2 Day one night chobe safaris

Travelers eager to see Africa’s Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalo, and more—without spending weeks on safari often turn to options like this two-day, one-night adventure in Botswana’s Chobe National Park. While based out of Victoria Falls, this tour immerses you in the heart of one of Africa’s most famous wildlife areas, offering a mix of game drives, boat safaris, and camping under the stars.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, you get a chance to see a diverse array of wildlife right in their natural habitat, from majestic elephants to crocodiles basking on riverbanks. Second, the combination of land and water safaris enriches the experience—giving you a broader view of the ecosystem.

A possible consideration? The tour involves early mornings and long drives, which might be tiring if you’re not used to such schedules. Also, the group nature of the trip means you’ll share the experience with others, which isn’t everyone’s preference.

This tour suits those who want a short but immersive wildlife experience without spending a fortune or taking a longer safari. If you’re staying in Victoria Falls and crave a genuine taste of Botswana’s national treasure, this might just be your ticket.

This experience made our article of Which Botswana Tours & Things To Do To Choose? Our Best 16 Picks.

Key Points

• Wildlife Abundance: Expect sightings of lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and more.
• Full-Day Activities: Includes game drives, a boat cruise, and camping in the park.
• All-Inclusive Value: Price covers transfers, meals, and activities, offering good value.
• Close Animal Encounters: Be prepared to be near hyenas, crocodiles, hippos, and other wild animals.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Authentic Experience: Camping overnight offers a raw, close-to-nature adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Details of the Chobe Safari Adventure

We’ll take you through what you can expect, step by step, to help you decide if this quick Botswana safari deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Starting Out: Victoria Falls to Botswana

The adventure kicks off bright and early at 7 am in Victoria Falls. This timing is key—early mornings tend to be when wildlife is most active and visible, so you’ll want to be ready for the day ahead. The transfer to Botswana begins at the Kazungula border, where you are greeted with a briefing on safety and regional information—an important step that sets the tone for your trip, especially if you’re unfamiliar with border crossings or safari etiquette.

The First Game Drive

By 9:30 am, you’ll embark on a three-hour game drive in Chobe National Park. This is your chance to see iconic African wildlife—elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalos, and perhaps even some hyenas. The guides, experienced and knowledgeable, will help you spot animals and understand their behaviors, adding a layer of insight to the visual feast.

One reviewer appreciated the close encounters, noting, “We loved the way we could see elephants and lions in their natural environment, just a few meters from the vehicle.” Having a small group and a dedicated guide helps make these moments feel more personal and less rushed.

Lunch and a Cruise

After the morning drive, a buffet lunch is provided, typically at a local hotel. This break gives you a chance to relax and recharge before heading out on the three-hour boat cruise on the Chobe River. You’ll glide past crocodiles and hippos, often with elephants gathering at the water’s edge—a truly scenic and peaceful experience.

People consistently mention the beauty of the river views and the up-close wildlife encounters. One guest remarked, “Seeing hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat, just feet from the boat, was a real highlight.” The boat cruise is a perfect complement to the land safari, offering perspectives that the open land can’t provide.

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Camping in the Park

Late afternoon sees you setting up camp within the park boundaries. Sleeping overnight in Chobe National Park is a highlight for many travelers seeking a more authentic, raw adventure. The experience of camping amidst the sounds of the wild—perhaps hearing hyenas at night—can be both exhilarating and a little outside your comfort zone.

Dinner is included, and with no walls separating you from the natural world, you’ll get a real sense of what it’s like to be a part of the environment. As one reviewer put it, “Camping here makes you feel like a true explorer, surrounded by nature’s sounds and sights.”

The Second Day: More Game Viewing

The next day begins early with a morning game drive, giving you another chance to spot animals when they are most active. After a mid-morning break, you’ll enjoy a bush lunch, which is an experience in itself—eating in the wilderness, often with wildlife nearby, elevates the sense of adventure.

In the afternoon, you’ll go out for a final game drive before heading back to the border around 4 pm. The trip concludes with your transfer back to Victoria Falls, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a camera full of wildlife photos.

