Chobe River Cruise Review: A Safari Experience Like No Other

Thinking about booking a Chobe River Cruise in Chobe National Park? Here’s my review of the Chobe River Cruise and everything you should know.

Intro

When you think of safaris, you usually think of rugged 4×4 safari trucks driving through bush and dust. But in Chobe National Park, Botswana, there’s another way to experience the wild: by boat! A Chobe River cruise offers a different perspective where you can watch animals along the water’s edge while you cruise quietly past. It’s one of the most unforgettable things I did in Botswana, and this review goes over my experience so you know what to expect.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Why the Chobe River Cruise is Special

The Chobe River is located right at the northern boundary of Chobe National Park. It is a lifeline for all the animal especially during dry season when water is more scarce. Although land safaris will give you a thrill of tracking and spotting animals through the bush, a river cruise actually gives you front-row seats to nature. The animals naturally hang around the water for hydration and to cool off where you really don’t need to put much of an effort to spot animals.

You’ll see elephants wading or cleaning themselves in the water, giraffes hydrating themselves, crocodiles sunbathing, and hippos lazing around. It will feel like you’re in the middle of their habitat (which you are) but protected by the safety of the boat.

Wildlife You’ll See from the Boat

A Chobe River cruise is one of the best opportunities to witness elephants in their natural element. You can see herds and herds of elephants crossing by, calves mudding and cleaning themselves, and see them socializing with each other. Watching the elephants in their natural element is really an amazing sight to see in person!

Amazing Elephants along Chobe River • photos by Jeanie A

However, there are other animal highlights you’ll catch:

• Hippos lazing around or feeding on grass
• Crocodile lurking on the banks or silently gliding through the water
• Giraffes drinking water in their silly but cute manner
• Incredible birdlife from myteria to cormorants

Wildlife along the River banks • photos by Jeanie A

What the Cruise is Like

The Chobe River cruise typially last 2-3 hours and can be done either in the morning, afternoon, or at sunset. Depending on the tour you book, you will either board a small motorboat with a roof-covering or a larger riverboat. Both options will offer amazing views of the river and surrounding areas, but smaller boats are able to get pretty close to the animals along the banks.

While cruising along the river, the guide will share insights about the wildlife you’re seeing and the river ecosystems. Many cruises also include refreshments, where you can use a free drink ticket to redeem for a drink, alcoholic or not.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure

1. Bring Binoculars

These will be useful to see animals up close, or even spotting animals farther away.

2. Pack Your Camera

You will get the most up-close photos of wildlife from the water, so be sure to bring a camera! If you have one, bring a zoom lens for some incredible close-up shots.

3. Wear Sunscreen and a Hat

The boats are usually covered to help shade from the sun, but further protect yourself from the harmful sun rays and wear sunscreen and a hat.

4. Choose Sunset

If you only have time to do one river cruise, opt for a near sunset one! It’s cooler, more animals are out, and you’ll get incredible golden light and colorful skies. The cruise I did began at 3:30 PM and ended around 6 PM when the sun was setting and the skies

Where to Stay near Chobe National Park

I stayed at Kwalape Safari Lodge located in Kasane near the Chobe National Park. They have luxury villas available and a nice pool with dedicated bar. Book your stay by clicking here.

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Final Words: Absolutely Worth It!

A Chobe River cruise is a completely different way to experience the African wilderness. While game drives let you chase the thrill of spotting lions or leopards, a river safari is an unforgettable safari where you can sit back, relax, and just observe nature. I hope this review encourages you to book your Chobe River Cruise.

Have you been on a Chobe River Cruise?
What was your experience like – Let me know in the comments below!