On Safari in Botswana - Chobe National Park
10days from
£3,605*per person
Overview
On Safari in Botswana – Chobe National Park
Itinerary
- Fly to Zimbabwe - Board your overnight flight to Zimbabwe in southern Africa.
- Arrive in Victoria Falls and sunset cruise - Late this morning, you’ll land at Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe and be transferred to Chobe Safari Lodge, positioned on the banks of the Chobe River and close to the famed Chobe National Park, Botswana’s first reserve. This park is named after its river that lines the northern Kalahari Desert, guaranteeing a high game density and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. You can settle into your room, perhaps enjoying a first lunch with a view of the river (on your own account) and a dip in the swimming pool. In the evening, you’ll board a double-decker boat and cruise along the Chobe River as the sun begins to set. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings along the lush bank while the boat gently navigates its way, and the sky transforms into shades of pink and orange. You can sip on an iced beverage and tuck into some snacks as large herds of buffalo and hippos play in the waters below before your first dinner, perhaps under the stars.
- Included morning game drive and afternoon at leisure - Rise early this morning and head out on your first morning game drive deep in the Chobe National Park. As the sun begins to rise and the open savannah comes to life, watch the impalas, zebras, and giraffes grazing in the golden hue. With an expert ranger at the helm, you’ll learn about the park’s unique ecosystems and seek out animals like the elusive painted dogs or pride of lions before pausing for a coffee and rusk break underneath the trees. You’ll then return to the lodge for breakfast and the rest of the morning will be free to relax. Perhaps opt for a spa treatment before lunch and one of the lodge’s optional activities in the afternoon. Choose to venture over to Impalila Island, in neighbouring Namibia, on a short boat ride across the Chobe River with a local resident and experience a tour of an authentic village. Dinner will be served back at the lodge, with the option to dine near the bush.
- Optional morning activity and included afternoon game drive - Watch as the sun rises on the deck this morning before breakfast or join the other travellers for a morning activity at the lodge. A photographic boat cruise allows you to take snaps of the wildlife on the banks using your own camera equipment. Under the guidance of a knowledgeable expert, you’ll be taken to the perfect spots to capture nature at its most beautiful. The specialised photography boat is custom-designed with 360-degree revolving chairs and adjustable gimble rig swivels, meaning there will be no obstructions. After you’ve enjoyed lunch at your leisure, perhaps at the lodge or in the nearby town of Kasane, you’ll head out on an afternoon game drive. From the 4x4 open-air vehicle, observe as sable herds, antelope and warthog scurry through the ancient woodlands or lounge in thick grass. Return to the lodge for dinner this evening, at a location for your choosing.
- Included river cruise and optional activity - Another early morning start sees you board a cruise on the Chobe River to explore the elephant capital and navigate the many waterways, home to hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and various bird species, like African fish eagles, kingfishers, and storks. During these cooler, more peaceful hours, the animals are likely to be more active, so you’re guaranteed exceptional sightings. As you make your way, your guide will point out the inhabitants showcased by the soft lighting. Back at the lodge, you’ll have breakfast and a free morning to unwind, perhaps with a spa treatment. Alternatively, you can choose an optional excursion like catching tigerfish on the river. Whether you’re an amateur angler or a fishing pro, this activity with a professional guide takes you to some of the favoured local fishing holes and feeding spots, where these predator fish frequent. You’ll also learn to practice an ethical catch-and-release policy. Enjoy dinner, perhaps at the lodge’s main restaurant.
- Included visit to Victoria Falls and Victoria Falls town - Watch the sunrise from the deck, have breakfast and travel to the nearby borders of Zimbabwe for a day out in the town of Victoria Falls. Named after one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls is a major tourist hub with an assortment of restaurants, shops, and activities for visitors. You’ll have the morning and afternoon free to wander around at your own pace. Entrance to the falls is included but you may wish to hire a local guide to follow in the footsteps of the explorer, David Livingstone, who was the first European to see the falls in 1855. The falls themselves make up a part of Victoria Falls National Park, which stretches along the Zambezi River. Spanning the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is named after Queen Victoria and was originally called Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means ‘The smoke that thunders’. Packing a raincoat or waterproof poncho is highly recommended! You can meander along the trails fringing the falls and pause at the incredible viewpoints to take photographs and experience the powerful sounds and massive sprays up close. Look out for the Devil’s Pool on the Zambian side, a natural pool at the edge of the falls and Victoria Falls Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe. Baboons, monkeys, and a variety of bird species can also be seen in the surrounding rainforest. Lunch can be enjoyed on your own account in the town and a coach will collect you in the late afternoon to take you back to the lodge for dinner.
- Optional boat cruise tour to Kazungula Bridge and included afternoon game safari - Sip on a coffee while on the deck and eat breakfast this morning. You can then choose to head to Kazungula Bridge, which connects Botswana and Zambia. This is the only place in the world where the corners of four nations come together (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana) and the two mighty rivers become one (Zambezi and Chobe River). As you gently glide across the waters, your guide will tell you about how this international quadripoint came to be. After lunch in the afternoon, you’ll head out on a game drive as dusk falls across the park and an abundance of wildlife emerges from the wilderness in the cooler temperature. With game viewing complete, you’ll reach a scenic viewpoint and celebrate another day of a successful safari with a sundowner in the heart of the bush. Return to the lodge for dinner, with the opportunity to dine under the open sky.
