Chobe National Park, Botswana

Discover the Majesty of Chobe National Park, Botswana

Welcome to an unforgettable journey through one of Africa’s most breathtaking destinations - Chobe National Park, located in the northwest of Botswana. This pristine wilderness area offers a unique blend of diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit for any nature enthusiast or adventure seeker.

Exploring Chobe National Park

Wildlife Wonders

Chobe is renowned for its vast herds of elephants, hosting Botswana’s largest elephant population. During the dry season, elephant numbers can exceed 70,000, creating spectacular river-side gatherings at the Chobe River. Other resident species include Cape buffalo, hippos, lions, leopards, and a variety of antelope such as the sable, roan, and impala. The park is also home to over 450 bird species, making it an ornithologist’s paradise.

Gateway Towns: Kasane

Kasane is the primary entry point to Chobe National Park and serves as an essential hub for visitors. This charming border town sits where Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe meet. Kasane offers basic accommodations, restaurants, and supplies for travelers. From Kasane, access to the park’s northern regions and Chobe River activities is straightforward, making it ideal for those seeking convenience alongside wilderness exploration.

Scenic Spots

  • Savuti Marsh: Known for its seasonal flooding, this marsh attracts large numbers of wildlife, particularly predators like lions and hyenas. Best visited during the wet season for abundant water and game viewing.
  • Serondela: Located along the Chobe River, this area offers excellent game viewing opportunities, including elephants coming to drink at sunset. The Serondela riverfront is particularly popular for early morning and late afternoon drives.
  • Linyanti Swamps: With its permanent water sources, the swamps support a diverse range of wildlife throughout the year, offering reliable sightings during all seasons.
  • Savuti Channel: This seasonal waterway reconnects the Savuti Marsh to the Chobe River periodically, creating unique ecosystem dynamics and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Where to Stay

Luxury Lodges

  • Chobe Game Lodge: Africa’s first and only permanent game reserve lodge, offering luxury accommodations on the banks of the Chobe River.
  • Savuti Camp: Located in a prime location overlooking the Savuti Marsh, this camp offers an authentic African safari experience.

Mid-Range Lodges

  • Kwando Lagoon Camp: Situated in the heart of the Kwando Concession, this camp provides excellent game viewing opportunities and comfortable accommodations.
  • Nogatsaa and Tchinga Camps: These twin camps offer a unique opportunity to explore the diverse habitats of the Chobe region.

Dining Delights

Meal times in Chobe National Park are as much about the experience as they are about satisfying your hunger. Most lodges offer delicious, internationally-inspired cuisine, often served al fresco under a canopy of stars. Be sure to try some local dishes like sadza (maize meal) and bobotie (a spiced meat pie).

Activities & Tips

  1. Game Drives: Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best opportunities to spot wildlife. The dry season (May to October) provides optimal viewing conditions with concentrated animal populations around water sources.

  2. Chobe River Boat Cruises: Cruising along the Chobe River is a signature Chobe experience. These sunset and sunrise cruises bring you face-to-face with elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Vessels depart regularly from Kasane, offering both leisurely observational cruises and more adventurous options. The river is the lifeblood of the park’s ecosystems during dry season months.

  3. Walking Safaris: Experienced guides lead walks through the park, providing insights into the smaller details of the African bush. Walking safaris offer perspectives impossible to gain from vehicles, including tracking skills and intimate wildlife encounters.

  4. Victoria Falls Day Trip: Many visitors combine Chobe with a day trip to Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders. The falls are located approximately 70 kilometers from Kasane, making them accessible for a day excursion or overnight visit.

  5. Savuti Exploration: The remote Savuti region offers a more rugged safari experience. Multi-day Savuti expeditions allow deeper exploration of this dramatic landscape and its predator populations, particularly lions and wild dogs.

  6. Photography Workshops: Capture the essence of Chobe’s beauty with guided photography sessions led by professional photographers, especially valuable during the golden hours.

  7. Birdwatching: Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s avian residents, from the majestic African Fish Eagle to the vibrant Lilac-breasted Roller. Over 450 species provide year-round birdwatching opportunities.