chobe safari botswana

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Chobe, famous for its magnificent elephant herds

Explore the park on a mobile safari

Explore Botswana's northern boundary - the Chobe River

The wildlife is equally relaxed with boats on the Chobe River

The peace and quiet of an African sunset

The rains mean lush grazing opportunities in the Chobe

Chobe National Park

13 top lodges and safari camps in Chobe National Park

Our suggestions here cover both places which are inside Chobe National Park, and those just outside. In the north of the park, the Chobe Riverfront is a big attraction, and to see this most visitors stay in or around Kasane. There’s just one lodge in the park, the stylish Chobe Game Lodge, the rest are just outside, with some even floating on the water. Further south, the iconic Savuti area is also a draw, with a number of lodges and safari camps there inside the park.

Muchenje Safari Lodge

One of our favourites in the area, Muchenje is a small, welcoming lodge at the quieter, western end of the Chobe Riverfront.

Chobe River Lodge

Overlooking the Chobe River, the intimate Chobe River Lodge is a haven of tranquillity away from the bustle of Kasane.

Savute Safari Lodge

Savute Safari Lodge sits on the banks of the Savuti Channel within Chobe National Park, and offers access to excellent game viewing, especially during the dry season.

Savute Under Canvas

A mobile camp with the comforts of a semi-permanent tented camp, Savute Under Canvas offers guided game drives within the Savuti region of Chobe National Park.

Chobe Under Canvas

This is a typical location for Chobe under Canvas, a small, semi-permanent camp in the Chobe Riverfront area that offers good value for money and high standards of care.

Chobe Safari Lodge

Chobe Safari Lodge is a good value, hotel-style lodge in the heart of Kasane offering game drives, boat cruises and fishing trips.

Chobe Elephant Camp

Located in one of our favorite areas of Chobe National Park, Chobe Elephant Camp is a simple but well-appointed camp with a strong bush feel.

Chobe Game Lodge

Chobe Game Lodge occupies an enviable riverfront location within Chobe National Park and boasts well-earned 'eco' credentials, as well as an excellent all-female guiding team.

Ngoma Safari Lodge

With sweeping views across the floodplains of the Chobe River, Ngoma offers superb food and flexible safari activities.

Chobe Chilwero

On the periphery of Chobe National Park, Chobe Chilwero offers luxurious surroundings and excellent food, which complement superb game viewing on game drives and boat trips.

Camp Kuzuma

Camp Kuzuma sits in the Kazuma Forest Reserve and is an excellent place to see elephant in particular. Away from the busier riverfront area of Chobe National Park this camp offers a luxurious base form which to explore this less visited region of northern Botswana.

Savute Elephant Lodge

Savute Elephant Lodge is a luxurious camp on the banks of the now flowing Savuti Channel. This is a classic big-game area, although its location within Chobe National Park does limit the activities which are possible here.

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Safaris visiting Chobe

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you

Spring Hare Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

An authentic and diverse safari to Botswana combining the Chobe Forest Reserve, Savuti Marshes and the Okavango Delta. Strong wildlife viewing, a variety of activities and excellent value camps.

Visiting Chobe, Okavango Delta

US$7,290 - US$13,320 per person

Read more about the Spring Hare Safari

Wild Dog Safari

13 days • 5 locations • 1 country KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

An in-depth discovery of northern Botswana’s wilderness, from Chobe and the private Kwando Reserve to the Moremi and iconic Okavango Delta with a great variety of activities and wildlife.

Visiting Chobe, Moremi and 2 other areas

US$12,230 - US$21,930 per person

Read more about the Wild Dog Safari

Steenbok Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

A classic Botswana safari exploring the Moremi, Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Excellent wildlife viewing and a variety of activities from three of our favourite traditional tented camps.

Visiting Chobe, Okavango Delta and 1 other area

US$7,260 - US$13,480 per person

Read more about the Steenbok Safari

Leopard Safari

13 days • 4 locations • 3 country VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town – a classic southern African itinerary combining luxury, wilderness, safari and culture. We can't think of a better way to spend two weeks.

Visiting Victoria Falls, Chobe and 2 other areas

US$9,240 - US$13,070 per person

Read more about the Leopard Safari

Wattled Crane Safari

5 days • 2 locations • 1 country MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

A good-value Botswana safari staying at comfortable lodges in prime wildlife-viewing areas – Chobe National Park and the Moremi Reserve in the Okavango Delta.

Visiting Chobe, Moremi

US$4,690 - US$8,310 per person

Read more about the Wattled Crane Safari

Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari

18 days • 10 locations • 3 country WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.

Visiting Etosha, Victoria Falls and 6 other areas

US$5,420 - US$8,760 per person

Read more about the Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari

Sable Self-drive Safari

12 days • 7 locations • 3 country WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A great-value southern African self-drive adventure from Namibia along the Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining other-worldly landscapes, unforgettable wildlife spectacles and rarely visited places, and ending at Victoria Falls.

Visiting Etosha, Chobe and 4 other areas

US$6,020 - US$8,150 per person

Read more about the Sable Self-drive Safari

Porcupine Safari

11 days • 4 locations • 1 country MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Visit dramatically contrasting landscapes boasting a variety of species during this exploration of Botswana’s top-safari destinations. A combination of national parks and private reserves allows for a range of activities.

Visiting Chobe, Central Kalahari and 2 other areas

US$10,710 - US$16,860 per person

Read more about the Porcupine Safari

Rock Hare Self-drive Safari

20 days • 12 locations • 3 country WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.

Visiting Etosha, North-west Kalahari and 7 other areas

US$5,120 - US$7,300 per person

Read more about the Rock Hare Self-drive Safari

View all holidays to Chobe National Park

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings in Chobe

This is their success for sightings in Chobe National Park. Click on a species for more detail. How we work this out.

100% success

99% success

92% success

89% success

88% success

48% success

47% success

39% success

38% success

26% success

20% success

13% success

Excursions in Chobe National Park

Optional extra day-drips and excursions possible whilst your staying within Chobe National Park. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Helicopter Flight - Botswana

Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.

Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta. You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.

Other areas in Botswana

Okavango Delta

Kwando-Linyanti

Kalahari Salt Pans

Central Kalahari

North-west Kalahari

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A Guide to the Chobe National Park in Botswana

Nov 11, 2021 | Destination Guides

Located in the northern end of Botswana, the Chobe National Park is the third-largest park in the country, and the most popular Botswana safari to experience. Aptly named after the Chobe River which is situated between Botswana and Namibia’s Caprivi strip, this region is incredibly lively while being home to a  plethora of birds  and animals year-round. 

The Chobe landscape combines grasslands, mopane woodlands, thick scrub and floodplains into a mosaic of different geographical areas, providing shelter for the many Chobe National Park animals. 

If you’re looking for a five-star tented camping Botswana trip or luxury safari experience, look no further than Chobe – it’s got everything you’d want for a memorable holiday in Southern Africa. 

We’ve got all the details that you need to know about this magical Botswana safari!  

Getting to Chobe National Park

The simplest way to get to Chobe National Park is to enter via a flight into Kasane Airport. This airport is right outside the town of Kasane and is very close to the northern entrance of Chobe National Park. 

Some of the other airports you could fly in to include Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe, as well as Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Zambia. Both are about a two-hour drive from the northern entrance of the park. These options would work well if you are planning to visit other destinations first, but, if you intend to start your vacation with a Chobe safari, we suggest flying into Kasane. 

Once you have arrived, the lodge will organise a private transfer from the airport to their premises. 

When to visit the Chobe National Park

It’s well known that the best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. You can expect sunny, warm and dry days, while the nights are cool. 

Since there isn’t much water available in the park during this time, the animals congregate around the river. This makes it is easier to spot large varieties of animals together.

The wet season or rainy season is from November through to March, and sometimes stretching into late April. If you do choose to go on a Chobe safari during the wet, humid season, you can expect fewer tourists. 

Malaria is especially prevalent during the late rainy season, from January to April. It’s strongly recommended to take anti-malarial prophylactics ahead of your trip if you’re travelling during this time. 

