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Chobe National Park, Botswana destination hero image with safari wildlife
North West District, Botswana

Chobe National Park, Botswana

The Elephant Capital of Africa

Experience the world's largest elephant population — 120,000+ elephants bathing in the Chobe River, alongside hippos, crocodiles, and Big Five wildlife. River cruises, photographic safaris, and luxury lodges where wildlife comes to you.

Size11,700 km² national park
Wildlife120,000+ elephants
Best TimeMay – October
Big FiveComplete ✓
Plan Your SafariExplore Experiences
Destination Overview

Why Visit Chobe National Park, Botswana

Chobe National Park is Botswana's elephant kingdom — home to the world's largest elephant population with over 120,000 individuals congregating along the Chobe River during the dry season. This 11,700 km² wilderness on Botswana's northern border offers Africa's most unique safari: photographic river cruises where elephants swim across channels, massive herds drink at sunset, and hippos grunt beside your boat. The park boasts Big Five wildlife, exceptional predator sightings, and strategic proximity to Victoria Falls (100 km) for combined safari-waterfall itineraries. Stay at Chobe Game Lodge (the only lodge inside the park) or Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero for front-row seats to the greatest elephant show on Earth.

The Beyond Africa Difference

We don't just count the elephants. We help you witness the river's rhythm.

At dusk the Chobe fills with elephant, buffalo and hippo coming down to drink. Knowing where to be, and from which boat, turns a game drive into pure theatre.

Curated Itineraries

Luxury Safari Packages

Four hand-crafted private journeys through Chobe National Park, Botswana — from our flagship ultra-luxury expedition to exceptional value escapes. Every package is fully tailor-made, privately guided and includes luxury lodges, expert rangers and smooth logistics.

View All Safari PackagesGet a Tailor-Made Quote
Safari Experiences

Unforgettable Chobe National Park, Botswana Experiences

Chobe River Sunset Cruise in Chobe National Park, Botswana
River Safari

Chobe River Sunset Cruise

2.5–3 hoursIncluded in lodge rates or $60–$95 pp

Drift along the Chobe River as the African sun sets, watching elephants wade into the water, hippos surfacing, crocodiles basking, and buffalo herds drinking. Boats cruise just metres from the banks, offering intimate wildlife encounters impossible on land. Sip sundowners while pied kingfishers dive and African fish eagles call — this is Chobe's signature experience.

PhotographersCouplesFamilies
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4x4 Game Drives in Chobe National Park in Chobe National Park, Botswana
Game Drive

4x4 Game Drives in Chobe National Park

3 hours (twice daily)Included in lodge rates or $80–$150 pp

Explore Chobe's diverse ecosystems — riverine woodlands, floodplains, and mopane forests — in open Land Rovers. Track lion prides, leopards in sausage trees, and cheetahs on the hunt. The Chobe Riverfront is a wildlife theatre: elephants, buffalo, kudu, waterbuck, and impala congregate here, making every game drive a guaranteed spectacle.

Wildlife enthusiastsPhotographersBig Five
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Photographic River Safari in Specialized Boats in Chobe National Park, Botswana
Photography

Photographic River Safari in Specialized Boats

2–3 hours$120–$200 pp

Board low-profile photographic boats designed for serious wildlife photography. These boats offer swivel chairs, stabilizing gimbals, and expert guides who position you for perfect shots. Cruise slowly past elephant herds, frame close-ups of hippos, and capture African fish eagles diving for fish. Ideal for photographers seeking National Geographic-quality images.

PhotographersSerious wildlife enthusiastsBird watchers
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Full-Day Victoria Falls Excursion in Chobe National Park, Botswana
Excursion

Full-Day Victoria Falls Excursion

Full day$200–$350 pp

Combine Chobe with Victoria Falls (100 km away) on a full-day excursion. Morning river cruise on the Chobe, transfer to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe or Zambia side) for a guided tour of the thundering cascades, then return via afternoon game drive. This iconic combination delivers elephants in the morning and the world's greatest waterfall in the afternoon.

First-time visitorsFamiliesBucket list
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Sunrise Birding Safari in Chobe National Park, Botswana
Birding

Sunrise Birding Safari

3 hoursIncluded in lodge rates or $80 pp

Chobe hosts 460+ bird species, making it a birding paradise. Dawn boat cruises reveal African skimmers, white-fronted bee-eaters, Pel's fishing owls, African fish eagles, and malachite kingfishers. The riverfront is an avian highway — carmine bee-eaters nest in the banks, and giant kingfishers patrol the channels. Bring binoculars and a field guide.

BirdersNature loversPhotographers
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Overnight Chobe Houseboat Experience in Chobe National Park, Botswana
Unique

Overnight Chobe Houseboat Experience

2 nights$600–$1,200 pp/pn

Sleep aboard a luxury houseboat on the Chobe River — floating accommodation with viewing decks, dining, and en-suite rooms. Wake to elephants drinking at sunrise, cruise to remote channels during the day, and fall asleep to hippos grunting and lions roaring in the distance. Houseboats like Chobe Princess and Zambezi Queen offer a unique, intimate safari alternative.

