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Botswana · The River of Giants

Chobe

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.

Best timeMay – OctoberWildlife120,000+ elephantsThe park11,700 km² national parkJourneys from$2,500 pp
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Our Luxury Journeys

Multi-Day Botswana Journeys

Fully private, unhurried and all-inclusive — from the five-day safari pairing Chobe's river with the thunder of Victoria Falls to the seven-day predator expedition deep into the private Linyanti and Selinda wetlands. Private guides, the finest riverfront lodges and houseboats, and every detail crafted entirely around you.

Ultra-Luxury
7 Days · 6 Nights

Linyanti & Selinda Predator Expedition

Private concessions, big elephants and Africa's great wild-dog country

From$8,200ppView Details
High-End Luxury
7 Days · 6 Nights

Victoria Falls & Chobe Honeymoon

Thundering Falls, River Sunsets & Big Herds — Adventure Meets Romance

From$5,500ppView Details
Luxury
5 Days · 4 Nights

Adventure & Luxury Combo

Five Days of Adrenaline and Indulgence at the Falls

From$3,600ppView Details
Value Luxury
5 Days · 4 Nights

Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari

Thunder, Spray & Ten Thousand Elephants

From$2,500ppView Details
The Beyond Africa Difference

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

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 Highest Elephant Density on EarthPhotographic River Safaris by BoatPredator-Rich Linyanti & SelindaAn Hour from Victoria Falls
Destination overview

Why Visit Chobe

Botswana's river of giants, and home to the greatest concentration of elephants anywhere in Africa. From the herds that crowd the water at sunset to the photographic river cruises, the predator-rich Linyanti wetlands and the four-hundred-plus bird species along the banks — Chobe rewards every moment. Here is what makes it unforgettable.

  • 120,000+ elephants — the world's largest elephant population in a single area
  • Chobe River cruises — elephants swimming, bathing, and drinking at water's edge
  • Massive elephant herds (300–500 animals) converge at sunset
  • Big Five safaris with excellent predator sightings (lion, leopard, cheetah)
  • Photographic safaris in specialized low-profile boats
  • Victoria Falls day trips (100 km away) — combine safari with Seven Natural Wonders
The wildlife

Wildlife You'll Encounter

Big Five

African Elephant

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

Big Five

Lion

Excellent sightings, especially in riverfront woodlands

Big Five

Leopard

Frequently spotted in trees along the Chobe River

Big Five

Buffalo

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

Rhino

Rare, but white rhinos present in select areas

Hippopotamus

Large pods in the Chobe River — seen on every cruise

Nile Crocodile

Abundant along riverbanks, often seen sunbathing

Cheetah

Spotted on floodplains and open grasslands

African Wild Dog

Endangered painted wolves occasionally sighted

460+ Bird Species

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

The Signature Collection

The Experiences That Define Chobe

Where the Chobe story unfolds. Drift the river at sunset as the herds come down to drink, track the big cats on a morning game drive, glide close to hippo and elephant on a photographic boat safari, and cross the border for a day at Victoria Falls — each one built into your itinerary by your private concierge.

2.5–3 hours

Chobe River Sunset Cruise

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.

  • Sunset river cruise
  • Drinks & snacks
  • Expert guide
  • Wildlife viewing
Enquire with a Concierge
3 hours (twice daily)

4x4 Game Drives in Chobe National Park

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.

  • Open-vehicle game drives
  • Professional guide
  • Park fees
  • Sundowner stops
Enquire with a Concierge
2–3 hours

Photographic River Safari in Specialized Boats

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.

  • Specialized photo boat
  • Expert photo guide
  • Low-profile access
  • Optimal positioning
Enquire with a Concierge
Full day

Full-Day Victoria Falls Excursion

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.

  • River cruise
  • Victoria Falls guided tour
  • Lunch
  • Border transfers
Enquire with a Concierge
More Botswana Journeys

Extend Your Botswana Journey

Chobe's elephants and river are the reason you come — but Botswana's wild heart runs deeper still. Drift south into the Okavango Delta, the greatest inland delta on earth, where channels of clear water thread a wilderness of islands, and shape a longer journey through the finest safari country in Africa — each of these curated journeys leads to a real itinerary our concierge will tailor to you.

Okavango Experience

3 daysFrom$3,200pp
Explore & Book

Okavango Delta Luxury Safari

6 daysFrom$8,000pp
Explore & Book
Instant-Book Adventure Experiences

Explore Our Complete Adventure Catalog

Looking for more Southern African safari and adventure experiences? Visit Gray Line South Africa — our sister company — for a full catalog of instant-book tours across the region, with live availability and instant confirmation.

