Chobe National Park
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Botswana

Chobe National Park

Botswana

Experience Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park, established in 1967, covers approximately 11,700 square kilometres in northern Botswana and is widely regarded as one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations. The park is divided into four distinct ecosystems — the Chobe Riverfront, Ngwezumba Pans, Savuti Marsh, and Linyanti Swamps — each offering a dramatically different landscape and wildlife experience.

The Chobe Riverfront is the park's most visited area and justifiably famous for its extraordinary elephant concentrations. At sunset, thousands of elephants wade into the Chobe River to drink and bathe, creating one of Africa's most iconic wildlife spectacles. Game drives and boat cruises run along the riverfront, allowing visitors to observe hippos, crocodiles, cape buffalo, lions, and a dazzling array of waterbirds at close range.

The Savuti region, in the park's southwest, is celebrated for its dramatic predator activity. Large prides of lions have developed a remarkable tradition of hunting elephants in this area, a behaviour rarely observed elsewhere. Cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, and spotted hyenas all thrive here, making Savuti one of the most action-packed safari destinations on the continent.

Chobe is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 450 recorded bird species including the African fish eagle, carmine bee-eater, and the rare Pel's fishing owl. Whether exploring by 4WD game drive vehicle, open boat, or guided walking safari, Chobe delivers an unforgettable wilderness experience.

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Popular Safaris in Chobe National Park

4-Day Luxury Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge Safari
4 Days

4-Day Luxury Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge Safari

From

$970.00

8-Day Victoria Falls, Chobe & Okavango Delta Explorer
8 Days

8-Day Victoria Falls, Chobe & Okavango Delta Explorer

From

$3,346.00

Things to Do

Chobe River Boat Cruise

Chobe River Boat Cruise

2-3 Hours$60.00
Details

Where to Stay

Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge
4

Lodge

Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge

Explore Property

Iconic Highlights

1

• World's highest concentration of African elephants — over 120,000

2

• Exceptional boat cruises along the Chobe River at sunset

3

• Savuti Marsh: renowned for lion and cheetah sightings

4

• Over 450 bird species including the rare Pel's fishing owl

5

• Incredible big-five game viewing year-round

6

• Night drives revealing nocturnal predators and bush babies

Wildlife & Nature

Lion

Elephant

Leopard

Rhino

Buffalo

Cheetah

Giraffe

Zebra

Wildebeest

Hippo

Wild Dogs

Flamingo

Climate & When to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Monthly Averages

MonthTemp HighTemp LowRainfall
Apr29°C--°C-- mm
Aug26°C--°C-- mm
Dec31°C--°C-- mm
Feb32°C--°C-- mm
Jan31°C--°C-- mm
Jul23°C--°C-- mm
Jun23°C--°C-- mm
Mar31°C--°C-- mm
May26°C--°C-- mm
Nov33°C--°C-- mm
Oct33°C--°C-- mm
Sep30°C--°C-- mm

Travel Requirements

1.     Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond travel dates

2.     Visa-free entry for most nationalities; check requirements for your country

3.     Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if travelling from endemic countries

4.     Park entry fees payable in USD or Botswana Pula at park gates

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chobe National Park?
The dry season from May to October is ideal. Wildlife congregates around the Chobe River as water sources dry up inland, making game viewing exceptionally productive. July to September offers peak conditions with cooler temperatures and dense animal activity.
What activities are available in Chobe National Park?
Chobe offers game drives (day and night), sunset boat cruises on the Chobe River, guided walking safaris, birding excursions, and photographic safaris. Boat cruises are particularly popular as they allow remarkably close encounters with elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.
How do I get to Chobe National Park?
The nearest town is Kasane, served by Kasane International Airport with direct flights from Johannesburg and Maun. Most visitors fly into Kasane and transfer directly to lodges within or bordering the park. Self-drive is also possible via the A33 road from Zimbabwe or Zambia.
Are there accommodation options inside the park?
Yes. Options range from the exclusive Chobe Game Lodge (the only lodge inside the park with both river and game reserve access) to government campsites at Ihaha and Savuti. Numerous luxury lodges and tented camps are also found on the park's borders in Kasane and the Chobe Enclave.

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Dest Type

National Parks

Status

Entry Permits Required

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