About Chobe National Park
Established in 1967 as Botswana's first national park, Chobe covers approximately 11,700 square kilometres in the country's far north. It is most famous for its extraordinary elephant population — the largest concentration of African elephants anywhere on the continent — and for its legendary Chobe River game drives and boat safaris.
Chobe is conveniently located near Kasane, the gateway town at the meeting point of four countries: Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia. Victoria Falls is just an hour's drive away, making Chobe an easy and popular addition to any Zimbabwe or Zambia itinerary.
Four Distinct Ecosystems
Chobe is not a single habitat but four distinct regions, each offering a different wildlife experience:
Chobe Riverfront
The most visited area of the park, the Chobe Riverfront runs along the northern boundary and is the epicentre of Botswana's elephant viewing. Game drives along the riverfront are spectacular, but what truly sets Chobe apart is the option of boat safaris on the river itself — allowing close-up, eye-level encounters with elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and an extraordinary array of waterbirds.
Savute
Savute is a remote, landlocked area of the park centred around the famous Savute Channel and Savute Marsh. It is renowned for its large lion prides and the annual elephant-vs-lion confrontations that have been widely documented. Savute also hosts large herds of zebra and wildebeest during the wetter months.
Linyanti
The Linyanti Wetlands in the west of the park form a private concession area home to some of Botswana's most exclusive camps. Wildlife here is exceptional, with African wild dogs, large lion prides, and good leopard sightings a regular feature. This area is much less visited than the Chobe Riverfront.
Nogatsaa/Tchinga
The remote interior of the park, Nogatsaa offers a true wilderness experience with very few tourists. Waterholes here attract large numbers of game during the dry season, but the area requires a well-equipped 4WD vehicle and considerable self-sufficiency.
Key Wildlife of Chobe
- Elephants: Herds of hundreds along the Chobe River — unmissable in the dry season
- Lions: Large prides, particularly in Savute
- Leopard: Best spotted along the Riverfront and in Linyanti
- Wild Dogs: One of the best places in Africa to see African wild dogs
- Buffalo: Large herds common during dry season
- Hippo and Crocodile: Abundant along the Chobe River
- Birds: Carmine bee-eaters, fish eagles, African skimmers and many more
Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Botswana, near Kasane |
| Park Entry Fee | Fees apply; check Botswana Tourism for current rates |
| Best Access Point | Kasane (road) or Kasane Airport (flights from Maun/Johannesburg) |
| Best Time to Visit | April to October (dry season) |
| Self-Drive | 4WD essential for all areas except the main Riverfront road |
| Boat Safaris | Available from Kasane; highly recommended |
Tips for Visiting Chobe
- Combine a morning game drive with an afternoon boat safari for the most complete experience.
- Stay at least two nights — one day is never enough to do Chobe justice.
- Book a guided safari rather than self-driving for the Riverfront — guides know where the animals are and understand their behaviour.
- Carry plenty of water — temperatures can exceed 40°C in September and October.
- Bring a telephoto lens for river photography — animals are sometimes at a distance across the water.
Chobe National Park is a must-visit for any serious wildlife enthusiast. The sheer density and diversity of animals along the Chobe River, combined with the unforgettable experience of watching hundreds of elephants wade and swim, makes it one of Africa's greatest wildlife spectacles.