Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park Overview

The northern border of the National Park is home to the Chobe River; along its banks a large variety of game and wildlife can be spotted. A sunset game viewing cruise can be enjoyed as you drift down the river.

Chobe is Botswana’s most famous and popular conservation area. Elephants specifically are at the crux of the park’s conservation efforts meaning the park is home to approximately 120,000 elephant. That’s a huge elephant population. These migratory animals, along with a variety of other herd game, can be seen on game drives or river cruises.

An elephant back or horseback safari offers a raw, wild Africa experience. With huge herd of buffalo and zebra roaming the park, lion are sure to be close by, giving you a good chance of seeing a pride interact in their natural habitat.

If you’re into birding, you will not be disappointed. With 550 of the country’s bird count, Chobe National Park boasts a wide variety of birdlife including water birds such as flamingo, stork, eagles and fishing owls all of which can be found along the banks of the river.

If you spend a few days exploring the Savuti area you will more than likely encounter giraffe, elephant, zebra, impala, tsessebe, roan, sable, wildebeest, kudu, buffalo, waterbuck, warthog and eland, as well as the predators which lurk behind: including lion, hyena, jackal, bat-eared fox and sometimes even cheetah and wild dog.

Famous for its predators, Savuti is particularly proud of its lion and spotted hyena populations. 

Highlights & Places in Chobe National Park

Titled the third largest National Park in Botswana, Chobe covers 11,000km² of Botswana, which is the same size as the country of Qatar.

The park’s four different eco-systems make for a variety of settings for hikes and game drives. Serondela’s lush plains and shady green forests can be found in the north-east near the Chobe River. The Linyanti swamps lie in the north-west with the hot dry Hinterland in between and the Savuti marsh is situated in the west with its all-year-round wildlife population.

Well known for its wildlife and birdlife, a guided 4x4 game drive, boat cruise, elephant safari, horeseback safari or hot air balloon safari allows you to explore Chobe’s wilderness up close.

Best Time to Visit Chobe National Park

When to Go

Chobe National Park can be enjoyed all-year-round with November to May seeing the Savuti region scattered with wildlife and June to October game can be seen along the riverfront areas.

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Chobe National Park

The best way to get to Chobe National Park is to take a flight to Victoria Falls International Airport and from there either take a 4x4 drive to your destination or travel via pre-arranged transport as organised by your tour operator. 

Getting Around Chobe National Park

You can get around the Chobe National Park either by chartered light plane, hot air balloon, 4x4 safari vehicle or travel down the Chobe River on a 14-seater boat.

Chobe National Park Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
The nearest city, Kasane, has a number of ATMs. There are no ATMs in Chobe National Park.

Forex/Money:
It’s best to carry local currency, Pula, with you because most of the camps don’t accept travellers cheques or US dollars.

Credit/Debit cards: 
Credit cards are only accepted at the larger camps.

Internet availability: 
Very few establishments in Chobe National Park offer an internet connection service.

Drinking water: 
When possible drink bottled water, however, the water provided by your lodge will usually come from a natural source and be filtered, making it safe to drink. If in doubt: just ask.

Hospitals & Medical:
General health care quality and availability in Botswana’s bigger cities (Gaborone, Maun, Francistown) are of a high standard, however in the rural areas, medical assistance is poor. Visit your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip departure and enquire about medical vaccinations and inoculations required for the area.

Visa Requirements:
Most country’s citizens will not be required to organise a visa before entering the country but will need a valid passport as well as confirmed return tickets.

Chobe National Park Map