Chobe National Park Safari from Livingstone (2 Days/1 Night)

Chobe offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, but the dry season (May to October) generally provides the most spectacular safari experience. During these months, animals concentrate around the Chobe River as inland water sources dry up, creating incredible wildlife density. The late dry season (August-October) delivers the highest concentration of elephants and game animals, though temperatures can exceed 100°F/38°C by October. The green season (November-April) brings lush landscapes, newborn animals, and fewer tourists, creating a different but equally rewarding experience. Bird watching is exceptional during this period with numerous migratory species present. Photographers appreciate the dramatic skies and verdant backdrops. While some roads may become muddy during heavy rains, our vehicles are equipped

for these conditions. Each season offers distinct advantages, and we’re happy to discuss which might best suit your interests and preferences.

Chobe National Park boasts remarkable wildlife density and diversity, with certain sightings nearly guaranteed. The park hosts Africa’s largest elephant population (approximately 120,000), and seeing herds crossing the river or gathered along the banks is virtually assured year-round. Other commonly encountered species include buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species like impala, kudu, and waterbuck. Predator sightings—including lions, leopards, and hyenas—are possible but never guaranteed due to their elusive nature and territorial ranges. The overnight format significantly increases your chances of predator encounters, particularly during early morning game drives. Birdlife is prolific with over 450 recorded species, including fish eagles, kingfishers, bee-eaters, and numerous waterbirds. The combination of land and water-based activities provides complementary perspectives, maximizing your wildlife viewing opportunities across different habitats and times of day.

Our overnight safari offers three accommodation tiers to suit different preferences and budgets. Standard accommodations feature comfortable, clean lodges or permanent tented camps with essential amenities including en-suite bathrooms, proper beds with quality linens, and river or park views. The mid-range option provides additional comforts such as air conditioning, swimming pools, spacious rooms with sitting areas, and expanded dining options. For luxury experiences, we partner with premium properties offering spacious suites, private decks, plunge pools, gourmet dining, premium beverages, and enhanced service levels. All accommodations are carefully selected for their strategic locations along the Chobe River or near park boundaries, offering wildlife viewing opportunities directly from the property. Regardless of tier, all provide authentic African ambiance, comfortable beds, hot showers, clean facilities, and attentive service. Family options with interconnected rooms or larger units are available upon request. We recommend booking several months in advance, especially for high-season travel (July-October).

The overnight Chobe safari delivers a substantially more comprehensive experience than a day trip in several key ways. Most significantly, it provides access to four prime wildlife viewing periods instead of just two—afternoon, sunset, early morning, and mid-day—dramatically increasing your chances of diverse sightings and quality encounters. Early morning game drives, impossible on day trips, offer the best opportunities for predator sightings and hunting behavior. The overnight format eliminates the rush factor of day trips, allowing your guide to explore more remote areas of the park where fewer vehicles venture. You’ll experience the magical atmosphere of the African bush at night, including stargazing and the sounds of nocturnal wildlife. The accommodation experience itself provides cultural insights and relaxation impossible on day trips. Additionally, you’ll enjoy multiple meal experiences showcasing local cuisine rather than just a quick lunch. For photographers, the diverse lighting conditions across multiple time periods deliver superior photographic opportunities.

The safari includes all meals from lunch on day one through lunch on day two, thoughtfully planned to complement your activities and showcase local cuisine. Upon arrival in Chobe, you’ll enjoy a welcome lunch featuring a mix of international dishes and local specialties, often including fresh salads, light protein options, and traditional sides. During the afternoon river cruise, refreshments and light snacks are served. Dinner is a highlight experience, typically served outdoors (weather permitting) with options including traditionally prepared game meats, fresh fish from the Chobe River, and vegetarian alternatives. Breakfast begins early before your morning game drive with coffee, tea, and light options like pastries and fruit. Following the morning activity, a substantial brunch or late breakfast features both hot and cold options. A final lunch is provided before departure on day two. Accommodations can handle most dietary requirements with advance notice, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and religious restrictions. Bottled water is provided throughout all activities.

The Chobe National Park Overnight Safari can be an excellent family experience with some age-appropriate considerations. We generally recommend the tour for children aged 6 and older who can appreciate wildlife viewing and manage the schedule of activities. For families, we select accommodations with family-friendly facilities and often arrange private safari vehicles to allow flexibility with younger children’s attention spans and needs. The diversity of wildlife, especially the numerous elephant herds, typically captivates children of all ages. The river cruises are particularly suitable for families, providing stable viewing platforms and frequent wildlife sightings that maintain interest. Parents should note that game drives require periods of quiet and patience, and accommodations are typically unfenced, requiring supervision of children at all times. We can adjust meal times and options for younger palates. For families with teenagers, this safari offers an ideal balance of adventure and comfort. Safari guides are experienced with family groups and excel at making wildlife viewing educational and engaging for younger participants

Pack strategically for this compact adventure, focusing on essentials. Clothing should include neutral colors (khakis, olives, tans) for game drives, avoiding bright colors and white. Include lightweight, breathable shirts and pants, a light jacket or sweater for cool mornings, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and comfortable closed-toe shoes. For summer months (September-April), include quick-dry clothing, while winter months (May-August) require warmer layers for early mornings. Essential toiletries should include high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent containing DEET, personal medications, and basic first aid items. For photography, bring cameras with zoom lenses, extra batteries, sufficient memory cards, and protective dust covers. Binoculars enhance wildlife viewing, though some are available for loan. Other useful items include a headlamp or flashlight, a small backpack for day use, zip-lock bags to protect electronics, and a reusable water bottle. Swimwear is recommended as many lodges have pools. Keep luggage compact with soft-sided bags rather than hard suitcases, as storage space in safari vehicles is limited.

The overnight Chobe safari is moderately active but accessible for most travelers with average mobility and fitness levels. Game drives involve sitting in specialized safari vehicles for 3-4 hour stretches on sometimes bumpy terrain, with opportunities to stretch during wildlife viewing stops. River cruises take place on stable, covered boats with comfortable seating and minimal physical demands. Walking is limited to short distances at border posts, around the accommodation, and embarking/disembarking vehicles and boats. No hiking or trekking is involved in standard itineraries. The safari maintains a relaxed pace with ample recovery time between activities. Early mornings (typically 5:30-6:00 AM wake-up calls) can be the most challenging aspect for some travelers. The climate varies seasonally, with hot daytime temperatures possible year-round and cool mornings during winter months (May-August). Accommodations provide comfortable beds and proper facilities for rest between activities. The safari is suitable for a wide age range, from school-age children to active seniors, with modifications available for those with specific requirements when arranged in advance.

The overnight Chobe safari delivers superior photography opportunities through access to diverse lighting conditions and wildlife behaviors impossible on day trips. The golden hours—early morning and late afternoon—provide the most magical light for wildlife photography, and the overnight format gives you both periods rather than just one. Early morning game drives offer opportunities to photograph predators and their hunting behavior, typically missed on day trips. Overnight stays allow you to capture the dramatic African sunset and sunrise over the Chobe landscape and river. The extended time permits visits to different habitats and regions within the park, providing diverse backgrounds and scenarios. Evening photography from your accommodation often yields unique animal behavior not visible during daytime activities. The relaxed pace allows proper time to compose shots, experiment with settings, and wait for perfect moments rather than rushing between sightings. For serious photographers, guides can focus on positioning vehicles optimally for light and composition when not sharing with day-trippers with different priorities. Additionally, many accommodations offer charging facilities for camera equipment, ensuring you’re fully powered for each activity.