What to pack for a Chobe safari

While you may be tempted to go on a massive shopping spree before your trip, you don’t need a whole new wardrobe to go on a Botswana safari!

The key to packing well for a Chobe safari is keeping it casual and staying comfortable.

We recommend packing light fabrics and loose-fitting clothing that is neutral in colour. Since it gets chilly in the early mornings and evenings, particularly during the winter months, you’ll need to bring a warm sweater or jacket and maybe even a scarf. 

It’s also worth packing a pair of shorts and a pair or two of trousers. If your lodge has a swimming pool, remember to bring your bathing suit so that you can cool off during the hot afternoons! 

You’ll also want to pack a hat and sunglasses with adequate UV protection, as well as a good sunscreen and mosquito repellant. 

As far as your feet are concerned, bring light footwear that offers support and is comfortable enough to be walked in. Also, bring a few pairs of thin socks instead of bulky pairs. They’re generally more comfortable when out and about in the bush. 

Wildlife to expect on a Chobe National Park safari

You might already know this, but Chobe National Park is a must-see area for birders, as it is  home to over 450 recorded species . The Chobe National Park has one of the highest densities of raptors in Southern Africa, including species such as the bateleur eagle and the lappet-faced vulture, amongst others.

Some of the other birds you can expect to see are African skimmers gliding along the river, while the Chobe River banks are home to the incredible southern carmine bee-eater. Other notable species include the kori bustard (which is the largest flying bird in Africa), the white-backed night heron, the rosy-throated longclaw and even the long-toed lapwing.

Aside from birds, other wildlife in the area include huge volumes of elephants, which can consist of hundreds of animals in a single herd. It’s currently estimated that there are up to 120,000 elephants living within the Chobe National Park. 

You can also expect to see a large number of buffalo and lions. While other wildlife to expect include antelope, leopard, cheetah, and the endangered African wild dog.

While it’s possible to see the  big five  at Chobe, rhinos are becoming increasingly difficult to find. On a brighter note, the Chobe River is a prime habitat for water-based animals, including hippos, Nile crocodiles and waterbuck.

Experiences at the Chobe National Park 

Some of the incredible experiences waiting for you at the Chobe National Park include:

• The main highlight of any Chobe National Park safari is the game-viewing. Your safari trip will include a few game drives, including sunrise and sunset drives inside the park.
• Depending on your accommodation option, most lodges will offer a water safari or similar. Here you can venture out on the river to see the aquatic life. There are plenty of birds nesting and venturing at the water’s edge, and you’ll more than likely see a hungry hippo or a croc lazing on the river bank. One of the best things about a Chobe safari is the river cruise. The river is beautiful all day long, but the sunsets are just magnificent. 
• If you want something a little different, consider a photographic wildlife safari in Botswana.   Pangolin Photo Safaris  offers guided photographic tours through both the Chobe National Park and on the Chobe River. You’ll get to explore both land and water with an experienced wildlife photographer who’ll help you capture the perfect shot. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, look no further than this safari. You can choose between photographic tours on the river or mobile tented camps – or even both!

• Along with conventional safari game drives, you have the option of going on a night drive to see the incredible nocturnal animals in the park, including bushbabies, African wildcats and honey badgers. 
• Some lodges offer walking safaris. If you love hitting that 10 000 step count and want to do it in the African savannah, ask your guides if they offer walking safaris in the bush.

There’s a lot of  action and adventure  to be had, depending on what you’re looking for! Explore the four different regions in the park, including the Chobe riverfront, the Ngwezumba pans, the Savute and the Linyanti. With so much area to cover, we’re sure you’ll be in for the jam-packed adventure of a lifetime. 

Accommodation for your Botswana safari

From luxury tented camps to five-star safari lodges, you’re spoilt for choice with options for  accommodation in Botswana .

Whether you’re after a high-end lodge or a more authentic tented camp experience, Botswana’s selection of accommodation options is truly incredible. 

We recommend staying in more than one location to experience the contrasting landscapes and bountiful game life in the region as much as possible. As well as exploring the Chobe, we suggest tieing in a trip to the  Okavango Delta  too. Hopping between lodges is all part of the fun!

A Chobe National Park safari is one of the best Botswana safaris that you can experience. The region is brimming with wildlife and beautiful landscapes, as well as host to a few incredible experiences. 

We love the Chobe region so much, especially for the incredible river sunsets. We suggest hopping from the Chobe to the  Delta , and then into  Zimbabwe  to visit the amazing Victoria Falls. If you’d like us to plan a Botswana safari for you,  get in touch ! 

If you have any questions about travelling to the Chobe National Park,  we’d love to hear from you .

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Friends of mine visited Chobe Game Lodge – l love them dearly – they brought me a tan baseball cap that had “ Chobe Game Lodge” on the front, and “BOTSWANA” on the back. It is very special to me. I have lost it and I am very sad. Can you put me in touch with the gift shop so I might purchase a replacement? Thanks, Benny Monteleone

Hi Benny, Oh that’s really sad 🙁 Unfortunately, we aren’t stockists of this apparel but try and contact Chobe Game Lodge directly ( https://www.chobegamelodge.com/ ) and see if you could be directed to the gift shop this way.

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4-day Chobe National Park SAFARI

Exclusive all-inclusive luxury experience - promotion 33% off, considered to be botswana's oldest reserve.

Chobe National Park nestles in northern Botswana and is renowned for Africa's largest herds of elephant and Cape Buffalo. Chobe offers a true wilderness experience with private concessions and camps that are unfenced and open to free roaming wildlife.

There are only 8x suites available at Ngoma Safari Lodge, which speaks to the intimacy of lodge. Each suite has a view of the river offering the opportunity to see the famous Chobe elephants, migrating zebra or buffalo grazing on the floodplain below.

Located in the Chobe Forest Reserve, on a private concession, and only 3km away from Chobe National Park. This means it offers seclusion and privacy, while being close to the popular tourist destinations and boasting the exclusivity you'd expect on a private reserve.

Bush walks, night drives, full day safaris, bird-watching, cultural experiences and, last but not least, game-viewing by boat! A private vehicle for game viewing is available on request at an additional charge.

Location and getting here

Firstly, we'll handle everything including your lodging, flights and transfers! Ngoma Safari Lodge has three nearby airports.  The great news is your safari begins at the airport, as the drive features game-viewing en-route. - Kasane Airport (BBK), which is 45min away from the lodge ‍ - Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) is a 2h drive to the lodge ‍ - Livingstone Airport (LVI) in Zambia is also a 2h drive from the lodge Guests can do a self-drive by picking up a rental car at the airport, or we can arrange a transfer for you.

Our 5-star service

1 ‍ Place your enquiry. Be sure to include number of travelers, dates and whether you require flights and/or transfers

2 ‍ A reservations agent will liaise with you directly to coordinate all the details of your trip.

3 ‍ You'll receive a provisional booking via email. Complete payment and you're ready to travel!

THE ROOMs - ONLY 8 UNITS AT LODGE

Suites with balcony, outside shower and private pool.

Each of the lodge’s river-facing suites offers quiet refuge in a luxurious setting with an emphasis on space and comfort, and comes complete with overhead fan, air conditioning, mini-bar and tea/coffee facilities, bath, indoor and outdoor showers as well as a private outdoor living area with a ‘refresh and relax’ pool.

PROMOTION:  4 DAY package in a river-view suite

Meet anja, our resident expert, she'll help you book your trip. she's available on whatsapp for fastest response.

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Intimate luxury near the chobe national park.

The complete guide to a safari in Chobe National park in Botswana

Panning to go for a safari in Chobe National park in Botswana? Here is a comprehensive guide to Chobe national park that will give you all the information to plan your safari.

Located in the North of Botswana, Chobe was declared a national park in 1967 and it spans an area of 11,700 square kilometers making it the third-largest national park in Botswana.

The national park whose main source of water for the park’s wildlife is the Chobe river is divided into four distinct regions; Chobe riverfront (which has the largest concentration of wildlife in the park), Nogatsaa, Savuti, and Linyanti.

