Chobe National Park

Journey To Africa’s Elephant Empire

Chobe National Park, Botswana's inaugural national park, spans an impressive 11,700 square kilometres in the northeast region. It's celebrated for hosting one of the largest elephant populations in Africa and is divided into four distinct ecosystems such as the lush Serondela area along the Chobe River, the predator-filled Savuti Marsh, and the wild dog-populated Linyanti Marsh.

The remote Nogatsaa and Tchinga offer prime bird-watching opportunities. As the first piece of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, Chobe's proximity to Victoria Falls significantly enhances its conservation efforts, making it a vital destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and eco-tourists.

Top Experiences

Things To Do & Highlights

Chobe National Park

River Cruises Along the Chobe

Experience Chobe’s diverse wildlife up close with a serene river cruise, observing elephants, hippos, and crocodiles along the lush riverbanks at sunset or sunrise.

Chobe National Park

Game Drives Across Varied Terrains

Traverse the vast landscapes from dense forests to floodplains, encountering Chobe's famous elephants and possibly witnessing lions on the hunt during thrilling game drives.

Chobe National Park

Bird Watching in a Migratory Path

Chobe is a birdwatcher’s dream, offering a chance to spot rare species like the African skimmer and Pel's fishing owl among over 450 recorded species.

Chobe National Park

Fishing for Tiger Fish

Cast your line for the challenging tiger fish, a renowned fighter, providing an exciting fishing adventure in the vibrant waters of the Chobe River.

Chobe National Park

Cultural Visits to Local Villages

Engage with local communities at Impala Island, learning about Tswana culture, traditions, and the sustainable practices intertwining their lives with Chobe’s ecosystem.

Navigate To Know

Chobe National Park Map

Enriching Counters

Iconic Wildlife

Witness Chobe National Park’s exceptional biodiversity, home to over 120,000 elephants and a myriad of other species thriving in its vast, unspoiled landscapes, offering epic wildlife encounters.

Chobe National Park
Elephant
Chobe National Park
Lion
Chobe National Park
Leopard
Chobe National Park
Buffalo
Chobe National Park
Hippopotamus
Chobe National Park
Dog
Chobe National Park
Puku
Chobe National Park
Pel's Fishing Owl

Best Month To Visit In Botswana

The best time to visit Botswana is between May and October. During these dry months, animals frequently gather at dwindling water sources, making wildlife sightings more common and impressive. Cooler temperatures during these months make safaris more comfortable, and the reduced risk of malaria adds safety. The peak months for luxury safaris are June to August, offering ideal weather and superb game viewing opportunities, perfectly showcasing what a Botswana safari has to offer.

Choose a month to learn more
DRY SEASON
SHOULDER SEASON
RAINY SEASON

In January, Botswana's lush, rainy season is in full swing. This leads to spectacular birdwatching and the dramatic zebra and wildebeest migration in the Makgadikgadi salt pans. Despite the rains, which usually occur in the evenings, the landscape bursts with life. This is an excellent time for those interested in avian species and witnessing the migration at a budget-friendly rate.

February continues the rainy season with lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife, especially active with newborns. The rains create natural waterholes, though they can make spotting larger game challenging due to thicker vegetation. In the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, game viewing starts to improve as animals begin to seek out water sources. With lower visitor numbers, it's a quieter time for a visit with good camp availability.
By March, the rains start to diminish, but the landscape remains green and teeming with life. Wildlife begins to migrate northward, making it an excellent time to visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, where water-filled pans attract numerous animals and predators. With fewer tourists and still moderate rates, it's a great time to experience Botswana’s natural beauty with less crowd.
April sees the end of the rains, leaving behind a lush, green environment and cooler nights. Wildlife viewing is on the rise, especially in the Central Kalahari and Savute regions, known for their predator-prey interactions. With the landscape transitioning and night temperatures dropping, it’s an appealing time just before the peak season starts.
May mark the onset of drier conditions, making it a popular time for visitors as water levels begin to rise in the Okavango Delta due to floods from Angola. Cooler morning and evening temperatures make for comfortable game drives, and increasing predator activity enhances game-viewing experiences. It's the last month before high season rates apply, making early bookings essential.
June welcomes the dry season with clear skies and cooler temperatures, ideal for photography and wildlife viewing as animals start congregating around scarce water sources. The visibility improves as the grass dies back, particularly enhancing game viewing in the Kwando-Linyanti areas. However, expect higher rates and fewer accommodations available due to rising tourist numbers.
July offers some of the best wildlife viewing conditions, with cold mornings and evenings but comfortable daytime temperatures. As water sources dwindle, animals frequent the remaining ones more often, making sightings easier and more frequent, especially in high-density areas like the Chobe Riverfront and Khwai. Despite the crowds, the experience is rewarding with peak season rates applying.
In August, Botswana becomes a prime wildlife-watching spot with dry conditions and cooler nights. The waterholes attract dense concentrations of animals, making game drives exceptionally rewarding. This month coincides with the European summer holidays, so planning is crucial as camps are often fully booked and rates are at their highest.
September sees warmer days but the nights remain cool. The drying landscape enhances visibility for game viewing, making it excellent for spotting large herds of elephants and buffalo in the Chobe region. Bird migration begins, adding to the area’s rich biodiversity. High visitor numbers continue, maintaining peak rates and full accommodations.
October, one of the hottest months, presents exceptional game-viewing opportunities as animals gather at the few remaining water sources. The landscape is dry and sparse, providing clear views of wildlife, though the heat can be intense, and the early rains may start by month's end. This is the last peak month before conditions start shifting towards the wet season.
With the onset of rains in November, temperatures drop, and the landscape gradually turns green again. This transitional month offers the last chance for excellent game viewing before animals disperse due to widespread water availability. It’s also a fantastic month for birdwatchers, as migratory species arrive, enhancing the region's biodiversity.
December marks the full onset of the rainy season, making wildlife more dispersed and harder to spot. However, unique sightings are still possible, especially in areas like the Makgadikgadi Pans, where breeding flamingos gather in large numbers. This period offers lower rates at many camps, making it an attractive time for those willing to face the unpredictable weather for unique wildlife experiences and quieter safari conditions.

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