Chobe National Park
Discover Chobe National Park: The Untamed Heart of Botswana’s Wilderness
Chobe National Park, nestled in the northern reaches of Botswana, is a sanctuary where raw wilderness meets unforgettable safari experiences. Known as one of Africa’s most diverse and wildlife-rich ecosystems, Chobe is particularly famous for hosting the largest elephant population on the continent—over 120,000 strong. As the first national park in Botswana, it holds not only ecological importance but also historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a deeper connection with nature.
Whether you are planning your first safari or comparing iconic destinations like Chobe and Kruger, this guide to Chobe National Park will give you everything you need to know. From the best time to visit and how to avoid malaria risks, to understanding park fees, wildlife sightings, and unforgettable Chobe River cruises, this article is your gateway to the ultimate Botswana safari.
What Makes Chobe National Park Special?
Chobe National Park is special for many reasons, but its most defining feature is its incredible concentration of wildlife—especially elephants. With over 120,000 elephants roaming its floodplains, riverbanks, and woodlands, Chobe has earned global fame as the best place in Africa to see elephants in the wild. Nowhere else do you find such large herds of these majestic creatures bathing, playing, and crossing the mighty Chobe River.
But elephants are just the beginning. Chobe boasts four distinct ecosystems: the lush Chobe Riverfront, the dry Savuti Marsh, the remote Linyanti swamps, and the hot, dusty hinterlands of Nogatsaa. This diversity in terrain supports an equally rich variety of wildlife—from the elusive leopard and powerful lion to buffalo, antelope, and over 450 bird species, including the African fish eagle and rare Pel’s fishing owl.
In addition to its biodiversity, Chobe is also home to one of Africa’s most scenic river-based safaris. The Chobe River cruise offers a unique vantage point for viewing hippos, crocodiles, and elephants from the water—especially at sunset. This makes it one of the few places in Southern Africa where you can combine both game drives and boat safaris in one visit.
The park’s proximity to the world wonder of Victoria Falls (just over an hour’s drive from the town of Kasane) adds to its uniqueness. Visitors often combine a trip to Chobe National Park with a stay in Livingstone or Victoria Falls Town, creating an epic cross-border African adventure.
Where Is Chobe National Park Located?
Chobe National Park is located in the northeastern corner of Botswana, one of Southern Africa’s most stable and conservation-focused countries. The park shares a border with Namibia, and lies close to both Zambia and Zimbabwe, making it one of the most accessible safari destinations in the region. It is approximately 1.5 hours by road from Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
The main gateway to Chobe is the small town of Kasane, which sits at the edge of the park along the Chobe River. Kasane has an international airport and road access to four countries, making it a strategic hub for travelers arriving from Livingstone (Zambia), Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe), or even Windhoek (Namibia).
Chobe’s location allows visitors to combine a variety of iconic destinations within a short travel radius, including Okavango Delta, Savuti, Linyanti, and Victoria Falls. This proximity not only enhances your safari options but also positions Chobe as an ideal start or finish to a broader Southern Africa itinerary.
For a clear view of the park’s location and surrounding regions, see the Chobe National Park map in the section below.
What Animals Can You See in Chobe National Park?
Chobe National Park is one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich areas, and its animal population is among the most diverse in the Southern African region. While the park is best known for its record-breaking elephant population, it is also home to an astonishing range of mammals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic species, making it a year-round destination for game viewing and wildlife photography.
The most iconic species found in Chobe include:
| Animal | Where to Spot It |
|---|---|
| African Elephant | Especially along the Chobe Riverfront and floodplains |
| Lion | Most active in Savuti and Linyanti regions |
| Leopard | Typically sighted in woodland and forested areas |
| African Buffalo | Often seen near waterholes and the Chobe River |
| Giraffe | Common in the dry bushveld of Serondela and Savuti |
| Zebra | Abundant during dry season migrations |
| Spotted Hyena | Often seen at dawn and dusk in Savuti |
| Crocodile | Frequently spotted sunbathing on riverbanks |
| Hippopotamus | Seen in large numbers along the Chobe River |
| Sable Antelope | Found in the more remote woodlands of the park |
In addition to these well-known species, Chobe supports over 450 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. From the iconic African fish eagle to the rare Pel’s fishing owl, the park’s riverine, savanna, and woodland habitats offer unmatched avian diversity.
The combination of land and river-based safaris gives visitors the rare opportunity to see elephants swimming, buffalo crossing floodplains, and predators stalking prey, all in one day. Whether you visit during the lush green season or the dry migration months, the chances of encountering Africa’s most majestic animals are always high in Chobe.
