Chobe National Park – Botswana Safari Guide
Chobe National Park is one of Botswana's premier safari destinations, famous for having one of Africa's largest elephant populations and excellent river-based safaris. This comprehensive guide helps UK travellers understand what makes Chobe special, when to visit, and what experiences await in this wildlife-rich national park.
With herds numbering in the hundreds, Chobe's elephants are a highlight of any visit. The park's river-based safaris provide unique wildlife viewing opportunities, while its proximity to Victoria Falls makes it easy to combine safari with waterfall visits, creating a comprehensive southern Africa experience.
About Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park covers over 11,000 square kilometers in northern Botswana, making it the country's third-largest national park. The park is named after the Chobe River, which forms the northern boundary and provides a lifeline for wildlife. The park's diverse ecosystems include riverfront, savannah, and woodland areas, creating varied habitats that support an incredible array of wildlife.
The park is particularly famous for its elephant population, which is one of the largest in Africa. Herds numbering in the hundreds are common, with elephants coming to the Chobe River to drink and bathe. The park's riverfront area is the most accessible and popular, offering excellent wildlife viewing and river-based activities.
Chobe's proximity to Victoria Falls (approximately 1 hour drive) makes it a popular addition to southern Africa itineraries. Many travellers combine Chobe with Victoria Falls, creating a comprehensive experience that includes both safari and waterfall visits. The park is easily accessible from Kasane, the gateway town that serves both Chobe and Victoria Falls.
Wildlife in Chobe National Park
Elephants
Chobe is home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations, with herds numbering in the hundreds. The park's elephants are particularly visible along the Chobe River, where they come to drink and bathe. Large herds are common, creating spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. The elephants are often seen swimming across the river or gathering in large numbers, making Chobe one of the best places in Africa to see these magnificent animals.
The Big Five
Chobe is home to all members of the Big Five: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. The park offers excellent viewing opportunities for all five species, with elephants being particularly common. Lions are often seen along the riverfront, while buffalo are abundant. Leopards are present but more elusive, while rhinos are present in protected areas. The park's high wildlife density ensures excellent viewing opportunities.
Beyond elephants and the Big Five, Chobe supports hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, and over 450 bird species. The park's riverfront area is particularly rich in wildlife, with water-based species being a highlight. The park's diverse ecosystems support everything from large mammals to small antelope species, creating a complete safari experience. Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round, with different seasons offering different highlights.
Best Time to Visit Chobe
May - October (Dry Season)
This is Chobe's peak safari season, with the dry months (June-August) offering the best wildlife viewing. Animals congregate along the Chobe River, making wildlife easier to spot. The dry conditions make wildlife viewing optimal, with excellent visibility and animal concentrations. July and August see peak wildlife viewing, with large elephant herds coming to drink and bathe. Weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for game drives and river safaris. This is the most popular time to visit, so advance booking is essential.
November - April (Wet Season)
The wet season brings lush green landscapes, excellent bird watching, and lower prices. While wildlife is more dispersed and some areas may be challenging to access, this season offers beautiful scenery and fewer tourists. The park's birdlife is at its most active during this period, with migratory species present. This period is ideal for birdwatchers and value-conscious travellers, though game viewing can be more challenging. The green landscapes are stunning, and the park is less crowded.
River-Based Safaris
Chobe's river-based safaris are a highlight of any visit, offering unique wildlife viewing from the water. These safaris provide excellent opportunities to see elephants coming to drink and bathe, hippos, crocodiles, and diverse waterbirds.
Boat Safaris
Boat safaris along the Chobe River provide excellent wildlife viewing from the water. These safaris are typically available year-round, though the dry season offers the best viewing as animals congregate along the river. Boat safaris offer opportunities to see elephants swimming, hippos, crocodiles, and diverse waterbirds. The experience is peaceful and provides a different perspective on wildlife, with animals often more relaxed near the water.
Game Drives
Traditional game drives are available in the park, offering opportunities to see the Big Five and diverse wildlife. Game drives are typically available year-round, with the riverfront area being particularly productive. The park's diverse habitats support varied wildlife communities, with different areas offering different species. Game drives provide excellent opportunities to see large mammals and predators, complementing the river-based experiences.
Activities and Experiences
River Safaris
River safaris along the Chobe River are a highlight of any Chobe visit, providing unique wildlife viewing from the water. These safaris offer excellent opportunities to see elephants coming to drink and bathe, with large herds often visible. Hippos, crocodiles, and diverse waterbirds are also common, creating a complete river safari experience. The experience is peaceful and provides a different perspective on wildlife, with animals often more relaxed near the water.
Game Drives
Game drives in Chobe offer opportunities to see the Big Five and diverse wildlife. The park's riverfront area is particularly productive, with excellent wildlife viewing along the Chobe River. Game drives are typically available year-round, with early morning and late afternoon being the best times for wildlife activity. The park's diverse habitats support varied wildlife communities, with different areas offering different species.
Bird Watching
Chobe is exceptional for bird watching, with over 450 bird species recorded. The park's riverfront area is particularly rich in birdlife, with waterbirds being a highlight. The wet season (November-April) is particularly good for bird watching, with migratory species present and resident birds at their most active. The park's diverse ecosystems support everything from large raptors to small songbirds, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
Victoria Falls Extension
Chobe's proximity to Victoria Falls makes it easy to combine safari with a waterfall visit. Many travellers combine Chobe with Victoria Falls, creating a comprehensive southern Africa experience. The falls are most spectacular from March to May, though they can be visited year-round. The combination of safari and waterfall creates a diverse and memorable travel experience, with both destinations being easily accessible from Kasane.
Accommodation Overview
Chobe offers a range of accommodation, from comfortable lodges to luxury properties. Many lodges are located along the Chobe River, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and easy access to river-based activities. Accommodation styles range from mid-range to ultra-luxury, suitable for various budgets and preferences.
Many properties offer river-based activities and game drives, providing a comprehensive Chobe experience. The park's proximity to Kasane town provides additional accommodation options, with the town serving as a convenient base for exploring both Chobe and Victoria Falls. Many properties focus on sustainability and community involvement, supporting local conservation efforts.
Ready to Visit Chobe National Park?
Discover our Botswana safari holidays that include Chobe National Park, combining elephant viewing, river safaris, and other incredible wildlife experiences.
View Botswana Safari Holidays