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Chobe National Park is one of Africa's greatest wildlife destinations and home to the largest concentration of elephants on Earth. Located in northern Botswana, near the borders of Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the park covers around 11,700 km² of floodplains, woodlands and grasslands along the Chobe River. In the dry season, tens of thousands of elephants gather on the riverbanks to drink and bathe, alongside buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, lions, leopards and hundreds of bird species. Chobe is also unique because you can explore it not only by game drive but also by boat safari, gliding past wildlife at water level. The gateway town of Kasane is just an hour from Victoria Falls, making Chobe easy to combine with one of the world's greatest waterfalls. This Chobe National Park travel guide covers the best time to visit, the top areas, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical tips.

Best Time to Visit Chobe

Dry season (May–October) is the best time for wildlife viewing. Water sources dry up, so animals concentrate along the Chobe River. August to October is the peak, when elephant herds are at their largest. Days are warm and nights can be cold in June and July. September and October are very hot (up to 40°C).

Wet season (November–April) brings green landscapes, migratory birds, newborn animals and fewer tourists. Wildlife disperses into the interior, and some areas such as Savuti become harder to reach. Prices are lower. The zebra migration passes through the Savuti and Linyanti areas around this time.

Top Areas and Things to Do in Chobe

1. Chobe Riverfront (Serondela)

The most accessible and popular part of the park, just outside Kasane, famous for huge elephant herds, buffalo, hippos and riverside predators.

2. Chobe River Boat Safari

Sunset boat cruises on the Chobe River are a highlight, offering close-up views of elephants swimming, hippos, crocodiles and birdlife, plus spectacular sunsets. Photographic boat safaris with special camera mounts are also available.

3. Savuti

A remote area in the park's west, known for dramatic predator action, including lions that hunt elephants, as well as hyenas, wild dogs and cheetahs. The Savuti Channel, which flows irregularly, attracts wildlife when it has water. Savuti also has ancient San rock paintings on the Gubatsa Hills.

4. Linyanti

A private concession bordering Chobe with wetlands and woodlands, known for elephants, wild dogs and exclusive luxury camps.

5. Nogatsaa

A quieter area of the park with pans attracting elephants and antelope, good for self-drivers seeking solitude.

6. Birdwatching

Chobe has more than 450 bird species, including the African fish eagle, carmine bee-eater, African skimmer and saddle-billed stork.

7. Sedudu Island

An island in the Chobe River where wildlife grazes on floodplains, easily seen from boats.

Beyond Chobe

• Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia): About 1–1.5 hours from Kasane, ideal for a day trip or extension.
• Okavango Delta and Moremi: Botswana's famous wetland wilderness, reached by light aircraft or a long drive.
• Caprivi Strip (Namibia): Rivers and wildlife across the border.
• Kazungula Bridge: Opened in 2021, linking Botswana and Zambia across the Zambezi River.

Suggested 4-Day Chobe Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kasane: Settle in and take a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River.

Day 2 – Riverfront game drives: Morning and afternoon game drives along the riverfront.

Day 3 – Victoria Falls: Take a day trip to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia.

Day 4 – Photography safari: Join a photographic boat safari before departing.

Longer trips: Add 2–3 nights in Savuti or Linyanti for more remote wilderness.

Chobe's Elephants

Northern Botswana is home to around 130,000 elephants, the largest population in the world. These elephants are Kalahari elephants, among the largest of all African elephants. Their numbers have created debates about habitat damage and human–wildlife conflict, and Botswana's government has at times discussed controversial measures, including hunting quotas. Watching hundreds of elephants drinking, playing and swimming across the Chobe River is one of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences.

Safari Food

Safari lodges serve gourmet meals, often with bush dinners under the stars. Try Botswana's national dish, seswaa (slow-cooked shredded beef), pap (maize porridge), morogo (wild spinach) and local game meat. Many lodges also serve South African wines.

