Visiting Botswana’s Chobe National Park and thinking about booking an experience with Chobezi? Check out my review of Chobezi based on my experience on their Two Day / One Night Trip.
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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Intro: Chobezi Review
Chobezi offers an exceptional safari experience for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the African wilderness. If you’re thinking about booking a tour experience with Chobezi then I would high recommend you book! The Chobezi guides’ knowledge and professionalism and the exciting safari experiences will create memories you will never forget, and you’ll leave wanting to come back. In this review, I’ll go over my experience of the Two Day / One Night camping experience with Chobezi.
Check out everything Chobezi offers at their website: chobezi.com
Location
The Chobezi activities and campsite are located within Chobe National Park in Botswana. It is accessible via the city of Kasane, a short drive from the campsite. You can reach Kasane by a few airports: Kasane international airport in Kasane, the Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe, or the Livingston Airport in Zambia. The airports in Zimbabwe and Zambia will require passport/visa for border crossing into Botswana. However, these locations may be ideal in case your African adventure also visits these locations.
I had landed at Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe and explored this area before heading to Kasane Botswana. At the end of my Kasane trip, I was returned to Victoria Falls airport to conclude my time in this area. I suggest checking your own flight options, prices, and itinerary to determine what makes most sense for you.
My Chobezi Experience
My experience with Chobezi was booked by another tour company who had contracted Chobezi for the Two Day / One Night camping experience. Because of this, the order of activities we did differed from the Chobezi site’s listed itinerary for a Two Day / One Night experience.
That being said, all the activities are identical which includes exciting game drives, a relaxing river cruise, and a thrilling night tent-camping under the stars. So even though my itinerary differs from the site, this review still speaks volumes about the guides’ services, included activities, and the overall experience you will receive with Chobezi. Continue reading for my Chobezi review based on my experience during my visit to Chobe National Park in Botswana.
Before heading on your safari adventure, make sure you bring the right items and check out my Safari Essentials: Top 15 Items to Bring on African Safari.
Day 1: Botswana Entry & Afternoon Game Drive
Day 1: Entry into Botswana at the Zimbabwe Border
My Two Day / One Night experience with Chobezi began with pick up at the ZImbabwe-Botswana border in the early afternoon. With passports handy, my group had to wait in line for ~15-20 minutes to be seen by an immigrations officer. Once it was our turn, it was smooth and easy to get through.
During my visit to Botswana, we did have to disinfect and sanitize all our shoes before entering any further. All you have to do is step on a mat that is drenched with solution, or just dip the soles of unworn shoes. This is done to prevent from spreading diseases from other countries that may spread to the wildlife into Botswana.
If you are crossing a border into Botswana, then I advise to keep all your shoes in an easily accessible spot. I had a pair of shoes buried in my luggage, so it would have been nice to have them in a bag to easily take out and put back in.
Arrival at lodge for Luggage Drop Off
At the Safari Lodge, we pack a smaller bag or tote of just the essentials you need for two days and one night camping. Then we leave our luggage with the safari lodge luggage storage that we will retrieve the next day. We had about an hour to do this and relax before you head out on our first activity. During this time, we enjoyed the safari lodge’s bar with some cold beverages for purchase, including alcohol.
Afternoon Game Drive
Then when it was time, we boarded the safari trucks for the afternoon game drive. I really enjoyed the ride to Chobe National Park. Riding in open-air trucks on the roads feel so nice and refreshing in the heat!
Once you arrive at Chobe National Park, you’ll immediately feel immersed in the African wilderness surrounded by trees and bush.
Entering Chobe National Park in Chobezi safari trucks
The afternoon game drive was AMAZING! I had just done safaris in Zimbabwe’s Zambezi National Park and South Africa’s Kruger National Park, but Chobe National Park was on a whole other level. There was literally wildlife every stop we went!! We saw herds of elephants, towers of giraffes, and a pride of lions even passed right by our safari truck! Not to mention the lazing hippos, sleeping lions, and tons of birds! All of this in just one game drive was mind-blowing. Then about half-way through, we stopped for a snack break which consisted of chips and beverages. a good pick-me-up mid-game dive.
Throughout the entire game drive, our driver/guide knew exactly where to go and drive by to maximize our wildlife viewing opportunities. Not only that but he provided awesome facts about the wildlife we were seeing around us. Additionally, even with wild animals being just a few feet from our truck, I also felt completely safe as our guide observed the behaviors of the nearby animals. Truly a fantastic safari experience.
Towards the end of the afternoon game drive, we stopped at an breathtaking view where the sun was a beautiful magenta color and lions walking just underneath it. Today’s experience was just the beginning of my Chobezi trip that already earns a 5-star review in my book.
Although it did not take too much effort to spot wildlife in Chobe National Park, you should still check out my post Ultimate Safari Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Safari Adventure to enhance your wildlife spotting skills.
The amazing wildlife we saw during our afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park with Chobezi
Night 1: Chobezi Camping
After our amazing afternoon game drive, we then headed to the Chobezi camp site. We arrived around 6:45 PM in the evening still in awe of all the wildlife we just saw. Next I’ll review the Chobezi camping which is an entirely unique experience in itself!
The Campsite
The campsite is located within the Chobe National Park, and during my visit, I had stayed at a tent site in their canvas tents. This is definitely for the more adventurous since it offers an authentic camping experience.
The campsite has a row of tents, a dining area that consists of a canopy-covered long table and chairs, a couple of enclosed bathroom toilet bins, and a campfire area for nights. For one night in nature, it has the bare necessities to make you feel as comfortable as you can while camping.
