Chobe National Park

Going On A Chobe National Park Safari

Going on a Safari In Chobe National Park is like going to a wildlife haven. You will feast your eyes on the beauty of nature and appreciate the diversity in ecosystems. Your guide will be there every step of the way to explain in detail about the area and its wildlife. Your Botswana Safari might look something like this; you will drive for a few metres along the impressive Chobe Riverfront. An elephant family slowly walks across the road, intending to bathe.

You can hear the dull sound of heavy feet in the sand, breathing and whiffing, and occasional trumpeting from these beautiful, mighty creatures as you gaze at this amazing scene. The up-close and personal encounters with wildlife at Chobe National Park are among the most awe-inspiring safari experiences, and we can assure you that you will have many of them during your visit. Welcome to the park with some of Africa's highest game density.

Getting To Chobe National Park

There are several different ways that you can use to get to Chobe. The park has such a strategic location, close to several borders making it easily accessible from Zimbabwe, Zambia as well as from Botswana.

Getting To Chobe From Zambia
Livingstone is linked to the ferry at the Kazungula border by the M10 road. You can use this and then drive 80km into Chobe.

Getting to Chobe from Zimbabwe
The easiest way to Chobe from Zimbabwe is to use the A33 road that passes through Zambezi National Park from Chobe National Park on its way to Kasane in Botswana.

Getting to Chobe from Kasane
You can enter Chobe through several gates; there is Sedudu Gate near Kasane, the Ngoma Gate near Namibia and The Mababe Gate to the south that ultimately connects Chobe with the Moremi Game Reserve.

Weather & Climate In Chobe National Park

Chobe has a warm to hot climate, and it is characterised by a Dry and Wet season. The Dry season months run from May to August and are the coolest. The wet season runs from November to March and is the warmest season. Rainfall is highest between December and March. The average daily temperatures in the Dry season start at 30°C in April and by October they’ll be at a very hot 35°C. In the Wet season it can get extremely hot and temperatures can reach 40°C resulting in the heavy storms of January and February.

The last rainfall showers that mark the end of the Wet season usually fall in April. From May, the park becomes very dry. In June and July, the park experiences cool weather, the coolest all year round. Temperatures however begin increasing in August and are at their peak in October.

Best Time To Visit Chobe National Park

When choosing the Best Time To Visit Chobe National Park, it is important to consider the seasons and what to expect at that time. It is nearly impossible to choose between the two seasons however because Chobe deserves to be visited during both. Summer "green season" birding is at its best, and the area is at its most lush and beautiful. This is also the time of year when the Savute zebra migrates. In contrast, the dry season is notable for its elephant population.

Chobe National Park is open all year. The park's wildlife migrates with the seasons. The riverfront area is best explored during the dry season, which runs from May to October. The months of August to October are ideal for wildlife viewing here, but they are extremely hot. Many animals, particularly plains zebras, migrate to the Savute Marsh during the wet months, while Linyanti is best toured from April onwards.

Quick Chobe Safari Facts

• Chobe is home to the largest population of elephants in the world, they are over 120 000.
• Some of the best safari boat cruises in the world are experienced on the Chobe River.
• Chobe has about the largest concentrations of game in all of Africa.
• Chobe is a top-class bird-watching area as it has over 450 species of birds.
• The Savuti area is one of the best places in Africa to see vigorous predator action.<

Quick Chobe Safari Facts

Chobe Safari, Africa’s Elephant Paradise

Chobe National Park is the world's elephant capital, with over 120,000 elephants roaming the park. With Chobe you are guaranteed to see elephants. The Kalahari elephant is the largest species of elephant, but its tusks are relatively short. Visitors will be able to see the elephants from the water as well as on land.

When visitors arrive in Chobe, they will be ecstatic to see their first herd of elephants. By the end of the day, the typical response is, "Oh, more elephants." The excitement for elephant sightings fades as the day progresses because there are so many of them. Elephant sightings in Chobe National Park are the closest thing Africa has to a guarantee of wildlife sightings. There are so many elephants in the area because of the amount of shade as well as the availability of food and water.

Abundant Wildlife & Birdlife
Chobe National Park has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the continent. Bird-watching enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities that Chobe safaris provide. While heading down the Chobe River and along its banks, you can see a variety of bird species such as the Fish Eagle, Martial Eagle, Kingfisher, Pel's Fishing Owl, and many others. Egyptian geese, Sacred Ibis, and all rollers are among the other bird species. Lions can be found hunting elephants in Chobe National Park. They usually target young or tired elephants, but it is more popular in Chobe than in most other African national parks.
You can also see all the animals in the big 5. The Park also provides unique water-based game viewing. You will get the incredible opportunity to see elephant herds swimming across the river, crocodiles sunbathing and hippos opening their mouths up to 150 degrees. You will also encounter zebras, impala, giraffes, sable, Bat-eared foxes, waterbuck, puku and wild dogs.

