Chobe National Park is situated on the north side of Botswana and it covers an area of 11, 700 km sq. It is the 3rd largest national park in the country, consisting of the largest population of buffalos and African elephants. With an incredible chance for travelers to spot the Big Five, Botswana is the most famous national park in Botswana. Anyone looking to enjoy a wildlife safari experience should have Botswana's Chobe National Park on their bucket list. With its amazing vegetation, pans, and incredible wildlife, Chobe has something new every day for travelers. Planning to explore Botswana's, National Park? Here is everything to know.
What To Know About Botswana's Chobe National Park
The Chobe National Park was established in 1960, making it the first national park in Botswana. The park stretches from Okavango Delta towards Kasane the point where the borders of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana converge. Chobe National Park is large. However, visitors rarely explore much of its southern and central parts. Most of the campsites are found in the Savute region to the West or North East. Much of the national park between these two areas are sparsely populated and mostly inaccessible in the dry season. The Savute region is known for its high concentration of predators, more so, lions and hyenas. The Park is, however, known as the elephant stronghold because over 130,000 elephants thrive here.
How to Get There
There are several areas of Chobe National Park to explore, but most travelers visit the riverfront area, which is reachable through Chobe Gate (located 6km west of Kasane). One way is by flying into Kasane Airport and boarding a boat in the park. From inside the park, one can decide on self-drive to explore the park. Another way is flying to Maun Airport. Luckily, this is easy because of the availability of flights to Kasane. The distance is 600 km, making driving quite challenging.
Visitors looking to combine Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls safaris start their journey from Victoria Falls Airport Zimbabwe. One can also start to fly to Zambia, Livingstone Airport.
When to Visit Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is fantastic all year round. Most travelers chose to visit the park during the dry season (May to September). It is easier to spot the park's incredible wildlife during this time. The park's grasses are lower and most of the wild animals tend to walk toward the riverside to drink water in the waterholes. The wet season features lush vegetation and plenty of water in the water sources surrounding the park. This gives the wild animals many options, and spotting them becomes difficult at this time of the year. There are still a wide variety of wildlife species in the park one can experience – it is just that they are sparse, making it slightly hard to come across. Advantages of visiting the park, especially, the Savute region during the wet summer season is the greenery vegetation, which makes the scenery so beautiful for photography.
Chobe National Park Fees
The main gate for entrance into the park is Chobe Gate, located in the northeast of the park, close to Kasane town. Ngoma Gate, close to the Namibian border is another option for travelers. Those looking to enter the gate through the southern region can use Mababe Gate, which links the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park.
- Park Fees: Adults (18 plus) $13.20, children (8-17) $5.61
Children under 8 years enter the park free of charge. Note that the park entrance fee is subject to change and is mostly included in the entire safari cost.
Where to Stay in Chobe National Park
There is a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. The park has luxury lodgings located in remote spaces, picturesque campsites for photography lovers, and then there are bush camps – there is something for everyone in this camp. Most of the lodgings and campsites are found on the Chobe River Bank. This provides travelers with the incredible opportunity of spotting wildlife as they come and go to the water source. Most visitors chose to stay around Kasane, which has a wide variety of options in accommodations to choose from.
What to Do in Chobe National Park
This Africa safari destination has a lot to offer to travelers, and they can engage in various enjoyable activities. Whether one chose to explore on foot, boat ride, or in a vehicle, Chobe safaris will never disappoint! The best possible way of having the best Chobe safari experience is a game drive through the park. This way, travelers get a perfect chance of spotting the park's predators. If one prefers a boat ride to experience the Chobe River sights, mokoro safaris will give the best experience of the large elephant herds and take some epic photos.
What to Pack for a Chobe National Park Safari
Packing for an Africa safari isn’t anything like a leisure holiday. Use this checklist to enhance your packing list:
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Light clothing
- Small pocket torch
- Light footwear
- Antimalarial drugs since Chobe is a Malaria prone zone
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen for protection against the hot weather
- A light jacket and long trousers to spend comfortable nights
- Insect repellent
- Waterproof day pack
- Avoid bright-colored clothes
Most travel-lovers already know these things but a little guidance is necessary for the best Chobe National Park safari experience.
Chobe National Park gives an unforgettable safari experience, and every traveler deserves an opportunity to explore its beautiful scenery and incredible wildlife.