Overview – Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is the third-largest in the nation and home to a huge range of biodiversity, with the biggest concentration of elephants in Africa – an expected 50,000 live there. It is also a birdwatcher's heaven, with around 500 species recorded so far.
The park is divided into separate regions: the Chobe Riverfront, the Savuti Marsh and the Linyanti Marsh. The Chobe riverfront is a significant watering spot for herds of elephants, buffalo, sable and giraffes. You can also go on a boat trip along the river to spot the hippos and crocodiles in the water and on the banks. The Savuti swamp is the ideal spot to spot wildebeest, warthogs, impalas and zebras on the apparently endless savanna while visiting the Linyanti marsh allows you an opportunity to go through forests and lagoons, home to lions, leopards and antelopes.
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Wildlife30 Animals
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High SeasonAugust to October
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Best Time to GoJuly to October
Pros & Cons
- Amazing wildlife experience with four of the Big 5 which can be spotted easily except Rhino
- An incredibly diverse variety of bird life is available for birding enthusiasts
- Game drives, boat safaris and walking safaris are available
- Self-drive day visitors are allowed entry
- Combine with spectacular Victoria Falls which is over the border in Zimbabwe and Zambia
- Most of the accommodation are outside the park
- Very hot and dry weather
- River gets very crowded with Safari boats in the afternoon
- Based on crowd, self drive hours are restricted from 9 AM to 2:30 PM; very limited wildlife options during this time
- Limited safari circuits inside the park
Chobe National Park Map in Africa
Chobe National Park Safari Reviews
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Wildlife & Animals – Chobe National Park
Chobe is home to several large animals and one can see four of the five big five here, with the rhino being the one in particular that has infrequently been found around here. Probably the best concentrations of elephants in all of Africa can be found in Chobe, and a safari here is ensured to have several elephant viewing opportunities. Prides of lions, leopards and hyenas or all the more seldom cheetahs can be spotted as well. This region is reputed for its annual migration of zebras and predators. Tourists going on a safari frequently sight rhinoceros (both black and white), warthog, kudu, impala, zebra, wildebeest and a herd of elephants.
Wildlife Highlights
The flood plains are the only place in Botswana where the puku antelope can be seen. Burchell's zebra is very common as well, while smaller numbers of sable, roan and greater kudu can be found in the park interior. The red lechwe is common in marshy areas. Some of the small predators include Selous' mongoose, serval and wild cats.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Chobe has very seasonal wildlife viewing. The best time to visit the Chobe River region is in the Dry season from May to October. During the Wet season, from December to April, animals tend to congregate around the pans in the interior.
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Birds – Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is a bird watcher’s paradise, with almost 500 species on record so far. Large quantities of carmine bee eaters are spotted frequently. When in flood spoonbills, ibis, various species of storks, ducks and other waterfowl flock to the area. Boat safaris on the river are astounding for spotting numerous waders and other water-related birds. Birds regularly let boats come extremely close making photography astoundingly simple. There are many fish eagles on the stream, and their call is one of the most iconic sounds of Africa.
Notable Birds in Chobe National Park
Best Time for Bird Watching
Chobe can be visited round the year for Bird watching. However, the best time to visit is from November to April. During this time migratory birds are present. Also, during these months a lot of birds are breeding, and large colonies of waterbirds can be found nesting on the sandbanks in the river.
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Best Time to Visit – Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park can be visited throughout the year. Wildlife migrates through the park with the seasons. The best time to visit the riverfront area is during the dry season from May to October. Prime time for wildlife viewing is from August to October, but it gets extremely hot sometimes. During the wet season, animals, Burchell’s zebra specifically, migrate to the Savute Marsh, while Linyanti is best visited from April onward.
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Best Time
August to October
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High Season
July to October
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Low Season
November to June
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Best Weather
May to August
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Worst Weather
October
April to October (Dry Season)
- Animals are easier to spot as they congregate near fresh water sources
- It is sunny, and there is little rain
- Sunsets on the river are exceptional
- Riverfront area gets very crowded in the high season months
- Very hot weather in September and October
April to October (Wet Season)
- Huge concentrations zebra and other wildlife at the Savute Marsh
- Plenty of baby animals that attract predators
- Birding is best as migratory birds are present
- The scenery is beautiful and at its most lush
- Less wildlife at the riverfront as animals scattered
- Afternoon rainfalls can create challenges in planned activities
- Very hot weather
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Activities – Chobe National Park
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Safari Reviews – Chobe National Park
Want to Visit Chobe National Park?
Photo Gallery – Chobe National Park
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