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Best 10 Things To Do In Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is situated in northern Botswana near the vast inland Okavango Delta covering 11,000km squared renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscape. One can enjoy the following best 10 things in Chobe National Park that is to say game drives, camping, visit Victoria Falls, bird watching, sunset boat cruise, walking safari, river safari, hot air balloon, photographic safari, and cultural tours.
It is famous for its large herds of elephants and Cape buffalo and offers exceptional opportunities for safaris and photography. The park is also a home to a variety of animals like lions, antelopes, hippos inhabiting the woods and lagoons around Linyanti Marsh, zebras and numerous bird species in the floodable grasslands of Savuti Marsh.
1. Game Drives In Chobe
Game drives at Chobe is the number one way to experience the Kasane and the Chobe national park as well. It offers an incredible opportunity to witness Africa’s diverse wildlife up close from majestic elephants to elusive big cats. Each drive promises a unique adventure through the savannah landscape in a custom built 4×4 Safari vehicle with open sides which promise exceptional views of wildlife for the guests.
The game drive is led by professional safari guides and their experience and knowledge provide great insight into the animals’ whereabouts and their behaviors. Guests often enjoy a full experience watching various wildlife like Buffalo, zebra, hyena, giraffe, red lechwe, hippo, numerous bird species and crocodiles. On lucky occasions, guests can see cheetahs, the big cats like lions and leopards.
June to October are the high and dry seasons making them suitable for game drives, additionally, scheduled game drives happen at sunrise and then late in the afternoon.
Game drives commonly occur along the Savuti trail in Chobe national park. The Savuti trail in Chobe national park is a legendary route that traverses through one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness areas. The trail is in the southern part of the park renowned for its diverse ecosystems, dramatic landscapes, and prolific wildlife. One of the most striking features of the Savuti region is the Savuti Marsh which has been the stage for one of the most fascinating natural phenomena in Africa.
The flow of Savuti channel has a history of drying up and reappearing unpredictably over the years, shaping the landscape and influencing the movements of wildlife in the area.
Guests are offered an unforgettable encounter and immersive experience with Chobe’s magnificent wildlife hence providing a deeper appreciation for nature’s wonders.
2. Chobe River Safari
The Chobe River Safari offers an incredible wildlife experience along Chobe River, which is renowned for the huge herds of elephants and buffalos that come to the river to drink and play in the refreshing water. Visitors can enjoy the river safari on boats that allow close-up encounters with wildlife while cruising along the river banks
Chobe River Safari typically includes morning and sunset boat cruise, providing different perspectives of the river and its inhabitants. It’s a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the Chobe National Park region.
On a drive as a visitor is following the river’s contours, they can also see a variety of game including puku (a water loving antelope found nowhere else in Botswana), red lechwe, giraffe, roan antelope, baboons, hyena, waterbuck and jackal.
The river can also be accessed from its Namibian side, and its close a proximity to Victoria Falls. Only a few dozen kilometers of riverfront are accessible, either by a 4×4 or a boat but the rewards are huge. The Chobe River Safari is the scene for some of the best game viewing in South Africa.
3. Bird Watching
Bird watching in Chobe offers enthusiasts a remarkable opportunity to observe array of avian species of the larger storks, eagles and herons in their natural habitat. Chobe is as well rightfully regarded as a home to an impressive diversity of bird species, with over 450 recorded species found within its boundaries. From colorful songbirds to majestic raptors, the park attracts birdwatchers from around the world eagers to spot both resident and migratory birds.
The park’s varied ecosystem provides habitats for a wide range of birdlife with several areas renowned for birdwatching for example the riverine forests along the Chobe River for spotting birds like water birds, herons, African fish eagles, storks, and kingfishers. Savuti marsh with large flocks of waterfowls and wading birds, Linyanti marshes with wattled cranes, saddle-billed storks and African jacanas.
Bird watching experiences in Chobe is during the wet summer season from November to March due to the arrival of legions of migrants as well as to fare and prey being bountiful. Some of the notable bird species found in Chobe include African fish eagle, martial eagle, lilac-breasted roller, southern carmine bee-eater, saddle-billed stork, and African skimmer.
Additionally, birds are most vocal and active when the sun comes up making them easier to spot and identify during those early hours normally on a boat cruise.
