Chobe National Park Safari

Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s most rewarding safari destinations, renowned for its extraordinary elephant population and spectacular wildlife viewing along the Chobe River.

Game drives and Chobe River cruises offer two very different ways to experience the park. Elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope species are regularly seen, while lion and leopard add to the excitement of a Chobe safari.

The Chobe Riverfront is particularly rewarding during the dry season, when wildlife gathers around the permanent water of the Chobe River. Watching elephants along the floodplains from a boat is one of Botswana’s classic safari experiences.

The Linyanti Swamps lie in the north-western region of Chobe and form an important part of the wider wildlife ecosystem. During the dry season, the permanent waterways attract elephants and other wildlife, while mopane woodland and riverine habitats create a wonderfully remote safari environment.

The Savute Area forms the central region of Chobe National Park and is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and exceptional wildlife. The mysterious Savute Channel has a fascinating history of flowing and drying independently of local rainfall, creating an ever-changing environment of marshland and grassland. Savute is particularly well known for its predators, including impressive lion prides and spotted hyena, as well as large numbers of elephants.

Chobe also combines beautifully with Victoria Falls, making it easy to include both an outstanding Botswana safari and one of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders in the same itinerary.

Best time for a Chobe Safari:

The dry season, generally from May to October, is an excellent time for wildlife viewing in Chobe. As water becomes scarcer, large numbers of elephants, buffalo and other animals gather along the Chobe River, creating superb game-viewing opportunities.

The green season, from November to April, brings lush landscapes, abundant birdlife and newborn animals. Wildlife is more dispersed, but this can be a beautiful and rewarding time to visit.

Safari Lodges in Chobe:

Chobe offers a wide choice of safari accommodation, with many lodges located around Kasane and the Chobe Riverfront. This makes it easy to combine traditional game drives with boat safaris along the river.

We can recommend accommodation to suit different styles and budgets, from comfortable safari lodges to more exclusive properties overlooking the Chobe River.

• Chobe National Park covers approximately 11,700 square kilometres and was established as Botswana’s first national park in 1967.
• Chobe is famous for its exceptionally large elephant population, with impressive herds often gathering along the Chobe River during the dry season.
• The park includes several contrasting ecosystems, from the Chobe Riverfront and floodplains to the Savute region and woodland areas, supporting an extraordinary variety of wildlife.
• Chobe is particularly rewarding for lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and abundant birdlife, as well as many species of antelope.
• One of Chobe’s great experiences is viewing wildlife from the water. A Chobe River boat safari offers a completely different perspective from a traditional game drive.