Best Time to Visit Chobe National Park
The best time to visit Chobe National Park depends on what kind of safari experience you’re looking for. The park is a year-round destination, but each season offers a different kind of beauty and wildlife activity.
Peak Safari Season (Dry Season) – May to October
The dry season is widely considered the best time to visit Chobe National Park for wildlife viewing. During these months, animals gather around the Chobe River and permanent water sources, making sightings more frequent and dramatic. The vegetation is thinner, making it easier to spot big cats and other elusive species. June to August brings cooler temperatures, while September and October are hot and dry—perfect for photographing large herds of elephants at the riverbanks.
Green Season (Wet Season) – November to April
The wet season transforms Chobe into a lush green paradise. While some wildlife may be harder to spot due to the dense vegetation, this is the best time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive in large numbers. The wet months also see fewer visitors, making it an excellent time for those who prefer quieter, more intimate safari experiences. January and February are typically the wettest months.
| Season | Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | May – October | Best game viewing, elephants at riverfront, no rain |
| Wet Season | November – April | Birdwatching, green landscapes, fewer crowds |
No matter when you visit Chobe National Park, you’ll witness something extraordinary. For the ultimate safari, many travelers combine a Chobe dry season safari with a visit to Victoria Falls or Okavango Delta, taking advantage of the region’s multi-destination flexibility.
Chobe National Park Tours
Chobe National Park offers a variety of safari experiences that appeal to every type of traveler — from first-time visitors to seasoned wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or an immersive multi-day safari, the park’s location and diversity make it easy to design a tour that fits your style, pace, and budget.
One of the most popular ways to explore Chobe is through Chobe River cruises, where guests drift along the wildlife-rich riverbanks and get eye-level views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffalo coming to drink or swim. These boat safaris offer a unique perspective that game drives can’t replicate, especially at sunset when the golden light reflects off the water and wildlife is most active.
In addition to river cruises, guided game drives are available throughout the park’s key regions: the Chobe Riverfront, Savuti, Linyanti, and Nogatsaa. Most tours are conducted in open 4×4 vehicles and led by licensed local guides who are experts in tracking big cats, identifying bird species, and reading animal behavior.
Visitors staying in Kasane, the gateway town to the park, can choose between half-day or full-day tours. For those based in nearby Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park day tours from Zimbabwe or Zambia are also extremely popular. These cross-border excursions include return transfers, park fees, lunch, and guided activities, making them ideal for those on tight schedules.
For a more exclusive experience, Chobe also offers multi-day private safaris with overnight stays in lodges, tented camps, or mobile safari setups within the park. These itineraries often include early morning drives, sundowner cruises, and cultural visits to nearby villages.
| Tour Type | Includes | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Day Trip from Victoria Falls | Transfers, game drive or cruise, lunch, park fees | Short-stay visitors |
| Half-Day Safari | Morning or afternoon drive or boat safari | Casual travelers |
| Full-Day Safari | Game drive + river cruise + meals | Adventure seekers |
| Overnight Safari Package | Lodging, multiple drives, cruises, full immersion | Photographers and enthusiasts |
| Private Safari Experience | Custom itinerary, private guide, flexible timing | Couples, families, VIP travelers |
Chobe National Park tours can be tailored to your interests, whether you prefer wildlife photography, birding, river adventures, or a mix of it all. Due to high demand during peak season, it is recommended to book your Chobe safari well in advance, especially if combining it with trips to Victoria Falls or the Okavango Delta.
Chobe vs. Kruger National Park – Which Is Better?
Both Chobe National Park in Botswana and Kruger National Park in South Africa are among the most celebrated safari destinations in Africa. Each offers world-class wildlife experiences, but they differ significantly in terrain, crowd levels, accessibility, and overall atmosphere. Deciding which is better depends largely on what type of safari experience you’re looking for.
Chobe National Park is known for its intimate and river-based safari experience. It boasts the highest concentration of elephants in Africa and offers the rare opportunity to view wildlife from a boat along the Chobe River. With fewer roads and less infrastructure than Kruger, Chobe feels wilder and more remote, appealing to travelers who want a raw, less commercial safari. Its proximity to Victoria Falls also allows visitors to combine two iconic destinations in one trip.
