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Chobe National Park Botswana flag

50 Tours 0 Hotels & Lodges

Starting from

$420PP

Overview

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.

High Season
August to October
Best Time to Go
July 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

Map in Botswana

Chobe National Park map

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Wildlife & Animals

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. 

Elephant

Elephant

Abundant
Hippo

Hippo

Abundant
Giraffe

Giraffe

Abundant
Buffalo

Buffalo

Common
Zebra

Zebra

Common
Wildebeest

Wildebeest

Common
Lion

Lion

Common
Leopard

Leopard

Occasional

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 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. 

Spoonbill

Spoonbill

Common
Ibis

Ibis

Common
African fish eagle

African fish eagle

Common
Saddle-billed stork

Saddle-billed stork

Common

Best Time for Birding

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 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.

High Season
August to October
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

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Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around Chobe National Park.

Birding Safari

Birding Safari

Eager bird-watchers won't be disappointed on an African safari! This gray crowned crane was seen in the core of the Serengeti, Tanzania.
Boating Safaris

Boating Safaris

Explore the aquatic wildlife by boat, canoe, dhow or kayak. In Botswana, it is feasible to go down the Okavango Delta in a burrow kayak called a moko.
Cultural

Cultural

It is possible to take part in a cultural safari if you desire to spend your time visiting local schools, clinics, orphanages, and markets.
Diving

Diving

Parts of Africa are eminence for their top of the line Scuba and snorkelling and perfect for an incredible pre or post safari activitiy.
Farm Visits

Farm Visits

An incredible addition to any safari is taking the time to visit some of the local farms or plantations and sample some local produce.
Fishing

Fishing

Fishing safaris are especially famous in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. River, lake and deep ocean fishing are all possible in Africa.
Game Drives

Game Drives

A game drive is an adventure that involves viewing wildlife from the comfort of a 4x4 open vehicle, providing you with a true safari experience.
Golf

Golf

It's not difficult to fit in a few days of golf before or after a safari, with plenty of options in Kenya, South Africa, Mozambique, and Botswana.
Helicopter tours

Helicopter tours

It is possible to do helicopter tours in specific parts of Africa. The amazing helicopter trip over Victoria Falls is known as the ‘Flight of Angels.
Hiking & Trekking

Hiking & Trekking

Trekking massive mountains such as Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, and Mt. Kenya, as well as hiking in the foothills, are all options in Africa.
Horse Riding

Horse Riding

For those who wish to explore the parks and game reserves by horse. These are the most well-known destinations; Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa.
Hot Air Balloons

Hot Air Balloons

A hot air balloon safari is a must-do adventure activity. It's easy to see why being inspired across the African landscape is such a memorable experience.
Night Drives

Night Drives

Night game drives provide an opportunity to observe wildlife in action at night. Predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards become active at night.
Photography

Photography

Photography safaris are frequently led by experienced photographers who are dedicated to capturing the best shot possible.
Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Market visits are worthwhile before or after a safari. Locally made and sourced items make excellent souvenirs and great way to keep memories alive.
Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris

A safari bush walk is the best way to get some exercise and experience nature up close. Set out on an adventure with the wild inhabitants of Africa.
Yoga

Yoga

Yoga, Pilates and mind/ body safaris are growing in popular. It is possible to begin the day with an hour or two of yoga prior to going on a game drive.

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