What to Pack for a Botswana Safari

• Neutral-coloured clothing: Khaki, olive and beige; avoid bright colours, white and dark blue (which attracts tsetse flies in some areas).
• Layers: Mornings and evenings in winter (June–August) can be close to freezing on open vehicles, while afternoons are warm.
• Soft-sided bag: Required for light aircraft transfers, usually with a 20 kg limit.
• Binoculars and camera: A zoom lens of 200–400 mm is ideal.
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Insect repellent and malaria tablets: For northern Botswana.
• Headlamp, adaptor and power bank: Many camps run on solar power.

Where to Stay in Chobe

• Kasane: Riverside lodges and hotels close to the Chobe Riverfront, from budget to luxury.
• Inside the park: Lodges such as Chobe Game Lodge, the only permanent lodge within the riverfront area.
• Houseboats: Floating hotels on the Chobe River, such as Chobe Princess.
• Savuti and Linyanti: Exclusive luxury tented camps.
• Campsites: For self-drive travellers, such as Ihaha (riverfront) and Savuti.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Chobe here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Chobe

Kasane International Airport (BBK) is just a few minutes from the park, with flights from Johannesburg and Gaborone, as well as light aircraft flights to the Okavango Delta. Many travellers also fly to Victoria Falls (VFA) in Zimbabwe or Livingstone (LVI) in Zambia, about 1–1.5 hours away by road. Search and compare cheap flights to Kasane or Victoria Falls to find the best fares.

Getting Around

• Lodge game drives: The easiest way to explore.
• Self-drive: Possible with a 4x4; deep sand requires experience.
• Boat safaris: On the Chobe River.
• Light aircraft: To Savuti, Linyanti and the Okavango Delta.

Travel Costs in Chobe

Botswana follows a high-value, low-volume tourism model, so safaris can be expensive. The currency is the Botswana pula (BWP), though lodges often quote prices in US dollars.

Visa & Entry Requirements

• Visa-free: Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Botswana without a visa for up to 90 days per year.
• e-Visa: Other nationalities can apply through Botswana's online e-Visa portal.
• Tourism Development Levy: Most foreign visitors pay a levy of around US$30 on arrival (or online).
• Passport validity: At least 6 months, with at least two blank pages.
• Yellow fever: A certificate is required if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
• KAZA region: If visiting Victoria Falls, check Zimbabwe and Zambia visa options, such as the KAZA UniVisa.

Always check official Botswana immigration sources before travelling.

Local Tips for Chobe

• Malaria: Chobe is in a malaria area; consult a doctor about prophylaxis and use repellent.
• Wildlife safety: Never leave your vehicle except at designated areas; animals roam freely, even in Kasane.
• Neutral clothing: Wear khaki and green on safari.
• Binoculars and camera: Bring a good zoom lens.
• Cold mornings: Pack warm layers for winter game drives.
• Tipping: Tips for guides and lodge staff are customary.
• Staying connected: Local SIMs from Mascom, Orange and BTC work in Kasane; coverage is limited in the park. Use a travel eSIM. Get your Botswana eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Chobe River sunset cruise: Elephants and hippos at sunset.
• Riverfront game drive: Morning and afternoon safaris.
• Photographic boat safari: Close-up wildlife photography.
• Victoria Falls day trip: Visit one of the world's great waterfalls.
• Savuti fly-in safari: Remote wilderness.

Browse and book the best safaris in Chobe here.

FAQ

When is the best time to visit Chobe?

May to October, especially August to October, for the best elephant viewing.

How far is Chobe from Victoria Falls?

About 80 km, or 1–1.5 hours by road.

Do I need a visa for Botswana?

Many nationalities don't, but most pay a Tourism Development Levy of around US$30.

Can you do a boat safari in Chobe?

Yes, Chobe River boat safaris are a highlight.

Is Chobe a malaria area?

Yes. Consult a doctor before travelling.

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