If you’ve ever dreamed of getting up close and personal with Africa’s legendary wildlife, let me introduce you to the Chobe Full Day Safari — an unforgettable journey through Botswana’s Chobe National Park. As a first-time safari-goer, I didn’t know what to expect. Lions? Elephants? Maybe a hippo or two? I got all that... and so much more.
It all started early in the morning with a pickup from my lodge in Livingstone, Zambia. After a smooth transfer to the Kazungula border, we crossed the mighty Zambezi River — where four countries meet: Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Just that moment alone felt like the start of something epic.
A friendly local guide greeted us on the other side and gave a quick overview of the day ahead. I could already feel the buzz of excitement.
Our first activity was a morning river safari on the Chobe River. Imagine gliding along calm waters as elephants drink just meters away, hippos grunt nearby, and crocodiles sunbathe lazily on the banks.
The highlight? Watching a massive herd of elephants cross the river — babies in tow — while a fish eagle soared above. It was surreal, like something out of a BBC wildlife documentary… except I was in it.
There were birds everywhere - kingfishers, herons, African jacanas walking on lily pads like they owned the place. And the best part? The peace. No traffic, no crowds, just nature at its wildest and most beautiful.
Riverside Lunch with a View
After the cruise, we headed to a serene lodge by the river for lunch. The buffet was delicious (yes, there were vegetarian options), and the view? Absolutely unbeatable. As I ate, I watched warthogs trot past like they were part of the staff. One even stopped to scratch its back on a tree nearby - lunch and a show!
Afternoon Game Drive: Into the Heart of Chobe
Fueled and refreshed, we jumped into an open 4x4 safari vehicle for the afternoon game drive inside Chobe National Park. The terrain shifted from riverbanks to open plains and dense woodlands — and with each turn came a new surprise.
As the sun dipped low over the savannah, we made our way back toward the border. My camera was full, but more importantly, so was my soul.
The Chobe Full Day Safari isn’t just a tour. It’s a deep, humbling reminder that there are still wild places on this Earth where nature reigns, unfiltered and untamed.