Botswana is a country of incredible natural beauty and biodiversity, home to some of the most spectacular and untouched wilderness areas on the African continent. And at the heart of this wild and rugged landscape lies Chobe National Park, a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Covering an area of over 11,000 square kilometers in the northeastern corner of Botswana, Chobe National Park is home to one of the highest concentrations of game in Africa, including the world’s largest population of elephants. From the lush floodplains of the Chobe River to the dry savanna of the Nogatsaa Grasslands, Chobe offers a diverse and stunning array of habitats that support an incredible variety of wildlife.
The Chobe Riverfront
One of the most popular and accessible areas of Chobe National Park is the Chobe Riverfront, a lush and verdant stretch of floodplain along the banks of the Chobe River. This area is known for its high concentration of wildlife, particularly elephants, which can often be seen in large herds of up to several hundred individuals.
The Chobe Riverfront is a year-round destination, with different seasons offering unique and stunning experiences. During the dry season from May to October, the floodplains dry up and the wildlife concentrates along the river, making for incredible game viewing opportunities. Visitors can take guided game drives or boat cruises along the river, getting up close and personal with elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of other wildlife.
During the wet season from November to April, the Chobe River swells and the floodplains come alive with lush vegetation and colorful birdlife. This is a great time for birdwatching, with over 450 species of birds recorded in the park, including the rare African skimmer and the colorful carmine bee-eater.
One of the highlights of any visit to the Chobe Riverfront is the chance to see the park’s famous elephant herds up close. These gentle giants are known for their intelligence, social behavior, and incredible size, with some males weighing up to 6 tons and standing over 3 meters tall at the shoulder. Watching a herd of elephants bathe and play in the river, or grazing peacefully on the floodplain, is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you leave the park.
The Savuti Marsh
Another must-visit area of Chobe National Park is the Savuti Marsh, a remote and wild region in the south-central part of the park. This area is known for its high concentration of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs, as well as its stunning landscapes of grasslands, savannas, and rocky outcrops.
The Savuti Marsh is a seasonal wetland that is fed by the erratic Savuti Channel, which flows intermittently from the Linyanti River. When the channel is flowing, the marsh becomes a lush and verdant oasis, attracting large herds of herbivores like zebras, wildebeest, and impalas. These in turn attract the predators, making for incredible game viewing opportunities.
One of the most famous and iconic features of the Savuti Marsh is the Savuti Marsh Pride, a group of lions that have become renowned for their hunting prowess and fierce territorial behavior. These lions have been the subject of numerous documentaries and studies, and are known for their ability to take down large prey like elephants and buffalo.
In addition to the lions, the Savuti Marsh is also home to a wide variety of other predators, including leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs. These elusive and highly skilled hunters are masters of stealth and speed, and can often be seen stalking their prey through the tall grass or lounging in the shade of a acacia tree.
Visitors to the Savuti Marsh can explore this wild and rugged landscape on guided game drives or walking safaris, getting up close and personal with the predators and their prey. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October, when the game viewing is at its best and the marsh is at its most accessible.
Linyanti Wetlands
For those seeking a more remote and off-the-beaten-path experience, the Linyanti Wetlands in the northwestern corner of Chobe National Park are a must-visit destination. This vast and pristine wilderness area is known for its incredible birdlife, with over 400 species recorded, as well as its stunning landscapes of riverine forests, floodplains, and lagoons.
The Linyanti Wetlands are fed by the Linyanti River, which flows along the border between Botswana and Namibia before emptying into the Chobe River. During the dry season from May to October, the river becomes a magnet for wildlife, with large herds of elephants, buffalo, and other herbivores gathering along its banks to drink and graze.
One of the highlights of any visit to the Linyanti Wetlands is the chance to see some of the park’s more elusive and endangered species, such as the African wild dog and the sable antelope. These rare and beautiful animals are highly adapted to the harsh and unpredictable environment of the wetlands, and can often be seen hunting or foraging in the early morning or late afternoon.
For birdwatchers, the Linyanti Wetlands are a true paradise, with an incredible diversity of species ranging from colorful kingfishers and bee-eaters to majestic fish eagles and storks. The best time to visit for birdwatching is during the wet season from November to April, when the floodplains are at their lushest and the migratory birds are in residence.
Visitors to the Linyanti Wetlands can explore this stunning landscape on guided game drives, walking safaris, or boat cruises along the river. There are also a number of luxurious and eco-friendly lodges and camps in the area, offering comfortable accommodations and unparalleled access to the wilderness.
The Nogatsaa Grasslands
Another unique and striking area of Chobe National Park is the Nogatsaa Grasslands, a vast and arid landscape of grass-covered plains, rocky outcrops, and ancient baobab trees. This area is located in the southeastern part of the park, and is known for its unique and highly adapted wildlife, as well as its stunning vistas and dramatic skies.
