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Chobe River Cruise Safari

Overview

River safari refined: wildlife encounters from Chobe’s tranquil waterways.

Begin your 7-day Botswana LuxVenture® experience with a unique perspective of the wild, aboard the luxurious Zambezi Queen, a floating boutique hotel offering unrivaled game viewing from the Chobe River. Drift past elephant herds, hippos, and birdlife while soaking in the tranquil rhythm of river life. From here, step up the pace as you venture into the heart of the Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s last true wildernesses. Enjoy thrilling game drives, scenic helicopter flights over the Delta’s mosaic landscape, guided walking safaris, and fishing expeditions, all designed to immerse you in the raw beauty and extraordinary wildlife of this iconic region.

Highlights

  • Game drives
  • Boat safari
  • Helicopter flight
  • Fishing

Destinations

Botswana

Duration
7 days
Price
FROM $850pppn - $3000pppn
When to go
All Year Round
Day-to-Day Breakdown
Start Planning

Itinerary Overview

Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.

Explore the famous Chobe National Park by luxury cruise down the Chobe River on the world famous Zambezi Queen

Day 1

Chobe River

Forming the natural border between Botswana and Namibia, the Chobe River is a lifeline for wildlife and one of Africa’s most scenic waterways. Best explored on a Chobe River cruise safari, it offers front‑row views of elephants, hippos, and crocodiles along its lush, fertile banks.

Day 2-3

Chobe National Park

Renowned for hosting one of the largest elephant populations in the world, the Chobe National Park is a safari paradise. Its diverse ecosystems, from riverfront to dry hinterland, support an extraordinary variety of wildlife and birdlife, making it the perfect complement to your Chobe River cruise safari.

Day 4-7

Okavango Delta

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, the Okavango Delta is a lush, game-rich oasis. Explore its winding waterways and floodplains by mokoro, on foot, or on a game drive for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1

Day 1

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Arrive

Kasane, Botswana

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Board

Zambezi Queen

Upon arrival at Kasane Airport, you will be met by your local guide who will transfer you to the Zambezi Queen by boat. Only in Botswana does the simple act of reaching your vessel become a safari experience in itself – the perfect introduction to your Chobe River cruise safari. The luxurious Zambezi Queen delivers a world‑class river safari on the mighty Chobe River. Designed with the discerning traveler in mind, she combines refined comfort with exceptional access to wildlife. Glide between hippos in the water, observe elephants drinking in the shallows from a privileged vantage point, relax in the spacious lounges, enjoy the onboard pool, and dine on world‑class cuisine throughout your Chobe River cruise safari.

Accommodation

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Zambezi Queen

The luxurious Zambezi Queen offers a world‑class Chobe River cruise safari along one of Africa’s most wildlife‑rich river systems. Enjoy elegant lounges, panoramic decks, an onboard swimming pool, and fine dining throughout your stay.

Experiences

While aboard the Zambezi Queen, take in close‑up sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants drinking at the water’s edge. Smaller zodiac boats enable intimate photographic safaris, creating exceptional game-viewing moments during your Chobe River cruise safari.

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 2-3

Day 2-3

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Chobe National Park

boat safari icon

Chobe river cruise

Spend the next two days immersed in your Chobe River cruise safari aboard the Zambezi Queen. The cruise covers a spectacular 25-kilometer stretch of the Chobe River, offering uninterrupted views of wildlife that is drawn to the riverbanks daily.

The vessel’s open design ensures panoramic viewing throughout your journey. Your Ker & Downey® Africa Adventurist will tailor daily activities to your interests and the season. Experiences may include land‑based game drives, water‑based safaris, fishing excursions, photographic safaris, and uninterrupted relaxation on the water, all hallmarks of a luxury Chobe River cruise safari.

Accommodation

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Zambezi Queen

The luxurious Zambezi Queen offers a world-class river safari experience on the Chobe River. The boat offers all of the amenities our guests expect: relax in the spacious lounges, enjoy the onboard pool, and dine on world-class cuisine during your stay.

Experiences

Experiences on board the Zambezi Queen include game viewing (either on land or on a smaller boat), Tiger fishing excursions, as well as photographic water and land safaris, and, of course, the ultimate relaxation aboard the boat at all times.

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 4

Day 4

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Transfer to

Okavango Delta

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Check in

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

On your fourth day, you will be driven to Kasane Airport for the short flight to the Chitabe Airstrip. It is here that you will be met and driven to the world-class Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge in the Okavango Delta.

The exclusive and refined Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is a lodge that truly allows those lucky enough to stay there to feel immersed in everything the Delta has to offer, with long wooden walkways that lead to the beautiful and serene grassy plains and waters of the Delta.

