Your Ultimate Guide To Botswana’s Chobe National Park.
Wondering if Chobe National Park should be on your African safari bucket list? Home to over 120,000 elephants—the highest concentration in Africa—Chobe offers wildlife viewing experiences that rival any destination on the continent, with spectacular river safaris and game drives providing up-close encounters with lions, hippos, buffalo, and hundreds of bird species.
Located in northern Botswana this park is easily accessible yet delivers an authentic wilderness experience across its four distinct ecosystems.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Chobe National Park, from the best time to visit and accommodation options to wildlife highlights and practical tips for planning your journey.
Whether you’re considering a quick 2-day visit or an extended safari adventure, Chobe’s extraordinary elephant herds, predator sightings, and breath-taking river landscapes promise memories that will last a lifetime.
About Chobe National Park
Nestled in the northern reaches of Botswana, Chobe National Park stands as the country’s first national park and one of Africa’s true wildlife sanctuaries.
Established in 1967, this magnificent reserve spans over 11,700 square kilometres of diverse landscapes and ecosystems. What makes Chobe truly exceptional is its extraordinary elephant population. I think the only other place I saw this many elephants was Addo National Park in South Africa.
These gentle giants, along with countless other species including buffalo, antelope, lions, and over 450 bird species, roam freely across the park’s vast expanses.
As the Chobe River winds its way along the northern boundary, it creates a vital lifeline that attracts wildlife in large numbers, especially during the dry season.
Chobe National Park’s story begins in the 1930s when the area was first designated as a wildlife reserve, eventually gaining national park status in 1967. The park occupies a strategic position in northern Botswana, bordered by the Chobe River in the north and sharing boundaries with Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia—making it a crucial part of the larger transfrontier conservation area.
What makes Chobe particularly fascinating is its division into distinct ecological regions, each offering unique wildlife experiences.
The Serondela area (also known as the Chobe Riverfront) teems with wildlife concentrated around the water source.
The Savuti Marsh, fed by the enigmatic Savuti Channel which has mysteriously dried and flowed throughout history, is renowned for predator sightings and large bull elephants.
The Linyanti Swamps in the northwest feature papyrus-lined waterways and riverine forests, while the dry hinterland between Linyanti and Savuti provides a stark contrast with its parched landscape coming alive after rains.
Conservation efforts in Chobe have been largely successful, with strict anti-poaching measures and sustainable tourism practices helping wildlife populations thrive despite challenges like human-wildlife conflict along the park’s periphery.
Best Time to Visit Chobe National Park
Timing your visit to Chobe National Park can dramatically shape your safari experience.
The dry season, spanning May through October, offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities as animals congregate around the Chobe River and remaining water sources.
During these months, especially August and September, the vegetation thins out significantly, improving visibility and creating spectacular scenes of elephant herds hundreds-strong gathering at the riverfront.
Temperatures are mild during winter (June-August) with cool nights and pleasant days, while September and October bring intense heat that pushes even more wildlife toward water.
The wet season (November-April) transforms the landscape into a lush green paradise. Though wildlife disperses with the abundance of water, this period offers its own rewards: newborn animals, dramatic thunderstorms, fewer tourists, lower accommodation rates, and exceptional bird watching as migratory species arrive in their full breeding plumage.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the clear air after rains and dramatic cloud formations.
Consider your priorities—if witnessing the extraordinary concentration of elephants and other game around the Chobe River is your goal, the dry season is unbeatable, while those seeking a more holistic ecological experience might prefer the emerald season’s vibrant landscapes.
Getting To Chobe National Park
Reaching Chobe National Park is relatively straightforward despite its remote location. Most international visitors fly into Kasane Airport, which receives daily flights from Johannesburg, South Africa, as well as connections from Gaborone (Botswana’s capital) and Maun (gateway to the Okavango Delta).
Kasane town sits just outside the park’s northeastern entrance, making it an ideal base for exploration. Alternatively, adventurous travellers can access Chobe as part of a multi-country safari through the nearby borders with Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia.
This is the way I did Botswana and I loved it. Spending a long period of time on overland trucks is a skill for sure, but it is an amazing way to see Africa.
Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is just 80 kilometres east, allowing for easy combination trips. There are more than a few tours that will allow you to see Chobe National Park as a day tour from Vic Falls. Honestly – while a few days might be nice, the animals in Chobe are in large numbers so you can get a great experience in just a day.
Vic Falls Chobe Day Tours
Within the park, navigation options vary by region—the riverfront area is accessible by standard vehicles, while the more remote Savuti and Linyanti sectors require 4WD vehicles, especially during the rainy season when roads can become challenging.
Self-driving offers flexibility for experienced safari-goers, but first-time visitors often benefit from guided tours with knowledgeable local experts who understand animal movements and behaviour.
Many lodges offer inclusive packages with transfers from Kasane Airport and guided game drives, simplifying the logistics while enhancing the wildlife experience through professional interpretation.