What’s Included and What to Budget For

For $350 per person, this tour offers a package that covers most essentials:

• Transfers from Victoria Falls and to the border
• Game drives (morning and afternoon)
• Lunch both days (buffet and bush-style)
• Boat cruise on the Chobe River
• Overnight camping, including dinner
• All regional safety briefings and information

Note that drinks during lunch on the first day aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget for beverages if you’re interested in drinks beyond water.

What’s not included? Extra meals, souvenirs, or personal expenses. The cost is quite reasonable considering the activities and accommodation, and reviews suggest it offers good value for the visibility of wildlife and the authentic experience.

Transportation and Group Size

You’ll be transported in a comfortable vehicle suited for game viewing, and the trip is arranged for small groups—making the experience more intimate and flexible. The flexibility to reserve and pay later, plus the ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, adds convenience for planning.

Authenticity and Experience Quality

Travelers often comment on the authenticity of camping as a major highlight. Sleeping close to nature—hearing wildlife in the night, waking up to the sounds of elephants and birds—offers something you can’t get in a lodge.

Guides tend to be well-informed, helping you interpret what you see and making sure wildlife sightings are maximized. The boat cruise and game drives are designed to give you varied perspectives on the landscape and animals, which is key to a fulfilling safari.

Real Guest Feedback

One reviewer summed it up: “This tour gave us a taste of Botswana’s wildlife in a short time, and the guides made us feel safe and well-informed.” Others appreciated the value for money, especially given the inclusion of camping, meals, and multiple safari activities.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This safari is perfect for travelers already staying in Victoria Falls who want a quick, affordable safari experience. It suits those who:

• Love wildlife and want to maximize sightings within a short time
• Are comfortable with early mornings and camping
• Seek an authentic, closer-to-nature adventure
• Prefer a structured, all-in-one package with minimal planning hassle

However, if you’re looking for luxury accommodations or a more leisurely pace, this might feel a bit rustic. Also, if you prefer private or smaller, more exclusive safaris, you may want to explore other options.

This 2-day, 1-night Chobe safari from Victoria Falls offers a compelling mix of land and water wildlife viewing, with the added thrill of camping in the wilderness. It provides a well-rounded experience—game drives, a river cruise, and nights beneath the stars—all at a reasonable price. For those wanting to see Botswana’s famous animals without investing in a long, costly safari, this tour hits the right notes.

It’s an excellent choice for adventurous travelers eager to experience Africa’s wild heart firsthand, especially if they’re comfortable with basic camping and early mornings. It’s also a smart option for anyone short on time who still wants a genuine wildlife adventure.

If your goal is to get close to elephants, lions, and hippos in their natural habitat while enjoying the camaraderie of a small group, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, families with adventurous kids who are comfortable with early starts, camping, and wildlife sightings should find this experience enjoyable.

Do I need to bring my own camping gear?
The tour description doesn’t specify, but since it mentions camping, it’s best to check with the provider whether equipment is supplied or if you need to bring your own.

How many people are typically in a group?
While the exact group size isn’t specified, the experience is designed for small groups, enhancing the chance for personalized wildlife viewing.

What should I wear for the game drives?
Neutral-colored, comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity, along with sun protection and binoculars if you have them.

Are drinks included during the safari activities?
No, drinks during lunch on the first day are not included, so plan to bring or purchase beverages separately.

Is this tour available year-round?
While not specified, safaris generally depend on weather and wildlife activity, so it’s best to check with the provider for seasonal availability.

What’s the best way to prepare for overnight camping?
Bring essentials like a flashlight, insect repellent, and any personal comfort items. Expect basic camping facilities, so pack accordingly.

Can I customize this tour?
Since booking is flexible with “reserve and pay later,” you might contact the provider to inquire about customization options or special requests.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering good flexibility if your plans change.

In all, this tour offers a well-balanced, authentic glimpse into Botswana’s wilderness that’s perfect for those short on time but eager for a genuine safari experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby