From KSh1,103,640 pps
Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
Savuti, BotswanaActivities travellers enjoyed
Bush dining | Bird watching | Spa treatments
HomeDestinationsChobe National Park
Chobe National Park
Chobe is the elephant river. The Chobe River front holds huge herds in the dry season, seen from a boat as much as from a vehicle.
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Chobe, Botswana: Africa's Elephant Paradise
If there’s one memory that you’ll take away from a Chobe safari, it’s that of elephants. About 120 000 live in and around Chobe National Park, and inconceivable numbers of these gentle giants can be seen crowding the banks of the Chobe River during Botswana's dry season from about May to October. Chobe is also one of the best places to visit in Africa to witness the most dramatic predator action – its Savuti region is where lions regularly clash with hyenas and powerful prides famously take down Africa's biggest game like buffalo, giraffe and even elephants.
Africa's Biggest Concentrations of Game
Chobe National Park is about the size of Northern Ireland and a haven for the biggest elephant populations on the planet. A holiday in Chobe offers game drives and river cruises in an unspoilt environment that supports massive herds of not only elephant but also a multitude of buffalo that is unrivalled elsewhere in Africa. There is currently only one safari property inside the park's popular north-eastern sector, Chobe Game Lodge. This fully ECO-certified, luxurious safari lodge is situated on the banks of the Chobe River and offers unique game viewing experiences with its fleet of electric 4×4 vehicles and solar-powered boats.
- Chobe National Park is Botswana's most biologically diverse park.
- Close-up encounters with huge herds of elephant and buffalo.
- See predators like lion, wild dog, jackal, hyena and leopard.
Simply a Trip of a Lifetime
- HelenFantastic Boat Safaris on the Chobe River
During dry season, water-dependent animals (especially elephants, buffalo and predators) crowd the banks of the Chobe River. It is the scene for some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa and boat safaris offer awe-inspiring angles for wildlife photography. Throw in breath-taking sunrises and sunsets, excellent riverside lodges, romantic retreats or even luxurious house boats like the Chobe Princess or Zambezi Queen, and you have a safari experience that's hard to beat.
- April to October: game concentrations around the river.
- Teeming with giant hippos and crocodiles year-round.
- One of the only places in Botswana to see rare puku antelope.
- Amazing year-round birding, phenomenal during a Green Season Safari.
Chobe is Ideal for Wildlife Enthusiasts and Avid Photographers
Chobe is a superb destination for birdwatchers (over 500 species) and photographers will adore the unique angles offered on boat safaris. Wildlife enthusiasts will love the density and diversity of animals in Chobe National Park, as well as the dramatic game viewing. It's also a great destination for a family vacation, especially suited for families with children older than seven. Exclusivity seekers and safari aficionados should venture much further into the park's Savuti region for picture-perfect accommodation away from the crowds. These lie on the ephemeral Savuti Channel, a mesmerising landscape dotted with ‘ghost trees' and teeming with predators.
- Families with children: fantastic 4×4 game drives and river cruises.
- Keen photographers: unique angles from boats and some of the best, most close-up game viewing in Africa.
- Wildlife enthusiasts: raw and dramatic predator action in Savuti.
Combines Well with Other Destinations
Kasane International Airport is the gateway to Chobe (about a 10-minute drive from the national park's gate) and served by flights from Johannesburg and Maun. Victoria Falls is only about 70 kilometres / 44 miles away, which makes it ideal for a day trip.
Your Chobe safari can easily be combined with:
- Okavango Delta to see one of Nature’s masterpieces and go on mokoro safaris.
- Central Kalahari, Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi to see unique desert wildlife and thousands of zebras pass through, Africa's longest mammal migration.
- Kruger National Park for sensational Big 5 game viewing.
- Cape Town, one of the top places in the world to visit.
- Mozambique for a superb bush-to-beach finale.
What travellers most enjoyed about Chobe National Park
Bird watching
Mokoro rides
Scenery
Sunset cruises and boating
Wildlife and safari
Where to go
When is the Best Time to Visit the Chobe National Park?
The best time to visit the Chobe National Park is from May to early November, when most visitors go to the Chobe for its famous dry-season game viewing. Large groups of water-dependent elephant and buffalo can be spotted during this period along the banks of the Chobe River, as well as in the park’s central Savuti region.
May, June, and July are bone-dry in the Chobe National Park with cold nights, but temperatures rise rapidly as the rainy season approaches. August, September, and October offer sensational game viewing, but in hot conditions. Chobe National Park is truly a year-round destination and no matter what month you decide to visit, you will have an exceptional safari experience.
Month by Month Guide for Travelling to Chobe National Park:
Visiting Chobe National Park from January to March
January in the Chobe National Park is the Green Season, and the bush is full of new life. It is not considered peak season when visiting the Chobe National Park and you could take advantage of reduced rates on accommodation. The riverbeds in Chobe receive more rain than anywhere else in Botswana during this summer month.
February is a month for spectacular thunderstorms while on a Chobe safari. These showers usually last a few short hours, leaving enough clear skies during the day. Birding is excellent in February in all parts of the park, as all the migrant bird species have made their way to the Chobe by this time. This is a high-risk time for contracting malaria, so it's best to take the correct precautions.
March signals the start of autumn in the Chobe and is the last month of the summer rains. This is a great time to take in the beautiful scenery as the landscape is lush, but wildlife can be more difficult to spot during this time of year.
Visiting Chobe National Park from April to May
April is the start of autumn in the Chobe and the best way to explore this park is by boat, as large herds of elephant and buffalo come to the Chobe River to quench their thirst. Zebra and wildebeest begin their return migration, and the bush begins to dry out.
The riverfront area is very popular in the dry months, especially in May which is considered the best time to visit the Chobe National Park. Temperatures are cooler in the mornings and the Chobe River and Kasane start to get busy as peak season approaches.
Travelling to the Chobe National Park from June to August
June is the beginning of peak season and is the best time for a safari in the Chobe National Park and to experience luxury Chobe National Park accommodation, like Chobe Game Lodge. It does get cold at night during this winter period and the temperature can drop below zero, so it's best to pack warmer clothes for the evenings.
July is the coldest month if you're planning a safari in the Chobe, but waterholes are frequented by an abundance of wildlife. The elephant herds continue to gather in their masses on the banks of the Chobe River, and there is a greater chance of seeing Africa's endangered ‘painted wolves', wild dog.
The dry season continues during August in the Chobe National Park. This is the best time to visit the Chobe National Park for fisherman, as the annual barbell run takes place in the Kasai channel.
Visiting Chobe National Park from September to October
September is the first month of spring in the Chobe and it starts to get hotter in the daytime. The first bird migrants return to the park which makes this month the best time to visit the Chobe National Park for birding safaris. The Chobe and Linyati are good regions to visit for big game sightings in September, and tiger fishing is also very popular in the Chobe River during this time.
October is one of the warmest months in the Chobe National Park and the elephant population will soon disperse from water sources as things quieten down for this low shoulder season. The Chobe National Park receives little rain during this month and it's an ideal time to avoid the crowds and enjoy reduced rates.
Travelling to the Chobe National Park in November & December
In November, the weather is mostly hot and clear, and the Green Season begins. The first set of rains settle on the dusty, dry landscape, and acacia trees, baobab and sausage trees begin to flower, triggering calving season.
December is a hot and humid month that receives quite a bit of rain. December sees the start of the zebra migration, as hundreds of these animals make their way south through ancient migratory routes from the Chobe to the Kalahari region.
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Ready to Start Planning Your Chobe Safari?
Chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to help tailor-make a trip to the Chobe National Park that’s right for you.
Chobe Safari Travel Advice
For general information on travelling to Botswana, visit our Botswana travel advice page.
Top Travel Tips for the Chobe National Park
Know where to go: Chobe is informally divided into two main regions: the Chobe River area in the north and the drier Savuti area in the south-central part of the park.
The Chobe River area is best visited from May to October; Savuti at any time, including the summer rainy season. Excellent accommodation is available in both areas though Chobe Game Lodge is the only riverfront accommodation within the park; all Savuti accommodation is located within the park boundaries.
Take a cruise: one of the best ways to see elephant herds at the Chobe River is on an afternoon guided boat cruise during the dry season. A small motorboat offers manoeuvrability but a bigger ‘sunset cruise’ boat offers more comfort and better views.
Bring your binoculars: the Chobe River is a legendary bird watching hotspot with around 500 recorded species – keen birders should visit in the summer months.