Chobe national park Botswana consists of the largest population of African elephants, big herds of buffalos, and also offers a great chance of spotting the big five making it the most visited park in Botswana.

It is indeed undeniably true that Chobe national park is one of the best places to visit in Botswana to enjoy wildlife at its best.

A safari in Chobe National park is sure to provide its visitors with amazing vegetation, pans, wildlife- literally something new every day.

Be it seeing hyenas, elephants, or even hippos at your campsite or hearing roars of the lions from a distance at night, a Chobe National park safari will blow your mind away.

The Ultimate Guide to a safari in Chobe National park

My experience at chobe national park.

Visiting Chobe national park had been a dream of mine having read so much about it and it being one of the best National parks in Africa.

Even though I did not spot all the “Big Five” animals, I was not let down by Chobe as my expectations were high.

I was able to see a lion sitting in the grass just a few meters away from me at the Chobe riverfront, something I had never experienced in my life. If this is not what they call impressive, then I don’t know what to call it.

As my excitement for wildlife and spotting animals grew, I became obsessed with seeing a leopard or even a cheetah.

I remember at one point, I saw a zebra from a distance and I immediately thought it was a cheetah.

I screamed in excitement saying “omg, omg, there is a cheetah”. Everyone else was wondering where it was since they were only seeing a zebra and not a cheetah.

As we approached it nearer, I realized it was just a zebra. I was made fun of the entire game drive for hallucinating. What can I say, I just wanted to see a cheetah.

But all in all, the safari in Chobe National park was an incredible experience for me that I consider myself lucky to have been to one of the best places for a safari in Africa and one considered the best among Botswana national parks.

Related post: Things to know before going on an African safari

Chobe National park animals and wildlife

Although the wildlife at all 4 distinct parts of the park may not differ, there are greater chances of spotting lions and Cheetahs at the Chobe riverfront.

Chobe is home to approximately 120,000 elephants making it the African country with the most number of Elephants. Often times, you’ll also see herds of buffalos, groups of monkeys playing around the riverfront.

Whether it is Zebras, Giraffes, Red Lechwe, Hippos, crocodiles sunbathing on the river bank or the rare rock monitor, Chobe’s wildlife never disappoints.

Aside from the animals, beautiful common and rare birds also span this amazing park bringing satisfaction to the bird lovers. Also, the vegetation and landscape leave visitors in awe and in appreciation of Chobe National park wildlife.

For the 4 days, I was in the park, I was able to see a pride of lions just a few meters away from the car. However much I would have loved to see Leopards and Cheetahs, I was not lucky enough to spot any.

But some of the wild animals and birds I was lucky to see include, a huge number of Wildebeest, Impalas everywhere, almost the entire park, big and impressive herds of Elephants including some that were swimming in the Chobe River. Spotting giraffes was the order of the day, water back, hippos, and so many others.

With more than 450 bird species recorded in Chobe national park, it is close to impossible to see all of them. But if you’re keen enough, you’ll be able to see some of them.

I was able to spot some like the Burchell’s Coucal, Lilac-breasted Roller, Little Bee-eater, yellow-billed stork, Marabou stock, Grey Heron and so many others.

And if you want to make spotting animals and birds fun, buy the Chobe national park tourist map that has a checklist of all animals, reptiles, and birds that are in the park.

For whichever animal/bird you spot, just check it on the checklist. This checklist is not only fun but it also gives you an idea of what to look out for within the park. In the same way, it helps you learn the name of the animal/bird you see and have no idea what it is.

The Chobe national park tourist map is not just a map but offers important information about the park and the best routes to take.

Pro tip* I highly recommend buying the Chobe national park tourist map plus the Botswana lonely planet guide book . The Botswana Lonely Planet guide book provides insightful information while the map showcases all the loops that you can take mapped out well with coordinates and estimated kilometers. You can buy the Chobe tourist map from any entry point to the park or at wildlife offices. And for the Botswana Lonely Planet guide book (which was extremely useful to me), you can buy it on Amazon.

Malaria at Chobe National park

Many people are always concerned about Malaria before they visit Chobe or even Botswana as a whole.

However, during the dry seasons, cases of malaria are not common but if you’re not sure about how safe it can be, buy an insect repellant before you visit.

During and after my visit, I did not have of Malaria or any symptoms and I also became confident about it when I asked the locals and they said that the country had done a great job in trying to kick Malaria out.

Though I didn’t have an insect repellant, I always zipped the tent at night not to give any chance of mosquitos to enter the tent. But if you want to have a 100% guarantee that you will be free from malaria, you can buy this mosquito repellant.

Related post: Things to know before traveling to Africa

When is the best time to visit Chobe National Park

The best time to visit Chobe National park is between May to October when the weather is dry which is also Botswana’s winter period.

During this period, the days are sunny but the nights can get really cold. Also, the rains have ended causing most pans to dry out.

Even though the water levels of the Chobe river reduce, it becomes almost the only source of water for the wildlife in the park.

This forces most animals to concentrate around the riverfront for water making it the best time to see a large number of animals in one place.

On top of that, Botswana having sandy roads doesn’t make it ideal to visit Chobe national park during the rainy season that spans from December to March.

Actually, some campsites even shut down as some roads become impassable. So if you don’t want to get stuck in the sandy roads of Botswana, May to October would be the best time to visit Chobe National park and Botswana in general as the roads are easily passable with a safari car or even the 4×4 Self-drive cars.

How to get to Chobe National park

There are different entry points to the park and where you enter from depends on where you’re coming from.

The main entrance is the Sedudu gate in the north-east of the park, perfect for visitors coming from Kasane. If you’re coming from Namibia, the Ngoma gate will be the ideal entry point to pay your park fees.

For visitors coming from Maun, the southern entrance at Mababe gate would be ideal. This is also the same route that connects to the Moremi Game reserve.

Since we were coming from Maun, we used the Southern gate of Mababe to connect to Savuti camp, which is next to Savuti Marsh which also has a high concentration of wildlife within the park.

If you’re on a Chobe National park self-drive safari, you can opt for any of those gates or book a tour that comes with a transfer to the park.

Related post:  The complete 3 weeks self drive Botswana Itinerary

Chobe National Park entrance fees

To enter the park, you’ll need an entry permit which can be obtained at any of the gates mentioned above.

The entry fees are the same at all gates of the park and you’ll also need to pay for the vehicle.

• Non -residents Adults (18 years and above) – 120 BWP (Botswana Pula) per day.
• Residents Adults (18 years and above) – 10 BWP
• Non-residents children (8-17 years)- 60 BWP per day and children below 8 years are free to enter.
• Residents children (8-17 years) – 5 BWP per day and children below 8 years are free to enter.
• 50 BWP for each non- Botswana vehicle per day.

Pro tip* The entry fees can be paid both by cash or by card

Disclaimer* Please note that the prices discussed were accurate by the time this post was written but are subject to change at any time without any warning.

Chobe national park accommodation

While in Chobe national park, you can choose to go camping which is the most fun way obviously but if you still want to experience a great Chobe national park safari while sleeping luxuriously and comfortably, then you can opt for one of the many lodges in Chobe national park.

Below are the details of the accommodation in Chobe national park.

Chobe National park camping

Chobe national park has designated campsites providing a camping experience like no other. All campsites are well maintained with Ablution blocks that come with clean showers with both hot and cold water.

Campsites also have a scullery section to do your dishes from. The ablutions are clean, with flush toilets and toilet paper is also provided.

In the recent past years, all the campsites within the pack were privatized which means that you don’t have to go to the wildlife offices to make bookings but rather book with private companies in charge.

Even though it is advised to book way in advance, it means you must have specific dates already chosen out. You call also directly call the companies for bookings.

Although booking by a phone call can be better, we sometimes found that if you’re a private visitor, you’ll be told that the campsite is full even when it’s not true.

I still find that troubling as to why they would say that on phone but if you insist and just show up at the campsite, you’ll be surprised to find a number of free campsites.

The campsite you choose depends on the route you’ll be taking whether the Savuti Marsh area, Linyanti marsh, Nogatsa or Serondela area which is also known as the Chobe riverfront.

