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Chobe National Park

Size

11,700 sq. km

Founded

1960 (Game Reserve) | 1967 (National Park)

Best time to visit

June to October

A wildlife enthusiast's delight

Explore the different regions of Chobe and look for the Big Five on classic game drives, walking safaris, boat cruises and even a houseboat. It is the oldest and one of the most diverse national parks in Botswana.

An elephant herd seen at the Chobe River Front

A safari highlight in Botswana

Chobe reminds you of a time when animals roamed unopposed. When nature ruled and people only observed. The Chobe River forms the lifeblood of this area; and the huge Chobe National Park can be split into four distinct regions: Serondela Area (Chobe Riverfront), Savuti Marsh, Linyanti Marsh, and Nogatsaa Woodlands. Each of these containing unique ecosystems and phenomenal game viewing opportunities. Any time of year is a good time to visit the Chobe National Park, as the park offers something special no matter whether it is the green season or the dry season.

During the dry season, the Chobe Riverfront is the scene of a wildlife spectacle. In addition to the thousands of elephants and buffalos congregating at the water’s edge you can also see giraffes, zebras, sable, red lechwe and the puku in large numbers. Lion and hyena sightings are common here and with the reintroduction of white rhinos in the region, you might even get lucky and spot one of these magnificent beasts.

The remote section of Linyanti is famous for its high concentration of predators. Located in the north-west of the park, along the Linyanti River and converging with the Kwando River to form a marsh land of rugged beauty. Here you have the ideal conditions to escape the crowds and marvel at the magnificence of your natural surroundings.

The Savuti region lies to the south-west of the Chobe National Park, and you will be amazed at the high density of wildlife to be found. It is also here where the elephant hunting lions roam. A truly unique phenomenon, not known to occur anywhere else. Savuti can be enjoyed any time of year as the Savuti zebra migration during the green season shows. Each year thousands of zebras migrate, followed closely by prides of lions. Further possible sightings of hyenas, leopards, cheetah, and the rare African wild dogs make this the land of predators.

The most remote and secluded section of Chobe is the Nogatsaa Woodlands. With mopane trees dotting the landscape the Nogatsaa Woodlands offer a beautiful, off-the-beaten-track experience. Particularly for the Botswana enthusiasts, this region allows you to witness eland, oryx and roan antelopes in the true wilderness of Botswana.

Chobe and all its regions are a dream for wildlife enthusiasts. You have the option of game viewing on a game drive, on a boat cruise or intimately getting to know the bush on a walking safari. Whether you choose to spend your nights camping on one of the unfenced campsites in the national park or overnighting in a charming and intimate lodge on the waterfront, there is something for everyone and unforgettable memories to be made.

Elephants Gentle Giants

The Gentle Giants

You can see more elephants in Chobe than in any other park in Africa. Ample opportunities to study their intricate social behaviour – as well as take great photos.

Boat activities Chobe

Different Activities

You can explore Chobe by vehicle, boat or on foot. You decide how you want to experience your adventure.

Chobe Puku antelope

A Rare Sight

You can observe the rare puku antelope, the only place in Botswana where you can do so. You might even hear the puku’s distinct territorial call.

A safari vehicle and elephant on game drive in Chobe National Park

Explore Chobe National Park on game drives with our experienced guides who will share their local knowledge with you.

A photographer on a boat safari on the Chobe River

A photographic safari on a Chobe River boat cruise – you can experience different activities on a Chobe Safari.

An elephant herd on the move in the Chobe

The national park is known for its high density of elephants and large herds of buffaloes.

A sunset in the Chobe National Park

From woodlands to swamps and riverbanks, you will see different types of vegetation and wildlife habitats.

Two cheetahs in the Chobe National Park in Botswana

The Savuti section of the park is known for its many predators and big cats such as cheetahs, lions, and leopards.

WHEN TO GO

Best time to go to Chobe National Park

You can visit the Chobe National Park at any time of year. The green season offers you rich and beautiful landscapes, fantastic birding opportunities and the chance to witness thousands of zebras migrating. Hippos and crocodiles can be seen all year round. The dry season brings countless elephants and buffalos to the Chobe River’s edge as well as lions, leopards, hyenas and if you are lucky, African wild dogs too.

Botswana dry season for Kgalagadi safari tours

Dry Season

June to October

Best for elephant sightings by the river

Botswana wet season for Kgalagadi safari tours

Green Season

November to March

Best for birding and landscapes

Experience the Chobe National Park

Why to go

One of the best places to see elephants

When you are on a river cruise and you see the golden glow of the sun setting across the mighty Chobe River, surrounded by elephants and buffalos on the river’s banks, then you understand what makes Chobe so incredible.

A single elephant in the Chobe River in Botswana
Luisa Botswana Travel Expert
Chobe is an amazing area to explore for first-time visitors but also repeaters. From riverfront to woodlands, the different habitats are home to different wildlife species which means something new to see every time you visit.
Luisa | Botswana Travel Expert
Buffaloes in the savanah with a safari vehicle on game drive
Classic Game Drives

See the Big Five and many more

A boat cruise on the Chobe River
Boat Cruises

Explore the mighty Chobe River

Two travellers on a house boat on the Chobe River
Houseboat Experiences

Overnight on a houseboat on the river

Things to do

Explore Chobe on land and on water

You can combine game drives, boat cruises and walking safaris to create the most unique and unforgettable memories.

An elephant swimming in the Chobe River in Botswana
Chobe River Front

Large herds of elephants and buffaloes come to drink at the river

A male lion in the Linyati Region of the Chobe National Park
Linyanti Region

A more remote area famous for its high density of predators

A large herd of zebra in the Savuti Region
Savuti Region

Known for its annual Zebra Migration and elephant-hunting lions

Roan antelopes seen in the Chobe National Park in Botswana
Nogatsaa Woodlands

Eland, oryx and roan antelopes in the most remote area of Chobe

CHOBE WILDLIFE REGIONS

Fantastic wildlife viewing in the Chobe National Park across four distinct regions

While Chobe is best known for its large herds of elephants, it can be separated into different regions, each famous for impressive wildlife encounters: Chobe River Front, Linyanti, Savuti, and Nogatsaa Woodlands.

Where to stay Chobe National Park

The swimming pool of the Chobe Bakwena Lodge at sunset

Chobe Bakwena Lodge

Campfire at the Chobe Elephant Camp in Botswana

Chobe Elephant Camp

Swimming Pool at the Old House Guest Lodge in Kasane, Botswana

Old House Guest Lodge

Thobolo's Bush Lodge located beautifully in the Chobe Forest Reserve

Thobolo’s Bush Lodge

The interior of a tent at the Tlouwana Camp in Botswana

Tlouwana Bush Camp

Location

Chobe National Park is Botswana’s third largest national park and located in the North of the country. Kasane is the closest town with an international airport. From there, you can reach it by road or fly to one of the airstrips within the national parks.

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