Chobe National Park Safari Guide

Why Visit Chobe National Park?

Botswana's Chobe National Park offers exceptional game viewing, exciting river safaris and cruises, and some of the highest densities of elephants anywhere in Africa. It is also conveniently close to other top safari destinations in Africa, including the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls.

Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters with Elephants and Predators

Chobe Safaris are famous for the large herds of elephants and buffalo congregating around the perennial waters of the Chobe River.

Larger than Qatar but smaller than Montenegro, Chobe National Park is Botswana’s most diverse national park. The wildlife of Chobe is best enjoyed from the comfort of a river cruise, a perfect vantage point to see Chobe’s incredible bird life, elephants, buffalo, and hippos. Game drives into the bush will reward guests with abundant predators like lions, hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs, and leopards. If you are looking for more adventure, the wild appeal of Savuti and Linyanti awaits, with the tantalising mystery of the Savuti Channel and the lion mega-prides.

For wildlife and birding enthusiasts, Chobe National Park safari packages offer unparalleled sightings from land and along the water.

River Safaris: Chobe's Epic Game-Viewing Boat Cruises

During the dry season, between April and October, as the heat-scorched earth of northern Botswana dries, the Chobe River becomes a magnet for wildlife. Dense congregations of elephants and buffalo crowd the banks for an incredible wildlife spectacle.

River safaris are one of the best ways to watch wildlife, and the Chobe River offers some of the finest river safaris in Africa. Boat cruises offer guests the opportunity to witness these spectacular wildlife gatherings from the unique perspective of the river.

The stunning backdrop of African sunsets and sunrises, punctuated by the snorts of hippos, the silent ripple of crocodiles, and the trumpeting of elephants, is unforgettable.

Birding and Photography Haven

Chobe National Park, with over 500 bird species and abundant game, is a paradise for both bird watchers and photographers.

While many are happy to soak up the atmosphere of this astonishing national park, for photographers, the opportunities to capture images from the Chobe River are exceptional. Boat safaris along the Chobe River are renowned for the diversity of wildlife and offer the opportunity to observe elephants, buffalo, hippos, and numerous antelope species with little disturbance to their natural environment. Birdwatchers will be delighted with carmine bee-eaters, African fish eagles, and the African skimmer - all synonymous with the Chobe River.

Dedicated twitchers and photographers will want to plan a Chobe Safari in the wet season when, in addition to the lower rates, magnificent rains, lush landscapes, baby animals, and migratory birds make a compelling argument for visiting at this time.

Easy to Combine with Victoria Falls, Moremi, and the Okavango Delta

Located in the far north of Botswana, Chobe National Park is positioned in one of the most game-rich areas of Africa.

On a Chobe Safari, you are on the doorstep of some of southern Africa’s most iconic destinations at the confluence of Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

Botswana’s Okavango Delta pairs well with Chobe. The deep floodplains and rich wildlife of Moremi and the Okavango Delta offer a unique African experience. Victoria Falls, which straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a major travel hub, Victoria Falls is the perfect Chobe safari add-on, packed with adventure activities.

Chobe National Park is perfectly located to combine with any of these destinations, or for an extended safari, to visit them all. Chobe, Delta and Vic Falls are a popular combination for affordable Botswana safaris.

Need Help Planning Your Chobe Safari?

The experienced team of travel consultants at African Budget Safaris can help you plan your affordable Chobe Safari. Chobe is one of Africa’s top value-for-money safari destinations, offering world-class wildlife viewing at a more accessible price than many private reserves. Get in touch today and start planning the perfect trip for your budget. From Chobe River safaris to Victoria Falls adventures, talk to our consultants and start planning today.

When is The Best Time to Visit Chobe National Park?

The best time to visit Chobe National Park is from May to October. This is the dry season in Chobe when animals congregate around the Chobe River.

During this period, the weather is cooler and more comfortable, and game viewing is excellent. At the height of the dry season from July to October, the large herds of elephants are particularly impressive.

January to March 

The Green Season is best for Chobe Safaris with lush landscapes, abundant birdlife and lower accommodation rates.

January to March is the wet season when the landscape bursts with new life. January month sees the highest rainfall, while February ushers in the arrival of migratory birds making Chobe a bird watchers paradise. February is known for impressive thunderstorms which make for clear air and atmospheric photographs. By March, the temperature begins to cool, marking the tail-end of summer and the start of the long dry season.

Though malaria is a risk at this time, the lush landscapes, abundant bird life, stunning views, and lower rates are attractive to many travellers.

April and May

While April and May are considered the shoulder season, this is the prime time for river safaris.

Large herds of elephants and buffalos move to the water's edge as the dry season sets in. Zebra and wildebeest are abundant, and the thinning vegetation makes the game easier to spot. The riverfront in May is cooler and excellent wildlife viewing makes it a popular area.

Kasane and the Chobe River start to get busy as the peak season tourists begin to arrive.

June to August in Chobe

Winter in Chobe National Park is the peak safari season.

The dry vegetation and cooler temperatures are perfect for game viewing. The nights are cold, sometimes even dropping below zero, making warm clothing essential. July, the coldest month, bustles with wildlife as large elephant herds and other game congregate along the banks of the Chobe River. African wild dogs are frequently sighted as well as other predators like lions and hyenas.

The dry season reaches its zenith by August and the annual barbel run in the Kasai Channel is an interesting cultural event.

September and October

September sees the arrival of spring in Chobe National Park.

The daytime temperatures begin to rise and bird life is abundant in expectation of the coming rains. The Linyati and Savuti regions are particularly good for seeing big game, and tiger fishing is popular on the Chobe River. In October the mercury rises making it one of the hottest months of the year. The mega herds of elephants begin to disperse ushering in the shoulder season.

October is the perfect time to get lower rates on Chobe safaris and it's a quieter time of year.

November and December

The start of November is clear but by the end of the month, the rainy season has usually arrived.

The rains revitalise the parched landscape and acacia, baobab, and sausage trees flower. This is the start of the calving season and a great time for Chobe Safaris to see newborn antelopes. December is hot and humid.  

For more about when to visit Chobe and Botswana's other top destinations see The Best Time to Visit Botswana.