Accommodation Options
Chobe National Park caters to all types of travellers with a diverse range of accommodation options. Along the riverfront, luxury lodges like Chobe Game Lodge (the only permanent accommodation inside the park boundaries) and Chobe River Lodge offer high-end experiences with panoramic river views, gourmet dining, swimming pools, and expert-guided activities.
These exclusive properties, though pricey, deliver unforgettable experiences with their prime locations and all-inclusive packages.
In Kasane and its surroundings, mid-range options like Travelodge Kasane provide excellent value with comfortable rooms, restaurant facilities, and activity centres where you can book game drives and boat cruises.
Budget-conscious travelers can opt for guesthouses in Kasane or the government-operated camping sites within the park at Ihaha and Savuti, which offer basic facilities including ablution blocks with hot water, though you’ll need to bring all camping equipment and supplies.
Perhaps the most unique accommodation experience in Chobe is spending nights aboard a houseboat on the Chobe River, such as the Zambezi Queen or Chobe Princess, where you’ll drift along the water, watching elephants bathe and hippos surface from your floating hotel.
Check out Chobe Houseboat’s website for info on booking.
Regardless of your choice, booking well in advance is essential, particularly for the peak dry season months when facilities fill quickly.
Safari Experiences
The diversity of safari activities available in Chobe National Park sets it apart from many other African wildlife destinations. Game drives remain the classic way to explore, with early morning departures capturing predators on their final hunts before the heat sets in, and afternoon drives extending into early evening when animals become active again.
However, Chobe’s signature experience is undoubtedly the river safari—a boat cruise along the Chobe River offering close encounters with elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and countless water birds from a unique vantage point.
These water-based safaris are especially magical during sunset when elephants cross the river in golden light, creating postcard-perfect photographic opportunities.
For photography enthusiasts, specialized photographic boats equipped with swivel seats and camera mounts are available through operators like Pangolin Photo Safaris, ensuring you capture those National Geographic-worthy shots.
In certain areas, walking safaris accompanied by armed professional guides offer an intimate, ground-level perspective on the ecosystem.
For a truly comprehensive experience, combine these activities over a 3-4 day stay: dawn game drives in the Serondela area, midday relaxation at your accommodation, afternoon river cruises, and perhaps a full-day excursion to the different ecosystem of Savuti if time permits.
Day Tours and River Safaris From Kasane
While many of the African animal adventures and safaris I’ve done do require multiple days to make the most of the area, Chobe is one of the places where one day can be enough. The animals are plentiful, the operators know their stuff and you can quite successfully see heaps in a day.
I usually use a tour booking agency for these as they offer things like free cancellation for a lot of tours and they are a great point of contact if anything isn’t exactly how you imagined. I’ve only every had one tour go pretty pear shaped in the last few years and the agency sorted it quick smart. Check out all these day tours and river options from Kasane that might suit you.
Wildlife Encounters
Chobe National Park delivers wildlife encounters of extraordinary scale and diversity, headlined by its famous elephant population. These magnificent creatures gather in breathtaking numbers along the Chobe River, particularly during the dry season when herds of 500+ individuals can be observed.
Watching them swim across the river with only their trunks visible above water, or seeing tiny calves sheltered within the protective circle of adults, creates lifetime memories.
The park’s predator action is equally impressive—lions are frequently spotted along the riverfront and in Savuti, where prides have historically specialized in hunting elephants and buffalo.
Leopards lurk in the riparian forests, while wild dogs make seasonal appearances, their coordinated hunts representing one of Africa’s most thrilling wildlife spectacles.
The floodplains support massive herds of buffalo, sometimes thousands strong, alongside waterbuck, lechwe, and the distinctive Puku antelope found nowhere else in Botswana.
Hippos and crocodiles dominate the waterways, while giraffes browse among the riverside acacias. Birdlife is spectacular year-round but peaks during the wet season when migrants arrive—look for African fish eagles perched regally above the water, colorful carmine bee-eaters nesting in riverbanks, and the extraordinary African skimmer with its unique lower mandible that slices through water to catch fish.
Each game drive or boat cruise brings new surprises, from the tiny pearl-spotted owlet to the massive lappet-faced vulture, completing the rich tapestry of Chobe’s wildlife.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Preparing appropriately for your Chobe adventure will significantly enhance your experience. For packing, focus on neutral-coloured clothing (avoid bright colours and dark blue, which attracts tsetse flies) in lightweight, breathable fabrics.
During the dry season, mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cold, so include layers that can be shed as the day warms.
Essential items include a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent containing DEET, sunglasses, and a good pair of binoculars—at least 8×42 magnification is recommended for wildlife viewing.
Photographers should bring the longest telephoto lens they can manage (300mm minimum), plus extra batteries and memory cards, as charging opportunities may be limited.
Health preparations should include malaria prophylaxis, as the park falls within a malaria zone, particularly during the wet season. Visitors should carry a basic first aid kit and any personal medications.
