The Highlights of Chobe National Park

Overview & Geography

Connecting rivers, open plains, and endemic life

Chobe was Botswana’s first national park and spans roughly 11,700 km².

It flows along the Chobe River in the north, bordering Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

These watercourses sustain the park’s lush riverfront zone, while further inland the terrain transitions to grasslands, pans, woodlands, and the iconic Savuti marsh system.

This juxtaposition of watery corridors and drier landscapes allows for the convergence of many ecosystems—and wildlife species that thrive in both.

The Riverfront

Life gathers by the water’s edge

The Chobe Riverfront is often regarded as the wildlife hub of the park. Large herds of elephants, buffalo, zebra, and plains game congregate at the riverbanks, making for spectacular photographic scenes.

On boat cruises, you’ll also spot hippos, crocodiles, and countless waterbirds. The river acts as a magnet during the dry season, when animals seek permanent water.

When planning visits, the northern riverfront tends to be the busiest and most accessible, which can affect the solitude of sightings.

Savuti & the Central Plains

Predator theatre on open ground

Savuti offers a striking contrast to the lush riverfront. Here, wide open plains and marsh systems create dramatic backdrops for predator action. Lions, hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs roam this zone.

During zebra migration—or in dry periods when water recedes—Savuti becomes a theatre for predator-prey interactions.

Between Savuti and nearby forested zones lies the Ngwezumba Pans—old riverbeds now inviting species like eland, giraffe, zebra, and antelope species to forage.

Birdlife & Biodiversity

Feathers in profusion

Chobe is a paradise for birders, with over 450 bird species recorded.

Expect to see carmine bee-eaters nesting in exposed riverbanks, diverse waterbirds (ducks, waders), and the haunting calls of African fish eagles echoing over the river.

Beyond birds, you’ll encounter everything from rare antelopes like puku, sable, roan, and eland, to nocturnal species like bushbuck in quieter zones.

Lodge Experience & Seclusion

Balance between comfort and wilderness

While areas near Kasane are more accessible (hence busier), Chobe also offers secluded lodge options further east toward the Zimbabwe border.

Camp Kazuma and Wildtracks Eco Lodge, for instance, are located in a border area shared with Hwange and Kazuma forest reserves—effectively creating an unfenced wilderness zone with fewer vehicles.

In quieter zones, your wildlife encounters feel more exclusive, and the setting more intimate—perfect for those who prefer fewer crowds.

Best Access & Timing

When to come for optimum sightings

The dry season (roughly May to October) is often the ideal window to visit. During this period, water is concentrated in major courses and animals increasingly cluster along permanent water sources, enhancing viewing opportunities.

Nonetheless, Chobe remains compelling all year; early and late in the wet season you may witness the greening of the floodplains and migration movement before water recedes elsewhere.

Fun Facts

The stories nature doesn’t always tell out loud…

• • Chobe National Park is home to the largest single concentration of elephants in Africa.
  • During the dry season, elephant herds numbering hundreds are not uncommon along the riverfront.
  • Carmine bee-eaters build their nests in sandy riverbanks, often lining up in colonies.
  • Savuti’s marsh was once part of a vast inland sea thousands of years ago.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your adventure when wildlife is at its peak

For prime game-viewing conditions, May through October (the dry season) is optimal. During these months, vegetation thins out and animals gravitate toward water, making wildlife concentrations more visible.

Conclusion

The essence of Botswana’s wild heart awaits

From the vibrant wildlife scenes along the Chobe River to the raw drama of predators in Savuti, Chobe National Park is a mosaic of safari highlights. Its scale, biodiversity, and shifting landscapes combine to provide a deeply rewarding safari experience—whether you’re chasing elephants, photographing birds, or simply listening to the African night.