4. Sunset Boat Cruise
A sun set boat cruise in Chobe national park offers a mesmerizing experience amidst the stunning landscape and abundant wildlife of the region. Drifting along the river on a comfortable boat is the only way a guest can witness the many animals which make their way down to the river. The most common animals that guests often see during the cruise are hippos, crocodiles, puku and lechwe antelopes, buffalos, giraffes, numerous bird species and elephants frequently crossing the river to the islands where lush green grass is available all year-around.
Besides the wildlife, the tranquility of the river at sunset creates a serene atmosphere, allowing passengers to unwind and appreciate the beauty of nature. The sounds of the river, the calls of the birds, and the occasional rustle of leaves contribute to the immersive experience.
The cruise is also a fantastic way to experience the best of Botswana from up close of large herds of abundant animals in the national park and lucky visitors might see leopards and lions. All Chobe boat cruises depart from Kasane the town that boarders the Chobe national park with afternoon and morning departures only.
5. Walking Safari
A walking safari in Chobe national park heights the senses because it allows you to connect with nature on a more intimate level led by experienced guides, these walks take you off the beaten paths providing an opportunity to observe wildlife up close while on foot. Every sound is amplified, every movement is magnified and the sheer size of large animals is put into perspective when on foot.
Walking safaris take place in the less densely populated areas of the park where the terrain is suitable for walking and where encounters with wildlife are likely. They also offer more intimate and authentic safari experience compared to traditional game drives because the walking safaris are a sensory experience that allows you to immerse yourself fully in the sights, sounds, and smells of the African wilderness.
Safety is paramount on walking safaris and guides are trained to ensure the well-being of participants while in the bush. They brief the guest on safety procedures and provide any necessary equipment, such as walking sticks.
The dry season which typically runs from May to October is considered the best time for walking safaris in Chobe especially in the early morning or late afternoon because it offers cool temperatures and opportunity to witness wildlife as they become active and temperatures begin to cool down respectively.
6. Photographic Safari
This offers a fantastic chance and opportunity to capture stunning wildlife. It is specialized and designed to cater for the needs of photographers, providing unique experience and exclusive access to prime photography locations within Chobe National park and Chobe River that forms the northern border of the park.
A visitor can experience a large variety of wildlife undisturbed and at a close range with a combination of open Safari vehicles and river boats ensure unobstructed views thus making Chobe photographic safari increasingly popular worldwide.
One of the more difficult skill tests is bird watching but the park provides experienced guides who have intimate knowledge of the area’s wildlife area and photographic spots, as well as assisting photographers in positioning themselves for the best shots and provide valuable insights into composition, lighting, and camera settings.
The safari is carried out in the early mornings and late afternoons when the wildlife activity is at its peak and the lighting is ideal for photography. Ideally participants have the chance to photograph a wide variety of wildlife like the antelopes, elephants, lions, buffalos, and a ray of bird spices.
7. Camping
Camping in Chobe national park is a fantastic and unforgettable experience enabling a guest to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the African bush. The park offers several designated campsites inside the park with permit for all travelers or visitors is allowed to make use of the public campgrounds.
Some campsites are located along the Chobe River providing picturesque views like Ihaha campsite and Linyanti campsite, others are nestled within the bush for a more secluded atmosphere like Savuti campsite. Campsites offer basic facilities like ablution blocks with toilets and showers, however, one is still recommended to carry one’s own water, firewood and meals.
Camping in Chobe usually requires advance booking so as to secure a spot especially during peak tourist seasons. As well, camping in Chobe means sharing the environment with wild animals, it’s essential to follow safety guidelines and precautions while adventuring so as to minimize the risks of wildlife encounters.
During the camping, guests can often see animals like elephants, hippos, and various antelope species.
8. Catch A Boat For Chobe River Fishing Trip
The Chobe River offer an ultimate opportunity for fisher tourists to test their skills from catching a Tiger fish to cat fish. The trip includes all bate and equipment needed along with experienced guides who have always been fishing on the Chobe River. The rule only allows to catch and release and not hook and cook.
A visitor can enjoy a variety of fishing experiences for example river fishing, bank fishing, catch and release, and multi-day fishing safari.
9. Bush Dinners On The Banks Of Chobe
This offers a magical dining experience that combines the cuisines with the raw beauty of the African wilderness. It is a really wonderful piece of activity because one calmly relaxes with a delicious meal as well as listening to the wilderness sounds that creates a peace of mind.
This kind of dining can be prepared and arranged by safari lodges or camps hence providing the guests with an unforgettable experience in their lives.
10. Exploring Neighbors Of Chobe National Park
Cultural tours in Chobe offer a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage and traditions of the local communities and the Sibuya tribe who live within the wildlife haven. This kind of activity provides insight into the daily lives, customs and history of the people who call Chobe their home.
