Chobe National Park

Emma says – What makes Chobe truly special isn’t just its incredible concentration of elephants — it’s the rhythm of the river and how wildlife depends on it. Spend an afternoon watching the herds cross at sunset, and you’ll understand why Chobe captures the heart of everyone who visits.
Hippo
Chobe National Park is justly famous for it’s game rich safaris, especially during the drier months of July – October, when the smaller waterholes dry up and thirsty herds of elephant head to the river banks of the Chobe River. In fact, Chobe is home to one of Africa’s highest populations of elephant, with estimates between 60,000-120,000 strong. There are three main safari regions in Chobe, with the best-known and most accessible being the Chobe Riverfront region close to the town of Kasane. The number of lodges here mean that it will feel busier than the rest of Botswana’s safari areas, however we believe that the sheer numbers of wildlife sighting opportunities override this and make it an important part of Botswana’s safari offering. We’ve separated out the other two regions of Savuti and Linyanti as they can easily be combined in an itinerary with this main area.
 
A typical safari day in Chobe revolves around a combination of game drives and river cruises. Typically, we suggest heading out on a river cruise during the later afternoon, looking out for wildlife thronging the river banks, grazing Hippos, Kingfishers hovering over the water, and Fish Eagles scouting from the treetops.

The changing light as the afternoon slips into evening can showcase some of the most memorable sunsets Africa can provide. For photographers, birders and those looking to experience the magic that comes with the intensity of the number of sightings this area allows, Chobe is fantastic start or end to a Botswana itinerary.

Around an hour away from the main Chobe National Park are a select number of lodges in the Chobe Forest area, perched on an escarpment looking down over the river. Some of these also offer night drives and game walks, which are not available in the National Park itself, and for something truly unique, consider a houseboat stay on the river itself.

Chobe Riverfront or Chobe Forest?

Chobe National Park is justly famous for it’s wildlife populations, and offers two options accessible within one hour of Kasane airport to stay in. Technically, Chobe extends to cover the Savuti and parts of the Linyanti Wetlands but given the differences in the areas we have featured those elsewhere.

The best known area to stay is the Chobe Riverfront, a short drive from the airport. For some visitors arriving from the quiet of the Okavango Delta, the hustle and bustle of this area comes as a surprise. Many of the hotels in the area may hear the noise of daily life from Kasane town and the surrounding communities at various points, and the river itself can feel busy at key times when the afternoon boat cruises head out. However, our favourite lodges feature riverside locations, small wildlife viewing boats that can get down the smaller channels for up close sightings, and fantastic service.

By contrast, the lodges out in the Chobe Forest reserve enjoy much quieter surroundings with spectacular views over the Chobe River from high up on the escarpment. Safari days tend to be longer due to the additional time of getting into the park (there is a closer gate but it is still more time to get between it and the lodges than the Kasane gate is for lodges by the Riverfront). This is a great choice for those wanting to be more remote.

Click on the below for accommodation ideas

Suggested Itineraries

All of the itineraries that you see on our website are just a sample of what is possible, every holiday that we operate is completely tailor-made to your requirements, likes and dislikes. Just let us know your ideas when getting in touch and we will craft your plans around these, get your feedback, and keep working on your itinerary until everything is perfect, for you.