More than 40 000 elephants, the largest concentration in any national park in the world, roam the vast open spaces of Chobe National Park, a wild country of floodplain, baobab, mopane and acacia woodland, stretching across the endless face of Africa.
The park is huge covering 11 700 km² in northeastern Botswana. Flowing along its northern boundaries are the Linyati and Chobe Rivers, while in the south the Savuti Channel brings its precious cargo of water into the Mababe Depression.
Spurred northwards by the dryness of the Kalahari, massive herds congregate along the sumptuous and cooling flood plains of these rivers. In the north, legions of the elephants wallow in the marshlands of Chobe, joining squadrons of multicoloured birds that hover around the islands. Streams of buffaloes, pods of hippos and rarer species such as suni, puku and red lechwe, occupy the river banks. In the southern part of the park, blue wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes and a variety of antelope form massive chains of animals on the endless plains of the Savuti and in the Mababe Depression. Among the plains animals are lions, leopards, spotted hyenas and wild dogs.
North East of Savuti are the Ngwezumba Pans which, filled with water during the rainy season, become major meeting points for thirsty animals, including the oribi antelope and a retinue of other species. These wonderful natural spectacles are within reach of tourists in Chobe National park with a selection of superior accommodation, ranging from basic safari tented camps to luxury Africa lodges.
Kasane Village, on the park's northeastern border, is a major junction for visitors entering the park or travelling to the caprivi region, Zimbabwe or Zambia. It serves as the park's headquarters and its facilities include an international airstrip, bakery, hotel, service station and off-sales. When driving in the park keep a respectful distance from the elephants, many of them are mothers with calves, and getting to close may be dangerous.
The best time to visit Chobe is in the dry winter months. Between April and October is the best time for viewing game at Chobe and Savuti. The summers are hot with thunderstorms between December and March. Mild to warm winters (nights can be cold). From South Africa Air Botswana will fly you to Maun or Air Zimbabwe will fly you to Victoria Falls. From there most safari companies offer charter flights to Kasane. You can also fly to Vic Falls with South African Airways or British Airways and arrange a transfer to Chobe National park.
A sunset sundowner cruise on the Chobe River is a unforgettable experience and so are the sunsets. Let us know how we can help you plan a unforgettable Chobe safari experience
The park is huge covering 11 700 km² in northeastern Botswana. Flowing along its northern boundaries are the Linyati and Chobe Rivers, while in the south the Savuti Channel brings its precious cargo of water into the Mababe Depression.