For our safari, we chose to go to Savuti Marsh Area and the Chobe Riverfront and below are the campsites I camped at.

Related post: Safest countries to visit in Africa

Savuti campsite

Savuti campsite is well located in the heart of Chobe national park just next to the Savuti Marsh which has a large concentration of wildlife.

Savuti has 14 unfenced campsites, an ablution block surrounded by an elephant protective wall to keep elephants out of the shower- something that used to be an issue in the past.

The ablutions are fitted with flush toilets, electricity, hot and cold showers powered by solar panels, and are always kept clean.

The campsites at Savuti have no electricity and have huge volumes of sand just like most areas of the park. The campsites also have designated fire pits where visitors can enjoy a nice campfire.

While at the campsite, be sure not to leave food unattended to and not to go far away from the camping grounds at night because wild animals are always nearby.

At our campsite, we were able to see Elephants, Impalas, wild dogs running to go for a hunt, an experience that was both exciting and a bit scary.

Savuti campsite prices: 50$ per person per night for Non residents.

To make a reservation at Savuti, contact SKL Group of companies which not only manages Savuti campsite but also Khwai and Linyanti. Call them at +267 6865365/6 or email at [email protected]

Looking for where to stay in Gaborone, Botswana? Here is  my honest review of Masa square hotel

Ihaha campsite

If you’re to visit the Chobe riverfront, of which you should, sleep at Ihaha campsite.

Ihaha campsite which has 10 designated campsites is located at the Chobe riverfront offering breathtaking views of the hippos cooling off in the river making it one of the best campsites in Chobe.

Even though the Ablutions are a bit old and not well maintained, they still have flush toilets, hot and cold water but unfortunately no electricity in the ablutions.

Just like the Savuti campsite, Ihaha does not have electricity at the camping grounds but the clean grounds with no masses of sand makes up for it.

All campsites are just next to the river which makes the camping grounds also home to wildlife, meaning at any time, you can spot animals at the campsite and this is the exact reason why the management advices visitors not to move away from their camping grounds at night. Even going to the ablutions when it gets dark is advised against.

To make reservations at Ihaha campsite, you can call management at +267 6861448. Although this option might work out for you in my experience, it didn’t.

When we called management to make a reservation, we were told that it was fully booked for the days we wanted but that wasn’t going to make us cancel our programs because we were on a fixed itinerary.

So what we did was to taste our chances and just show up. To our surprise, we reached and over 5 campsites were free yet we had called earlier and they said they were fully booked.

We asked one of the staff and he said, the phone operators normally say that when they hear that you’re a private individual instead of a tour company representative. That is something that still beats my understanding but hey, we got where to stay for 2 nights.

Ihaha campsite prices: 260 BWP per person per night for non-residents.

Related post: Things to know about camping in Botswana

Chobe national park lodges

If camping is not for you but still want to explore the wildlife in Chobe national park, then you can take advantage of the lodges within the park.

These luxurious lodges are on the high end of the budget but offer comfort and a deluxe experience within the park.

Some of the famous lodges in Chobe National park you can stay at include;

• Ngoma Safari Lodge . You can book your stay at Ngoma Safari Lodge from here
• Chobe Game Lodge.

You can also opt for the private tented camps that offer a feeling of modern and luxurious camping. These can be booked by calling the management of the campsite or from the campsites themselves.

Activities at Chobe national park: Things to do

Multiple game drives

A game drive is definitely the major activity to do within the park and that’s the main reason people travel from miles away to experience Africa’s best safari destination.

You can either enjoy a game drive by booking a guided game safari or opt for a self-drive in your 4×4 car.

As a self-driver, you might not be aware of the best loops to take at specific times but the staff at the different campsites are always willing to tell you where to go and at what time to maximize the chances of seeing the Chobe National park animals.

If you prefer booking a guided game drive in the park with an experienced tour guide, you can book a tour from here .

Pro tip* The best time to go for a game drive in Chobe National park or any safari for that matter is either early in the morning or late in the evening but even if you do an afternoon game drive, you’ll be able to see some animals.

Chobe river cruise

The other activity to do in Chobe National park is to go for a cruise along the Chobe River. You’ll need to book a cruise with a tour company.

The cruise offers an ideal opportunity to see animals up close and those that might have come to drink water at the river banks.

This is the Chobe river cruise that I personally recommend to get the most of your trip as it comes with knowledgeable tour guides with lots of information to provide.

More Chobe National park tours you can opt for

What to take for a game drive in Chobe National park

What to take for a safari in Chobe National park doesn’t differ much from what you’ll need for all African safaris but here is what shouldn’t miss.

• A good camera: It will be an injustice to yourself to come to the best wildlife destination and not take amazing photos. So before you go, make sure you buy a good safari camera , the more lightweight, the better. You can also draw inspiration from these best travel cameras.
• Binoculars : Who wouldn’t want a better view of the wildlife. These ones are my favorite.
• ChapStick Lip Moisturizer: Botswana, in general, is dry, so whether you like it or not, your lips are likely to become dry. So buy this ChapStick Lip Moisturizer that I used to keep my lips moist.
• Sunglasses : The sun can be pretty rough on the eyes, so buy these sunglasses to protect them.
• A safari hat: This may not be so necessary but if you feel the sun will be merciless on your head, buy it from here before you go.
• Extra memory cards and batteries: You wouldn’t want to stop capturing the beauty of this place by running out of space on your memory card. Carry these extra memory cards to be on a safe side.
• Sunscreen: You’ll need one by all means. This one has an SPF 30 which is recommended.

To get the full list of what you’ll need for your Chobe national park safari, check out this complete packing list for Africa

General tips for visiting Chobe national park

• You’ll need a 4×4 wheel drive car to be granted access to the park – a 2×2 can’t make it in the sandy roads.
• If you’re self-driving, observe the driving rules within the park- 2 tires should always touch the road.
• The park is soo big, you’ll need more than 2 days to at least see the biggest part of it.
• But wherever you choose to go, don’t miss the Chobe riverfront and Savuti marsh areas, they have the largest concertation of animals in Chobe National park.
• Do not get out out of your vehicle due to excitement – you don’t want to go back home in a plastic bag.
• Do not feed the wild animals.
• Actually, it’s not even allowed to eat right in front of them – for your safety.
• Visit in the dry months of the country.
• Do not be tempted to leave the park with any animal. I can’t believe I am even saying this but some people are just too weird. The park security even checks at exist to make sure that you have none. Even your uncooked meat maybe taken away unless it’s fully labeled that it was bought from a supermarket.

There you have it, folks, I hope that this complete guide to a safari in Chobe national park guide helps you make your planning process to the best African safari destination easier.

If you still have any more questions about Chobe national park, leave them in the comment section and I’ll answer them as soon as possible.

* The adventurous feet is a proud member of the Amazon Associate and other affiliates. This means that if you purchase anything through the links on this website, I might get a small commission without any additional cost to you. *

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Keep up the great work. This is really hepful information which is hard to find in other blogs. This is very helpful for planning our trip to Botswana and Namibia.

