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Chobe District
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Explore Chobe District in Botswana for elephant-rich river safaris, Chobe National Park, Savuti landscapes and easy access to regional gateways.

Chobe District occupies Botswana's far north-east, where the Chobe River forms part of the country's boundary with Namibia and flows towards the wider Zambezi system. The district's principal town, Kasane, is the practical base for exploring Chobe National Park and the surrounding riverine landscapes. It is also close to the borders of Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, making the area an important crossroads for journeys through southern Africa. Nearby Victoria Falls is outside Botswana, but can be reached from Kasane by an organised cross-border excursion or independent travel subject to border and immigration requirements.
Read more about Chobe District
Wildlife is the district's defining attraction. Chobe National Park protects a varied landscape of floodplains, woodland, grassland and seasonal marshes, with especially notable concentrations of elephants along the Chobe River during the dry season. River cruises offer a different perspective from game drives, allowing visitors to observe hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and animals approaching the water. Further south and west, the Savuti area is known for its shifting channels, open plains and predator sightings, while the Linyanti region has a more remote character and is generally visited through specialist safari camps.
Kasane is more than a safari launching point. Its position on the river gives it a relaxed frontier-town atmosphere, with lodges, guesthouses, craft outlets, restaurants and operators arranging activities in the park and on the water. Kazungula, just south-east of Kasane, is a significant transport junction near the meeting point of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Pandamatenga, farther south, has a more agricultural character and lies beyond the main river-tourism corridor.
The district's environment is shaped by seasonal water. Dry months often concentrate wildlife around permanent rivers and waterholes, while the rains transform woodland and grassland, stimulate plant growth and bring migratory birds. Conditions can be hot, dusty and exposed, particularly on open game drives, and the best way to explore remote sectors is with an experienced safari guide. Walking independently in wildlife areas is not appropriate, while river excursions require attention to changing water levels, weather and wildlife regulations.
Chobe's cultural and economic identity is closely connected with the river, conservation and cross-border movement. Local communities include several long-established peoples of northern Botswana, and community-based tourism and craft enterprises form an important complement to the national park economy. Visitors should allow enough time to experience both a river safari and a land-based game drive rather than treating the district solely as a transit point. The result is a destination defined less by urban sightseeing than by immense skies, seasonal waterways and the careful observation of a protected living landscape.

When is the best time to visit Chobe District?

Best: June–August · 23–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January32100
February3290
March3180
April2960
May2620
June (best)235
July (best)245
August (best)275
September3020
October3340
November3460
December3480

Getting to and around Chobe District

How to get there

Kasane Airport is the district's main air gateway and receives domestic and regional safari traffic, although routes and frequencies can change seasonally. Many visitors arrive by road from Francistown, Maun or Victoria Falls, with Kasane connected to the wider Botswana road network. Victoria Falls Airport is outside Botswana, in Zimbabwe, but is a frequently used gateway for travellers combining the falls with Chobe; immigration, transfer and vehicle arrangements must be checked in advance. Kazungula provides an important road crossing towards Zambia, while Namibia is accessible through the Ngoma border area, subject to current border procedures.

Transportation

Kasane is compact enough for some local journeys, but a vehicle, transfer or organised excursion is normally needed for national-park activities and outlying settlements. Guided four-wheel-drive vehicles are the practical choice for remote park sectors such as Savuti and Linyanti, where sandy tracks, seasonal flooding and long distances make self-driving demanding. Chobe River cruises depart through local operators and lodges, while taxis and transfers are available around Kasane but should be arranged rather than assumed in quieter areas. Avoid driving after dark outside built-up areas because of wildlife and road conditions.

