Chobe National Park in northern Botswana is famous for elephants. Botswana holds the largest elephant population of any country, estimated at around 130,000, and in the dry season thousands gather along the Chobe River to drink, bathe and cross. Add boat safaris, big cats and easy access from Victoria Falls, and Chobe is one of southern Africa’s most rewarding parks.
Regions of Chobe
- Chobe Riverfront (near Kasane): the most visited area, with game drives along the river and boat cruises. Huge elephant and buffalo herds, hippos, crocodiles, and excellent birds.
- Savuti: a remote region in the southwest, famous for lion prides that hunt elephants, and for the Savuti Channel, which flows and dries in long cycles.
- Linyanti: wetlands and private concessions in the northwest, known for wild dogs, leopards and elephants, with low visitor numbers.
- Nogatsaa and Tchinga: remote, rarely visited areas in the interior.
Boat safaris
A boat on the Chobe River is one of the best ways to watch elephants swimming and drinking at eye level, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo on Sedudu Island and waterbirds. Sunset cruises are popular. Specialist photography boats with swivel seats are available for keen photographers.
When to go
- May to October (dry season): elephants concentrate along the river in huge numbers, peaking from about August to October. Best overall game viewing.
- November to April (wet season): elephants disperse into the interior as water becomes available; lush scenery, migrant birds and lower prices. Savuti can be excellent for zebra migration and predators.
Wildlife highlights
- Elephants: Chobe is famous for large breeding herds and bulls, especially along the river from August to October.
- Buffalo: large herds come to drink, attracting lions.
- Lions: prides patrol the riverfront; Savuti’s lions are known for tackling large prey, including young elephants.
- Antelope: the riverfront is one of the few places in Botswana to see puku, and you may also find sable, roan, red lechwe and Chobe bushbuck.
- Hippos and crocodiles: abundant in the river and channels.
- Birds: more than 450 species, including African skimmers, African fish eagles, carmine bee-eaters (from about September) and many herons and storks.
Sample itinerary: Victoria Falls and Chobe in 5 days
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive at Victoria Falls or Livingstone; sunset cruise on the Zambezi |
| 2 | Guided tour of the falls; afternoon transfer to Kasane (about 1.5 hours including the border) |
| 3 | Morning game drive on the Chobe Riverfront; afternoon boat safari |
| 4 | Full day on the river or a photographic boat trip; optional visit to Savuti by light aircraft |
| 5 | Final morning drive, then transfer back to Victoria Falls or Kasane for your flight |
Elephants and people
Botswana’s large elephant population is a conservation success, but it also brings challenges. Elephants damage crops and trees, and conflict with farmers is common around the park. Botswana has debated how to manage elephant numbers. Choosing lodges that support community projects helps local people benefit from wildlife.
Getting there
- Kasane Airport has flights from Johannesburg and elsewhere.
- Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia) are about 80 km away, making Chobe an easy day trip or combination.
- Light aircraft connect Kasane with Savuti, Linyanti and the Okavango Delta.
Where to stay
- Kasane and the riverfront: lodges and hotels from mid-range to luxury, plus river houseboats.
- Inside the park: a limited number of lodges and campsites.
- Savuti and Linyanti: tented camps and campsites for self-drivers with fully equipped 4×4 vehicles.
Tips
- Combine a morning game drive with an afternoon boat cruise.
- Visit in September or October for the largest elephant herds, but expect heat.
- Combine Chobe with the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls for a classic southern Africa circuit.
- Keep a respectful distance from elephant breeding herds.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Chobe? Two to three days on the riverfront is enough for several boat cruises and game drives. Add two or three nights in Savuti or Linyanti for a more remote experience.
Can I do a day trip to Chobe from Victoria Falls? Yes. Day trips from Victoria Falls and Livingstone include a morning game drive, lunch and an afternoon boat cruise, with border crossings arranged by the operator.
Is Chobe good for self-drive? The riverfront is suitable for experienced self-drivers with a 4×4. Savuti and Linyanti require fully equipped vehicles and camping experience.
When are the most elephants in Chobe? From about August to October, when the interior dries up and elephants gather along the Chobe River.
Related guides
Cover photo: Gorgo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons