Chobe River, Kalahari Desert Travel Guide

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Experience Botswana's wildlife spectacle on the Chobe River: home to vast elephant herds, diverse species, and stunning river safaris.

The Chobe River, forming the northern boundary of Botswana's Chobe National Park, is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife. Renowned for its large elephant and buffalo herds, the river offers exceptional game viewing and birdwatching opportunities via boat safaris.

A brief summary to Chobe River

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Chobe River.

The best time for game viewing is during the dry season (March-July) when animals congregate near the river.
Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife and bird viewing.
Consider a river cruise for a unique perspective and close encounters with aquatic wildlife.
Pack insect repellent, as Chobe is in a high-risk malaria zone.
Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season (June to October).

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Bahurutshe Cultural Village

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Manyana Rock Paintings

Explore Chobe River on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Chobe River, mapped for you.

Getting There

Road

From Kasane Airport (BBK), the most common gateway to Chobe, lodges and hotels typically offer shuttle services to accommodations along the Chobe River. Taxis are also available in Kasane for transport to the riverfront. For self-drivers, rental cars, preferably 4x4s, are available in Kasane, allowing access to the park's various gates. Remember that park entry fees are payable at the gates. Non-resident entry fees are approximately $11 USD per person, plus $7 USD per vehicle. Keep in mind gate hours vary depending on the season.
Boat

Many Chobe River cruises depart directly from Kasane. Several tour operators offer morning, sunset, and full-day cruises. Prices range from $48 USD for a shorter cruise to $150 USD for a full-day experience. These cruises often include park fees. Some lodges also offer private boat hires for a more personalized experience.

Discover more about Chobe River

The Chobe River, a significant tributary of the Zambezi, originates in the Angolan highlands and courses through Botswana, marking the northern edge of Chobe National Park. This perennial river sustains a remarkable concentration of wildlife, especially during the dry winter months when animals gather along its banks to drink.The river's history is intertwined with the colonial past of the region, having served as a contested border. Today, it flows peacefully, supporting a thriving ecosystem and offering unforgettable safari experiences.Chobe National Park, bisected by the river, is celebrated for its immense elephant population, estimated at over 120,000. Visitors can witness these majestic creatures bathing and playing in the water, along with lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and various antelope species. The river is also a birdwatcher's paradise, home to over 450 species, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons.A boat cruise on the Chobe River provides a unique vantage point for observing wildlife, allowing for close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of water birds. The river's diverse habitats, ranging from lush floodplains to savannah, create a stunning backdrop for wildlife encounters.