Five reasons why you have to visit the Chobe National Park

Known as “The Land of The Giants” Chobe National Park is the first national park of Botswana, established in 1968. The park covers approximately 11,700 square encompassing, floodplains, swamps, and woodland. Located close proximity to the borders with Zimbabwe, Zambezi, and Namibia – making it a popular and easy day trip destination for visitors from Victoria Falls as well as for those on tour throughout the wider region of the southern Africa.

 

Elefantes na margem do rio Chobe (Cuando) no Chobe National Park em Botswana. Esse safari num bate-e-volta de um dia foi feito a partir de Livingstone na Zâmbia. Super tranquila a viagem até a fronteira, além de rápida imigração e travessia do rio Zambeze em um barquinho (a ponte ligando os dois países está em construção). #chobenationalpark #botswana #choberiver #animals #missaovt #paisagens #natgeoyourshot #bemvindosabordo #kasane #destinosimperdiveis #euvounajanela #destinoslindos #falandodeviagem #aquelasuaviagem #wow_natura #nature #natureza #soulnature_ #apreciadores_natureza #worldniceshots #africa #chobe #elefant #botsuana #elephantbaby #chobesafari #nikonphotography #goodvibes #botsuana #freedom

A post shared by William Fialho (@wfialhob) on Apr 18, 2017 at 2:22pm PDT

Chobe National Park is surely the best place in Africa to see elephants, particularly in the water. However, the elephant population is estimated to be 120,000 – the highest elephant concentration in Africa and the largest continuous surviving elephant population on earth. The elephants in the Chobe are Kalahari elephants and are the biggest size of any elephant, but this doesn't stop the Chobe lions which are famed for being able to bring down elephants, something most lions would not even bother to attempt.  

 

Thinking about Africa from A few years ago. #chobe #choberiver #botswana #elephants #giraffe #sunset

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Chobe comprises more than 10,000 kilometres square of rich ecosystems, diverse landscapes and an almost unparalleled abundance of wildlife and birdlife all centred around the stunning Chobe River.

The Chobe River forms its northern boundary and is undoubtedly one of Africa’s most beautiful rivers. During the dry winter months of May through September enormous numbers of elephant, rhinoceros or hippopotamus converge upon the river to drink, bathe and play. Not only is it famous for its herds of elephant, but also buffalo as well as the associated predators such as large pride of lion that have learnt to hunt them. There are also numerous antelope, plain game as well as herds of hippos wallowing in the shallow of the River Chobe. On top, birdlife is spectacular – so make sure you have your binocular with you.

 

Resting #leopard at #Savute #Chobe #game_reserve #Botswana #wildlife #safari #wild #Big_cats #cat #sighting #Savute_safari_Lodge #africa

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The Savute channel flows from the Linyanti River and is approximately 100 kilometres, carrying water away from the river and releasing it into a vast swampland called the Savute Marsh – and further south onto the Mababe Depression.  

Savute boasts one of the highest concentration of wildlife left on the African continent. Animals are present during all seasons, and at certain times of the year – their number can be shocking. However, if you allow yourself adequate time here, you will probably see nearly the major species such as giraffe, elephants, zebra, impala, tsessebe, roan, sable, wildebeest, kudu, buffalo, waterbuck, warthog, eland and accompanying predators including lion, hyena, jackal, bat-eared fox, cheetah and wild dog. Plan your Botswana holiday to spot these animals.

 

Chobe River

A post shared by Laura Morrison (@african_pakeha) on Apr 18, 2017 at 4:03am PDT

A trip to Chobe is not complete without a boat trip on the beautiful river itself. This allows you to see most of the park’s interesting wildlife and birdlife from a different perspective. However, aside from the spectacular birds, being on the river is the best place for budding photographers to take spectacular images of the vast herds of elephants on the river’s lush green banks, islands or even crossing the river. The other highlights of the region can also be enjoyed through exclusive fly-in safaris, mokoro canoe excursions on the Delta and even white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi.

The Ngwezumba Pans lies approximately 70 kilometres south of the Chobe River and comprise a large complex of clay pans – surrounded by Mopane woodlands and grassland plains. During the rainy season, the pans fill with water – than attracting wildlife that moves away from the permanent water sources of Linyanti and Chobe Rivers.

During the dry winter months, game viewing at the permanent water of the Linyanti can be excellent.