Chobe National Park offers a truly immersive African safari experience. Located in Botswana in southern Africa, Chobe is one of the country’s premier wildlife reserves. The park is over 4,500 square miles and is renowned for its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. There are many remarkable reasons why you should visit!
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Big 5 + Lots of Other Wildlife
No African safari is complete without the ability to see the Big 5. What’s the Big 5? It’s a term notating the animals that were most difficult to hunt during the days that trophy hunters flocked to Africa to track and kill these tremendous animals. Today, the term is used to define the ultimate safari experience. While we no longer kill these animals, it’s still a treat to track and watch them from afar on game drives.
Chobe National Park is one of the places where you might possibly see all of the Big 5 animals: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo. What’s more, Chobe is home to one of the highest concentrations of all wildlife in Africa. You have the Big 5, but you can also see hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, antelope, zebra, warthog, and more!
Elephants Galore
Botswana is home to over 130,000 elephants, and Chobe National Park has 50,000 of them within its borders. This is Africa’s largest population of elephants in any one place. Chobe is known for being one of the best places in the entire continent to observe these incredible creatures. Expect to see hundreds of elephants hanging out along the Chobe River. You will delight in seeing the herd’s majestic presence, social dynamics, and graceful movements despite their size.
Diverse Habitats
There are so many different types of animals in Chobe National Park because of the various landscapes within its boundaries. Forests found on the banks of the river are filled with lush vegetation. Floodplains offer grazing and drinking areas for wildlife. Woodlands of teak, ebony, mopane, and acacia trees pepper the landscape. There are also wide-open savannahs where you can see antelope, zebra, giraffe, and even predators like lions and leopards.
Chobe River & Savuti Marsh
The Chobe River flows through the park and provides a place for wildlife to drink and bathe. It serves as a vital water source for animals in Chobe National Park including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, hippos, and crocodiles. It is also a place where predators like lions, leopards and hyenas will prowl in search of their next meal.
Known for its dynamic water supply, the Savuti Marsh is a seasonal water source and grasslands for herbivores. In the wet season, it’s common to see zebras, wildebeest, and various antelope species grazing there. During the dry season, watch out! It’s a prime hunting area for lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs!
Bird-Watching
If you love birdwatching, Chobe National Park is a dream come true. It has over 450 bird species and is known as one of Africa’s top birding destinations. Some notable birds to look for include the African Fish Eagle, African Skimmer, Carmine Bee-eater (see photo above), Malachite Kingfisher, and Pel’s Fishing Owl.
During the wet season (November to April), increased water supply increases opportunities to see water-dependent birds such as various species of storks, ducks, geese, herons, and more. The dry season (May to October) means that water sources are limited and the vegetation is less dense. The birds congregate making it easier to spot them. Migratory birds also pass through the region in the dry season.
Game Drives by Land & River
Chobe National Park offers both land and river-based game drives. On land-based game drives, experienced guides drive you through the park in open 4×4 vehicles on well-maintained roads. The guides know the animals’ habits and communicate with each other. This ensures that if there is something special to see, you will see it!
One of the unique aspects of Chobe National Park is the opportunity to go on a river safari. You can witness wildlife up close as they come to the river to drink and bathe providing a different perspective. Sunset cruises are also available. Imagine watching the sun sink down over the water in the horizon. It’s a perfect way to end your day!
Ready to pack your bags and head to Botswana?
Then we have the opportunity of a lifetime for you! Join the Extravelgance team on our Amazing Africa trip! We will spend a week visiting Cape Town in South Africa, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and Chobe National Park in Botswana. This unique exploration of three countries in Africa to experience majestic wildlife, beautiful scenery, delightful cultural heritage, and a host of other “wow” moments. Contact us for more information, and subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a post or a trip announcement!