals on the move, and keep your camera ready. After roughly three hours, you’ll return to camp for brunch, which is served depending on how many sightings and sightings guides have made. The afternoon features another game drive starting around 1:00 PM, giving you ample chances to spot animals in different parts of the park.

The tour wraps up around 4:30 PM with a drop-off at the border, where your transport awaits to take you back to Livingstone or Victoria Falls, or to any facility nearby in Kasane. This schedule allows travelers to maximize wildlife viewing while minimizing downtime.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s cost of $390 per person reflects good value, considering all meals are included—dinner, breakfast, and lunch—plus the multiple game drives, boat cruise, and camping experience. That said, drinks like soft drinks and alcohol are not included, so pack your favorites if you want a drink while relaxing after a long day. Also, you’ll need to cover any visa fees and personal items such as toiletries or towels.

The tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness—you’ll be on your feet during game drives and comfortably seated in vehicles, but walking or strenuous activity isn’t a part of the schedule.

How the Experience Looks Through Past Travelers’ Eyes

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, with one reviewer calling Sam “the best safari guide in Chobe and beyond.” The guides’ insights and local expertise add a lot of value, making the wildlife sightings even more memorable. Many mention the stunning views and the thrill of seeing animals so close, especially during the river cruise.

One guest summed it up perfectly, saying, “Camping under the stars surrounded by Africa’s wildlife and hearing them was amazing,” highlighting the authentic, immersive nature of this experience. Others appreciated the small group size, noting how it allowed for more interaction with the guide and a less crowded, more intimate adventure.

The Value Proposition

At $390, this tour offers a comprehensive package—multiple game drives, a boat cruise, three meals, and overnight camping—all organized for you. The value lies not just in the sightings but in the quality of the experience: expert guiding, the thrill of sleeping out in the bush, and the chance to witness Africa’s wildlife up close. It’s a fair price for an adventure that packs in so much, especially considering the convenience of pickups and organized logistics.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who’re eager to see Africa’s wildlife in a natural setting without the fuss of luxury accommodation. It’s perfect for those who enjoy camping, small-group adventures, and immersive outdoor experiences. If you’re comfortable with outdoor sleeping and want to connect with nature, this safari is a fantastic choice.

However, if you prioritize high comfort levels or have mobility issues, you might find the tent camping and early mornings a bit challenging. Still, for the adventurous at heart, it’s a memorable way to get closer to the wild.

This 2-day, 1-night safari in Chobe National Park offers a genuine taste of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes. The combination of game drives, river cruises, and camping creates a well-rounded adventure that appeals to travelers looking for authenticity and excitement. The guides are highly praised for their knowledge, and the chance to sleep under the vast African sky is a rare, memorable highlight.

While it’s not a luxury experience, the value for money is clear—you’re paying for intimate encounters, expert guidance, and the thrill of being in the wild. It’s ideal for those ready to embrace outdoor living and eager to see some of the continent’s most iconic animals, all in the company of a small, friendly group.

If you love wildlife, outdoor adventure, and authentic experiences, this tour is a solid choice—and one you’ll likely remember for a lifetime.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Pickups start at 7:00 AM, so plan to be ready a little earlier to avoid delays.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins with pickup from Livingstone, Victoria Falls, or nearby facilities in Kasane, and ends back at the border or your chosen drop-off point.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, ensuring you’re well-fed between game drives and cruises.

What should I bring?
While not explicitly listed, it’s wise to bring essentials like a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera. A towel and toiletries are personal items not included.

Is this tour suitable for children or all ages?
The tour is designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness, but it doesn’t specify age restrictions. Check with the provider if traveling with children.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start date, giving flexibility to accommodate your plans.

Do I need a visa to join this tour?
Visa fees are not included, so ensure you have any required visas before crossing the border—this is your responsibility.

This safari combines adventure, wildlife, and the magic of camping in Africa’s wild heart. Fully organized and highly rated, it offers a practical yet unforgettable way to experience Chobe National Park.