Chobe National Park: Botswana's Wildlife Jewel

5 (4)

Discover Botswana's Chobe National Park: Home to massive elephant herds, diverse wildlife, and stunning riverfront landscapes.

Chobe National Park, in northern Botswana, is renowned for its vast elephant herds and diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush riverfronts to dense woodlands. Established in 1968, it's a premier safari destination offering exceptional wildlife viewing experiences.

A brief summary to Chobe

Local tips

Visit during the dry season (May to October) for the best wildlife sightings as animals congregate around water sources.
Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak season, as lodges and campsites fill up quickly.
Bring appropriate clothing for both warm days and surprisingly chilly mornings and evenings, especially during the winter months.
Consider a boat safari along the Chobe River for a unique perspective on wildlife viewing.
Be aware of park fees, which vary depending on nationality and age, and can be paid in Botswana Pula (BWP).

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Chobe River

Chobe River: Botswana's Wildlife Artery

Chobe River Camp, Gondwana Collection Namibia

Experience Nature's Wonders at Chobe River Camp

Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris

Ngoma Safari Lodge: A Luxurious Retreat in the Chobe Forest Reserve

Getting There

Flying

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 and neighboring countries. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange a transfer with your lodge.
Road

Chobe National Park is accessible by road from various locations. If driving from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, the journey is approximately 80 km (1 hour) via the Kazungula Border Post. From Maun, Botswana, the drive is about 600 km (8-10 hours) via Nata. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for navigating the park's roads. Taxis are available in Kasane for shorter trips. Park entry fees are approximately BWP 270 (≈USD 20) for international adults per day. Vehicle fees are separate.
Water

Another option is to access Chobe via boat or ferry, particularly from Kasane or Livingstone. From the Zambian side, you can take the Kazungula Ferry. This offers a scenic alternative, though it can be slower due to border traffic. Chobe River cruises are a popular way to experience the park, with prices starting from US$40 for a 3-7 hour cruise. Park fees may be excluded from the cruise ticket price.

Discover more about Chobe

Chobe National Park, named after the majestic Chobe River that forms its northern boundary, protects 10,700 km² of the northern Kalahari. As Botswana's first national park, established in 1968, Chobe set the standard for wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism.The park's diverse landscape encompasses lush floodplains, dense forests, and broadleaf woodlands, creating habitats for a remarkable concentration of wildlife. The Chobe Riverfront is the most accessible and visited area, known for its large elephant populations, especially during the dry season.Visitors can witness thousands of elephants gathering along the riverbanks, along with other big game like zebra, impala, and buffalo. Lions and hyenas are common predators, and lucky visitors may spot cheetahs, leopards, and African wild dogs. The riverfront also teems with hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.Other notable areas include the Linyanti Marshes, known for predators, and the remote Savuti area. Chobe offers a variety of safari experiences, including game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris, providing unique perspectives on the park's stunning wildlife and scenery.Whether you're a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned Africa traveler, Chobe National Park promises an unforgettable adventure.