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Best attractions in Chobe District

Chobe National Park is the district's central attraction, but its appeal lies in the variety of ways to experience it. In Kasane's riverfront sector, guided boat cruises reveal hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and elephants approaching the Chobe River, while open-sided safari vehicles explore woodland, floodplain and grassland. The park's far-flung Savuti area offers a more remote safari setting, with seasonal channels, open plains and a reputation for predator sightings; Linyanti is still more secluded and is generally reached through specialist camps or extended safari arrangements. Around Kasane, the Kasane Forest Reserve provides a contrasting woodland environment, and the Chobe River corridor supports birdwatching, photography and fishing activities where permitted. Community and craft experiences add a human dimension to the wildlife focus, while nearby border towns provide insight into the district's regional connections. Victoria Falls is a major excursion from Kasane but lies outside Botswana, in Zimbabwe, and should be treated as a separate destination with its own entry requirements.

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Best landmarks in Chobe District

The Chobe River is the district's defining natural landmark, forming a broad, wildlife-rich waterway beside Kasane and giving the town its distinctive relationship with floodplain, woodland and international borders. Chobe National Park is the region's major protected landscape and an important landmark in Botswana's conservation history, particularly its riverfront sector and the distinctive Savuti channel and marsh system farther south-west. Kasane's position near the Kazungula transport junction is another significant geographical marker: the surrounding borderlands connect Botswana with Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, although the actual international boundaries and crossing points are subject to official controls. The Kazungula Bridge, across the Zambezi River in the wider border area, is a contemporary piece of regional infrastructure rather than a park attraction. Within the town, the small Baobab Prison Tree is a recognised local historical feature, associated with the colonial period and the use of a large baobab as a holding place, although its interpretation should be approached with the wider history of colonial administration in mind.

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Explore Chobe District on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Chobe District

Dining in Chobe District is concentrated in Kasane's lodges, hotels, guesthouses and independent restaurants, with menus shaped by Botswana's wider food culture and the expectations of an international safari clientele. Visitors may encounter seswaa, a slow-cooked shredded meat dish, bogobe porridge, grilled meats, seasonal vegetables and locally familiar stews, alongside salads, pasta and other practical lodge fare. Game meat may appear on some menus, but its availability and sourcing vary, so it should not be assumed to represent every local meal. Breakfasts and packed lunches are important on early drives, while riverside and lodge dining often emphasises simple, well-organised meals suited to safari schedules. Kasane's shops and small food outlets are useful for snacks, drinks and supplies, although choices become much more limited in remote Savuti and Linyanti camps. Ask operators about dietary requirements in advance, particularly when staying far from town.

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Best bars in Chobe District

Evening life in Chobe District is centred on lodge bars, hotel restaurants and relaxed venues in Kasane rather than a large nightclub scene. After a game drive, visitors commonly gather for a drink, informal conversation and views of the river or surrounding woodland, while some lodges arrange low-key cultural performances or fireside socialising when conditions and regulations allow. Kasane has a modest selection of bars and restaurants serving residents, safari guests and cross-border travellers, but opening arrangements can vary and should not be assumed to follow city nightlife hours. Remote camps in Savuti and Linyanti offer an even quieter evening experience, usually focused on dinner, wildlife sounds and stargazing. Drink responsibly, especially before early drives, and follow lodge rules about moving around after dark because wildlife may pass close to accommodation.

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Best nightclubs in Chobe District

Evening life in Chobe District is centred on lodge bars, hotel restaurants and relaxed venues in Kasane rather than a large nightclub scene. After a game drive, visitors commonly gather for a drink, informal conversation and views of the river or surrounding woodland, while some lodges arrange low-key cultural performances or fireside socialising when conditions and regulations allow. Kasane has a modest selection of bars and restaurants serving residents, safari guests and cross-border travellers, but opening arrangements can vary and should not be assumed to follow city nightlife hours. Remote camps in Savuti and Linyanti offer an even quieter evening experience, usually focused on dinner, wildlife sounds and stargazing. Drink responsibly, especially before early drives, and follow lodge rules about moving around after dark because wildlife may pass close to accommodation.