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Luxury Accommodation

Premier Lodges & Retreats

Handpicked luxury lodges ranging from award-winning ultra-luxury suites to exceptional value properties — every lodge delivers a world-class safari experience.

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$$$

Chobe Game Lodge

The ONLY lodge inside Chobe National Park — waking up inside the park means you're first on the river and last off it

  • 48 rooms & suites
  • Only lodge inside park
  • Solar-powered boats
  • Spa & pool

Green Globe Certified, Botswana Tourism Organization Excellence

From $800/nightEnquire Now
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$$$

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

Hilltop luxury overlooking the Chobe River — modern amenities with sweeping floodplain views

  • 15 cottages
  • Hilltop views
  • Spa & pool
  • iPads & WiFi

Relais & Châteaux, Condé Nast Traveler Top Resort

From $900/nightEnquire Now
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$$$

Ngoma Safari Lodge

Perched on a ridge 50 metres above the Chobe River — intimate and architecturally stunning

  • 8 tented suites
  • Cliffside location
  • Plunge pools
  • Panoramic views

Safari Awards finalist

From $750/nightEnquire Now
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Chobe Savanna Lodge

Community-owned lodge on the Chobe River — authentic, welcoming, and excellent value

  • 12 luxury tents
  • Riverfront location
  • Pool & bar
  • Community-owned

Responsible Tourism Award

From $500/nightEnquire Now
Muchenje Safari Lodge image 1
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Muchenje Safari Lodge

Family-run lodge on a private concession — walking safaris, sunset views, and warm hospitality

  • 10 chalets
  • Escarpment views
  • Private concession
  • Walking safaris

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

From $450/nightEnquire Now
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Chobe Safari Lodge

Affordable access to Chobe — perfect for backpackers, self-drivers, and budget-conscious travellers

  • 90 rooms
  • Kasane town location
  • Pool & restaurant
  • Budget-friendly

Value leader in Chobe region

From $180/nightEnquire Now
Photo Gallery
Wildlife Highlights

Wildlife You'll Encounter

African Elephant in Chobe National Park, Botswana

African Elephant

120,000+ elephants — the world's largest population in a single area

Big Five
Lion in Chobe National Park, Botswana

Lion

Excellent sightings, especially in riverfront woodlands

Big Five
Leopard in Chobe National Park, Botswana

Leopard

Frequently spotted in trees along the Chobe River

Big Five
Buffalo in Chobe National Park, Botswana

Buffalo

Massive herds (1,000+) drinking at the river at sunset

Big Five
Rhino in Chobe National Park, Botswana

Rhino

Rare, but white rhinos present in select areas

Hippopotamus in Chobe National Park, Botswana

Hippopotamus

Large pods in the Chobe River — seen on every cruise

Nile Crocodile in Chobe National Park, Botswana

Nile Crocodile

Abundant along riverbanks, often seen sunbathing

Cheetah in Chobe National Park, Botswana

Cheetah

Spotted on floodplains and open grasslands

African Wild Dog in Chobe National Park, Botswana

African Wild Dog

Endangered painted wolves occasionally sighted

460+ Bird Species in Chobe National Park, Botswana

460+ Bird Species

Including African fish eagle, Pel's fishing owl, carmine bee-eaters, African skimmers

Planning Your Visit

When to Visit Chobe National Park, Botswana

Dry Season (Peak)

May – Oct

Best time — massive elephant herds at the river (Aug–Oct peak), excellent weather, dry conditions

Wildlife: Peak elephant concentrationsWeather: 15–30°C, dry & sunny

Green Season (Low)

Nov – Apr

Summer rains, lush landscapes, newborn wildlife, migratory birds, fewer tourists, lower rates

Wildlife: Baby animals & 460+ bird speciesWeather: 25–35°C, afternoon storms

Shoulder Season

Apr, Nov

Transitional period, good wildlife, moderate crowds, excellent value

Wildlife: Good sightingsWeather: 20–30°C, variable

Month-by-Month Guide

Wildlife ViewingWeatherValue
Jan
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Good to Know

Useful Chobe National Park, Botswana Travel Tips

The practical details that make a real difference — gathered from years of sending travellers into this region.

Do the river cruise

Chobe's signature experience is a late-afternoon boat safari. You'll drift metres from elephant herds and hippos as the light turns gold.

Dry season is prime

May–October concentrates enormous herds along the river. This is the best window for the elephant spectacle Chobe is famous for.

Bring a long lens

The riverfront offers extraordinarily close sightings from the water. A zoom lens and a beanbag or clamp pay off handsomely.

Easy from Vic Falls

Many visitors day-trip or transfer from Victoria Falls. Carry your passport — the road route crosses the Zimbabwe/Botswana border.

Malaria precautions

Chobe is a malaria area, highest in the wet summer. Take prophylaxis and cover up around dawn and dusk.

