Chobe National Park: Botswana's Wildlife Jewel

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Discover Botswana's Chobe National Park: Home to massive elephant herds, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes for an unforgettable safari experience.

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Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park, located in northern Botswana, is the country's first national park and one of its most biologically diverse. Renowned for its large elephant population, the park offers exceptional wildlife viewing across diverse landscapes, including riverfront areas, marshes, and woodlands. It's a premier safari destination, drawing visitors from around the globe.

A brief summary to Chobe National Park

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Local tips

Visit during the dry season (May to October) for optimal wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources.
Take a boat cruise on the Chobe River for a unique perspective on wildlife and stunning sunset views.
Bring binoculars for enhanced bird watching, especially during the wet season (November to March).
A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for navigating the park's roads, especially outside the main road to Namibia.
Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak season, as Chobe National Park is a popular destination.

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Getting There

Air

The most convenient way to reach Chobe National Park is by flying into Kasane International Airport (BBK), located just outside the park. Several airlines operate flights to Kasane from major cities in Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. From the airport, most lodges and hotels provide shuttle services. Alternatively, you can rent a car or hire a taxi for the short drive to your accommodation. Keep in mind that some lodges offer 'lodge hops,' scenic air transfers via small aircraft from Kasane Airport to airstrips near the lodges. There are no mandatory access fees from the airport to the park.
Road

If arriving by road from neighboring countries, Chobe National Park is accessible via well-maintained roads from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Livingstone (Zambia), and the Caprivi Strip (Namibia). From Victoria Falls, the drive to Kasane is approximately 80 km (1 hour) via the Kazungula Border Post. From Livingstone, it's about 70 km (1 hour) via the Kazungula Bridge. From the Caprivi Strip in Namibia, it's roughly a 2-hour drive via the Ngoma Border Post. Once in Kasane, the Chobe National Park entrance is just a short drive away. Park entry fees are payable at the gate and vary depending on residency. For international visitors, the fee is approximately BWP 190 per person per day.

Discover more about Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park, established in 1968, spans approximately 11,700 square kilometers in northern Botswana, bordering Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The park is named after the Chobe River, which forms its northern boundary and is a vital water source for the region's abundant wildlife.Historically, the area was inhabited by the San bushmen, nomadic hunter-gatherers whose rock paintings can still be found within the park. The idea of creating a national park to protect the area's wildlife and promote tourism was first proposed in 1931. After overcoming challenges such as tsetse fly infestations, Chobe National Park was officially established in 1967, becoming Botswana's first national park.Chobe is divided into four distinct ecosystems: the Chobe Riverfront, the Linyanti Marsh, Savuti, and the Nogatsaa area. The Chobe Riverfront, also known as Serondela, is famous for its large elephant herds and diverse birdlife. The Linyanti Marsh offers a remote and exclusive safari experience, while Savuti is known for its predators and unique landscapes.Today, Chobe National Park boasts one of the highest concentrations of game in Africa, including an estimated 50,000 to 120,000 elephants. Visitors can also spot lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and over 450 bird species. The park offers a range of activities, including game drives, boat cruises, and bird watching safaris, providing unforgettable wildlife encounters.