Chobe National Park Guide: Best Time and Luxury Safari Packages

Chobe National Park Guide: Botswana’s renowned Chobe National Park stands as a premier wildlife sanctuary, encompassing the Savute Channel and the stunning Linyanti River. Spanning nearly 11,000 square kilometers, Chobe holds the distinction of being the nation’s inaugural national park and is celebrated for having the largest assortment of wildlife in Africa.

Chobe National Park is a verdant haven amid a parched, sometimes barren landscape. The Chobe River within the park serves as a vital water source for the area’s fauna. Home to the densest population of elephants on the continent, the park witnesses numerous herds descending upon the Chobe banks each afternoon. These groups, ranging from a few individuals to several hundred, take turns quenching their thirst, bathing in the river’s refreshing waters, or vying for space. Beyond the riverbanks lies a semi-arid terrain, contrasting with the lush vegetation surrounding the waterway.

Visitors can observe herds of sable antelope, typically found in arid zones, as they venture to the river for hydration before vanishing back into the dry wilderness. The park also offers sightings of unique wildlife, including the native and rare puku antelope, visible only along the Chobe River’s edge and within select areas of the Linyanti marshes. Other notable species include roan antelope, giraffes, kudus, bushbucks, waterbucks, zebras, wildebeests, warthogs, lions, leopards, and the infrequent African wild dog. Additionally, substantial herds of buffalo frequent the Chobe riverbanks, grazing on the islands and migrating between them and the mainland.

Types of Travelers

Chobe National Park is an exceptional choice for various types of travelers. It seamlessly integrates into any Southern African safari journey, making it an ideal spot for both newcomers to Africa and experienced safari-goers who will be thrilled by Savuti’s intense wildlife encounters. Chobe is a haven for those passionate about wildlife and photography. Families with children over the age of 12 will find it a suitable destination as well.

For those mindful of their budget, Chobe offers a less costly yet equally captivating experience compared to the Okavango Delta. Photographers will find the boat safaris particularly rewarding, providing unique, eye-level shots. Wildlife enthusiasts can expect some of the closest game-viewing encounters on the continent. Birdwatchers have the opportunity to spot over 450 species, adding a rich variety to their lists.

Savuti: Chobe national Park

Savuti, located in the park’s mid-western section and typically reached by small aircraft, is renowned among safari lovers as Botswana’s ‘predator capital’. The enigmatic Savuti Marsh, nourished by the transient Savuti Channel, boasts lush grasslands, savannah woodlands, and a striking array of dead trees along the channel. Here, formidable lion pride engage in fierce battles with hyena clans over food and territory, and these powerful lions are known for hunting large prey, including buffalo and elephants, in the marsh’s waters and mud.

Linyanti: Chobe National Park

The Linyanti region, bordering Chobe’s western edge and nestled between the Okavango Delta and Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, is a secluded sanctuary teeming with wildlife, particularly large herds of elephants and buffaloes. The Linyanti River and its expansive floodplains are a birder’s paradise, offering some of the finest birdwatching in Southern Africa with rare and majestic species such as African skimmers, narina trogons, slaty egrets, and various impressive birds of prey.