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Best shops in Chobe District

Shopping in Chobe District is primarily practical and craft-oriented, with the greatest choice in Kasane. Souvenir outlets, lodge shops, craft centres and market-style stalls offer carved wooden objects, woven goods, baskets, textiles, jewellery and wildlife-themed artworks, while food shops provide drinks, snacks and supplies for road journeys. Quality and provenance vary, so visitors should ask whether an item was made locally and avoid products made from restricted wildlife materials or protected species. Kasane is also a useful place to buy Botswana-related gifts before travelling into remote safari areas, where retail options may be limited to lodge boutiques. Pandamatenga and smaller settlements have a more local, everyday shopping character rather than a concentrated tourist retail scene. Bargaining may be possible in some informal settings, but it should be polite and proportionate; fixed-price shops and established craft outlets generally make their terms clear.

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Chobe District essentials

Currency and Payment
Botswana's currency is the pula, coded BWP. Hotels, lodges, larger restaurants, activity operators and many shops in Kasane generally accept international cards, although connectivity or payment systems can occasionally fail. Carry pula for small purchases, local transport, tips and businesses away from the main tourism centres; some regional operators may also quote or accept other currencies, but exchange rates should be confirmed before payment. Rural areas and border crossings offer fewer reliable payment options, so keep a sensible cash reserve without displaying it openly.
Safety
Chobe is a major wildlife destination, and the most important safety rules concern animals rather than urban crime. Remain inside authorised vehicles unless a guide has designated a safe area, keep quiet near wildlife and follow lodge instructions about walking after dark. The river has strong currents, deep water, hippos and crocodiles; do not swim or approach the bank without local guidance. Heat, sun exposure, dust and dehydration are common practical risks. On roads, reduce speed near settlements and wildlife, and avoid night driving whenever possible.
Emergency Situations
Botswana's national emergency numbers generally include 999 for police, 998 for fire and 997 for ambulance services. Mobile coverage can be limited in remote parts of Chobe National Park, Savuti and Linyanti, so report medical, vehicle or wildlife emergencies immediately to a guide, lodge or safari operator, which can coordinate assistance. Keep travel insurance details and emergency contacts accessible. For serious incidents on the river or in remote park areas, response times may be longer than in Kasane because of distance, terrain and border-related procedures.
Do's and Don'ts
Follow guide instructions around elephants, hippos, predators and crocodiles, and never feed or attempt to attract wildlife. Keep voices low, avoid sudden movements and do not pressure drivers to leave established routes or crowd an animal for a photograph. Ask before photographing local people, staff or community activities. Tipping is customary for guides, mokoro or boat crews where service has been good, but amounts are discretionary. Dress lightly but respectfully, use covered footwear for some activities and treat national-park rules as conservation measures rather than inconveniences.
