Chobe National Park Botswana Safaris

Chobe national park Botswana Safaris

Botswana’s Chobe National Park links the Okavango Delta to other protected areas in north-eastern Botswana and helps to safeguard vital wildlife corridors. It’s perhaps best known for its large herds of elephants, but these are just one aspect of the incredible diversity of animals and landscapes on display in this remarkable region.

Chobe national park is famous for its massive elephant populations, big herds of buffalo matched only by some large lion pride and incredible birdlife, Chobe National Park will leave an everlasting memory. Where else can you find such an amazing riverfront, with bustling wildlife, undisturbed predators, heavenly landscapes and tranquil lodges? The most accessible area of the park is the Chobe Riverfront; this is also where you will find the largest concentration of wildlife. For a more predator-rich area: head off to Linyanti Marshes. Or nourish your soul in the remote Savuti area. Wherever you go in this park, wildlife encounters are plentiful and all of Chobe feels like true wilderness. It is a place that can be enjoyed by everyone: couples, families and seasoned Africa travelers deemed wildlife enthusiasts.

Chobe’s wildlife diversity

Chobe’s wildlife across the entire park. When the dry season begins, large herds of elephant and buffalo seek the permanent waters of the Chobe and Linyanti Rivers. Imagine thousands of them, coming sometimes all the way from Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. All year round, Chobe’s big game includes zebra, impala, baboon, blue wildebeest, kudu, giraffe, warthog and Vervet monkey. Lions and the spotted hyena are very common; together they are the dominant predators, bringing you spectacular encounters with big buffalo herds. The riverfront is the hotspot to see hippo, crocodile and the slightly odd, black-throated monitor (the second-longest lizard of Africa).

And, although seen less, the incredible cheetah, leopard and Africa’s rare wild dog roam the Chobe area frequently. Your guide will keep an eye out for these unique animals: seeing them in their natural environment is an unforgettable experience. If you are very lucky, you might even spot the rarely seen, white rhino. Reintroduced in Botswana in 2001, they are spreading gradually. So, a wandering rhino might turn up! nocturnal animals emerge, such as bush babies (adorable fluffy animals with big eyes), African wildcats and honey badgers.

Birdlife in Chobe National Park

With over 450 bird, species fish eagles and African skimmers. Stay on the lookout for bee-eaters, hammerkops and wire-tailed swallows. Also, the borders of the islands and Chobe floodplains are where you want to be: storks, geese, herons and many, many plovers. Unusual, but definitely worth seeking are the rufous bellied and white-backed night herons, with their long beaks and elegant crest.

Top activities in Chobe National Park Botswana

The dramatic, diverse landscapes and prolific wildlife of Chobe can be explored and encountered on foot, by vehicle or by boat. Experienced local guides add rich layers of detail and interpretation, or you can opt to self-drive in many parts of the National Park.

Game Drives

Chobe Game drives are the number one way to experience the Kasane and the Chobe National Park, custom-built 4×4 safari vehicles. They have open sides which promise exceptional views of the wildlife for the guests.

Boat Cruises

Sunset boat cruises offer superb opportunities to view the wildlife on the banks of the river, with herds of elephant splashing their way across providing an unforgettable spectacle. The calls of African fish eagles provide a unique soundtrack.

Photographic Safaris

Capture every moment of your Chobe experience, with professional wildlife photographers available to teach you the tricks of the trade.

Fishing

Fishing trips on the Chobe River are easily organized with an experienced guide and gear provided. The waters teem with game fish species, including the ferocious tiger fish.

Guided Walking Safaris

Walking safaris in Africa provide for some of the most dramatic activities and sightings on any safaris, and there are a number of wilderness areas around Africa where walking is offered. Up until a few years ago, Botswana was not on “the list” of popular walking safari destinations but in recent years more and more visitors to the country are choosing this activity.

Bush Walking Safari

Most lodges outside the national parks and reserves offer walking as an activity in the morning and afternoon where guests get the opportunity to see the things, they would not see on a regular game drive. The chance of getting close to animals on foot is also a big attraction of these walking safaris.

Walking with the San bushmen

The San Bushmen peoples are the original inhabitants of the wilderness areas of Botswana and they share an almost spiritual relationship with the earth and one of the many attractions of a safari in Botswana is the opportunity to spend time on foot with these fascinating individuals.

Overnight Walking Trails

Aside from the walking activities offered at the lodges the traditional walking safaris over a couple of days are becoming very popular in Botswana, with a number of areas offering outings of three days or more. The Selinda region and the Okavango are the best options for walking safaris and the guides who lead the walks are some of the best in the business.

Mobile camping Safaris

For the ultimate adventure holiday, a mobile safari ticks all the boxes. Small, intimate camps in remote areas ensure the very best African wilderness experiences. On a mobile safari, your camp and staff travel with you to pristine locations.

Chobe houseboats

Chobe houseboats offer a great alternative to lodge and guesthouse accommodation in and around Chobe national park. Instead of staying inside the Chobe park or in the town of Kasane. You can select some Chobe houseboat options. These are entirely inclusive packages. The houseboats are on the Chobe River.

Chobe accommodation

You will mostly find private lodges and tented camp accommodation inside the Chobe National Park. Chobe waterfront area near Kasane is the most popular area within the Chobe National Park. Due to its easy accessibility many people combine a few nights in Chobe with a few days in Victoria falls Kasane has lodges priced at all ends of the market: from the luxurious Sanctuary Chobe chilwero and Chobe game lodge to basic overland camp sites on the banks of the Chobe River!

The Great Plains Conservation has a few intimate camps in the remote reaches of Chobe, including Zarafa camp, Selinda Explorers Camp.

Best time to visit Chobe national park

The Chobe riverfront in Northern Botswana can be considered an all year-round safari destination but is at its peak in the dry months from June through to October. This peak coincides with large numbers of game concentrating on the riverfront due to water drying up in the hinterland. As the season wears on the vegetation close to the River takes a hammering, making it easier to spot game. The Chobe River during the dry season is known for attracting thousands of Elephants, a spectacle generally believed to be the largest Elephant concentration in Africa.

The rainy season, mostly beginning in November, brings a lush green look to the area. The game disperses across the Northern Botswana wilderness during this time but good sightings can still be had along the riverfront. The rainy season is the best time for birding.