Not every visitor to Kasane wants a ten-hour safari. This game drive into Chobe National Park is the shorter, simpler option: you are collected from Kasane, driven to the park gate and taken along the riverfront roads in an open safari vehicle by a guide who knows where the herds are moving. It has a 4.5 rating from 25 reviews, which makes it one of the stronger-rated drive options out of Kasane. The riverfront is the most accessible part of the park, and in the dry season it is extraordinarily productive. Elephants gather in large numbers, often in family groups with calves, along with buffalo, giraffe, zebra, impala, puku, waterbuck and the occasional lion or leopard. Birdlife is rich, including fish eagles, saddle-billed storks and a variety of raptors. Because the trip is short, it fits easily around a river cruise, a border crossing or a flight, which makes it popular with travellers on a tight schedule, and with anyone who wants a taste of Chobe before deciding whether to commit to a longer day. A morning departure is usually the coolest and quietest choice, while an afternoon drive is better if you want to see elephants arriving at the water.
What to expect
The drive follows tracks that run close to the river, rising to higher ground where you can see across the floodplain to Namibia. Vehicles are generally open-sided with raised seats, so everyone has a view. Guides share information about animal behaviour, tracking and ecology, and they will stop for photographs. Expect dust in the dry months and mud in the wet.
Early departures offer the best light and cooler temperatures, while afternoon drives are warmer but can be excellent for elephants coming to drink. Exact duration, departure time and inclusions vary between operators, so confirm these with the operator when you book; the product name describes a game drive in Chobe National Park without specifying every detail.
Seasons
The dry months, roughly June to October, concentrate animals on the river and give the largest elephant gatherings, though that is also when the roads are busiest. From November to March the wet season brings green vegetation, newborn animals and excellent birding, but the animals are more dispersed because water is available inland. Whichever month you choose, bring a hat, sunscreen, a light jacket for early mornings, binoculars and a camera with a zoom. Park fees may or may not be included in the price, so check this in advance.
Who it suits
This is a great choice for first-time visitors, families with older children, budget-conscious travellers and anyone who wants to see Chobe without committing a whole day. Couples can combine it with a sunset cruise on the same day for a land-and-water experience at a fraction of the cost of the full-day safari. Photographers who want more time and flexibility might prefer a private vehicle, which is covered in the private full-day safari.
If you are staying at a lodge such as Chobe Safari Lodge or Cresta Mowana, the operator can usually collect you from reception. Keep in mind that game drives are about patience: even on a productive day, animals will not perform on demand, and part of the appeal is the anticipation of what is around the next bend.
What to expect
The experience
A guided game drive in an open vehicle along the Chobe riverfront roads, with pickup from Kasane and a focus on elephants and birdlife.
Best time
June to October for large elephant gatherings; November to March for green scenery, calves and birds.
How long
A few hours; confirm the exact length and departure time with the operator.
Tips
Bring a hat, binoculars and a light jacket for early mornings. Check whether park fees are included.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Short-stay visitors who want a proper game drive without a full day.
- Families
- Good for children who can sit still for a few hours; check minimum ages.
- Couples
- Pair it with a sunset cruise for a land-and-water day.
- Pair with
- A Chobe sunset cruise or the river fishing trip.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
How long is the game drive?+
It is a shorter drive, typically a few hours. Confirm the exact length and departure time with the operator.
Where does it go?+
Along the Chobe riverfront roads in the northern part of Chobe National Park, close to Kasane.
Are park fees included?+
This varies by operator, so check before you pay.
When are the most elephants?+
In the dry months, roughly June to October, when animals concentrate on the river.
Can I combine it with a cruise?+
Yes. Many visitors book a morning drive and an afternoon cruise, or choose the full-day safari that includes both.