Kruger National Park, on the other hand, is much larger and has a more developed network of roads, rest camps, and accommodations. It is often considered more accessible, particularly for first-time travelers to Africa, and offers a high chance of spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) within a few days. Kruger is ideal for self-drives and family travel, while still offering private reserves for more exclusive experiences.
| Feature | Chobe National Park | Kruger National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Botswana, near Victoria Falls | Northeastern South Africa |
| Wildlife Focus | Elephants, river safaris, birdlife | Big Five, diverse game, high predator density |
| Safari Style | River cruises, game drives | Self-drive, guided safaris, private lodges |
| Accessibility | From Kasane or Victoria Falls | From Johannesburg or Nelspruit |
| Infrastructure | Limited, more remote | Well-developed, wide range of accommodations |
| Best For | Adventurous travelers, multi-country safaris | Families, first-timers, photographers |
In summary, choose Chobe if you want a quieter, elephant-focused safari near Victoria Falls with excellent boat safari options. Choose Kruger if you’re looking for a more developed park with a high chance of Big Five sightings and extensive self-drive opportunities.
Both parks are exceptional in their own right and often visited together on a combined Southern Africa itinerary.
Do I Need Malaria Tablets for Chobe National Park?
Yes, it is strongly recommended that visitors to Chobe National Park take malaria prophylaxis, especially during the rainy season between November and April when mosquito activity is highest. Chobe lies within a region of northern Botswana where malaria transmission can occur, particularly after rainfall when stagnant water increases mosquito breeding.
Even though cases are relatively rare compared to other tropical regions, it is better to take preventive measures. Most travelers visiting from Victoria Falls, Livingstone, or Kasane are advised by health professionals to start a course of malaria tablets (such as Malarone, doxycycline, or mefloquine) before arrival, depending on the duration and time of travel.
In addition to medication, you can lower your risk further by:
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing in the evenings
- Using insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin
- Sleeping under mosquito nets (provided by most lodges)
- Staying in accommodations with proper screening or air conditioning
If you are traveling during the dry season (May to October), the risk of malaria is lower, but still not zero. Always consult a travel clinic or your doctor at least four to six weeks before departure to determine the most appropriate protection based on your medical history and itinerary.
Chobe National Park Map
Understanding the geography of Chobe National Park is essential for planning your safari experience. The park covers approximately 11,700 square kilometers and is divided into four key ecological regions, each offering distinct landscapes, wildlife behavior, and safari opportunities.
Main Regions of Chobe National Park
| Region | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Chobe Riverfront | Lush riverbanks, largest elephant herds, accessible from Kasane | Day trips, river cruises, big game |
| Savuti Marsh | Open savanna, seasonal water channel, high predator activity | Lion sightings, dry-season game drives |
| Linyanti Swamps | Remote wetlands, fewer tourists, birding paradise | Exclusive safaris, rare wildlife |
| Nogatsaa Area | Hot, dry interior, less visited, excellent in green season | Birdwatching, off-the-beaten-path travel |
Each of these zones can be explored on guided game drives or through multi-day safaris, depending on your time and interest. The Chobe Riverfront is the most accessible and often the first stop for visitors arriving from Kasane, Livingstone, or Victoria Falls.
For a better understanding of Chobe’s layout and nearby access points, including Victoria Falls and Okavango Delta, a downloadable or interactive map should be included in your itinerary planning.
If you are combining Chobe with other destinations in Botswana or neighboring countries, using a regional map will help visualize travel distances, transfer routes, and border crossings.
Chobe National Park Fees and Entrance Costs (2025)
Understanding the fees for visiting Chobe National Park is essential for planning your safari budget. As of 2025, Botswana’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) maintains a structured pricing model for park access, which applies to both domestic and international tourists.
Below is a breakdown of the standard entrance fees for Chobe National Park:
| Visitor Type | Daily Park Entry Fee (BWP) | Approximate USD (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| International Visitor | 270 BWP per person per day | ~$20 USD |
| SADC Resident | 135 BWP per person per day | ~$10 USD |
| Botswana Citizen | 25 BWP per person per day | <$2 USD |
| Children Under 8 Years | Free | Free |
Vehicle Fees:
- Private vehicles: 50 BWP per day
- Safari operator vehicles: Usually included in tour price
Note: Prices are subject to change and should be verified with your safari provider or at the park entrance upon arrival.
In most cases, tour packages and day trips include the park fees in the total cost, especially when booked through licensed operators. If you are self-driving or organizing your own trip from Kasane, be prepared to pay at the gate using cash (BWP) or sometimes credit card (though not always reliable in remote areas).