During the tours, visitors can interact with the nearby villages and learn about their life styles and they are accompanied by knowledgeable guides who can fluently speak the languages of the villagers to avoid incidents of language barrier. The people around Chobe are subsistence farmers as well as small livestock and crop farmers. There are no fences separating people from wildlife and the Sibuya have learnt to co-exist with the wild animals that call this area home.
The cultural activities done include village visits for example to Kasane, Kachikau, Kavimba, cultural performances like Basubiya cultural festival, Chobe fashion week, craft markets like Kasane craft market, and historical sites like Chobe heritage site.
Other Things To Do In Chobe
- Float To The World’s Only Quadri-point
This is the only point in the world where four countries’ boarders intersect that is Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is located near the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers just an hour away from the Victoria Falls. The visitor can clearly witness the newly completed mega-structure on a Kazungula Bridge tour that sends you floating on the converging waters.
The quadri-point is a unique and amazing geographical phenomenon where by one stands in one spot and be simultaneously present in four different countries.
Activities Outside Chobe National Park
- Visiting Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls itself is not located in Chobe national park but rather on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, visiting Victoria Falls is a popular day trip destination for visitors staying near or in the park. This is because Victoria Falls is relatively close to Chobe making it easily accessible for visitors who are already in the area. The falls are 70 km from the town of Kasane which serves as the gate to Chobe national park.
The Victoria Falls is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and they were formed over millions of years and the falls span approximately 1,708 meters in width and reach a height of 108 meters making it one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls on earth. The falls are known as Mosi-oa-Tunya in the local Tanga language meaning “the smoke that thunders.”
Visitors enjoy activities such as viewing the falls at several viewpoints like devil’s cataract, main falls, and horseshoes falls, rainforest walks, boat cruise, bungee jumping, zip-lining, white water rafting, helicopter flights over the falls, and cultural experiences.
Victoria Falls is not only a spectacular natural landmark but also a symbol of Africa’s beauty, power and resilience offering an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who witness its majesty.
The cheapest way to get from Chobe to Victoria Falls is by road and it takes 1 and half hours to 2hours depending on Traffic and boarder cross procedures.
2. Hot Air Balloon Safari
This is a breathtaking way to experience the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the region from a unique perspective. It can carry a maximum of 8 to 16 passengers offering a 360 degree panoramic view from tree top level to a thousand feet in the air.
The balloon safari in Chobe is located 45minutes south of Kasane town offering an opportunity to fly over the vast concession called Seloko Plains in the Chobe Region that extends from Zimbabwe to linkup with the park and the Kasane Forest.
During the balloon safari, a visitor gets a chance to see wildlife like elephants, giraffes, antelopes, birds in a bird’s eye view. The safaris are mostly conducted in the early morning hours offering a very nice sunrise view as the balloon ascends into the sky drifting at treetop heights to 1000ft or more.
It also combines with other activities like bush breakfast, game drive hence adding to the overall adventure and making it a truly memorable experience in the heart of Africa.
Accommodations In Chobe
These accommodations are basically categorized into luxury, mid-range and budget.
Luxury Accommodations
- Chobe Game Lodge
This is the only luxury lodge located within Chobe National Park offering a great experience of resting in the wildlife as well as viewing areas along the Chobe River. Guests are offered with comprehensive amenities such as relaxing in spacious river-facing suites, dining on gourmet cuisines, boat safaris, game drives and bird watching.
Imagine being woken up by the amazing sounds of the wilderness and a scenic morning sun rise and enjoying meals overlooking the Chobe River.
2. Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
This is a luxurious tented accommodation located in the heart of the Savute region of the park surrounded by expansive savannah wilderness. Imagine looking at the bright orange Savute wilderness every evening and looking at the crossing elephants, buffalos, zebras the whole day.
The place also offers amenities like swimming, outdoor showers in the morning and evening as well as meals after any safari activity.
3. Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero
This is a luxurious lodge bordering the park in the north, offering unparalleled panoramic views across the islands and stunning views of the Chobe River. Guests get chances of enjoying the gourmet dining, rejuvenating spa treatments and exciting safari activities like game drives and river cruises.
It also offers luxury and special air conditioned cottages with each cottage having their own spa-like bathrooms, private balcony, hairdryer, iPad, mini bar and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Mid-Range Accommodation
- Chobe Safari Lodge
Chobe safari lodge is located right on the banks of Chobe River offering spacious rooms or luxury safari tents, all having en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. A guest can as well enjoy the comfort of the incredible staff, food, swimming pool, bar, restaurant and the beautiful sunsets and abundant wildlife like elephants, giraffes, and wild dogs.