- Included morning game drive, afternoon at leisure and farewell dinner cruise - Begin the day with a morning game drive, hopefully seeking out any of the animals left on your wish-list or more of the elephant population. Watch as herds of gazelle forage amongst the grass, warthogs pursue breakfast, and giraffes graze on the acacia trees. Your guide will also keep an eye out for signs of predator activity, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of a lion or leopard. Take a break for coffee and rusks under the trees while listening to the birds then head back to the lodge for breakfast and a free morning, perhaps spent by the swimming pool. This afternoon will also be yours for the embracing, with a chance to choose from the optional activities. The Chobe Safari Lodge grounds are perfect for those interested in birdwatching, so you can grab a checklist and a pair of binoculars for a walk around the area (there are more than 450 bird species in Chobe National Park). Tonight, a final farewell dinner cruise along the Chobe River will be enjoyed with your new-found friends.
- Morning at leisure and flight back to the UK - It’s your last morning, and you can choose to take advantage of it by partaking in an early morning activity at the lodge. You’ll then be transferred to the Victoria Falls airport in the late afternoon.
- Arrive back in the UK - Touch back down in the UK after your African adventure. Please note: The local guide reserves the right to move days or activities around if needed, depending on weather and wildlife sightings.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Experience morning and afternoon game drives in the Chobe National Park, home to the largest concentration of elephants in Africa
- Embrace the comfort and service of a timeless safari lodge set right on the banks of the Chobe River
- Set off on a sunset cruise down the Chobe River aboard a double-decker boat with a drink in hand
- Spot a wealth of wildlife and birdlife, from the ground hornbill to the African fish eagle, during a morning cruise along the Chobe River
- Discover the charming town of Victoria Falls and its famous, imposing natural spectacle of the same name, or Mosi-oa-Tunya
- Choose from an assortment of optional activities like a guided fishing excursion, a photography boat cruise, and visit to a Namibian village
- Optional visit to Kazungula Bridge, where four nations converge and two mighty rivers merge
Our Price Includes
- Seven nights’ half-board accommodation at the four-star Chobe Safari Lodge, Botswana, plus two nights on the aircraft
- Seven breakfasts and seven dinners, including a farewell river cruise dinner
- Two morning game drives in the Chobe National Park
- Two afternoon game drives in the Chobe National Park with a drink and snacks
- Sunset cruise on the Chobe River
- Morning cruise on the Chobe River
- Visit to Victoria Falls town (entrance fee to the falls is included)
- Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel on transfers and comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle throughout the excursions
- Fully escorted by a friendly, knowledgeable tour manager and wildlife specialist
The Metro Travel Experience
Extraordinary travel and memories of a lifetime.
60+ Holiday Types
500+ Destinations
364,000+ Customers
Request a Callback
Dates and Prices
Accommodation
Chobe Safari Lodge, Botswana -
Positioned on the banks of the Chobe River and just a 10-minute walk from the wildlife-rich Chobe National Park, this thatched resort dates back to 1959 and promises an authentic safari getaway with a beautiful backdrop. Facilities & Amenities The property is built around a palm-thatched open-air restaurant with a shaded terrace that looks out over the river. Guests can enjoy sundowners and post-dinner drinks at one of the two bars. There's also an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by loungers, a souvenir shop, and a spa specialising in indigenous African ingredients. A range of activities are available at the lodge, including game drives, fishing trips, and river cruises. Rooms Open-plan guestrooms are spread throughout the bush with light, neural designs, TVs, mini-bars, tea/coffee-making facilities, safes, mosquito nets and free Wi-F.
Chobe Safari Lodge, Botswana -
Positioned on the banks of the Chobe River and just a 10-minute walk from the wildlife-rich Chobe National Park, this thatched resort dates back to 1959 and promises an authentic safari getaway with a beautiful backdrop.
Facilities & Amenities
The property is built around a palm-thatched open-air restaurant with a shaded terrace that looks out over the river. Guests can enjoy sundowners and post-dinner drinks at one of the two bars. There's also an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by loungers, a souvenir shop, and a spa specialising in indigenous African ingredients. A range of activities are available at the lodge, including game drives, fishing trips, and river cruises.Other Information
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 1.5 hours.
Special considerations
When packing for a safari, it's important to keep in mind that you'll be travelling in areas where the terrain may be rough and the weather unpredictable. Therefore, it's essential to pack practical and comfortable clothing suitable for the climate, including sturdy walking shoes or boots, light layers for warm days, and warmer layers for chilly nights.
It's also worth noting that many safari vehicles have limited storage space, so it's best to use soft luggage such as duffel bags or backpacks instead of hard-shell suitcases, which can be difficult to fit into the vehicle.
In addition to clothing, it's important to bring sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as insect repellent and medication for any specific health needs. Finally, don't forget to pack a good camera and binoculars to capture all the incredible wildlife sightings!
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Game drive restrictions
Children under the age of six are not allowed on the game drives. Babysitting services and a children's programme are available (at additional cost and subject to availability).
Passports and Visas
For British citizens, your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry into the country and have at least six blank pages.
A visa is required to obtain entry to Zimbabwe. You'll need to purchase two visas for your holiday, both of which can be purchased whilst on tour.
The first visa required is a double entry Zimbabwe visa, which can be obtained upon arrival in Victoria Falls. You'll then require a single entry visa on day nine, for the journey back to Victoria Falls airport.
If travelling with children aged under 18 years old, you'll need to bring an unabridged birth certificate for each child. This is a requirement for the border crossing into Botswana. Any parent not present must sign an affidavit giving their consent for the child to travel. For more information contact the Botswana High Commission in the UK.
Optional excursions
Optional excursions for this tour are only available to book in person at your safari lodge. Each excursion is payable in US Dollars, local Pula currency or using a credit card.
Holiday code
N2708Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTOT 5509, ATOL 2325, ABTA V7812), you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.