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Border Hopping Into the Wild: A One-Day Safari at Chobe Safari Lodge, Botswana

If you’d told me this day would start before sunrise, include a border crossing, heart-pounding wildlife sightings, and end with hippos grunting beside our boat, I’d say, “Let’s go.” But the real magic? It exceeded my wildest expectations.

After drifting through the spiritual calm of Chundu Island in Zimbabwe (we didn’t sleep there—but the energy was unforgettable), I crossed over into Botswana for a soul-shaking one-day safari with Chobe Safari Lodge. And yes, it was worth every moment.

Photo by Birger Strahl
Photo by Birger Strahl

🌅 Crossing Into Botswana

Our day began before dawn at the Kazungula border. Immigration took about 30 minutes—a smooth but necessary process.

Travel Tip: If you’re traveling with children and only one parent, Botswana requires a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent, plus copies of passports and the child's unabridged birth certificate. Don’t skip this—you’ll need it to cross.


🏞 Breakfast Over the River

The moment we arrived at Chobe Safari Lodge, the promise of adventure was already in the air. Breakfast by the river—simple, warm, and infinitely nourishing—set the tone for a day I’ll never forget.

🚤 Morning River Safari

Floating on the Chobe River was otherworldly. Elephants wandered to the water’s edge; hippos grunted beneath the surface; crocodiles basked in the sun; and vibrant birds orchestrated a natural symphony. Every sight felt cinematic—and deeply humbling.


🚙 Afternoon Land Safari

After lunch, we transitioned to a traditional game drive. The landscape shifted to golden grasslands dotted with wildlife:

  • Lions lounging in the shade

  • Giraffes gliding gracefully

  • Impala in perfect harmony

  • One unforgettable moment: a herd of elephants crossing RIGHT in front of our vehicle

It wasn’t a zoo—it was their world, and we were honored spectators.


🍵 Afternoon Tea & The Ride Home

We closed with a peaceful afternoon tea—tea, fruit, pastries—and then drove back toward the border. Words felt superfluous. What I felt instead was awe. And an urgent promise to return.

By sunset, we were heading back to Zimbabwe. Nothing was the same. We had witnessed the soul of Botswana.

Photo by Birger Strahl
Photo by Birger Strahl

📌 Travel Details & Planning

Chobe Safari Lodge📍 Kasane, Botswana🌐 Website: https://underonebotswanasky.com/camps/chobe-safari-lodge.php🛶 Activities: River safari, land safari, fishing, cultural village tours🍽️ Day guests enjoy breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea


🛂 Border Crossing Checklist

  • ✅ Valid passport (6+ months validity, blank pages)

  • ✅ Child’s unabridged birth certificate (certified copy)

  • ✅ Notarized parental consent letter (download template above)

  • ✅ Copies of both parents’ passports/IDs

✨ Pro Tip: Botswana enforces this strictly. Don’t risk being turned away at the border.

🧳 Travel & Safari Tips

  • Wear neutral-colored clothes

  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water

  • Carry some cash for tips and small purchases

  • Binoculars are a great bonus

  • Respect the silence — nature speaks loudest in stillness

  • Don’t rush this day. Soak it in.


💛 Final Thoughts

This one-day safari was more than a trip—it was a soul reset. In just 24 hours, Botswana whispered truths I didn’t know I needed to hear. And yes… I’ll be back.

If you’re visiting Victoria Falls or Zimbabwe, carve out a day for Chobe. You’ll thank your soul later.


📝 1. Notarized Letter of Consent Template

Use this template to create the required parental consent letter for Botswana border crossings if you're traveling with a child and only one parent:


Affidavit of Consent for Minor Travelling Abroad


I/We, [Full Name of Non-Traveling Parent(s)], holding passport number(s) [Passport No.], and residing at [Address],am/are the legal parent(s)/guardian(s) of [Child’s Full Name], born [DD/MM/YYYY], passport number [Child’s Passport No.] (issued by [Issuing Authority] on [Date]).

I/We hereby grant permission for my/our child to travel from [Departure Date] to [Return Date] with their parent/guardian [Name of Traveling Parent or Adult], passport number [Passport No.], to Botswana and returning to [Home Country].

During the trip, the child will stay at:

  • Accommodation: [Hotel/Camp Name and Address]

  • Contact: [Phone Number], [Email Address]

I/We understand this affidavit will be sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths or Notary Public on [Date].

Signature(s) of Non-Traveling Parent(s):__________________________ (Signature)__________________________ (Printed Name)Date: ________________

Sworn before me on this day:__________________________ (Signature & Seal)Name & Title (Notary/Commissioner): ________________________Date: ________________



✅ Steps to Make It Valid:

  • Complete all fields above accurately.

  • Swear before a Commissioner of Oaths or Notary Public.

  • Attach certified copies of:

    • Child’s unabridged birth certificate

    • Non-traveling parent(s)’ passport/ID


🔗 Stay Connected

📸 Instagram: @noerosetravel🌐 Website & Blog: www.noerose.com📺 YouTube Channel: @noerosetravels

💌 Want to collaborate? Email me: noerosetravels@gmail.com

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