Enjoy world-class game drives and walking safaris from the lodge. There are few better escapes into Africa’s most celebrated wildlife region. Enjoy your first evening at Sandibe with an evening game drive and an exceptionally prepared dinner before retiring for the night.

Accommodation

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Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

A hideaway in the Okavango Delta, Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge features 12 luxurious suites, each kitted with a private plunge pool overlooking the Delta. The lodge is equipped with a gym, private massage sala, and log boma.

Experiences

Enjoy 4×4 game drives at dawn and dusk alongside world-class rangers in search of big game, or pull on your walking shoes and discover the Delta on foot – an experience you won’t soon forget.

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 5-6

Day 5-6

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Okavango Delta

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Scenic helicopter flight over the Delta

During your next two days’ stay at Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, you will enjoy two daily game drives, optional walking safaris and complete isolation and relaxation in the Okavango Delta.

The real highlight of your stay here, however, will definitely be your 1-hour scenic helicopter flight over the Delta, which is included in the cost of this experience.

Accommodation

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Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

A hideaway in the Okavango Delta, Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge features 12 luxurious suites, each kitted with a private plunge pool overlooking the Delta. The lodge is equipped with a gym, private massage sala, and log boma.

Experiences

Take your safari to new heights and fly over the Delta on a scenic helicopter flight. The nature of air travel ensures that you will be able to see a large range of wildlife in a variety of habitats across the Delta.

Itinerary Breakdown

Day 7

Day 7

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Departure

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Charter flight to Maun

End your Ker & Downey® Africa experience with an effortless checkout of Sandibe before a road transfer to Chitabe Airstrip, where you will take your last air transfer to Maun Airport for your onward travel home.

YOUR NEXT JOURNEY

Make this Chobe River Cruise Safari itinerary yours

Like what you see? Each and every trip we create at Ker & Downey® Africa is tailored to suit you. Get in touch with our Travel Concierge and let us create a unique adventure with experiences tailored to your precise liking.

Make an enquiry

Start planning your adventure.

Our experts are here to help.

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FAQ

Chobe River Cruise Safari

Our team of seasoned specialists share everything you need to know, from essential travel tips to thoughtful insights that ensure a seamless journey from start to finish.

/01

What is a Chobe River cruise safari?

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A Chobe River cruise safari is a unique safari experience that takes place on the Chobe River, which borders Botswana and Namibia. Guests board a luxury houseboat, such as the Zambezi Queen, and enjoy uninterrupted views of wildlife along the riverbanks while relaxing in the comfort of a floating boutique hotel.
/02

What wildlife can I expect to see on a Chobe River cruise safari?

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The Chobe River cruise safari is known for some of the best game viewing in Africa. Expect to see large herds of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, giraffes, and an array of birdlife. Predators such as lions and leopards are also commonly spotted along the riverbanks and in Chobe National Park.
/03

What makes this safari unique?

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Unlike traditional land safaris, the Chobe River cruise safari offers an immersive, river-based perspective on wildlife. The houseboat moves slowly along a 25-kilometer stretch of river, giving you ample time to take in panoramic views and spot animals at eye level, without ever leaving your luxury suite. The combination of cruising aboard a smaller and more intimate vessel, coupled with an exceptional selection of land-based excursions, makes this a well-rounded and exclusive safari option.
/04

When is the best time to visit the Chobe River?

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The best time for a Chobe River cruise safari is during the dry season (May to October), when animals are drawn to the river in large numbers, offering the most dramatic game viewing. However, the green season (November to April) brings lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities, making it ideal for photographers and bird lovers.
/05

Is a Chobe River cruise safari part of a larger itinerary?

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Yes, the Chobe River Cruise Safari is often part of a broader Botswana safari itinerary, such as the 7-day journey that includes time in Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta. This combination allows for a diverse range of landscapes, experiences, and wildlife sightings.
/06

Can I combine a Chobe River cruise safari with a trip to Victoria Falls?

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Absolutely. The Chobe River is only a short drive from Victoria Falls, making it easy to include a visit either before or after your Chobe River cruise safari. Many travelers choose to spend time at the falls engaging in activities such as helicopter rides, walking tours, and sunset cruises on the Zambezi River.
/07

What types of activities are included in a Chobe River cruise safari?

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Your Chobe River cruise safari includes:
  • Small-boat game safaris
  • Fishing excursions (including tiger fishing)
  • Guided photographic safaris
  • Birdwatching
  • Cultural village visits
  • Land-based safaris into Chobe National Park
/08

How do I book a Chobe River cruise safari?

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Booking your Chobe River cruise safari is simple with a trusted luxury safari operator like Ker & Downey® Africa. Our travel experts will handle every detail, from airport transfers and luxury lodging to river cruise arrangements and custom safari extensions. Contact our Travel Concierge to begin crafting your perfect itinerary today.
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