This really warms my heart, this is the exact reason i started this blog – to provide useful information and knowing that it helped you plan your trip feels like success to me. I hope you have an Incredible safari and fingers crossed for you to see the big 5 animals

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Chobe Full day Safari: Game Drive & Boat Safari with Lunch

• Food,drinks,beers,wines,spirits of choice,snack
• Ground transfer
• All flights unless or otherwise indicated
• Items of personal nature
• Option 1 Chobe Safari Lodge, Airport Road, President Ave, Kasane, Botswana
• Option 2 Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa, Chobe River, Plot 2239 President Ave, Kasane, Botswana
• Option 3 Chobe Marina Lodge, 642X+6VH, Plot 21306 President Ave, Kasane, Botswana
• Option 4 47M8+88 Kazungula, 47M8+88G Kazungula, Zimbabwe
• Option 5 Kazungula Bridge, 6757+R4C, Kazungula, Zambia
• Option 6 Kasane International Airport, Kasane, Botswana
• Option 7 Travelodge Kasane, Lot 3031 Plateau, Kasane, Botswana
• Option 8 Chobe River Lodge, Plot 714, Kasane, Botswana
• Option 9 Kubu Lodge, Chobe, Kubu Road 1, Kazungula, Botswana, Botswana
• Option 10 Tlou Safari Lodge, President Ave Plot 2133, Kasane, Botswana
• Option 11 Chobe Bush Lodge, 54VX+42J, President Ave, Kasane, Botswana
• Option 12 SPAR Kasane, Kasane, Botswana
• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Infant meals not included
• Minimum age is 03 years
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• laetitiak953 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful experience in Chobe It was such a great day in Chobe National park, they were really kind and careful, making sure we had a good time and taking the time to see the animals and to wait, not being on a rush :) we saw a lot of animals and we won’t forget !! Read more Written January 8, 2024
• 101aymericb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience Very good safari with a focus on wildlife. Our guide Mike was really good at finding leopards and birds. Read more Written December 11, 2023
• Brutus N 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles I recommend every one for this amazing company that doesn't disappoint with services that are good that made me to enjoy my tour Tour company is nice with good services,good drivers with knowledge about all tourism destinations in Uganda and Rwanda Read more Written September 26, 2023
• GoldenC44 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Chobe camping It’s great experience with doing the two nights and three days campaign and everything was perfect and well arranged with wild Africa safaris you never regret with them , thanks so much for our guide Paco and MR Rodger the direct they are both friendly and good people Read more Written May 4, 2023
• jakobbP1028GU 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great person, great guide! Beautiful trip through Chobe National Park! Rodgers is a great guide and knows a lot about the Park and the animals living there! Read more Written March 3, 2023
• lumbalumba2018 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unforgettable experience… If you are planning to come to Kasane for a safari, do yourself a favor and book a tour with Rodgers and Wild Africa Safaris. I did a day trip into Chobe National Park and I’m so glad I had Rodgers as my guide. He has been going into the bush for a long time and has a depth of experience you will likely not be able to find elsewhere. He always knew where to go and when to wait for something interesting to happen. His safari vehicle was also clearly much nicer than the other tour guides we passed along the way. It has everything you need and was comfortable for moving around the park and over various terrain. At one point we stopped the car at a scenic point for coffee and biscuits. After that, we saw herds and herds of elephants coming down to the water to drink. We were able to see many animals is a short time thanks to his expert knowledge. I also found the information about the animals and environments he provided throughout the tour to be fascinating. Rodgers is a professional in every sense of the word. I will always cherish these wonderful memories thanks to him and Wild Africa Safaris. Read more Written January 24, 2023
• razeethar 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A once in a lifetime experience for us1 Just returned from a fantastic family safari with Wild Life Safaris. We did the Best of Botswana: Maun, Nxai Pans, Maun, Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti, Chobe River Front. It is one of our most memorable holidays that we will cherish for ever. I couldn't recommend Rodgers and his company more. We saw lions, elephants, leopard, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodiles, baboons, monkeys and more. Rodgers was incredibly knowledgeable about the animals but also the incredible birds and also the trees and foliage as we moved from the pans, to woodland, to savannah and river front. Rodgers was not only knowledgeable he is also incredibly professional and a lovely person. He knows his stuff and will do his best to give you the best experience. His staff were also very friendly and we enjoyed hearing some of their personal safari stories while sitting around the fire. Thank you Rodgers and team for the wonderful memories1 Read more Written July 19, 2022
• 569jannel 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Supernice adventure in the Okavango delta We have been on maybe 5 longer safari tours, and this one was the outstanding best. We were a team of 6. Our family with the childrens respective. The arrangement was very good. The nature and wild life experience was excellent. Rodgers was our ’wiki-Rodgers’. He knew everything. Animals, wildlife, behaviours, arranging photo opportinities - I can not imagine any better. Also service, attitude, the team were excellent. The team helped, understood, improved in a super-good fashion. We left tis tour with a nice, personal and grateful feeling. This was a significant step for our bigger family, the bondi g and the adventure experience. So many thanks Rodgers with Team Read more Written November 3, 2021
• Koen W 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Second safari with Wild Africa Safaris and again a great experience After our first wonderful experience in 2017 with Wild Africa Safaris when we discovered Moremi we were back on the road again this year with Rodgers this time in Khwai and Savuti. In 2017 we thought it could not get any better and...we were wrong :-) Rodgers tracked down 4 leopards, a kill by wild dogs and the world famous Marsh pride in Savuti. We had yet again a true nat geo experience, thanks a lot Rodgers for your perseverance in tracking the animals, we had again the time of our life, never change ! Read more Written December 21, 2019
• Brynhwhowells97 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing! One of the best two and a half weeks of my life without a doubt. Multiple leopard spottings and I think around 50 lion sightings as well as countless other rare game including my favourite the Honey Badger! What really made this trip was the staff however Rodgers was genuinely one of the nicest men I have ever met and his knowledge of animals was incredible. The rest of the crew were also brilliant personalities and really made the trip extra special. I have no idea how Bill used to cook for all 8 of us on an open fire as well as he did! Massive recommendation to anyone on the fence go for it! Read more Written December 13, 2019
• CarysH29 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Ms Me and my family spent 2 And a half weeks on safari with Rodgers and his awesome team and had nothing short of an amazing time! We covered chobe, the Kalahari dessert and the okovango swamps. Seeing so much more wildlife than I could have ever expected!! 41 lions 🦁! Honestly a once in Alice time experience and couldn’t have been improved in any way Read more Written December 5, 2019
• PereSoler 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles AMAZING SAVUTI!! We hired Rodgers services since in previous years my partner had had good experiences. This year it was Savuti, what can I say? Our guide, Haskins, very professional, knowledgeable about the territory and the behaviors of animals delight us with magnificent safari trips. Good games, good food, good tents ... I recommend it without a doubt, you will not be disappointed !! Read more Written November 5, 2019
• Tonisirera 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Savuti! After several trips to Bostwana to photograph wildlife last year, I hired the services of Wild Africa Safaris. Rodgers and his team delight us with their game drive on the Chobe Water River Front. The experience was so rewarding that this year I hired again the services of Wild Africa Safaris to enjoy the area of ​​Savuti. On this occasion Rodgers could not accompany us, but we had as a guide the experienced Haskins and his team. We enjoyed Savuti in all its essence. Haskins knows the area to perfection, knows the fauna and its habits and customs. Savuti is a special area to enjoy the carnivores. Lions, leopards and wild dogs in their natural habitat and the rest of African wildlife in the savannah. In the camp we enjoyed comfortable ensuite tends and the magnificent meals prepared by the chef. In short, a spectacular trip to Savuti for 4 days and 3 nights that I recommend to everyone interested in entering the African Savannah. Rodgers is a great person and an experienced Bostwana guide and is very lucky to have a great team. Really recommended! Read more Written November 3, 2019
• EJH2013 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A trip of a lifetime with Rodgers and his team at Wild Africa Safaris If you’re thinking of booking a safari with Wild Africa Safaris, don’t hesitate, just do it! We were a party of 8 made up of 2 families with ages ranging from 20 to 56. Our 13 day mobile camping trip started in Chobe and took us through Savuti, Kwai, Moremi, The Okavango Delta and Central Kalahari – we really packed it in! What we experienced was outstanding from start to finish and reading other reviews it’s obvious that Rodgers works hard to maintain a consistency of excellence. As a guide, Rodgers is so impressive. He has an innate love of wildlife and the bush. He has many years of knowledge and experience in tracking animals and is persistent, yet always very respectful of the animals. We always felt in safe hands with Rodgers and we always felt that having him as our guide meant we saw the most game! We booked the Authentic option, spacious tents with real beds and a toilet ensuite. Rodgers’ hardworking and friendly team of Haskins, Oti, Eric and our wonderful chef Bill would arrive before us at each campsite and assemble the camp and have dinner cooking when we came back from a game drive. It’s hard to pick highlights as every day brought something new. But I will always remember the leopards mating in Savuti, the dawn chorus in the Okavango Delta and watching a lioness tenderly grooming her cubs in the golden evening light in Moremi. Top tips would be to invest in a good pair of binoculars, and remember your bug spray, Immodium and Carmex lip balm! Read more Written September 19, 2019
• 505laurentn 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Go with Wild Africa Safaris Rodgers responded promptly and professionally to all my email enquiries and the service we got was up to expectations. Our guide, Ledge, was outstanding (we saw Rhino, lions on the hunt, lions with a fresh kill, leopards...) and the support team did the best job in making life in the bush comfortable. It‘s not cheap, but it‘s definitely worth the money! Read more Written August 23, 2019

More to explore in Kasane

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Chobe Safari Lodge In Botswana: A Complete Review With Photos

I stayed four nights at Chobe Safari Lodge in Botswana, hosted by the Botswana Tourism Organisation. I wasn’t required to write this post, but I thought it might be useful so I’m doing it anyway! All opinions are my own, honestly held, and I don’t accept freebies or payment in exchange for positive reviews. This post was typed by me with my own ten fingers and no AI was involved, so if you spot any mistakes, I take full responsibility.

