Chobe National Park
Botswana's first and most diverse national park
Overview
Chobe National Park Safaris
Widely regarded as one of the best places in Africa to see elephants, Chobe National Park is a wildlife-lovers paradise.
The famous Big Five and other iconic animals – such as the rare African wild dog and cheetah – can all be found on a bespoke safari holiday in the park.
Although Chobe can be busy in peak times, the sheer range available here makes a visit worth your time. Game drives and river boat safaris are particularly popular, but for those looking to discover some of the astounding 450 recorded bird species here specialist birding safaris are also available.
Many families enjoy getting a taste of Setswana culture, from fishing trips to visits to local villages. And day trips to the extraordinary Victoria Falls can also be arranged from Chobe National Park.
Expect a phenomenal diversity of game, beautiful landscapes and hidden pockets of culture to be discovered.
Overview
Chobe National Park Safaris
Elephants in Botswana
Itinerary ideas
Suggested itineraries for Chobe National Park safaris
Where is the Chobe National Park?
Tucked in its most Northern tip, Chobe National Park is Botswana’s oldest and most biologically-diverse national park. Bordering Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia, the park extends for over 11,700 square kilometres and boasts four distinct ecosystems – the Chobe riverfront of lush floodplains, the Savuti marshlands, the riverine forests of the Linyanti and a huge hinterland of unspoilt woodland.
With Victoria Falls a quick one hour drive away and internal flights available from Kasane, the Chobe is extremely well-connected, making it an ideal pitstop on any Botswana itinerary.
And with our expertise you can avoid the tourist crowds, and discover the hidden gems of this lush park.
What to do in the Chobe National Park?
Luxury safaris are all about the game and there is no better place to start than in the Chobe National Park, which has one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife across the continent.
Known as the elephant capital of the world – with up to 80,000 elephants traversing the floodplains during the dry season – your family will soon become used to huge herds meandering past your vehicle.
And this is where Chobe’s diversity becomes a major advantage. Once you’ve had enough of tracking elephants, you can explore the Savute river channels by motorboat or traditional mokoro, witness the abundance of birds with a specialist birding guide, fish in the Chobe River or even take a day trip to Vic Falls. The world really is your oyster here.
Best time to visit?
Chobe National Park has something to suit all seasons, making it the perfect year-round luxury safari destination.
For a family trip the dry winter season from June to October is usually preferable. The rains have stopped yet the waters remain high, enabling water-based activities and bustling wildlife thronging around increasingly sparse water sources.
The summer months are the best for keen twitchers, however, as migratory birds flock to the lush region. There is also a major zebra migration through the Savuti Marshes and the proliferation of baby mammals brings the big predators into action.
August-October are the hottest months; June-July are the coldest.
Who should visit?
As the oldest national park in Botswana, Chobe National Park is well accustomed to family travel and many of the camps have specialist guides, activities and rooms to accommodate big and small groups.
The game is almost constant in peak months, ensuring that all of the family are kept engaged throughout the day, and no day is the same with mokoro tours, cultural visits and pool afternoons all available.
Some of the camps are at the forefront of eco-tourism and operate off-grid with no wifi or electricity. A perfect opportunity for teenagers – and their parents! – to disconnect from the outside world and immerse themselves in the bush environment.
Places to stay
Recommended Chobe National Park accommodation
Places to stay
Recommended Chobe National Park accommodation
Experiences
Our favourite Botswana experiences
An array of experiences that can be enjoyed in the Chobe National Park.
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