Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park in northern Botswana is one of the best safari destinations in Southern Africa due to its number of elephants and large predator populations. Chobe is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566km². There are currently around 120,000 elephants!

Beyond elephants, Chobe boasts a high concentration of buffalo, lions, leopards, hippos, and crocodiles. Plus a variety of other plains game and predators. The Savuti region, in particular, is known for its dramatic predator action.

Unlike many other safari destinations, Chobe offers fantastic water based safaris (and Okavango Delta). Cruising along the Chobe River in a motorboat provides a unique perspective for viewing wildlife. Especially animals and birds that frequent the riverbanks. Many of the boats are becoming solar powered to reduce their carbon footprint. This means you can approach the wildlife silently.

Due to it’s close proximity to Zimbabwe and Zambia, it is possible to visit Victoria Falls for the day from Chobe.

Skip to Chobe National Park Accommodation, or Chobe National Park Tours

The park is divided into four distinctly different ecosystems: Serondela, Savuti Marsh, Linyanti Swamps, and the Dry Hinterland.

Serondela

Serondela with its lush plains and dense teak forests is situated in the extreme northeast of the Chobe National Park. The Chobe River is a prime drinking spot for elephants and buffalo. Serondela is the most visited section of Chobe due to its close proximity to Kasane and Victoria Falls.

Savuti Marsh

Savuti Marsh in the western stretch of the park is about fifty kilometers north of Mababe gate. It is often described as one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Africa today. Animals are present during all seasons. And at certain times of the year, their numbers can be staggering.

The Savuti Marsh area of Chobe National Park is reputed for its annual migration of zebras* and predators. Particularly its resident lions and spotted hyena populations. Sometimes you will have them uncomfortably close. As both they and marauding hyenas wander through the camps. Almost certainly you will hear lions at night.

*The migration moves through Savuti in two distinct stages as the herds follow the seasonal rains:
Southbound Journey (November to December): Thousands of zebras leave the drying northern waterways and Chobe floodplains, passing through the Savuti Marsh and into the deep Kalahari woodland.

Northbound Return (March to May): As the dry season approaches, the herds retrace their steps, returning north toward the permanent waters of the Linyanti and Chobe rivers.

Naturally, this is an incredible time to witness intense predator-prey action, as large prides of lions and other predators frequently follow the migration.

Linyanti Swamps

Linyanti Swamps is in the furthest corner of Chobe National Park (to the north of Savuti) and is secluded and uncrowded. It is reminiscent of the Okavango Delta’s permanent waterways with papyrus-lined lagoons, reed beds, and a towering canopy of trees. The Linyanti Swamp covers an area of almost 900 km2. Which follows the river and fills the area between the converging courses of the Kwando and Linyanti rivers. The national park only touches the river for a short section on the far eastern edge of the swamp.

The wildlife is plentiful. Especially in the dry winter months when great concentrations of elephant, buffalo, and zebra congregate along the river. With giraffes, impalas, and roan antelope being seen in the forests. The birdlife is diverse; if not overwhelming in its numbers. Waterbirds, including pelicans, are common.
Game viewing is at its best during the dry season; when the majority of natural pans have dried up.

Dry Hinterland

Dry Hinterland (central pans) lies between Linyanti and Savuti Marshes. It is hot and dry and little known.

Activities around Chobe National Park

There is so much to do in this area and we have given further details for Birding safaris but here are a few other things to do:

Chobe National Park Game Drives

Game drives in the Chobe National Park are a highlight of this region. This is what safaris are all about! Usually in open 4×4 safari vehicles that offer little restrictions between you and the wildlife. The drivers of the vehicles are amazing at getting you to the best spot to get that best sighting.
Usually departing in the early morning and later in the afternoon to avoid the midday sun. It is also the best time to catch the animals out in the open.

Chobe National Park Boat Safaris

Chobe boat safaris allow you to get up close to herds of game that come to the river to drink and graze on the sweet grass. These include many elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and other plains games. If you are lucky you may even see Leopards or lions! The hippo is also ever present. Though you usually only see their minute ears and large heads sticking out of the water. They do sometimes venture out too. And when you see their size, you will be amazed at how they seem to float in the water!

Also, you will see many species of birds. Over 460 recorded bird species are found in Chobe, so a highlight for all ornithologists. Have a look at our Botswana Birding Safari page for more information.

Usually, boat safaris are done in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day. This is also a great time for photographers to get the best photos on the Chobe River.

Chobe National Park Photographic Safari

The Chobe is one of the best wildlife photography destinations in Southern Africa. There is something for all photographers here. Whether professional or wanting to learn how to take the best wildlife shots. You don’t even have to bring your own camera to some of our specialist photographic safari operators. There’s a budding photographer in us all!