Activities In Chobe National Park

There is so much you can do in Chobe, its dramatic, diverse landscapes and untamed wildlife can be explored in many different ways. You can explore on foot, by vehicle or by boat. For some, self-drive is the best option whereas to some having an experienced guide adds rich layers of detail and interpretation into the safari.

Game Drives
This is the most popular way to experience Chobe. Nothing gives more thrills than spotting game as you drive along the park. You can either do a game drive in your own vehicle or on a guided safari.

Boat Cruises
The Chobe River is a beautiful place to cruise along as you view wildlife that is common on the river banks. The river is the source of life to many animals that live in the Park so you are always in for a beautiful wildlife sighting. The most common animals you will see are the herds of elephants splashing their way across the river, crocodiles, hippos and you can hear calls of the African fish eagles.

Fishing
For those who love fishing then Chobe has you covered. You can go fishing whilst you visit Chobe.

Photographic Safaris
For those who love exploring and adventure mixed with photography then this might be a perfect opportunity for you. You will get the opportunity to capture wildlife and the beautiful scenery of Chobe with professional wildlife photographers.

Mobile Safaris
A mobile safari ticks all the boxes for the ultimate adventure holiday. Small camps in the remote areas provide the best wilderness experiences. On a mobile safari, you move with your camp and staff to pristine locations.

Chobe National Park Day Trip
Whilst you are in Chobe, you can choose to cross into Zimbabwe or Zambia to see the Chobe National Park. This is good as you can combine Vic Falls with your Chobe Safari Trip because it will be nearby.

Chobe National Park Accommodation

Chobe National Park has some of the best lodges and camps in the country and we recommend you stay at some of the few listed below.

Chobe Safari Lodge
Guests at the Chobe Safari Lodge have the opportunity to choose between a numbers of accommodation types. This makes it the best value for money lodge amongst all the lodges in Chobe. There are 22 luxurious River Rooms that overlook the Chobe River. Family Rooms are also available. The River Room complex has a beautiful garden next to the Chobe River and it is connected to the main building at the Chobe Safari Lodge by means of a viewing deck.

Chobe Savanna Lodge
Chobe Savanna Lodge sits on the bank of the Chobe River, right at the northern part of the Chobe National Park. The main emphasis of Chobe Savanna Lodge is to ‘chill down’ and it definitely is suited for that.

Muchenje Safari Lodge
Muchenje Safari Lodge is such a great value lodge. Out of all the Chobe lodges, it has the best views. It is privately-owned and is situated away from the crowds that the Park has become infamous for. The lodge has a great unpretentious safari atmosphere and is more economical than other lodges. Another advantage of Muchenje is that along with all the other activities like boating and game drives, you can do a walking safari and do night drives. This is the only lodge in the park where this is possible.

Chobe Chilwero
Chobe Chilwero is one lodge that provides luxurious accommodation in Chobe. It has great views, excellent service and absolutely beautiful rooms that make this one of the best choices for accommodation. It is beautiful and allows you to experience an epitome of luxury but however this camp is not for the authentic safari lover!.

Chobe Game Lodge
Despite the size of the lodge, there is no comparable experience in Africa. We love this place because of the amazing rooms, facilities, and service, as well as the best views and largest concentrations of game in Botswana. It's ideal for a two or three-night stop before heading off into deeper and more remote camps for the rest of your trip.

Chobe Under Canvas
This camp is run by & beyond, a company that is known for providing some of the best safari products in Africa due to their emphasis on quality food and drink as well as a high standard of guiding. Chobe Under Canvas certainly lives up to its name. Overall, a truly stunning mobile camp that is remarkably well-designed.

What To Pack Before Going On Chobe Safari?

Clothing
To be honest, you don't need a completely new wardrobe for a Chobe safari adventure. Simply leave your brightly colored attire at home and pack lightly. Bring some light fabrics and loose-fitting clothing in soothing colors that dries quickly.Bring a scarf and a warm sweater (or jacket). Temperatures drop in the mornings and evenings, so warm clothing is essential on a game drive. If you're still shivering, camps also offer 'bush babies' (and you will soon find out what those are).

Safari tools
Although Chobe safari lodges usually provide everything you could want, bringing your own tools is both fun and useful. So, what are you going to bring? Here are some things we always pack in our suitcases:

• Binoculars (for viewing animals from your private deck at any time and from any location);
• Of course, your camera!
• A low-cost, waterproof watch (leave expensive jewelry at home)
• Lip balm and sunblock
• A tiny pocket torch
• Repellent for insects
• Water bottles are frequently provided at camps, but you can bring your own.