Layer for the boat

Even in the dry winter, the breeze off the river is cool at sunrise and sunset. A windproof layer keeps game viewing comfortable.

Location & Access

Getting to Chobe National Park, Botswana

18.6667° S, 24.5000° E

Nearest Airports

  • Kasane Airport (BBK)10 km from park — 15 minutes
  • Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) - Zimbabwe100 km — 1.5 hours
  • Livingstone Airport (LVI) - Zambia120 km — 2 hours

Driving Routes

  • Johannesburg1,600 km — 2-hour flight to Kasane
  • Maun (Okavango)320 km — 45-minute flight
  • Victoria Falls100 km — 1.5 hours drive

Kasane Airport has daily flights from Johannesburg, Maun, and Victoria Falls. Many visitors combine Chobe with Victoria Falls (100 km) or fly from the Okavango Delta (320 km). Self-drive is straightforward from Victoria Falls via excellent tar roads.

Where To Go

Chobe National Park, Botswana on the Map of Africa

See where this region sits and tap any glowing marker to open another destination our specialists know first-hand.

SerengetiMasai MaraBwindiVolcanoesKrugerSabi SandsCape TownGarden RouteDurban & KZNJohannesburgOkavango DeltaChobeVictoria FallsSouth LuangwaBazarutoEtoshaHwangeCape WinelandsSossusvleiSkeleton CoastMakgadikgadi Pans
Southern AfricaBotswanaChobeRiverfront game viewing with the greatest elephant herds on earth.Discover Chobe
Extend Your Journey

Destinations to Add to Your Chobe National Park, Botswana Safari

A Chobe National Park, Botswana safari pairs beautifully with the regions below. Our team stitches them into one unhurried journey — flights, transfers and timing handled end to end.

Okavango Delta, BotswanaBotswana

Okavango Delta

Combine Chobe's river with the Delta's channels for the definitive Botswana safari.

Explore Okavango Delta
Victoria Falls, ZimbabweZimbabwe

Victoria Falls

The falls are barely an hour away — the two are almost always visited together.

Explore Victoria Falls
Sabi Sands, South AfricaSouth Africa

Sabi Sands

Add a private South African reserve for close, off-road predator viewing.

Explore Sabi Sands
Frequently Asked Questions

Chobe National Park, Botswana Safari FAQ

August to October is peak elephant season when 120,000+ elephants converge on the Chobe River as surrounding water sources dry up. Herds of 300–500 elephants are common at sunset. However, elephants are present year-round, with excellent sightings in May–October (dry season).

Chobe is home to an estimated 120,000 elephants — the world's largest elephant population in a single area. During the dry season (May–October), elephants from across northern Botswana and neighboring countries migrate to the Chobe River, creating the planet's greatest elephant spectacle.

Yes, and it's extremely popular. Chobe is 100 km (1.5 hours) from Victoria Falls. Day trips typically include a morning river cruise, lunch, and afternoon game drive. Operators handle border crossings (bring your passport and KAZA UniVisa if possible). Book ahead for best availability.

Both are essential. River cruises offer unique aquatic wildlife encounters — elephants swimming, hippos surfacing, crocodiles basking. Game drives access predators (lion, leopard, cheetah) and interior ecosystems. Most visitors do both: morning game drive and sunset river cruise. The combination delivers the complete Chobe experience.

Absolutely. Chobe is one of Africa's most family-friendly safari destinations. River cruises are safe and engaging for kids, lodges like Chobe Game Lodge welcome families, and the guaranteed elephant sightings captivate children. Most lodges accept children (check age restrictions for game drives, typically 6+).

Most nationalities (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia) receive a free 90-day visa on arrival in Botswana. Your passport must have 6 months' validity and 2 blank pages. If combining with Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia), consider the KAZA UniVisa ($50) for multiple entries across borders.

No, Chobe is in a malaria zone. Prophylaxis is recommended year-round. Consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel. All lodges provide mosquito nets, insect repellent, and screened rooms. Malaria risk is present but manageable with precautions.

Yes, Chobe has the Big Five, though rhinos are rare. Elephants are guaranteed, buffalo herds are massive, and lion and leopard sightings are excellent. The park is also renowned for cheetahs, wild dogs, and 460+ bird species. Chobe rivals any African park for wildlife diversity.

Chobe specializes in elephants and river-based safaris — its elephant density is unmatched globally. Kruger is larger with higher overall predator density and self-drive access. The Okavango offers mokoro canoe safaris, ultra-luxury camps, and more pristine wilderness. Chobe is excellent value and ideal for Victoria Falls combinations.

Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, beige), warm layers for early morning drives, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera with telephoto lens (200mm+ recommended), waterproof bag for boat trips, and closed-toe shoes. River cruises can be windy, so bring a light jacket even in summer.

Start Planning

Plan Your Chobe National Park, Botswana Safari

Join 200,000+ travellers who have trusted us with their African safari dreams since 2008. Our expert team will craft a tailor-made Chobe National Park, Botswana itinerary perfectly suited to your style, budget and dates.

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