Browse Gray Line South Africa
Botswana's Water Frontier · The River of Giants

The River of Giants

Chobe is defined by its river — a broad, life-giving channel on Botswana's northern edge that draws the greatest gathering of elephants on the continent. In the dry season they come in their thousands, whole families crossing to the island pastures, calves swimming between the adults as the light turns to gold. There is no finer way to meet them than from the water: a photographic boat gliding to eye level with a drinking herd, hippos yawning in the shallows, fish eagles calling overhead. Beyond the river, the private Linyanti and Selinda wetlands hold lion, leopard and Africa's largest wild-dog packs. This is Botswana's water wilderness — wild, teeming and unforgettable.

Highest Elephant Density on EarthPhotographic Boat SafarisSunset River CruisesChobe HouseboatsLinyanti & Selinda Predators460+ Bird Species
Plan a Chobe Journey
Photo gallery

Chobe in Pictures

Elephant at the Chobe River
An elephant at the Chobe River's edge
Elephants drinking at the Chobe River
Elephants drinking along the Chobe floodplain
Elephant herd at a Chobe waterhole
A breeding herd gathered at a riverside waterhole
Lioness at a waterhole, Chobe
A lioness at a Chobe waterhole
Elephant herd in golden light, Chobe
Golden light over a Chobe elephant herd
The perfect Southern African journey

Pair Chobe with a Journey

Chobe's river pairs beautifully with the great sights of the region. Meet the elephants on the water, then drift south into the channels of the Okavango Delta, cross to the thunder of Victoria Falls barely an hour away, or add a private South African reserve for close, off-road predator viewing — we'll weave it all into one seamless itinerary.

Okavango Delta · The Jewel of the Kalahari

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

Victoria Falls · The Smoke That Thunders

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

Sabi Sands · Leopard Kingdom

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

Chobe National Park vs Other Parks

Why Choose Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park stands apart — here's how it compares to other parks.

FeatureChobe National ParkOther Parks
Big FiveYes — all five roam hereVaries
Signature experience120,000+ elephantsLimited
Wildlife120,000+ elephantsFewer
Birdlife460+ speciesFewer
Standout appealChobe River cruisesLess distinctive
OverallThe Elephant Capital of AfricaMore generic
Plan your timing

When to Visit Chobe

Dry Season (Peak)

May – Oct
★★★★★

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

15–30°C, dry & sunny

Green Season (Low)

Nov – Apr
★★★★☆

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

25–35°C, afternoon storms

Shoulder Season

Apr, Nov
★★★★☆

Transitional period, good wildlife, moderate crowds, excellent value

20–30°C, variable

Month-by-Month Guide

Good to know

Useful Chobe Travel Tips

The practical details that make a safari effortless — gathered from years of crafting private Botswana itineraries for our guests.

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

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 stay

Our Hand-Picked Chobe Lodges

From the riverfront suites and houseboats of the Chobe frontier to the private tented camps of Linyanti and Selinda, the most coveted addresses along Botswana's water wilderness, each held for you by our concierge.

★★★★★$$$

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

Green Globe Certified, Botswana Tourism Organization Excellence

FromR 14,640per person, per night

★★★★★$$$

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

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

Relais & Châteaux, Condé Nast Traveler Top Resort

FromR 16,470per person, per night

★★★★★$$$

Ngoma Safari Lodge

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

Safari Awards finalist

FromR 13,725per person, per night

★★★★$$

Chobe Savanna Lodge

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

Responsible Tourism Award

FromR 9,150per person, per night

★★★★$$

Muchenje Safari Lodge

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

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

FromR 8,235per person, per night

★★★$

Chobe Safari Lodge

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

Value leader in Chobe region

FromR 3,294per person, per night

Worth the premium

Why It Justifies the Price

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.

120,000+ elephants

the world's largest elephant population in a single area

Chobe River cruises

elephants swimming, bathing, and drinking at water's edge

Massive elephant herds (300

500 animals) converge at sunset

Big Five safaris

with excellent predator sightings (lion, leopard, cheetah)

Photographic safaris in specialized low-profile

Photographic safaris in specialized low-profile boats

Every journey is privately guided, fully bonded and backed by our 4.9/5 rating from more than 200,000 guests since 2008 — with a dedicated concierge from first enquiry to final farewell.

Good to know

Chobe, Answered

When is the best time to see elephants at Chobe?

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).

How many elephants are in Chobe National Park?

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.

Can I do a day trip to Chobe from Victoria Falls?

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.

What is better: river cruise or game drive?

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.

Is Chobe suitable for families with children?

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+).

Do I need a visa for Botswana?

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.

Is Chobe National Park malaria-free?

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.

Can I see the Big Five in Chobe?

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.

How does Chobe compare to Kruger and the Okavango?

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.

What should I pack for Chobe?

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.

Your journey, your way

Ready to start planning your Chobe journey?

Tell us how you love to travel and we'll shape a private safari around you — every flight, every transfer, every river cruise and every evening on the water taken care of. One dedicated concierge, start to finish.

  • 18+ Years of Excellence
  • 4.9/5 Guest Rated
  • 200,000+ Guests Since 2008
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