Chobe National Park

About Chobe National Park

The Chobe National Park is located in the North-Eastern corner of Botswana, bordering Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. The border town of Kasane is the main entry point, with light aircraft flights and road transfers taking visitors into Chobe as well as the other game reserves around the country. The Eastern part of the park tends to be busier with more lodges, which become 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 even some stay aboard boat safaris that make their way up and down the river. The river flows all year, meaning that in the drier months, in particular, the game viewing along the river frontage is superb. 

Chobe 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. Being a National Park, guests game viewing activities are all conducted in game viewing vehicles, with extra excursions such as tiger fishing available in season. It is also an ideal base for visiting Victoria Falls (either the Zambian or Zimbabwean side) for a day trip if you do not have the time to stay there. This will allow you to enjoy a huge range of activities and see The Falls.

Chobe 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 Pride of The Zambezi 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.