Chobe National Park Hot Air Balloon Safari

CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE

A hot air balloon safari in the Chobe area is a fantastic experience. Drift over herds of elephants or lions chasing their prey! Take off is just before sunrise. As the hot air balloon drifts across the African savanna, the sun starts to break the horizon. And the spectacle of the sights and sounds of the wildlife below begins. A flight of approximately an hour has you skimming across the treetops. Perfect for game viewing, and ascending into the blue skies of Botswana for a panoramic view of the vast untouched wilderness below. The traditional celebrations with champagne are held in the bush, toasting this age old adventure.
Operates daily from the 1st of May to the 15th of September yearly. It is advisable to pre-book as limited space.
We only book the Hot Air Balloon flight when you book your accommodation with us.

Cultural Namibian Village Tour

Visit a traditional village on the Namibian side of the Chobe River where you will learn about the cultures and traditions. The people of this village provide income for their families through traditional fishing methods as well as livestock.

Chobe Fishing Safari

Hook a tiger fish; or one of the many bream species; as you explore mile upon mile of the rivers in Chobe National Park.

The tiger fish is world renowned for its fierce fighting capabilities. Therefore has earned the reputation of being one of the world’s toughest freshwater fish to subdue. A true acrobat; taking long runs, throwing its body out of the water; shaking its head endlessly trying to dislodge any hook that comes into contact with its bony jaws.

June until August is probably the best time to fish for tiger fish in the Chobe/Zambezi Rivers. This is when the wet and rainy season is ending and the waters begin to clear which means young baitfish begin to venture away from the smaller streams to the main channels.

Besides tigers; there’s an amazing array of ‘bream’ species, catfish, African pike, upper Zambezi yellow fish, Nembwe, thin-faced, humpback, three spot tilapia, and green and pink bream. All of which also attract anglers to the region.

It’s not only about the fishing. Being located in such a diverse and rich habitat means you can spot curious elephants gazing at you as you ready your tackle. Hungry crocodiles could be floating mischievously. As skittish antelope gather on the banks for an early morning drink of water. Surrounded by the distinctive call of the African Fish Eagle. In fact, it is probably the most scenic fishing you will ever do!

This is not very common in other fishing areas, which is what makes fishing in the Chobe area so special. Book a special birthday or family holiday incorporating this to make for special bonding moments.

When is the best time for a Chobe National Park safari?

Dry Season (May – October)

The dry season is the most popular time for a Chobe safari with peak wildlife viewing. This is Botswana’s winter so days are clear and sunny. While the early mornings and evenings get cool. The lack of rain at this time of year means there are fewer mosquitoes.

As the landscape dries out, animals congregate along the Chobe River and other permanent water sources. This makes it an excellent time to witness huge herds of elephants and buffalo. As well as predators like lions, leopards, and wild dogs.

Temperatures start to get hotter from September and October.

Bear in mind, this is the peak tourist season, so lodges are usually more expensive. The Chobe River can become very busy taking away from the experience. Some lodges flip activities around to avoid the busiest times. The lodges outside of the main Kasane area are ideal at this time. You’ll need to book well in advance.

Green Season (November – March)

The landscape is transformed into a lush, vibrant wonderland by the rains. As there is more water around, animals are more spread out. Although you can still have excellent sightings. This is the birthing season for many animals, so you’ll see a lot of newborn wildlife. It’s also the best time for bird watching, as migratory species arrive in huge numbers.

The scenery is stunning for photography, and the dramatic afternoon thunderstorms can be a beautiful sight. Lodges are less crowded, often offering lower rates.

There is a higher risk of rain and a greater risk of malaria during this time. Therefore, precautions are necessary. The heat and humidity can be intense.

The Shoulder Months (April, May & November)

These months offer a great compromise if you want to avoid the peak season crowds while still enjoying good game viewing.

April & May:
The rains have subsided, the landscape is still green and beautiful, and the air is clear. Wildlife is beginning to gather around water sources, and there are fewer tourists.

November:
This month marks the transition from dry to wet. The anticipation for the rains is palpable, and it’s a very exciting time to be in the park. A chance of the first dramatic thunderstorms.

Getting to Chobe National Park

Fly from the Okavango Delta or Johannesburg to Kasane. All Chobe lodges are accessible from there. Alternatively; Kasane is a mere 90 minute drive from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe or Zambia). This makes it the perfect safari add-on for those with limited time. There are also possibilities from Windhoek (Namibia); so please do check with us.

Get in touch with us to plan your Chobe safari now.

Chobe Accommodation

There is a wide range of accommodation in Chobe National Park. From large lodges to small tented camps (glamping) and houseboats. Offering travelers from all corners of the world accommodation that is suited to the unique safari experience they are after.

Sleep in a remote under canvas mobile safari camp. With only the walls of your tent separating you from the unrefined marvels of Botswana. Or stay in one of the luxury lodges on the Chobe River.

If it is your honeymoon, see our Chobe Honeymoon Offers.

We have listed some of the best Chobe accommodation options here. If you don’t find a specific lodge, please just let us know and we can quote for any Chobe accommodation.

Chobe Tours

These are our Chobe National Park tours.

Other Botswana safari destinations