Contents (click to view)

On my first morning in Botswana, I woke early, twitchy to get out and make the most of every second in this exciting new country. With a cup of tea in hand, I slid back the glass door of my room and stepped out onto the balcony.

The day had not yet warmed up, and the morning was pleasantly cool. Directly ahead of me, a short stretch of bright green lawn, glistening from overnight rain, led down to the lazy Chobe River. On the other side, close enough to swim if it weren’t for the grumpy hippos and hungry crocodiles, I could see Namibia.

On a branch at eye-level to my first-floor vantage point, a pretty brown-and-orange bird (that I later learned was a white-browed robin-chat) launched into a jaunty song, lustily informing the world that a new day had begun. His welcome was heard not just by me, but by a family of vervet monkeys, which hopped about on the grass below, foraging for a breakfast of roots and seeds.

All this wonder without even leaving my hotel room. I knew immediately that I was going to love Botswana.

Introducing Chobe Safari Lodge in Botswana

This wonderful oasis of tranquility was Chobe Safari Lodge, a 4* hotel in the town of Kasane, in the north of Botswana, right up next to the border with Namibia.

Kasane is one of Botswana’s two main tourism hubs, offering quick and easy access to Chobe National Park, one of the country’s most sensational wildlife-viewing destinations.

The lodge is located on the edge of Kasane, only about a ten-minute drive from the airport, and right next to the Chobe River, giving the hotel fabulous river views and easy access for wildlife-spotting boat cruises along the river and into the National Park.

Chobe Safari Lodge: at a glance

Here are some basic facts about Chobe Safari Lodge:

• Age: Established in 1959, Chobe Safari Lodge is nearly 65 years old! It was the first hotel to be built in Kasane.
• Number of rooms: Chobe Safari Lodge has 52 double rooms, four family rooms, and eight traditional riverfront thatched huts called Rondavels.
• Campsite: For the budget-conscious, the lodge also has a campsite offering 23 pitches with power points.
• Facilities: Chobe Safari Lodge has a pool, a restaurant, two bars, spa treatments and a gift shop. There’s no gym.
• Wi-Fi: There is Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, though it’s stronger closer to the main reception.
• Air-Con: All the rooms have air conditioning.
• Price: Prices vary depending on type of room and dates, but rooms start from about £250/$300 a night, on a room-only basis. More on room rates below.

Chobe safari lodges: which is which?

Before I get into my review, I’ll just clear up some confusion. Chobe Safari Lodge is by no means the only safari hotel or lodge in the Chobe area, and they all have very similar names! Which means that when I first arrived and was trying to get there from the airport, I got into a bit of a muddle and nearly went to the wrong one!

Here are some of the other safari lodges in Chobe that you might confuse it for (or want to consider for your stay in Kasane):

Chobe Bush Lodge

Chobe Bush Lodge is the recently-built sister hotel to Chobe Safari Lodge and sits just opposite, sharing the same grounds and some of the same facilities. Chobe Bush Lodge has 38 luxury rooms plus 4 family suites all facing directly onto Chobe National Park, so you don’t get the river views but you do get animals running through the garden.

Chobe Game Lodge

Unrelated to Safari and Bush, Chobe Game Lodge is a luxury five-star lodge run by Desert & Delta Safaris. Established in 1973, it was the first five-star lodge in Botswana and it remains the only permanent accommodation inside the Chobe National Park boundary, right on the shore of the Chobe River. It’s also famously the place where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton remarried just over a year after they had divorced from their first 10-year marriage.

I stayed two nights at Chobe Game Lodge at the end of my trip, and there’ll be a separate review of my experience travelling with Desert & Delta coming soon.

Chobe Savanna Lodge

Also run by Desert & Delta, Chobe Savanna Lodge is a small boutique safari camp with only twelve chalets. It sits on the Namibia side of the Chobe River but you get there by crossing the river from Kasane.

Mowana Safari Resort

This one doesn’t have such a confusing name, but I’m including it here as another option for Chobe accommodation. Mowana Safari Resort is a very nice but big five-star hotel with two pools, a gym, Clarins spa, and 9-hole golf course. I didn’t spend the night here, but I visited daily for four days as it’s where the conference I was attending was held, and I thought it looked like another great place to stay in Chobe.

Chobe Marina Lodge

As the name suggests, Chobe Marina Lodge is also located on the Chobe River, just along from Chobe Safari Lodge. Rooms and suites are luxuriously decorated in a chic African style and it has a pool and spa, but at roughly £350/$430 a night for a standard room, it’s a bit more expensive than Chobe Safari Lodge.

Chobe River Lodge

Goodness me, there are a lot of places named ‘Chobe X Lodge’, aren’t there?! Chobe River Lodge is another very smart four-star hotel with a pool, 12 luxurious and newly-renovated rooms, and a riverfront setting. Prices start from $275 per person per night.

Rooms at Chobe Safari Lodge in Botswana

Now that we’ve cleared that up, and you know which hotel we’re talking about, let’s get back to the matter in hand.

Chobe Safari Lodge has five different types of rooms, as follows:

• Safari Rooms: These are large doubles, relatively recently redecorated, set back from the river with gardens in front.
• River Rooms: This is the type of room I had. These are closest to the main reception and dining areas of the lodge, and look out over the Chobe River. They are a bit smaller than the safari rooms (though still large), and in mine at least the décor was a little dated and could do with being renovated.
• Bush Rooms: Large, modern rooms with garden or forest views and an open-plan design – so no separation between the bedroom and bathroom, though the toilet is in a separate room, don’t worry!
• Rondavels: These are the original accommodation: traditional thatched huts, right on the river, with riverfront verandas. They’re smaller than the other rooms but are totally private and you’ll feel like you’re right in the bush.
• Family Rooms: Made up of two adjoining doubles with two bathrooms.

Chobe Safari Lodge camping

If you’re on a budget, another great option is to take advantage of the campsite at Chobe Safari Lodge. There are 23 pitches, each with power points, and three bathroom blocks. I didn’t camp, but I met some fellow travellers who were camping and they seemed to be enjoying it. Take care not to walk around after dark as animals can come into the campsite.

Facilities at Chobe Safari hotel

Since it’s a reasonably-sized hotel, Chobe Safari Lodge has most of the facilities you’d expect, including:

Bar: There are two bars: a cocktail bar next to the restaurant and overlooking the river, and the Sedudu Bar which is a short walk away from the main building, also offering fabulous sunset river views. I’m lazy so I mostly ended up at the bar by the restaurant from where you can happily sit and watch the sunset and the boats returning from their sundowner cruises (see below).

Pool: The pool is located right next to the restaurant in the middle of the main area, and is quite small, though plenty big enough for cooling off after a hot and dusty game drive. I did feel like it was a bit central and everyone walking past can watch you swimming, so if you’re self-conscious in your bikini you might feel a bit exposed. But during the day most people are doing other stuff anyway.

Spa: I didn’t use the spa services, but you can book facials and massages at reception. There’s no gym, sauna or jacuzzi.

