Looking out for lions returning from the hunt at sunrise and getting eye-level with a herd of elephants at the river’s edge are just two of the pinch-me moments you can look forward to on this two-day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Staying overnight in a hotel on the banks of the Chobe River puts you at the heart of the action for two bites of the safari cherry. You’ll take an afternoon boat safari to see wildlife emerge from their siestas, then wake early for a pre-dawn 4x4 safari for the best chance of seeing animals at their most active.
You’ll be picked up from Kasane Airport and driven to your hotel overlooking the river. As the midday heat eases, you’ll set sail from Kasane at the northern tip of Botswana along the Chobe River. Animals flock to the lush riverbanks, and it’s highly likely you’ll see families of elephants drinking and splashing alongside the boat. Keep your camera ready for grunting hippos, sunbathing Nile crocodiles and diving fish eagles before raising a sundowner to a golden sunset.
Beat the sunrise the next morning as you head into Chobe National Park in an open 4x4 safari truck – it’s the best time to spot wildlife finishing up their night’s adventures. Your expert guide will read the tracks, searching for lions returning from the hunt, elusive leopards and packs of African wild dogs. In the morning light, you’re likely to see herds of Cape buffalo, sable antelope and towers of giraffe browsing the acacia trees. There’s coffee and snacks to keep you going before you’re whisked back to your hotel for breakfast, check-out and a shuttle transfer to the airport.
