5 Best Tours & Things To Do In Chobe National Park (With Reviews & Prices)

Chobe National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone eager to see some of Africa’s most impressive wildlife. Known for its massive herds of elephants, lions, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species, the park offers a range of tours that cater to different interests and travel styles.

Whether you prefer a quick game drive, a scenic helicopter tour, or a boat cruise along the river, there’s something for all.

We’re particularly fond of the 3-Hour Game Drive, which offers a private, intimate experience with high chances to spot elephants and lions in their natural habitat.

If you’re looking to combine multiple experiences, the Game Drive, Lunch, and Cruise Day Trip delivers a well-rounded day of viewing water and land wildlife. For a more adrenaline-fueled adventure, the Helicopter Safari Flight provides sweeping aerial views — a spectacular way to see the park’s vast landscape in a short period.

And for those who want an all-in-one experience, the Rafting & Safari Combo combines the thrill of whitewater rapids with wildlife viewing, perfect for active travelers.

Below, we dive into each tour in detail, helping you choose the right adventure based on your interests, budget, and time.

1. Chobe National Park: 3-Hour Game Drive

At number 1, the Chobe National Park: 3-Hour Game Drive offers an excellent introduction to Botswana’s most biologically diverse park. For just $40 per person, you’ll join a private safari—meaning fewer crowds and more personalized attention.

This drive focuses on the “Land of the Giants”, where you’ll have prime opportunities to see elephants (over 50,000), lions, buffalo, and other big game species in their natural environment.

What makes this tour stand out is the chance to learn from a knowledgeable safari guide who shares insights into the park’s ecosystem and wildlife behaviors. The private nature of the drive allows you to search specifically for the animals you’re most eager to see. The short duration makes it ideal for travelers with limited time or those wanting a quick but immersive wildlife experience.

Many reviewers praise the professionalism of the guides and the abundance of wildlife sightings. With a modest price point, this tour offers great value for those seeking a concentrated, wildlife-rich experience without the big price tag.

Bottom line: For a budget-friendly, high-impact introduction to Chobe’s wildlife, this game drive is hard to beat.

2. From Victoria Falls: Chobe National Park Small Group Tour

At number 2, the From Victoria Falls: Chobe National Park Small Group Tour combines the thrill of a safari with the convenience of a full-day trip. Priced at $120 per person, it’s a bit more immersive and social than the private game drive, with a small group setting that enhances the experience.

Start your adventure with a drive from Zimbabwe into Botswana’s Chobe National Park, where you’ll explore diverse terrain teeming with wildlife. The highlight is a river cruise that offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds, with chances to see wildlife drinking or bathing along the banks.

After the cruise, a game drive provides the opportunity to spot the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—making it a comprehensive wildlife outing.

The tour is praised for its friendly guides, efficient logistics, and the variety of landscapes. It’s perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of land and water wildlife viewing without spending too much time or money.

Bottom line: Ideal for those looking for an all-in-one day trip with guided convenience and diverse wildlife encounters.

3. From Kasane: Helicopter Safari Flight (Chobe National Park)

Up at number 3, the From Kasane: Helicopter Safari Flight offers a truly unique perspective on Chobe. For $165, you’ll soar over the park’s riverfront and floodplains, taking in sights that are hard to match from the ground.

This helicopter flight is the only way to see vast areas of wildlife and landscape in a short span, maximizing your chances of spotting herds of elephants, buffalo, and possibly elusive predators.

During the flight, you’ll witness the elephants navigating their way to the Chobe River, a scene that stays with many travelers long after they land. The aerial view provides a sense of the park’s scale and diversity that’s impossible from a vehicle.

Although the reviews are mixed (a 3.3 rating), most agree this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for photography enthusiasts or anyone wanting a panoramic view of Botswana’s wilderness.

Keep in mind, helicopter tours are weather-dependent and more expensive, but for many, the view is worth every penny. If you’re short on time but want a memorable, high-impact experience, this is the way to go.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers craving a breathtaking overview of Chobe’s landscape, especially if wildlife viewing from the ground isn’t enough.

4. Chobe National Park: Game Drive, Lunch, and Cruise Day Trip

Coming in at number 4, the Game Drive, Lunch, and Cruise Day Trip offers a full-day adventure that balances water and land wildlife encounters with a relaxing meal. For $144, this trip is a great value, especially if you want to see a variety of animals and enjoy a comfortable, leisurely day.

The tour kicks off with a scenic boat cruise along the Chobe River, which is ideal for spotting hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch on the riverbank before heading out on a game drive into the park.

The game drive is your chance to see elephants, lions, zebras, and antelopes in their natural habitat, with experienced guides pointing out animal behaviors and habitats.

Many travelers appreciate the well-organized logistics and the opportunity to see water wildlife up close. The inclusion of both a boat trip and a game drive makes this tour comprehensive, especially for those who want to maximize wildlife sightings in a single day.

Bottom line: A great choice for travelers wanting a mix of water and land animals with a relaxed pace and all-inclusive feel.

5. From Livingstone & Victoria Falls: Rafting & Safari Combo

Finally, at number 5, the Rafting & Safari Combo is a high-energy package at $320, combining whitewater rafting with a safari. The rafting part takes you through Class 3-5 rapids in the Batoka Gorge, an adrenaline-pumping experience with plenty of splashes and thrills.

Afterwards, the safari continues into Chobe National Park, where you’ll have a game drive and boat safari to spot elephants, lions, hippos, and crocodiles.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind getting wet and want a full day of high-intensity activities. The combination of rapid water and wildlife makes for a memorable contrast, with sunset views over the Batoka Gorge adding to the experience.

Reviews note that the rafting is a highlight for thrill-seekers, while the game drives offer good wildlife sightings. The tour’s price reflects its all-in nature, including both extreme sports and wildlife viewing.

Bottom line: Great for active travelers seeking a mix of adrenaline and wildlife in one seamless day.

How to Choose the Right Tour

Choosing among these options depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you have. For a quick wildlife fix, the 3-Hour Game Drive offers great value. If you want a broader experience, the Day Trip with Lunch and Cruise balances water and land viewing comfortably.

For a once-in-a-lifetime perspective, the Helicopter Safari delivers spectacular aerial views, while the Rafting & Safari Combo suits thrill-seekers.

Consider your fitness level (helicopter and boat tours require less physical activity), your budget, and how much wildlife you want to see. The best time to book is during the dry season (June to October), when animals gather around water sources and sightings are more consistent.

Chobe National Park offers a range of unforgettable experiences tailored to different tastes. Whether you prefer a quick game drive, a scenic helicopter ride, or combining water sports with wildlife viewing, this park doesn’t disappoint. For best results, book early, especially during peak months, and prepare to be amazed by the sheer abundance of African wildlife right before your eyes.