Don’t miss out on Savuti: the recently re-flowing Savuti Channel has turned much of the area into prime game viewing country with abundant predators. Moreover, large numbers of migrating zebra pass through Savute in late November/December and again in February/March, making for spectacular game viewing.
Read more about Savuti.
Flights & Getting Around
For flight schedules, fares and booking terms, check directly with the airline or your chosen travel agent.
Kasane Airport: overlooking the Chobe River, the gateway to the Chobe National Park is served by flights from Maun, Johannesburg and Gaborone. You’ll transfer by road to your safari accommodation, and since Victoria Falls is only 70km away over the Zimbabwean border, road transfers to the world wonder can easily be arranged.
Game drives in the Chobe National Park are conducted in open-sided 4X4s; guests staying in the Chobe River region will have the opportunity to go game viewing by motorboat, pontoon or even a double-decker boat, perfect for sunset cruises.
The Savuti region of central Chobe is accessed by charter flights from Kasane, Maun and the Okavango Delta or by road as part of your mobile camping safari itinerary.
Start Planning Your Chobe National Park Safari
Chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our Africa Travel Experts to help tailor-make a trip to Chobe National Park that’s right for you.
Best Chobe Tours & Safaris
Discover the magic of the Chobe National Park with one of our handpicked Chobe tours and safaris: it’s the best way to encounter the biggest elephant herds in Africa and explore Botswana’s most famous wildlife destination. Choose one of our classic tented safaris or go from lodge to lodge with a tailor-made, fly-in safari itinerary.
A Chobe tour or safari is best combined with an Okavango Delta safari or an action-packed holiday at Victoria Falls, giving you the chance to optimise your game viewing and adventure experiences in one amazing trip. One of our experienced Africa Safari Experts will recommend a Chobe travel itinerary to suit your needs and budget or will simply create a bespoke trip especially for you.
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Popular tours and safaris in Chobe National Park
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Best Chobe Safari Lodges
The Chobe National Park’s incredible wildlife has long been this destination’s draw card but it’s the wide choice of Chobe accommodation that makes it all so accessible. Set in prime game-viewing destinations, Chobe’s safari lodges and camps offer great service, 5-star cuisine, luxurious living and superb guiding.
Chobe National Park accommodation is situated both in the Chobe River area and the central Savute region with the focus in both areas firmly on game drives. Lodges on the Chobe River however also offer game viewing and birding by boat plus fishing trips – a real highlight for the enthusiast! If you’re looking for something special – a honeymoon suite or a family-friendly camp for example – then one of our Africa Safari Experts will be able to suggest the perfect place to stay in Chobe.
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Chobe National Park stays
7 stays. The rate is per person sharing.
- Savuti, Botswana
From KSh451,843 to KSh2,748,713 pps
Chobe Chilwero Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary
Chobe National Park, BotswanaActivities travellers enjoyed
Night drives | Game drives | Guided walking safaris | Bird watching | Helicopter flights | Mokoro trails
From KSh642,708 to KSh1,738,558 pps
Chobe Game Lodge
Chobe National Park, BotswanaActivities travellers enjoyed
Game drives | Guided walking safaris | Specialist guides | Bird watching | Scenic flights | Mokoro trails
From KSh1,397,078 pps
Chobe Under Canvas
Chobe National Park, BotswanaActivities travellers enjoyed
Night drives | Game drives | Specialist guides | Star gazing | Bird watching | Boat excursions
From KSh917,969 pps
Elephant Valley Lodge
Chobe National Park, BotswanaActivities travellers enjoyed
Game drives | Cultural visits | Bird watching | Scenic flights | Fishing | Canoeing
From KSh803,710 to KSh999,768 pps
Savute Safari Lodge
Chobe National Park, BotswanaActivities travellers enjoyed
Game drives | Specialist guides | Bird watching | Boat excursions | Spa treatments | Guided walking safaris
From KSh275,910 pps
Zambezi Queen
Chobe River, BotswanaActivities travellers enjoyed
Bird watching | Boat excursions | Fishing | Game drives
Costs
A short Chobe add-on costs less than a fly-in Okavango week and more than a hotel night at the falls.
Dry-season boats and rooms are the expensive weeks. Sample Botswana and falls trips are the guide. Visas and international flights are extra.