Chobe National Park. Chobe National Park is Botswana’s first National Park and has one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa. By size, it is the third largest park in the country, after the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Gemsbok National Park. Chobe National Park offers a true wilderness experience, yet the moment you arrive at one of its charming lodges, you’re welcomed with warm hospitality and indulgent comfort.

Each lodge features beautiful private suites—ideal sanctuaries to begin and end your adventure-filled days. Whether you choose one as your base or go lodge-hopping to experience the variety, every stay adds a unique layer to your journey, culminating in an unforgettable escape. Welcome to one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.

The first sight of the deep blue Chobe River is something you’ll never forget. Winding gracefully through sandy stretches, quaint villages, lush floodplains, towering mopane forests, and expansive woodlands, this river breathes life into the land. It is the lifeblood of Chobe National Park, which spans 10,700 km² of the northern Kalahari Desert, delivering a truly wild setting and an impressively consistent density of wildlife.

Chobe is renowned for its immense elephant herds, large buffalo gatherings, powerful lion prides, and an astonishing variety of bird species. The riverfront area is the most accessible part of the park—and it also boasts the highest concentration of wildlife. For those seeking more predator-rich terrain, Linyanti Marshes offer thrilling encounters, while the remote Savuti region promises raw, soul-stirring beauty.

No matter where you explore within Chobe, wildlife sightings are abundant, and the landscape remains unspoiled. From couples and families to seasoned safari enthusiasts, Chobe National Park promises an experience to treasure for a lifetime.

History and Ecology of Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park, one of Botswana’s most iconic conservation areas, holds a rich cultural and ecological heritage. Originally inhabited by the Bushmen (San people), the region later became home to the Hambukushu, Bayei, and Basubiya communities. The 1850s brought a new wave of visitors, including the famed explorer David Livingstone and European big-game hunters seeking trophies and ivory. Recognizing the ecological value of the area, the government declared it a game reserve in 1961 and later upgraded it to national park status in 1968.

Today, Chobe is celebrated for its extraordinary density of wildlife. Visitors often find themselves pausing along the park’s trails—not for traffic lights, but to let herds of elephants, buffalo, or antelope cross their path. The park carefully controls visitor numbers, preserving its sense of seclusion and exclusivity, and ensuring a truly wild safari experience.

Diverse Landscapes and Wildlife

Chobe is more than just a single habitat—it’s a mosaic of distinct ecosystems, each with its own character and wildlife. Along the Chobe River, visitors encounter lush floodplains and verdant vegetation that attract an abundance of animals, especially during the dry season. As you move further from the river, the landscape transitions into thorny bushland and patches of open savannah.

This diversity of terrain supports a wide array of species and makes each region of the park feel like a different world. From the riverfront to the remote Savuti and predator-rich Linyanti Marshes, Chobe National Park is a dynamic and ever-changing wildlife sanctuary.

Wildlife in Chobe – A 24-Hour Spectacle

Chobe National Park offers exceptional wildlife viewing around the clock, with different species active at various times of the day and night. During the dry season, when water becomes scarce in the region, massive herds of elephants and buffalo migrate toward the life-giving waters of the Chobe and Linyanti Rivers. It’s not uncommon to see thousands of elephants—some traveling from Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park—gathered along the riverbanks in a breathtaking spectacle.

Throughout the year, Chobe teems with classic African wildlife. Zebra, impala, kudu, baboons, blue wildebeest, giraffe, warthog, and vervet monkeys are frequently seen across the park. The riverfront is also the ideal spot to encounter pods of hippos, stealthy crocodiles, and the leguvaan—Africa’s second-longest lizard, known for its prehistoric appearance.

Chobe’s predators are another highlight. Lions and spotted hyenas dominate the food chain here, often trailing the large buffalo herds. While less frequently seen, leopards, cheetahs, and the endangered African wild dogs also roam the park’s diverse habitats. For the fortunate few, spotting a white rhino—reintroduced into Botswana in 2001—adds a rare and thrilling sighting to the safari experience.

As night falls, a different cast of animals takes the stage. Some lodges within or near Chobe offer exclusive night drives, revealing the park’s elusive nocturnal residents. Keep an eye out for bushbabies with their wide, glowing eyes, stealthy African wildcats, and the fearless honey badger. No matter the hour, Chobe’s wildlife never ceases to amaze and inspire.

Birdlife at Chobe National Park

While Chobe National Park is famed for its big game and dramatic landscapes, its birdlife deserves just as much attention. With over 450 recorded species, Chobe is a paradise for bird enthusiasts—and even for those who never considered themselves birdwatchers before.

One of the best ways to enjoy this avian spectacle is by taking a boat cruise along the Chobe River. The calm waters and lush riverbanks are perfect for spotting kingfishers darting for their catch, African fish eagles perched high in trees with their iconic call echoing through the air, and African skimmers gliding low across the water’s surface.

As you glide along, keep an eye out for colorful bee-eaters, hamerkops building their huge nests, and agile wire-tailed swallows zipping across the skies. The edges of the islands and the floodplains offer more treasure: elegant storks, various geese, tall herons, and flocks of plovers that scatter at the slightest movement.

Among the rarer sightings are the rufous-bellied and white-backed night herons—beautiful, elusive birds with striking crests and long beaks, often found in the quiet, shadowed wetlands.

Even if birdwatching isn’t your main goal, Chobe’s birds are sure to capture your attention. Their brilliant colors, unique behaviors, and melodic calls add an enchanting layer to the overall safari experience. With every flap, flutter, and call, these birds bring Chobe’s wilderness to vibrant life.

Best time to visit Chose National Park

The best time to visit Chobe National Park largely depends on what you want to experience, but the dry season—from May to October—is widely considered ideal for wildlife viewing. During these months, animals gather in large numbers around the Chobe River, making sightings of elephants, buffalo, and predators much more frequent and dramatic. The weather is also cooler and more comfortable, with clear skies and little rainfall.

From November to April, the park enters its wet or green season. While wildlife is more dispersed due to abundant water sources, this time is perfect for birdwatching, with migratory species arriving in full color. The landscape transforms into lush greenery, offering beautiful scenery and fewer tourists—ideal for photographers and those seeking a quieter experience.

Each season offers its own magic, but if your goal is to see the famous elephant herds and big game along the river, the dry months are your best bet for an unforgettable Chobe safari.

Where to Stay at Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every kind of traveler—from luxurious riverside lodges to budget-friendly campsites, all promising unforgettable views and close encounters with wildlife.

Luxury Lodges
For those seeking elegance and comfort, Chobe Game Lodge is the park’s only lodge located inside the park boundaries. It offers eco-friendly luxury, stunning riverfront views, and expert-guided safaris. Ngoma Safari Lodge and Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero are other top-tier options, featuring private suites, gourmet dining, and infinity pools with panoramic views.

Mid-Range Lodges
Great for couples or families, Chobe Safari Lodge and Cresta Mowana Safari Resort provide a blend of comfort and adventure, offering river cruises and game drives with good value for money.

Budget & Camping
For budget-conscious travelers, campsites like Ihaha Camp offer a wild, back-to-nature experience. Kasane town, just outside the park, also has affordable guesthouses and self-catering lodges.