For multi-day safaris, the park fees are charged per calendar day, not per 24-hour period. This means if you enter the park in the afternoon and stay overnight, you will be charged for two days.
History of Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park holds the distinction of being Botswana’s first national park and one of the most significant conservation success stories in Southern Africa. Its history is deeply rooted in Botswana’s early efforts to protect its rich biodiversity and preserve key ecosystems for future generations.
The area that would become Chobe was first identified for protection in the 1930s, when colonial administrators noticed the extraordinary density of wildlife along the Chobe River. However, it wasn’t until 1960 that it was formally declared a game reserve. In 1968, Chobe was officially designated a national park, becoming the first of its kind in Botswana and setting a national precedent for wildlife conservation.
From its inception, Chobe has been at the forefront of Botswana’s strategy to build a sustainable tourism industry rooted in environmental stewardship. The government deliberately chose to avoid mass tourism and instead focused on low-impact, high-value safaris. As a result, the park has remained relatively unspoiled, with vast tracts of wilderness untouched by modern infrastructure.
Over the decades, Chobe has expanded in size and importance. It now covers over 11,700 square kilometers and supports one of the largest continuous elephant populations in the world. The park also became a key player in transboundary conservation efforts, linking with protected areas in Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe through the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA).
Today, the history of Chobe National Park is not just a timeline of milestones; it is a living legacy of successful wildlife management, ecological resilience, and community-centered tourism.
Tips & Travel Essentials for Visiting Chobe National Park
A trip to Chobe National Park promises unforgettable encounters with wildlife, dramatic river landscapes, and immersive safari moments. To make the most of your experience, preparation is key—especially if you’re visiting for the first time. Below are essential travel tips and recommendations to ensure your safari is comfortable, safe, and enriching.
Health & Safety
- Malaria Prevention: Chobe lies in a malaria zone, particularly active during the rainy season. Consult your doctor about taking prophylactic tablets and use insect repellent throughout your trip.
- Vaccinations: Make sure your routine vaccines are up to date. Yellow fever is not required for Botswana unless arriving from a risk country.
Visa & Entry
- Botswana Visa: Most international visitors can enter Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days. However, always check current requirements based on your nationality.
- Cross-Border Transfers: If you’re combining your Chobe visit with Victoria Falls, ensure you have the appropriate visa (e.g. KAZA UniVisa for Zambia/Zimbabwe).
What to Pack for Chobe
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Neutral-colored clothing | Avoid bright colors to blend in with nature |
| Sun hat and sunglasses | Essential for sunny days and game drives |
| Binoculars | Ideal for birdwatching and spotting wildlife |
| Camera with zoom lens | To capture detailed animal sightings |
| Lightweight jacket | Early mornings and evenings can be cool |
| Closed-toe shoes | For bush walks and rugged terrain |
| Insect repellent (DEET-based) | Protection against mosquitoes |
| Reusable water bottle | Stay hydrated during drives |
Practical Safari Tips
- Book Early: Especially during peak months (June–October), accommodations and tours can fill up quickly.
- Don’t Expect Wi-Fi: Most lodges have limited connectivity. Embrace the digital detox and focus on nature.
- Follow Your Guide’s Instructions: For safety and conservation, always follow park regulations and guide briefings.
Chobe is one of those rare destinations where the wild still rules, and nature unfolds at its own pace. With the right preparation, your journey will be as seamless as it is awe-inspiring.
Conclusion: Why Chobe National Park Belongs on Your Safari Itinerary
Chobe National Park is more than just a destination—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. From the thunderous footsteps of elephant herds crossing the Chobe River to the golden stillness of a sunset cruise, the park captures the essence of Africa in every moment.
Whether you’re drawn by its reputation as Botswana’s first national park, the abundance of wildlife, or the rare opportunity to combine river and land-based safaris, Chobe delivers one of the most diverse and immersive safari experiences on the continent. Its proximity to other iconic destinations like Victoria Falls, Savuti, and the Okavango Delta makes it easy to incorporate Chobe into a broader Southern Africa itinerary.
As you plan your safari, let this guide serve as your starting point. From understanding park fees and malaria precautions to choosing the best time to visit and knowing what animals to expect, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to make your trip to Chobe National Park unforgettable.
If you’re ready to explore this wild paradise, our team at Nextgen Safaris Africa is here to help you craft the perfect Chobe National Park tour—customized to your interests, comfort level, and timeline. Let us take you to the untamed heart of Botswana.
Begin your Chobe safari journey today. Contact us for personalized itineraries, expert advice, and travel support.