Laundry: A laundry service is available, but unlike at many other safari camps, you have to pay per item.

Room amenities: All rooms have a kettle with tea and coffee and a hairdryer. Irons and ironing boards are available on request. Shampoo, shower gel, body lotion and insect repellent are provided in the bathroom.

Food at Chobe Safari Lodge

You have two options for meals at Chobe Safari Lodge. Unlike at some of the other safari camps I stayed, the food is not included in the room rate.

Main restaurant

There’s a big restaurant in the main building, with some tables inside (where it’s spacious but quite dark) and some on a patio overlooking the pool and the river beyond. Food here is served buffet-style with a huge range of dishes to choose from.

At breakfast you can have eggs cooked to order as well as pancakes, waffles, fruit, cereals, pastries and bread, and some traditional Setswana dishes.

Dinner was similar, with a wide variety of things to try, different meats and fish, vegetarian options, some stuff pre-prepared and some quicker dishes cooked to order.

Overall I thought that as buffets go it was pretty decent – buffet-style food is never going to be the very best but I thought they did a good job. However, at 350 Pula per person for dinner (about £20 or $26) it was pretty expensive, but that’s what you get in a nice hotel in touristy Kasane!

Read more: Which Is The Best Botswana Safari Lodge? My Favourites With Photos

Chobe Bush Lodge à la carte

Guests at Chobe Safari Lodge can also walk across to the restaurant in the sister hotel, Chobe Bush Lodge, where meals are served with a menu, à la carte. They have a range of meat and fish dishes as well as some local options – you can even try crocodile tail! Prices start from about BWP 70 (£4 or $5.20) for a starter and BWP 170 (£10 or $12.60) for a main. At busy times it’s a good idea to book ahead.

Tandurei Restaurant, Kasane

As another option, just outside the main gate to the complex is a local restaurant, Tandurei. To save money we ate here once, and although the service was suuuper slow (and I’m not sure why as we were the only people there!) the food was pretty decent, and much cheaper than eating in the hotel. They have a huge menu of Indian and Asian dishes such as curry and noodles, as well as kebabs, steaks, ribs, fried chicken and fish.

Activities at Chobe Safari Lodge Botswana

Of course you don’t come all the way to Botswana to sit in the hotel! There’s wildlife to see and adventures to be had, and here’s where I thought Chobe Safari Lodge did great. Here are some of the activities and day trips they offer:

Game drives in Chobe National Park

Every day in the morning and late afternoon you have the chance to do a game drive into Chobe National Park. Depending on the season and weather, game drives typically start at 6 am and 3 pm, and last about 3 hours, before you return to the lodge for breakfast or dinner.

Game drives cost from BWP 360 (US$46) for an adult, with park entry fees of BWP 190 (US$20) not included.

The Sedudu Gate park entrance is about a ten minute drive from the lodge along the main road. After your guide has signed you in, you then drive around in an open-sided car, looking at all the amazing animals. On our first drive we saw impala, waterbuck, jackals, warthogs, crocodiles, hippos, a lion, buffalo and many, many birds, and on our second we saw more of the above plus two male lions, kudu and elephants.

One thing I liked less about the game drives here is that due to the number of guests, the cars are quite big. Unlike the cars they use at the smaller lodges in the Okavango Delta, which tend to seat no more than 6 guests with everyone getting a window seat and sometimes even a row to themselves, the cars used by Chobe Safari Lodge are bigger, sometimes seating 9 or even 12 passengers in rows of three.

As a photographer I found this frustrating because I couldn’t always get a good angle on the thing we were looking at, and I had to shoot across people. Also more people means more noise and more opinions about whether you stay for a bit longer, or leave!

Read more: Amazing African Safari Animals – A Photo Guide

If you’re a photographer and this sort of thing matters to you, you have three options:

• Accept that this is just the way it is and that you will have better safari photography opportunities elsewhere in your trip.
• Pay more to book a private game drive (BWP 2860 / US$370 per car).
• Stay in a smaller lodge where they use smaller cars.

But no matter what, you’re going to have a fantastic time on your game drive. There’s loads of wildlife to see in Chobe National Park, the landscapes are beautiful and the guides are extremely knowledgeable and informative.  

Read more: Using The Canon R5 For Wildlife Photography: A Full Review

Boat cruises along the Chobe River

The other activity you’re definitely going to want to do during your stay in Kasane is a wildlife boat cruise.

Chobe Safari Lodge occupies a prime spot on the bank of the Chobe River, just a short cruise from the riverside park entrance, where you pull in briefly to sign in before continuing your cruise into the park.

They have their own jetty with three or four boats of different sizes, including one large one with a rooftop viewing area and smaller ones for private cruises.

I took one of their sunset boat cruises, which leaves at 3 pm and returns around sunset, which when I visited in December was about 6.45 pm. This cruise costs BWP 350 (US$42) and does not include the park entry fee of BWP 190 (US$20) or any drinks you might want to buy from the on-board bar (you can charge these to your room so you don’t need to bring cash).

Game viewing from a boat is an incredible experience as the animals come right to the water’s edge to drink and you can get really close to them. On our 3-hour cruise we saw dozens of hippos and buffalo, as well as many storks, herons and other water birds, elephants, impala, baboons and crocodiles.

As the sun gets low in the sky it can shine right in your face under the canopy, so make sure you’re wearing suncream and bring a hat and sunglasses.

Read more: Top 50 African Birds: A Safari Photo Guide

Watch the sunset from the bar at Chobe Safari Lodge

One of the things I really loved about Chobe Safari Lodge was its west-facing river front location, meaning that you get really wonderful sunset views over the river.

If you’re not already out having sunset drinks on a boat cruise or game drive, a wonderful way to end the day is with a cold beer or an Okavanago gin and tonic at one of the bars, looking out as the sky turns from yellow to tangerine to rose to indigo and the cruise boats slowly make their way back to the jetty.

Visit Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of the world’s largest waterfalls, with a width of 1708 m (5604 ft). The falls sit on the Zambezi River on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, about an hour’s drive from Kasane (the thing that takes the time in getting there is not so much the drive, but the border formalities you have to do to be able to cross into Zimbabwe).

I only found out you could visit them from Kasane when it was too late for me to organise a trip, and I’m gutted I missed out. Everyone who’d been said a visit to Vic Falls is a must-do when you’re in Kasane, and it’s very easy to organise at the reception in Chobe Safari Lodge.

Day trips last from 8 am to 5 pm with most of the day spent at the Victoria Falls, and cost from BWP 995 (US$110).

Read more: What To Wear On Safari: My Detailed Safari Packing List With Photos

Kazungula Bridge

Another nearby point of interest that’s worth a quick look if you have time is the brand new Kazungula Bridge over the Zambezi River.

The Zambezi forms the border between Botswana and Zambia, and until the bridge opened in May 2021, the only way you could travel between the two countries was by ferry. This caused huge tailbacks and often the ferry would break down, making crossing impossible.

Eventually, in an epic work of international collaboration, the two governments got together and agreed to build a bridge, with border checkpoints at either end. The new bridge is a massive feat of engineering: at 923 metres (3,028 ft) long, it took 7 years to build and cost US$259.3 million.

There are road, rail and pedestrian sections, so you can walk over the bridge and admire the spectacular views.

One remarkable point of interest to look out for when you’re there (though sadly its not something you can actually see) is the only quadripoint in the world, where the borders of four countries meet. There are plenty of tripoints, but this is the only quadripoint.

Standing on the bridge you can see Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, which is pretty cool. But there’s no marker post because the quadripoint itself is in the river!

Other activities

If you’re on honeymoon, feeling adventurous, or want to do something really special, there are a few other activities on offer at Chobe Safari Lodge, such as:

• Going fishing in the Chobe River
• Namibian village walk and cultural visit
• Romantic dinner cruise
• Scenic helicopter flight over Chobe National Park

Read more: Is Cardamom House In Vipingo The Best Beach Hotel In Kenya?

How much do Chobe Safari Lodge activities cost?