Local Tips
A river cruise is often most rewarding in the late afternoon, while early drives provide cooler conditions and active wildlife, though sightings are never guaranteed. The dry season usually concentrates animals near permanent water, whereas the rainy season offers greener scenery and strong birdwatching opportunities. Plan remote-sector safaris as part of a lodge itinerary rather than as a day trip from Kasane unless the operator confirms realistic travel times. If shopping for crafts, compare locally made work with mass-produced souvenirs and ask about the materials and community behind the product.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloDumela[Doo-meh-lah]
GoodbyeTsamaya sentle[Tsah-mah-yah sen-tleh]
YesEe[Eh]
NoAowa[Ah-oh-wah]
Please/You're welcomeO kae[Oh kai]
Thank youKe a leboga[Kay ah leh-boh-gah]
Excuse me/SorryNtshwarele[Nts-hwah-reh-leh]
How are you?O kae?[Oh kai?]
Fine. And you?Ke teng. Wena?[Kay teng. Weh-nah?]
Do you speak English?A o bua Seagana?[Ah oh boo-ah Seh-gah-nah?]
I don't understandKe sitwa go utlwa[Kay sit-wah go oot-lwah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKe batla go bona lenaneo, o kae[Kay ba-tlah go boh-nah leh-nah-eh-no, oh kai]
I don't eat meatKe sitwa go ja nama[Kay sit-wah go jah nah-mah]
Cheers!Tlhokomelo![Tlhok-oh-meh-lo]
I would like to pay, pleaseKe batla go lefa, o kae[Kay ba-tlah go leh-fah, oh kai]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Thuso![Too-so]
Go away!Tlhola![Tlh-oh-lah]
Call the Police!Calla mapolesa![Kah-lah mah-po-leh-sah]
Call a doctor!Calla ngaka![Kah-lah ngah-kah]
I'm lostKe a sitwa[Kay ah sit-wah]
I'm illKe a bolawa[Kay ah boh-lah-wah]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ke batla go reka...[Kay ba-tlah go reh-kah]
I'm just lookingKe le mo go bonang[Kay leh mo go boh-nah]
How much is it?Ke bokae?[Kay boh-kai?]
That's too expensiveSeo se a tsenwa[Seh-oh seh ah tseh-nwah]
Can you lower the price?A o ka fokotsa theko?[Ah oh kah fo-koh-tsah teh-koh?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Ke nako eng?[Kay nah-koh eng?]
It's one o'clockKe ngwaga ya borai[Kay ng-wah-gah yah boh-rai]
Half past (10)Mafelo a borai[Mah-feh-loh ah boh-rai]
MorningMma[Mah]
AfternoonMotšehare[Mot-seh-hah-reh]
EveningMantsiboa[Mahn-tsee-boh-ah]
YesterdayMaabane[Mah-ah-bah-neh]
TodayBorai[Boh-rai]
TomorrowKamoso[Kah-moh-soh]
1Ngwaga e le nngwe[Ng-wah-gah eh leh n-nye]
2Ngwaga e le pedi[Ng-wah-gah eh leh peh-dee]
3Ngwaga e le tharo[Ng-wah-gah eh leh tah-roh]
4Ngwaga e le nne[Ng-wah-gah eh leh neh]
5Ngwaga e le tlhano[Ng-wah-gah eh leh tl-hah-noh]
6Ngwaga e le tshego[Ng-wah-gah eh leh tsheh-go]
7Ngwaga e le supa[Ng-wah-gah eh leh soo-pah]
8Ngwaga e le borai[Ng-wah-gah eh leh boh-rai]
9Ngwaga e le borai[Ng-wah-gah eh leh bo-roh]
10Ngwaga e le lesome[Ng-wah-gah eh leh leh-so-meh]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Ke kae ...?[Kay kai ...?]
What's the address?Ke ngwaga eng?[Kay ng-wah-gah eng?]
Can you show me (on the map)?A o ka mpontsha (mo mapeng)?[Ah oh kah mpon-tsah (mo mah-peh-ng)?]
When's the next (bus)?Nako ya borai e kae?[Nah-koh yah boh-rai eh kai?]
A ticket (to ....)Tiket (go ....)[Tee-ket (go ....)]

