Chobe Safari Cost Breakdown: Budget, Mid-Range & Luxury

A Chobe safari can cost anything from USD 100 to USD 2,500 per person per day, depending on how you travel. This guide breaks down realistic costs across three travel styles — budget, mid-range and luxury — and explains what's actually included at each level. Prices are 2026 rates for international visitors, in USD unless stated.

The Three Cost Categories

• Budget: USD 100-200 per person per day. Self-drive camping, backpacker guesthouses in Kasane, day-trip activities.
• Mid-range: USD 350-700 per person per day. Good mid-market lodges on the Riverfront, guided boat cruises and game drives, fly-in to Savuti.
• Luxury: USD 900-2,500 per person per day. Premium lodges in Linyanti or top Riverfront properties, all-inclusive fly-in packages.

Budget Safari: from USD 100-200 per person per day

For travellers who are comfortable camping, self-driving, or staying in basic guesthouses.

Accommodation

• Ihaha, Savuti or Linyanti DWNP campsite: from USD 50-70 per person per night.
• Kasane backpacker or guesthouse: from USD  80 per person per night (Chobe Safari Lodge campsite, Thebe River Safaris campsite).
• Self-catering units in Kasane from USD 100 per night.

Activities

• Shared boat cruise (3 hours): from USD 50 per person
• Shared game drive (morning or afternoon) from USD 50 per person

Park Fees + Logistics

• Park entry.
• Food self-catered: USD 15 – 25 per person per day from Kasane supermarkets.
• 4×4 hire from estimate USD 350 per day.

Mid-Range Safari: from USD 350 – 700 per person per day

The sweet spot for most international visitors. Real safari lodge experience, all activities included, no need to self-cater or self-drive.

Accommodation

• Mid-range Chobe Riverfront lodges estimate USD 350 – 700 per person sharing per night (Jackalberry Chobe Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Chobe Elephant Camp).
• Houseboats (Zambezi Queen, Chobe Princess)

What's Normally Included

• Full board — breakfast, lunch, dinner.
• Two guided activities per day (morning game drive + afternoon boat cruise is the typical pairing on the Riverfront).
• Park fees at some lodges.
• Airport transfers from Kasane.

What's Normally Excluded

• Alcoholic drinks (USD 4-15 per drink).
• Gratuities.
• Optional activities — photographic boats, village tours, extra game drives.
• Comprehensive personal and travel insurance

Luxury Safari: from USD 900 – 2500 per person per day

Premium lodges in the Savuti and Linyanti areas, top-end Riverfront properties, specialist guides. This is the "Out of Africa" experience.

Accommodation

• Top Riverfront lodges (Chobe Chilwero, Chobe Game Lodge)
• Savuti lodges (Savute Safari Lodge, Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge)

What's Included

• All meals, all drinks.
• All activities — game drives, boat cruises.

Hidden Costs People Forget

• Gratuities: USD 20-30 per person per day for lodge staff collectively; USD 10-15 per person per day for your guide; extra for transfers and boat crews. Budget USD 200-400 for gratuities on a 7-day trip.
• Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover.
• Malaria prophylaxis + vaccines 
• Airport departure taxes: typically included in ticket price but check.
• Laundry at cheaper lodges: USD 5-15 per bag.
• Border-crossing fees if side-tripping to Zambia or Zimbabwe: estimate USD 50-100 per person.

Plan Your Budget

Once you've locked in your travel style and budget, the next steps are accommodation, activities and getting there. Browse accommodation options, look at boat cruises and game drives, and check our how to get to Chobe page for flight and transfer costs. For multi-region itineraries see Kasane vs Savuti vs Linyanti.