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Botswana’s Chobe National Park Ultimate Guide

chobe national park

Chobe National Park was Botswana’s first National Park and it is currently the 3rd largest park in Botswana after Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Gemsbok National Park. It boasts one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa and is known for its huge concentration of Elephants. The nearest city to the park is Kasane. 

when to go to chobe national park

The dry season is between May and November. This is generally considered the best time to visit as the animal congregate around the river. 

getting to chobe national park

The closest city and airport to this National Park is Kasane. Kasane Airport  (BBK) can be reached from South Africa via the OR Tambo Johannesburg International Airport. Other close airports include the Livingstone Airport (LVI) in Zambia and the Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe. To drive to and in park you will need a 4×4 vehicle. 

getting around chobe national park

If you wish to do the park on your own, you will need and be comfortable driving a 4×4 vehicle. During dry season the grounds are sandy and during wet season the roads can be muddy especially near the river. Alternatively, you can join a game drive tour or multi-day tour to explore the area. Due to the proximity to Victoria Falls there are many day tours that leave from Victoria Falls to see Chobe for a day. Chobe National Park is known for the Chobe River so you can do land game drives but it is also great to explore via a river cruise. 

areas of chobe national park

There are 4 distinct areas of Chobe National Park.
 

Serondela area

This area also known as Chobe riverfront is in the extreme north of the park. It is a great area especially in the dry season May through October where animals gather at the river. Elephants, giraffes, water buffalo are abundant and it boasts the best birding in the park. 
 

Savuti Marsh

The Savuti Marsh used to be a large inland lake that is now primarily dry and has extensive savannahs and grasslands. This area is known for its annual zebra migration and it is a great area to see rhinoceros, warthogs, impalas, kudu, zebras, and elephants. 
 

Linyanti Marsh

This marsh is located in the northwest corner and consists of floodplains. There is a large collection of lion prides, African wild dog, and antelope. 
 

Hinterland

This is the area between the Linyanti and Savuti Marshes and is a grass woodland area.

where to stay chobe national park

Campgrounds

Campgrounds are an affordable way to stay near the park. Make sure to reserve in advance. The Ihana Campground has 10 sites with flush toilets and hot water. Linyanti Campground has 5 sites and cold showers. Savuti Campground has 14 sites and is unfenced with running water and showers. There are also camping tours and lodges that have associated camping areas such as the Mwandi View Lodge, Kwalape Safari Lodge, Muchenje Campsite and more. 
 

Houseboats

Staying on a houseboat is a unique way to experience Chobe National Park. Chobe Princess Houseboats and Zambezi Queen Houseboat. These include all inclusive packages for either 2 or 3 nights. 
 

Lodges

There are so many lodges to choose from. Chobe Game Lodge is the only lodge located within the park. It is a 5 star eco lodge. Pangolin Chobe Hotel overlooks the Chobe River and includes airport transfer, park fees and has pool. Chobe Bakwena Lodge is an eco luxury retreat that has 15 chalet rooms and includes game drives/boat cruises and airport transfer. Other great options include: Ichingo Chobe River Lodge, Thobolo’s Bush Lodge, Chobe Bush Lodge, Chobe Savanna Lodge, and Chobe Safari Lodge. Make sure to check what is included in your stay (food/drinks, transfers, game drives, boat cruises) and how many nights minimum. 

Must do activities chobe national park

If you are coming to Chobe you must do both a game drive and a river cruise. Since the park is known for its diverse wildlife it is best to view the animals from these two means. Many lodges and tours include both ways to explore. You will not be disappointed if you do a sunset river cruise. 

You will be so close to Victoria Falls and it would be a shame not to check it out. You can head there for several days to explore or at minimum take a day trip. You will not be disappointed.