Chobe National Park
Best time: May - October (dry season, elephants concentrate at the river)
About Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park in northern Botswana is home to the largest elephant population in Africa, with an estimated 120,000 elephants moving through the park and surrounding areas. The park covers 11,700 km2 and is divided into four distinct ecosystems, from the lush Chobe Riverfront to the dry hinterland of the Savuti Channel. The Chobe River forms the park's northern boundary, and boat cruises along its banks offer some of the most spectacular elephant viewing on Earth, with herds of hundreds crossing the river at sunset. Beyond elephants, Chobe supports healthy populations of lions, leopards, hippos, buffalo, and one of the largest remaining wild dog populations in southern Africa. The Savuti area is famous for its resident lion prides that have been documented hunting elephants, a rare and dramatic predator-prey interaction. The park is easily accessible from Kasane and can be combined with visits to Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta. Both self-drive and guided safaris are available, making Chobe one of southern Africa's most versatile wildlife destinations.
Highlights
- Boat cruises with massive elephant herds crossing the river
- Savuti lion prides famous for hunting elephants
- Easily combined with Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta
- Self-drive safari option with excellent infrastructure
Getting There
Fly into Kasane (BBK) from Johannesburg or Maun. Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe is also nearby.
Nearest airport: Kasane Airport (BBK)
Travel Essentials
Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever (if arriving from endemic country)
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
Budget Guide
Weather & Climate
Dry season: May-Oct: Massive elephant herds along the Chobe River. Dry, cool. Peak season.
Wet season: Nov-Apr: Green season, afternoon thunderstorms. Birdlife peaks. Lower rates.
Temperature: 7°C-38°C (45°F-100°F). Cool dry-season mornings, hot October days.
Sample 5-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Kasane. Afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River. Elephants, hippos, crocodiles.
- Day 2: Dawn 4x4 game drive in Chobe NP. Afternoon second boat cruise at sunset.
- Day 3: Day trip to Namibia's Caprivi Strip, or full-day Savuti area drive for predators.
- Day 4: Morning game drive. Optional visit to Victoria Falls (1.5 hrs away).
- Day 5: Final sunrise river cruise. Depart from Kasane or transfer to Okavango Delta.
Safety & Tips
Elephants have right of way on all roads. Keep safe distance on boat cruises. Crocodiles in the river, do not swim.
Tipping: Guide: $15-25/day. Boat captain: $10-15/day. Lodge staff: $10-15/day. Tips in USD or BWP.
Local transport: 4x4 game drive vehicles and motorboats. Self-drive possible but not recommended. Day trips from Kasane or Vic Falls.
Animals You Can See Here
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Chobe National Park FAQ
The best time to visit Chobe National Park depends on your priorities — wildlife sighting conditions, weather, and crowd levels all vary by season. Generally, the dry season offers the best wildlife viewing with animals concentrated around water sources. Visit our Chobe National Park guide on WhereAnimalsLive.com for a month-by-month breakdown.
Trip costs vary by comfort level and duration. Budget travellers can often find options starting at $50–$150/day, mid-range accommodations with guided activities run $200–$500/day, and luxury experiences can exceed $1,000/day. Our Chobe National Park page includes detailed pricing for accommodation, park fees, and guided tours.
Access to Chobe National Park typically involves flying to the nearest major airport and then transferring by road, boat, or domestic flight. Most tour operators include transfers in their packages. Check our Chobe National Park travel guide on WhereAnimalsLive.com for specific transport options, routes, and estimated costs.
Chobe National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including several that are unique to the region. Our detailed Chobe National Park guide on WhereAnimalsLive.com includes a complete species list, sighting probabilities by season, and tips from local guides on where to find specific animals.
Essential items include comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, a rain layer, binoculars, and a good camera with telephoto lens. Layers are important as temperatures can vary significantly between morning and afternoon. Check our Chobe National Park packing guide for season-specific recommendations and any special requirements.