Additionally, the campsite also has no fences meaning it is literally in the animals’ natural habitat. Because of this, it’s possible that wild animals could enter and walk around the campsite, and even maybe up to your tent, at their leisure. This may be a bit terrifying at night, especially if you scare easily since you may hear footsteps or sounds around your tent, making it hard to sleep or relax. I, however, did not hear nearby animals nor had any issues falling asleep.
During the day, there also weren’t any animals roaming in our campsite either although it would’ve been neat if they did! During my stay, we only spot bugs/critters around the campsite. Regardless, camping in one of Chobezi’s campsite tents was such a unique experience, I’d definitely do it again!!
Chobezi campsite at dusk and dawn
Camping Tents
The camping tents fit two cots, have two mesh windows and a door (each can close up for privacy), and each comes with a lantern, a wash basin (for the mornings), and a bucket for middle of the night “emergencies”. Camping in the tent allows you to sleep under the stars, truly immersed deep in the African wilderness. Amazing.
Bathroom Situation
There is no true bathroom facility at my campsite, but there is a “flushable” toilet bin (no plumbing). It is essentially a bin with a toilet seat, and the flushing mechanism will release some water into the top basin, and flush the contents into a bottom basin. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer is provided in each bathroom “tent”, but feel free to bring more hand sanitizer or hand wipes if you desire extra cleanliness. The toilet is covered up by walls and has an open roof and lantern for night time.
Once it is bedtime, then you retreat into your tents, which is equipped with one bucket. This bucket is meant to be used for any middle-of-the-night “emergencies”. Don’t be shy to use it, because it is either go in the bucket, or face the open darkness of the African wilderness, where animals can be lurking farther than your flashlight can reach.
Food
Snacks Warning
since the campsite is in the wilderness, the guides will ask for all open snacks so that they can store them somewhere safe. If there are any open snacks (especially smelly ones) in your tent, it may attract wild animals and they may attempt to get into tents. So be honest and surrender your snacks for your safety. Your snacks are given back to you the next day.
Meals
The staff will provide all meals during your stay. The breakfast includes coffee, tea, and pastries. Lunches were packed and enjoyed during a game drive and consisted of a sandwich, chips, and several beverage options. The dinner was served in buffet style with numerous options for you to choose from. I can’t recall what all the food dishes were but they were all delicious! They also had vegetarian options.
Entertainment
Don’t expect WIFI or good service while out in nature! There was no WIFI and we entertained ourselves with the company of the staff, our guides, and other fellow travelers. At night, the staff will light the campfire where you can hang around the fire and share stories and chat with other campers and the guides. They have beer and wine that you can drink and enjoy.
Electricity
There are no power outlets in the tents, so be sure to bring your own portable charger or power bank. As mentioned there is a provided lantern in each tent you can use around the campsite. I also brought my own mini flashlight that also helped walking around at night. At night they will light the campfire which will provide ample light to the surrounding area as well.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Boat Safari
Morning Game Drive
The next morning, you’ll wake up early with warm water being poured into your tent-side wash basins. These are meant to be used to wash your face or use to brush your teeth with. Then a light breakfast is provided that includes coffee, tea and light pastries. After you eat and packed up, then you leave for your morning game drive.
The morning game drive was almost just as active as the afternoon game drive the day before. We even had one of the most thrilling experiences where we accidentally drove into the middle of a herd of elephants crossing our road! The elephants walked right by and up to our safari truck that struck our entire truck in awe of how large these gentle beasts were. There also was a young bull who sized up right in front of our truck that gave us a neat scare, but ended up to be just a warning that they were passing through,
We saw jackals and more lions who seemed to have just woken up from the night, and with them were a couple of adorable young cubs. We also witnessed a baby cub feeding from its mother, something you don’t see every in any zoo!
Wildlife we spotted on the morning game drive with Chobezi
Lunch Break
After our amazing morning game drive, we went back to the same safari lodge where we left our luggage in storage. Here, we took a break from the day’s activities and had lunch at the lodge’s restaurant. For lunch, I chose the steak and fries, which was delicious! This relaxing stop at the lodge was much-needed after a morning full of wildlife and excitement.
River Cruise Boat Safari
The last activity of the Chobezi Two Day / One Night trip that I’ll review is the Chobe river cruise. This activity started with pickup from the lodge where we head to the Chobe River within Chobe National Park. We board our boat and head down the river to get a better viewing of all the wildlife that congregate around this water source. Again, we saw so much wildlife that Botswana easily became my favorite wildlife-spotting region. There is wildlife literally every where you look!
We saw more herds of elephants, hippos out and about, frightening crocodiles sunbathing, and tons more birds! We interestingly did see a deceased young elephant which we believe the crocs were eating, but that’s nature for ya. The boat moved at a nice medium pace through the waters where you don’t feel any motion-sickness (in case you are prone to it). It does slow down around the wildlife of course to not frighten them and to be able to get a closer look still at a safe distance.
Onboard the boat, there are drinks you can get where we actually were able to redeem 1 free beverage! I opted for a nice cold beer to enjoy on the waters. Throughout the entire cruise, the guide provide more fun and interesting facts about the animals we’re seeing and of the surrounding areas. The cruise ends right around 6 PM in the evening, where the sun is beginning to set and the skies turn to incredible colors.
The wildlife around Chobe River during the river cruise with Chobezi
Chobezi Tour Guide Review
All the Chobezi guides and drivers deserve a 5-star review! They were both professional and humorous, and took care of our needs when we needed it. Not only that but they were a wealth of knowledge, providing fun and interesting facts about the surrounding lands and of the wildlife we were seeing.
Final Words
Chobezi, based in Botswana, offers an exceptional safari experience with the thrill of being in one of Africa’s most iconic national parks. Enjoy game drives, a river cruise boat safari, and a night under the stars with Chobezi. I hope my review of Chobezi urges you to book an experience as they will provide a perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Chobe National Park. Bon Voyage!