The Nogatsaa Grasslands are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including large herds of springbok, gemsbok, and other antelope species, as well as predators like cheetahs and jackals. The area is also known for its incredible birdlife, with over 300 species recorded, including the rare and endangered lappet-faced vulture.
One of the most unique and striking features of the Nogatsaa Grasslands is the ancient baobab trees that dot the landscape. These massive and gnarled trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old, are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of life in this harsh and unforgiving environment. The baobabs are also an important cultural and spiritual symbol for the local communities, who have long used them for food, medicine, and shelter.
Visitors to the Nogatsaa Grasslands can explore this unique and striking landscape on guided game drives or walking safaris, getting up close and personal with the wildlife and the baobabs. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October, when the game viewing is at its best and the skies are at their clearest.
Chobe National Park
In addition to its incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes, Chobe National Park is also a conservation success story, with a long and proud history of protecting and preserving the natural heritage of Botswana. The park was first established in 1967, making it the first national park in Botswana, and has since become a model for conservation and sustainable tourism in the region.
One of the key factors in Chobe’s success as a conservation area has been the involvement and support of the local communities. The park has a number of community-based tourism initiatives, such as the Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust, which allows local communities to benefit directly from tourism revenue while also playing an active role in the management and protection of the park’s resources.
Another important factor in Chobe’s success has been the strict enforcement of anti-poaching laws and the use of innovative technologies to monitor and protect wildlife. The park has a dedicated team of rangers and conservation officers who work tirelessly to combat poaching and other threats to the park’s wildlife, using tools like GPS tracking, drones, and camera traps to monitor and protect the animals.
Thanks to these efforts, Chobe National Park has seen a remarkable recovery in its wildlife populations in recent years, particularly its elephant population. In the 1970s and 80s, poaching and habitat loss had decimated the park’s elephant herds, with numbers dropping from over 100,000 to just a few thousand. But thanks to the tireless efforts of conservationists and the support of the local communities, the elephant population has since rebounded to over 120,000 individuals, making Chobe home to the largest concentration of elephants in Africa.
Chobe National Park: A Must-Visit Destination for Wildlife Enthusiasts
With its incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and commitment to conservation, Chobe National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural wonders of Africa. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor to the continent, Chobe offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the raw beauty and power of the wild.
When to Visit Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is a year-round destination, with different seasons offering unique and stunning experiences for visitors. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each season:
Dry Season (May to October): This is the most popular time to visit Chobe, as the wildlife concentrates along the river and other water sources, making for incredible game viewing opportunities. The weather is also cooler and drier during this time, making for more comfortable conditions for safari-goers.
Wet Season (November to April): During the wet season, the park transforms into a lush and green oasis, with stunning wildflowers and birdlife. While the game viewing may not be as concentrated as in the dry season, this is a great time for birdwatching and enjoying the park’s stunning landscapes. The rains can also make some roads and trails impassable, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
Peak Season (July to October): This is the busiest time to visit Chobe, as it coincides with the dry season and the school holidays in many countries. If you’re planning to visit during this time, be sure to book your accommodations and activities well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Shoulder Season (May to June and November): The shoulder season can be a great time to visit Chobe, as the crowds are smaller and the prices are lower than during peak season. The weather can be unpredictable during this time, with some rain and cooler temperatures, but the game viewing can still be excellent.
Tips for Planning Your Chobe National Park Safari
If you’re planning a safari to Chobe National Park, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Choose the right time to visit: As mentioned above, the best time to visit Chobe depends on your interests and preferences. If you’re interested in game viewing, the dry season from May to October is the best time to visit, while the wet season from November to April is better for birdwatching and enjoying the park’s lush landscapes.
Book your accommodations and activities in advance: Chobe is a popular destination, so it’s important to book your accommodations and activities well in advance, especially during peak season. Many lodges and camps offer packages that include game drives, boat cruises, and other activities, so be sure to research your options and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Choose the right accommodations: Chobe offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites. When choosing your accommodations, consider factors like location, amenities, and activities offered. Some of the most popular lodges and camps in Chobe include Chobe Game Lodge, Savute Safari Lodge, and Ngoma Safari Lodge.
Pack appropriately: When packing for your Chobe safari, be sure to bring comfortable and versatile clothing in neutral colors like khaki and green. You’ll also want to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, as well as a warm jacket or fleece for cooler evenings. Don’t forget to bring a good pair of binoculars and a camera to capture your wildlife sightings.
Be respectful of the wildlife: When viewing wildlife in Chobe, it’s important to remember that you are a guest in their home. Always follow the instructions of your guide and keep a safe distance from the animals. Never approach or feed the wildlife, and be sure to dispose of any trash properly to avoid attracting animals to human areas.
Support local communities: Chobe National Park is home to a number of local communities that rely on tourism for their livelihoods. When planning your safari, consider supporting these communities by staying at locally-owned lodges and camps, hiring local guides, and purchasing souvenirs and crafts from local artisans.