History of Chobe District

Early Peoples and the Northern Waterways

The Chobe and Linyanti waterways have long supported human movement, fishing, hunting and seasonal settlement. San communities have deep historical connections with the wider northern Botswana landscape, while later migrations and political developments brought other communities into the region. Archaeological evidence across northern Botswana points to long patterns of interaction between people, animals and seasonal water sources, although the district's historical record is less monumental than that of southern Africa's great stone-built centres. The enduring importance of rivers and floodplains remains visible in contemporary settlement, livelihoods and travel routes.

Nineteenth-Century Trade and Regional Politics

During the nineteenth century, the Chobe-Zambezi area was affected by long-distance trade, shifting African political alliances and the expansion of commercial and military networks from neighbouring regions. The river corridors connected communities across what are now Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, rather than functioning as isolated national frontiers. Competition over land, cattle, trade and political authority shaped the movement of people through the area. These cross-border connections help explain why the district still has a distinctly international character despite its remote setting.

The Bechuanaland Protectorate

Britain administered Bechuanaland as a protectorate from 1885 until Botswana became independent in 1966. The north-east was governed within a colonial framework that did not erase existing communities or regional links, but introduced new administrative boundaries and transport priorities. The Chobe River later became part of an international boundary landscape involving several territories, while Kasane developed as an administrative and commercial centre. Colonial-era mapping and administration helped establish the territorial framework within which modern Chobe District operates.

Conservation and the Creation of Chobe National Park

Wildlife conservation became increasingly important in northern Botswana during the twentieth century, partly in response to hunting pressure and concern for large animal populations. Chobe National Park was formally established in 1967, shortly after independence, as Botswana's first national park. Its protection of riverfront, woodland and seasonal wetland habitats created the foundation for the safari economy around Kasane. The park's management also reflects an ongoing national effort to balance wildlife conservation, local interests, tourism and the practical challenges of policing a large border region.

Kasane and the Rise of Safari Tourism

From the late twentieth century, improved roads, air connections and safari infrastructure made Kasane one of northern Botswana's principal tourism centres. River cruises and guided drives in Chobe National Park became complementary products, encouraging visitors to stay rather than simply pass through. Tourism brought new employment and commercial opportunities, while also increasing pressure to manage water, waste, vehicle numbers and human-wildlife encounters responsibly. The district's modern identity is therefore closely tied to the development of conservation-based travel.

Cross-Border Transport and the Kazungula Corridor

Chobe District sits beside one of southern Africa's most consequential cross-border corridors. The Kazungula area links Botswana with Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe through road, bridge and ferry infrastructure, while Kasane serves visitors moving between national parks and regional attractions. The Kazungula Bridge, opened in the early 2020s, strengthened the road connection between Botswana and Zambia and reduced reliance on older crossing arrangements. Its significance extends beyond tourism, supporting trade and reinforcing the district's role as a regional transport junction.

Contemporary Conservation and Community Tourism

Today, Chobe's future is shaped by the need to conserve elephants, predators, river habitats and migratory wildlife while ensuring that neighbouring communities benefit from tourism. Community-based enterprises, cultural visits, craft production and local employment complement private lodges and national-park operations. The district also faces wider pressures, including climate variability, human-wildlife conflict and the management of shared ecosystems that cross national borders. Visitors encounter a landscape whose history is still unfolding through conservation policy, regional cooperation and changing tourism patterns.

Chobe District in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Chobe District, Botswana

Discover Chobe District with Evendo: Your 100% free app-based travel guide, covering top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more for an unforgettable adventure.

  • Detailed information on top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • Rich set of information for each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly from the app.
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Evendo is your comprehensive, free travel guide to Chobe District, Botswana. Explore top attractions, book hotels, and enjoy curated local tips for an unforgettable journey.

  • History of Chobe District and travel essentials for visitors.
  • Curated local tips to help you experience the district like a local.
  • Near me feature to see what's around you, no matter where you are.
  • Easy navigation through the app and the destination.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Welcome to Chobe District, Botswana – a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture. With Evendo, your travel experience will be elevated to new heights. This 100% free app-based travel guide is designed to help you make the most of your trip to Chobe District by providing detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Discover the awe-inspiring Chobe National Park, home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa. Stroll along the Chobe River and witness the stunning sunset views that the district is famous for. Visit the historic Kasane Hot Springs and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Indulge in local culinary delights at renowned restaurants such as The Old House and The Raft Floating Restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious meals while overlooking the serene waters of the Chobe River. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Evendo has got you covered.

In addition to comprehensive information, Evendo allows you to easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly from the app. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for what to see and do – Evendo has everything you need in one place. With features like detailed maps, local tips, contact details, and images, planning your trip has never been easier.

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