Chobe National Park in Botswana
If you’re dreaming of an authentic African safari, Chobe National Park in Botswana should definitely be on your list. It’s wild, remote, and full of wildlife. I had the chance to explore it recently, and it does lives up to the hype.
Where is Chobe National Park?
Chobe is located in the north of Botswana, near the borders with Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It’s super easy to combine a trip to Chobe with a visit to Victoria Falls, which is only a 1.5 hours drive away.
Best Time to Visit Chobe
For game viewing, the dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit, as animals gather around the Chobe River and sightings are almost guaranteed. The wet season (November to April) is beautiful in a different way—it’s lush, green, and full of baby animals. There’s also amazing birdlife, but keep in mind that some areas might be inaccessible due to flooding.
Getting There
Most travelers either fly into Kasane Airport (which is right next to the park) or arrive by land from Victoria Falls. Kasane is the main gateway town to Chobe and has everything you’ll need—from lodges to restaurants and tour operators.
What Makes Chobe Special?
Elephants everywhere
Chobe has one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa, over 120,000! You’ll see them in massive herds, especially during the dry season (May–October), when they gather along the river to drink and bathe.
The Chobe River
Since the river runs along the park’s northern edge, it attracts all kinds of animals during the dry months, and you can actually go on boat safaris, which gives you a front-row seat to wildlife from a totally different angle.
Incredible Wildlife Diversity
Besides elephants, Chobe is full of lions, buffalo, antelope, hyenas, giraffes, and leopards. Birdwatchers will also fall in love with the place, especially during the wet season when migratory birds arrive.
Fewer Crowds
While Chobe is more accessible than other national parks in Botswana, it still remains somewhat untouched. It is possible to go on game drives for hours without seeing another vehicle.
How to Explore Chobe
Self-drive safaris: If you’re feeling adventurous and have a 4×4, you can drive through parts of the park on your own.
Guided game drives: This is the most popular and stress-free option. A guide will take you out on a 4×4 and help spot animals you might not notice on your own.
Boat safaris: A front-row seat to life on the river.
Luxury lodges & mobile safaris: For a more immersive experience, consider staying in one of the lodges inside the park or joining a mobile safari that camps out in the wild.
Where to Stay
You’ll find everything from budget-friendly campsites to high-end lodges along the riverfront. Staying in Kasane is convenient if you want easy access to tours and amenities, but staying inside the park (or closer to it) gives you a head start on game drives.
A Few Tips Before You Go
- Book in advance—especially during peak season. Lodges and tours fill up quickly.
- Bring neutral-colored clothing (like beige, brown, and olive). It helps you blend into the surroundings during game drives.
- Pack for both hot days and chilly nights—layers are your best friend.
- Don’t forget bug spray (especially during wet season) and sunscreen all year round.
- Ask about park fees and permits ahead of time—many lodges include them, but not all.
Are you ready to start discovering Botswana?
Here are the tours I did and personally recommend!
Are you ready to start discovering Botswana?
Here are the tours I did and personally recommend!
