Chobe National Park- Botswana (Southern Africa)

Formidably nestled in north-west Botswana, in an area northern to the fascinating Okavango Delta, the Chobe National Park covers an area of 4200 ml. At the northern end of the park beautifully flows the Chobe River, tracing a vivid border between Botswana and Namibia’s Caprivi Strip. This stunning ecological zone embodies diverse vegetation, comprising highly fertile floodplains, Mopane woodland, forest, shrub, grassland and thickets bordering the Chobe River. This fascinating wildlife sanctuary is Botswana’s most visited national park, and it’s globally reputed for its high concentration of elephants. Massive numbers of elephants are usually sighted swimming across the Chobe River, most particularly at sunset. Also, these elephants can be observed prodding their offspring forward, during their habitual single file walks.

The Chobe National Park is home to the big five, comprising: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. Other animals resident in this remarkable wildlife sanctuary include: hippo, crocodile, kudu, lechwe, wild dog, giraffe, jackal, puku, waterbuck etc.

Chobe National Park also constitutes a reliable habitat for a marvelling population of various kinds of birds; for, over 450 species of birds reside in this stunning wildlife sanctuary.

Savute and Linyati are immensely appealing reserves adjoining the Chobe National Park; and both reserves enjoy tremendous popularity with visitors seeking a more exclusive camp. There, visitors can take delight in night drives and refreshing safaris. Due to their remoteness, these areas are mostly fly-in camps.

Savute is an essentially arid zone situated in the southern part of the Chobe National Park, and is divided into two parts by a rather capricious body of water, which had remained dry for decades; but has now commenced flowing again.  The open plains of Savute are mostly inhabited by elephants, lions, hyena etc.

Linyati is a thriving wildlife area situated north of the Okavango Delta, nourished by the Kwando River. The area abounds in elephants and wild dogs.

Kasane is a small town situated just beyond the borders of the Chobe National Park. The town has two supermarkets, a spar, a post office, banks and a few craft shops.

The Chobe National Park is best visited during the dry season from April to October, when animals tend to congregate at waterholes, affording exceptional opportunities for visitors to spot them. Also, during this time, the leaves of the trees shrivel, offering visitors unimpeded views through the bush.  

In the Chobe National Park, one can indulge in safari drives on open vehicles, or make use of one’s own vehicle, provided it is a 4x4 model. Most captivating at the Chobe National Park is the availability of Safari cruises on the River Chobe, which take the visitor’s experience to an entirely ecstatic dimension. The larger cruise boats usually sail on the River Chobe in the morning or afternoon; offering the visitor breathtaking and indelible experiences.

The park offers a variety of lodges to suit every visitor’s unique requirements.

There are regular flights from Maun, Gaborone and Livingstone at Victoria Falls to Chobe; while Savute and Linyati have their own airstrips for charter flights. The spectacular Victoria Falls is just 75 minutes drive from Chobe National Park.