Daily costs per person in US dollars. Chobe is more affordable than most expect — day trips from Kasane with park fees, game drive, and boat safari can be done for under $80/day on a budget.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: BWP (Pula) (USD widely accepted, cards at lodges)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $11–20 | $35–80 | $150+ | Camping → lodge rooms → riverfront chalets |
| Food | $8–15 | $18–35 | $50+ | Self-catering → local restaurants → lodge dining |
| Activities | $25–40 | $45–80 | $120+ | Boat or game drive → combo → private vehicle |
| Park Fees | $10–12 | $10–12 | $10–12 | P120/person + P50/vehicle per day |
| Transport | $5–10 | $12–20 | $30+ | Shared taxi → rental → charter flight |
| Daily Total | $50–80 | $120–230 | $360+ | Budget camper → comfortable → luxury lodge |
Money-saving tips
Day trip from Kasane
You do not need to stay inside Chobe — day trips from Kasane include park entry, game drive, and boat safari for P600–900 ($45–65). Staying outside the park in Kasane is much cheaper than in-park lodges at $300–600/night.
Camp at Thebe River
Thebe River Camping Lodge in Kasane offers campsites from P150/night ($11) with hot showers, braai stands, and a riverside bar. Dorm beds are P200 ($15). It is the backpacker hub of Kasane and the cheapest base for Chobe visits.
Self-cater where possible
Buy food at Choppies or Spar in Kasane — basic supplies are affordable but imported goods are expensive. A self-cooked braai dinner costs P50–80 per person versus P150+ at a restaurant. Lodge restaurants add a significant premium.
Combine boat and game drive
Many operators offer combo packages — morning game drive plus afternoon boat safari — for P700–900 ($50–65). This is cheaper than booking separately and gives you the two quintessential Chobe experiences in one day.
Cross from Victoria Falls
If you are already in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe or Zambia), a Chobe day trip is one of the most popular excursions — operators run packages from $120–150 including transfers, park fees, game drive, boat safari, and lunch. Check reviews on TripAdvisor before booking.
Travel in the shoulder season
May and October are the bookends of the dry season — wildlife is still excellent but prices are 20–30% lower than peak season (July–September). November has the first rains and dramatic thunderstorm skies — a photographer's dream.
