Destinations
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Botswana
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
Visa (US)No visa required for up to 90 days.
CurrencyBotswana Pula (BWP). 1 USD ≈ 13-14 BWP. USD accepted at lodges.
LanguagesEnglish, Setswana
Time ZoneCAT (UTC+2)
MalariaYes - year-round risk in northern Botswana. Prophylaxis essential.
ConnectivityMascom SIM. Good 4G in Kasane town. Limited in the park interior.
Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever (if arriving from endemic country)
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
Budget Guide
Budget$100-200/day (Kasane guesthouses, day trips into park)
Mid-Range$300-600/day (riverside lodges, boat and game drive combos)
Luxury$800-2,500+/day (exclusive houseboats, luxury lodges)
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.
Country Context
Explore Wildlife Beyond Chobe National Park
Country guides connect this destination with other habitats, species, planning considerations, and responsible-viewing advice.
Habitat Context
Ecosystems at This Destination
Habitat guides explain the viewing conditions and conservation pressures shared with similar ecosystems elsewhere.
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Responsible Wildlife Experiences in Chobe National Park
These editorial guides explain the activity format, physical conditions, animal-welfare questions, and operator checks to make before booking.
Safari
Safari Game Drives
A game drive uses a vehicle to explore protected landscapes with a guide or, where rules allow, as a self-drive visitor. It is the most accessible…
Read the responsible guide →Safari
River and Boat Safaris
River and wetland safaris reveal wildlife that roads cannot reach. Trips range from quiet canoe or mokoro outings to motorboat searches for…
Read the responsible guide →Destination Planning Library
Chobe National Park Wildlife Travel Guides
Go deeper on itineraries, seasonal decisions, trip costs, photography, and responsible ways to experience wildlife in this region.
Relevant Tour Listings
Book Chobe National Park Tours & Experiences
Current Viator listings matched to this destination. Confirm the itinerary, operator, recent reviews, availability, and cancellation terms before booking.
Free cancellation
Full Day Tour to Chobe National Park and Botswana
10 hoursFrom$190per person
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Free cancellation
Chobe -Savuti Trail: Elephant& Big Cats ( 4 days 3 Nights)
96 hoursFrom$20per person
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Free cancellation
Chobe National Park Small Group Day Safari from Victoria Falls
10 hoursFrom$170per person
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Free cancellation
Chobe Full Day Trip From Victoria Falls
10 hoursFrom$164per person
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Free cancellation
Chobe National Park Full Day Safari + boat cruise(Botswana)
8 hoursFrom$200per person
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Free cancellation
Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana
3 hoursFrom$65per person
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Safari.com
Chobe National Park Safari Packages
Safari.com itinerary examples matched to Chobe National Park. Request a current quote and confirm the operator, exact route, inclusions, recent reviews, and cancellation terms before booking.
7-Day Kruger Park and Vic Falls Combo
Experience the ultimate safari adventure with a 7-day journey through Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls.
- 3 nights aboard Kruger Shalati, the train on the bridge over the Sabie River
- Twice-daily game drives in open Land Rovers across Kruger National Park
- 3 nights at The Wallow Lodge in Victoria Falls
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8-Day Chobe to Sabi Sands: The Ultimate Wildlife Journey
Discover the best of Southern Africa on this 8-day luxury safari combining Botswana’s Chobe National Park and South Africa’s iconic Sabi San...
- 3 nights at Muchenje Safari Lodge on Chobe's quieter western edge
- Chobe River cruise, cultural village visit and exclusive night drive
- Overnight at African Rock Hotel near OR Tambo with complimentary massage
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4-day Chobe National Park safari
Exclusive ALL-INCLUSIVE Luxury Experience - Promotion 33% off when booking between 15 November to 31 March, excluding 20 December to 10 Janu...
- 3 nights at Ngoma Safari Lodge, an 8-suite property overlooking the Chobe floodplain
- Private concession in Chobe Forest Reserve, 3 km from the national park
- Game-viewing by boat on the Chobe River alongside the area's vast elephant herds
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7-Day Victoria Falls and Chobe: Classic Railway Safari Adventure
Embark on a luxurious, scenic journey aboard the Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Victoria Falls, where the elegance of train travel meets the be...
- 3 nights aboard Rovos Rail in a Pullman Suite from Pretoria to Victoria Falls
- Gourmet meals and all beverages included throughout the rail journey
- 3 nights at Ngoma Safari Lodge overlooking Chobe National Park
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10-Day Exploring Victoria Falls, Hwange & Chobe National Park Safari
- 3 nights at Victoria Falls Hotel, 3 at Camelthorn Lodge, 3 at Chobe Game Lodge
- Guided tour of Victoria Falls and sundowner cruise on the Zambezi
- 12-minute helicopter flight over Victoria Falls
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11 Day Botswana Luxury Safari
This incredible fly-in safari includes all the regions that Botswana is famous for, starting with elephants at the Chobe River, then moving ...
- 2 nights each at Chobe Game Lodge, Savute Safari Lodge, Camp Moremi, Camp Okavango and Leroo La Tau
- Sundowner cruise on the Chobe River amongst its famous elephant herds
- Game drives in Savute's predator territory and across Moremi Game Reserve
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Build Your Trip →Chobe National Park FAQ
The planning window currently listed for Chobe National Park is May - October (dry season, elephants concentrate at the river). Use it as a starting point, not a sighting promise: weather, animal movement, access, and local rules can change. Check current conditions with the relevant park or protected-area authority before booking.
Build a current total for transport, entry fees or permits, guiding, accommodation, meals, insurance, equipment, and taxes. Prices and currencies change too often for a generic daily figure to be dependable. Compare dated quotes with the same inclusions and confirm official fees and cancellation terms before paying.
Our current route note is: Fly into Kasane (BBK) from Johannesburg or Maun. Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe is also nearby. Verify operating schedules, border or entry requirements, road and seasonal access, baggage limits, and transfers with the relevant authorities and providers for your travel dates.
This guide connects Chobe National Park, Botswana, with African Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Hippopotamus, Cape Buffalo, Giraffe. The list is a planning aid rather than a complete inventory or guarantee. Ask a current local authority or responsible operator which species and public areas are realistic for your dates.
Use legal public access and follow the current instructions of park staff, guides, and local communities. Keep a safe distance, never feed, call, chase, or block wildlife, and do not ask for sensitive nesting, den, or release locations. Choose operators that explain group size, viewing rules, community benefit, and what happens when animals move away.
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