Park fees (currently around $10 USD per person per day plus vehicle fees) can be paid at entrance gates, but having cash in multiple currencies (USD, South African Rand, or Botswana Pula) is advisable.
Safety in the park revolves around respecting wildlife—always remain in your vehicle except at designated areas, maintain safe distances from animals, and follow your guide’s instructions implicitly.
Avoid making excessive noise that might disturb wildlife or diminish the experience for others. For the most rewarding visit, consider purchasing a good wildlife guidebook and familiarize yourself with common species before arrival—this knowledge will deepen your appreciation of the complex ecosystem you’re experiencing.
Suggested Itineraries
For time-conscious travellers, a compact single day Chobe experience can still deliver wildlife encounters of astonishing quality. Base yourself at Kasane, starting with an early morning game drive along the riverfront, followed by an afternoon boat cruise to witness the iconic elephant herds.
2-3 days will allow you to venture deeper into the park toward Ihaha for different terrain and wildlife, returning for another sunset river safari.
Those with more time should consider a 5-7 day exploration that encompasses Chobe’s varied ecosystems. After two days exploring the riverfront, journey to Savuti for two nights to experience its famous predator action and unique marsh environment, then continue to the remote Linyanti region for its wild atmosphere and excellent opportunities to spot rarer species like sable antelope and wild dogs.
For the ultimate southern African adventure, combine Chobe with neighbouring attractions—three days in Chobe pairs perfectly with two days at Victoria Falls, just an hour’s drive away in Zimbabwe, where you can witness the world’s largest waterfall and enjoy adrenaline activities like white-water rafting and bungee jumping.
Alternatively, extend your Botswana experience by adding 3-4 days in the Okavango Delta, accessible via a short flight from Kasane to Maun. This combination showcases the dramatic contrast between Chobe’s riverine environment and the Delta’s watery paradise of channels and islands.
For a true safari aficionado’s grand tour, add Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and Zambia’s Lower Zambezi for a comprehensive exploration of the region’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife over 12-14 unforgettable days.
Responsible Tourism In Chobe
Visiting Chobe comes with the responsibility to preserve its ecological integrity for future generations. Ethical wildlife viewing begins with maintaining appropriate distances—while it’s tempting to get closer to animals for better photographs, this causes stress and can alter natural behaviours.
Follow the park’s guidelines of keeping at least 20 meters from most wildlife and 50 meters from predators. When multiple vehicles gather for a sighting, be mindful of not blocking animals’ movement paths and limit viewing time to allow others the same opportunity.
Supporting local communities forms another vital aspect of responsible tourism—choose operators and accommodations that employ local staff, source local products, and contribute to community development initiatives.
Many lodges run programs that bring school children into the park or fund educational opportunities, and some offer cultural visits that provide authentic interaction while generating income for local villages.
Minimizing your environmental impact involves basic practices like:
- carrying out all trash,
- using water sparingly (especially in this drought-prone region), and
- choosing accommodation with solid environmental credentials
Look for properties that employ solar power, water recycling systems, and sustainable building materials.
For those wishing to actively contribute to conservation, organizations like Elephants Without Borders and the Chobe Wildlife Trust accept donations and occasionally offer volunteer opportunities.
By approaching your visit mindfully, you become part of the solution to protecting this extraordinary ecosystem rather than adding to the pressures it faces.
Conclusion: Visiting Botswana’s Amazing Chobe National Park
As your journey through Chobe National Park comes to an end, certain memories will likely stand out—perhaps the sunset silhouette of elephants crossing the river, the heart-stopping moment a leopard emerged from riverside vegetation, or simply the profound peace of drifting on the Chobe River surrounded by wildlife going about their ancient routines.
This remarkable park offers wildlife viewing on a scale and intensity few other destinations can match, delivering those quintessential African moments that draw people halfway across the world.
To maximize your experience, remain flexible with your itinerary, allowing time to linger at exceptional sightings rather than rushing to check off species. Rise early to catch the magical morning light that photographers dream about, and take occasional breaks from photography to simply absorb the experience through all your senses.
As you plan your visit to this extraordinary corner of Botswana, remember that Chobe isn’t just a destination but an immersive experience in one of Earth’s remaining great wildernesses—a place where nature’s rhythms continue largely as they have for millennia, offering visitors not just spectacular wildlife viewing but a profound reconnection with the natural world that stays with you long after your footprints have faded from Chobe’s soil.
Personally, I was stunned at the level of wildlife I saw in just a day or two. I never expected the animals to be so very plentiful and the highlight was definitely watching an elephant take a mud bath riverside. That was so very cool!
Meet Jenny, a passionate Australian travel blogger who has explored 103 countries to date. With over 30 years of travel experience, Jenny has a wealth of knowledge to share with her readers about the cultures, landscapes, and people she has encountered on her journeys. She’s always battling unfashionably frizzy hair and you will never catch Jenny in anything but comfortable shoes. Learn more about Jenny and her travels.