Chobe National Park

About Chobe National Park

More than 17% of Botswana is devoted to National Parks or Game Reserves. However, there can only be one first, which is Chobe National Park. The most biologically diverse park in the country, a Chobe safari gives visitors the chance to see a truly impressive range of wildlife.

Located in the North-Eastern corner of Botswana, and bordering Namibia, Chobe was proclaimed a national park in 1967 and is spread across 11,700 square kilometres of the Botswana countryside. The border town of Kasane is the main entry point, with road transfers taking visitors into the Chobe lodges and camps, and light aircraft flights to other areas such as the Okavango Delta. The Eastern part of the park tends to be busier with more safari lodges, but becomes more remote as you move further West.

The Northern boundary of the park is marked by the Chobe River, where visitors can enjoy sunset river cruises and some even stay aboard houseboats that make their way up and down the river. The river flows all year, meaning that in the dry season in particular, the game viewing along the banks of the Chobe is superb. 

Chobe National Park is renowned for its large herds of elephant (there are around 100,000 in the park in all), as well as having large herds of antelope and zebra and offers the chance for excellent sightings of lion and leopard. Game viewing activities are conducted in game viewing vehicles and on boat trips on the river, with extra excursions such as tiger fishing available, in season.

Chobe National Park offers a fantastic variety of accommodation, from wonderfully luxurious lodges such as Sanctuary's Chobe Chilwero to more modest options such as Chobe Elephant Camp or Muchenje. You can also stay in Kasane Town itself, where lodges such as Chobe Bush Lodge are great options. For visitors looking for something a little different, The Zambezi Queen and the Chobe Princesses offer the chance to spend a few nights aboard a specially designed houseboat as it cruises the Chobe River.

For more information, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk

Seasons

• June to October -  Prime time for safari in Chobe as the lower temperatures and minimal rainfall make for great game viewing. Water sources within the park are more scarce meaning great game viewing along the river
• November to March - The summer months bring warm, muggy days, often with spectacular thundershowers. The game is dispersed throughout the park owing to the abundance of water sources
• April to May - An excellent time to visit between the peak and rainier seasons. Game viewing is very good and it doesn't get overly hot or too busy

Wildlife

African elephants can currently be found in 37 African countries

Giraffes can run as fast as 35 miles per hour

Lions spend 16-20 hours of the day sleeping or resting

Leopards can see seven times better in the dark than humans

The scientific name for the African Wild dog means “painted wolf”

African Buffalos have a symbiotic relationship with many African birds such as the Oxpecker

Male Puku's live in territories by themselves and females live in groups of about 20

In The Know

• The Western part of the reserve tends to be quieter than the East so if you are looking to avoid the crowds opt for a lodge such as Muchenje
• A two or three-night cruise on the Pride of the Zambezi is wonderful way to get a totally different perspective on the Chobe Game Reserve and a very relaxing experience
• One of Chobe's most iconic game sightings is the lion hunting elephant which you may be lucky enough to see during your stay.