← Victoria Falls Marathon·2 nights

Chobe by River and Road from Victoria Falls

One recovery day in town, then a long seated day trip into Botswana with a river cruise and a game drive, back in your own bed.

Duration2 nights
TransitShared operator transfers through Kazungula, returning to the same hotel
DepartsYour Victoria Falls hotel

After the Victoria Falls Marathon: Chobe by River and Road

The Route: Victoria Falls hotel (night 1) → Rest day → Chobe day trip → Same hotel (night 2) → Victoria Falls Airport Logistics: Keep your room for both nights. Take your passport on the Chobe day. Marathon Month: July Duration: 2 nights

Victoria Falls hotel (night 1) ── rest day ──> Chobe day trip (about 10 to 11 hrs)
                                                         │
                  Victoria Falls Airport <── Hotel (night 2) <──┘

Do not book the Chobe trip for the day after the race. It runs for 10 to 11 hours, and on the Monday your legs will wish for fewer hours and fewer vehicles. Give the first day to rest and put the long outing on the second.

July in Victoria Falls: the dry winter. Mornings are cool and the afternoon is warm. On the river and in an open vehicle the early hours can be cold, so bring a fleece and a hat.

Night One: Rest

Stay where you ran from. A hotel that offers a late breakfast and a lazy afternoon is worth more than a new location. N1 Hotel and Shearwater Explorers Village are verified central options, and Ilala Lodge has a restaurant with published meal hours. Walk only to the pool.

Day Two: Chobe

Shearwater describes its Chobe day trip as roughly 10 to 11 hours with shared transfers through Kazungula, a three-hour river cruise and lunch, then a three-hour game drive. Most of that is sitting down, but there are border formalities and vehicle steps, and you cannot leave early. Ask whether the vehicles have step assistance and whether a lighter version is offered.

You need your passport. FCDO quotes the KAZA Univisa at US$50 for 30 days across Zimbabwe and Zambia, with Botswana day trips, subject to availability and eligibility. An overnight stay in Botswana is a separate matter and should not be assumed covered, which is why this trip returns to your room each evening. Check what your own visa allows with the operator before paying.

Night Two

Keep the same room. It saves you packing twice, and the hotel can hold your bags if you check out early.

Getting Home

Victoria Falls International Airport is about 25 minutes from the Victoria Falls Hotel by vehicle, according to the hotel, and your own hotel can quote its own time. Book a transfer, give it a margin, and leave the Chobe day well clear of any flight.