2. Chobe Bush Lodge
The lodge is located in Kasane on the boarder of Chobe national park providing wonderful experiences such as wading through the crystal clear waters of the large swimming pool, enjoying the stunning African sunset and also enjoying fresh coffee outside the deck as the morning sun warms your face and you get entertained by the birds’ songs.
The lodge also offers guided game drives and boat cruises along the Chobe River with amenities such as Wi-Fi, swimming pool, curio shop and viewing platforms overlooking the park.
Budget Accommodation
- Thebe River Safari Lodge
Located in Kasane, Thebe River Safari offers a budget friendly accommodation with camping sites and chalets. The chalets are simple but comfortable with mosquito nets and bathrooms, additionally they offer facilities like ablution blocks and barbecue areas.
The lodge also offers guided activities like game drives and boat cruises in the park at an affordable rate.
2. Kwalape Safari Lodge
Imagine spending your time in an area surrounded by the bush that has been incorporated into beautiful gardens close to the entrance of the Chobe Park near Kasane. The lodge is just 15km away from the park.
The accommodations range from camping to permanent tents with shared ablutions and en-suited rooms with a swimming pool, restaurant and bar and Wi-Fi.
How To Get To Chobe
One can get to Chobe National Park in various ways, by air, one can fly from OR Tambo Johannesburg International Airport in South Africa, Livingstone Airport (LVI) in Zambia and Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe all leading to Kasane Airport. From Kasane, one can use road transport means to Chobe National Park through renting and driving to the park or arrange transportation through your accommodation or a tour operator.
Another person can travel from Botswana’s capital city Gabarone to Kasane.
Best Time To Visit Chobe
The best time to visit Chobe is from May to early November during the dry season because the weather is dry and mild meaning the vegetation is sparse hence making it easier to spot wildlife as they congregate around water sources for example Chobe River.
Additionally, the dry season coincides with Botswana’s winter hence less mosquitoes and reduced risk of malaria.
Other Places To Visit In Botswana.
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Okavango Delta
This is a seasonal flooding produced vast inland delta located in Botswana. It is the most famous attraction in Botswana known for its unique ecosystem and abundant wildlife for example giraffes, blue wildebeest, hippos, plain zebras, impalas, cheetahs, Vervet monkeys and Nile crocodiles.
It is characterized with swamp-dominant species and is a home to 71 species of fish for example tiger fish, tilapia, and cat fish. The Okavango River drains in the summer that is January-February and then the water spreads over 250km area of the delta over the next four months that is from March-June.
2. Moremi Game Reserve
The reserve is a protected area lying on the Eastern side of Okavango Delta known for its diverse habitats and rich wildlife such as mopane woodland, acacia forests, floodplain, lagoons, lions, African bush elephants, black rhinos, hippos, zebras, cheetahs and buffalos. When the flood waters are high, some of the roads are waterlogged hence hindering transportation during this time.
3. Makgadikgadi Pans
This is one of the largest vast salt pan complex in the world spanning over 16000 square kilometers offering an awe-inspiring sight. It was once the center of a huge lake that evaporated more than 2,000 years ago and now is a home to one of Africa’s largest zebra population.
Visitors come to explore the otherworldly landscape of the pans, go quad biking, horse riding and visit nearby villages to learn about the local culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is entrance fee at Chobe National Park?
For citizen adults and children (8years and above), payments are BWP 1O per person and BWP 5 per child respectively. However, international adults and children pay BWP 120 and BWP 60 per head respectively. However, due to the fact that the prices are updated annually in most cases, it is better to check on their website for the most recent prices.
What is special about Chobe?
Chobe is known for its large elephant population and diverse wildlife offering incredible opportunities for Safari adventures.
What town is near Chobe National Park?
Kasane is the closest town to Chobe National Park in Botswana. It serves as the gate way to the park.
Conclusion
With expertise and guided tours at Kubwa 5 Safaris, enjoy a remarkable experience at Chobe National Park that is celebrated for its abundant wildlife, particularly its vast elephant herds. Their services can complement the natural beauty and wildlife wonders of Chobe hence offering visitors a comprehensive and enriching safari experience. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or seeking an unforgettable safari experience, Chobe national park offers an unparalleled adventure in the heart of Africa’s wilderness.