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Chobe National Park: Botswana's Wildlife Jewel

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Discover Botswana's first national park: a biodiverse haven with massive elephant herds, stunning river views & unparalleled wildlife encounters.

Chobe National Park, Botswana's first, is a biodiverse haven teeming with elephants, lions, and diverse birdlife. Named after the Chobe River, it offers stunning riverfront views and exceptional game viewing, especially during the dry season.

A brief summary to Chobe National Park

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

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

  • Visit during the dry season (April-October) for the best wildlife viewing as animals congregate near the Chobe River.
  • Book accommodations and game drives in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure availability.
  • A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for self-drive safaris to navigate the park's sandy roads.
  • Consider a river cruise for a unique perspective on the park's wildlife along the Chobe River.
  • Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the diverse wildlife and birdlife.

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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 and neighboring countries. From the airport, most lodges and hotels provide shuttle services to the park.

  • Road

    Chobe National Park is accessible by road from various neighboring countries. From Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, it's approximately an 80 km (1-hour) drive via the Kazungula Border Post. From Livingstone, Zambia, it's about 70 km (1 hour) via the Kazungula Bridge. From Namibia (Caprivi Strip), it's roughly a 2-hour drive via the Ngoma Border Post. If you are already in Kasane, the main entrance to the park is only 10km away. Note: A Tourism Development Levy of $30 USD is charged upon arrival at airports and borders. Park entry fees for foreign visitors are approximately $11 USD per person per day, plus a vehicle fee of $7 USD. Ensure you have the necessary vehicle registration, insurance, and customs documents if self-driving.

  • Bus

    Regular inter-city and cross-border bus services operate between Botswana and neighboring countries. However, public buses do not enter Chobe National Park, so additional transport is needed from Kasane. Taxis are readily available and affordable in Kasane. A daily bus runs from Victoria Falls to Kasane, which takes around 1.5 hours. Typical taxi fare from Kasane to Chobe National Park entrance: $5-$10 USD.

Discover more about Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park, established in 1967, stands as Botswana's premier national park, celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity and status as the third-largest park in the country. The park owes its name to the life-giving Chobe River, which gracefully winds along its northern boundary, sustaining a vast array of wildlife.Originally inhabited by the San bushmen, nomadic hunter-gatherers whose rock paintings can still be found within the park, Chobe's journey to becoming a protected area began in 1931. After facing setbacks due to tsetse fly infestations, the vision was realized in 1960 with the creation of the Chobe Game Reserve, which was then declared a national park in 1967.Chobe is geographically diverse, encompassing four distinct ecosystems: the Chobe Riverfront, known for its accessible and abundant game viewing; the Savuti Marsh, famed for its predators; the Linyanti Marsh, offering a remote and exclusive experience; and the Nogatsaa area. The park is particularly renowned for its massive elephant population, estimated at around 120,000, as well as large herds of buffalo and a diverse range of other species. Lion prides that prey on elephants, especially the young, are a notable feature. Birdwatchers will find themselves in paradise, with over 440 recorded species.Visitors can explore the park through guided game drives, riverboat cruises, and walking safaris, with the dry season from April to October offering optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. Accommodation options range from well-equipped bush camps and lodges to houseboats, ensuring a comfortable and immersive safari experience. Kasane, the nearest town, provides convenient access to the park and is also a short distance from the majestic Victoria Falls.

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