For ease of reference, here are the prices for all the activities Chobe Safari Lodge offer. These are 2023 prices, so may change in 2024.

Chobe Safari Lodge prices

So how much does Chobe Safari Lodge cost?

Well, let’s say you’re a couple staying in a standard room with garden view for three nights next March (which is the end of low season, when rates are cheaper). On top of this you want to do one morning and one afternoon game drive, and one morning and one afternoon boat cruise.

According to Booking Dotcom , that will cost you £772 ($986) with breakfast from £14 ($18) per person, or £845 ($1079) with breakfast included.

Your activities will cost £138 ($176) per person, or £276 ($352) for both of you.

On top of this you’ll need to factor in lunches, dinners, and any drinks you may want.

Is Chobe Safari Lodge family friendly?

I don’t have kids so I can’t really comment on exactly how family friendly the lodge is, but what I can tell you is that unlike quite a few Botswana safari camps where children under six are not allowed, Chobe Safari Lodge welcomes children of all ages and allows them on game drives and wildlife viewing activities.

They also offer babysitting services and run a kids’ club over the Christmas period.

Whether you’d want to bring very young children on safari in Botswana is a different question, and one only you can answer.

How to get to Chobe Safari Lodge in Botswana

Chobe Safari Lodge is just a 10-minute drive from Kasane International Airport. There are no direct flights from the USA or Europe to Kasane, but you can easily get a flight to an African hub like Johannesburg or Addis Ababa, and from there connect with a flight to Kasane. The flight from Johannesburg to Kasane with Airlink took about two hours.

Chobe Safari Lodge Botswana: my final verdict

So after all that, what did I really think about Chobe Safari Lodge and would I recommend it?

While it wasn’t my favourite place I stayed during my three weeks in Botswana, that may partly be because I was lucky enough to stay in some truly amazing places , and I much prefer the smaller, more intimate bush camps to a larger hotel like this one.

But as a place to start your Botswana adventure, I think Chobe Safari Lodge is great. It has everything you need, it’s in the perfect location close to Chobe National Park, there are loads of activities, and it’s a great way to ease yourself into the safari vibe – a sort of halfway step between the modern comforts and practicality of home, and the raw wonder of being deep in the Botswana wilderness.

After a few days of settling in here, you’ll then be ready to go all-out into the remote corners of the Okavango Delta or Makgadikgadi Pans National Park , to really get up close and personal with Botswana’s incredible landscapes and wildlife.

If you want to know more about that, there are loads more blog posts on the way, so why not subscribe to get an email alert when they’re posted?

Where to next?

If you liked this post, why not read some of my other Africa adventures?

• How To Train For Kilimanjaro: A Complete Overthinker’s Guide
• 7 Best Weekend Trips from Kampala, Uganda
• 28 Brilliant Things To Do In Uganda
• Kenya Vs Tanzania: Travel Experts Decide
• How To Climb Kilimanjaro In 10 Easy Steps

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Bella is a multi-award-winning travel writer, wildlife photographer and science and history documentary director from London. Among many awards and nominations she won Blogger of the Year at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Awards 2023 and Best Photography at the Travel Media Awards 2020. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Wanderlust, and BBC Travel among others. Her films have been shown around the world including on the BBC, Discovery and PBS.

Further Reading...

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Antler Luggage Review: The 3-Part Clifton Suitcase Set

Top 50 african birds: a safari photo guide, 46 amazing african safari animals - a photo guide.

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Chobe National Park Botswana Complete Traveler’s Guide

Chobe National Park in northwestern Botswana covers an area of 11,700 square kilometers. This park is known as one of the most spectacular African safari wildlife parks . It’s famous for its wildlife and for the dense concentrations of large game in the park. 

Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s leading conservation areas, offering visitors excellent opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Expect to see hundreds of animals during your safari at Chobe National Park, including elephants, lions, rhinos, zebras, buffalo, and more.

In this ultimate guide to Chobe National Park, learn all about this incredible safari park and the treasures it holds. From impressive landscapes to breathtaking wildlife, you’ll experience the safari of your life at Chobe National Park, Botswana.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Chobe National Park

The park was established in 1967 to protect various ecosystems. Most notable is the perennial Chobe River system that forms a huge wetland with several lakes and rivers. The Chobe River runs through central parts of the park and empties into the great lake called Chirisa Kulana. The river system also serves as a natural boundary between two neighboring protected areas: Kgatleng Game Reserve and Orapa Wildlife Sanctuary. 

The park has four areas: Ngwenzumba Pans, Linyanti, Savute and the Chobe Riverfront. Within these areas, there are opportunities for visitors to explore the wildlife that call the park home. Chobe National Park is particularly known for its large elephant population.

Both day and overnight safaris will get you closer to the wildlife. One of the most popular attractions is a Chobe River Cruise. It offers beautiful views and a great opportunity to see elephants up close.

History of Chobe National Park Botswana

It’s hard to believe, but Chobe National Park in Botswana has a long and varied history. The park was initially known as “Mababe” and was proclaimed a reserve in 1907 by Sir Charles Eliot. The area only covered 965 square kilometres at that time. In 1924, it was extended to its current size of 11,700 square kilometres.

In 1959, the Selinda Spillway was built by Malcolm Colegate to provide fresh water for agriculture in parts of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. The spillway also created an important wildlife corridor between these countries.

The first safari camp in the park was Ngoma Safari Lodge, opening its doors in 1963. That same year saw the beginning of commercial fishing on the Chobe River, which continues today with increasing success each year.

Botswana gained independence from Great Britain in 1966. This led to major changes throughout the country, including those affecting Chobe National Park. New game laws were enacted. Some areas were closed for hunting, while others were opened. As well, anti-poaching measures stepped up considerably.

Since then, the park has grown in popularity as a top safari destination. It has become especially popular with those seeking an authentic African Photo Safari experience.

Abundant Wildlife & Bird-life

Chobe National Park is home to about 120,000 elephants. This makes it one of the largest concentrations of elephants in the world. Visitors come here to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. They can spot buffalo herds as well, and experience amazing lion and leopard sightings.

The river has an unbelievable abundance of wild animals, such as hippos and crocodiles. The park has many rare birds, like the African Fish eagle and African Skimmer. Most of these are highly prized by wildlife photographers for their beauty and rarity.

Where to Stay in Chobe National Park

Looking to stay at Chobe park? There is no shortage of accommodations. The majority are along the river. Whether you are looking for a luxurious lodge or something more rustic. You can find what you need.

In addition, Kwando Reserve offers guests a range of activities. Enjoy wildlife encounters in and out of water, as boats cruise the river. This private reserve is definitely worth exploring if you have the opportunity.

And if that’s not enough, consider visiting Botswana’s Moremi and Kasane. There is something for everyone on safari!

Kasane is a town in northeastern Botswana, on the banks of the Chobe River. It’s an excellent base when visiting Chobe National Park.

Chobe National Park borders Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia, making it easy for day trips or excursions from Victoria Falls. There are many safari offerings in Botswana and Namibia that can be combined with a visit to Chobe National Park. For example, visitors can explore Okavango Delta by mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe), go game viewing on horseback, or enjoy a bush walk.

A Different Perspective of Chobe

When most people think about safaris, they imagine a jeep ride in the African bush searching for lions and elephants. While this is an unforgettable experience, there are other ways to view wildlife in Chobe National Park.

The river is the best place to see wildlife and birds. This can include a boat trip where guests can take spectacular images of elephants and hippos. There are also fly-in safaris, scenic flights, and mokoro canoe (traditional dug-out canoe ) excursions on the Delta. Or try a camping safari! Visitors can explore Chobe in a variety of ways.

There are many options for an African Photo Safari, too, apart from traditional jeep safaris. Try a walking safari or river cruise, for example. The campsites in Chobe are a popular option for longer stays. They offer visitors incredible views of Africa’s biggest national park from tents or chalets. Houseboats offer varying degrees of luxury.

The park also has 450 species of birds. Make sure you bring your binoculars! Catch and release fishing is available, too, if you want to try your hand at landing some of Chobe’s famous tigerfish.

How to Get to Chobe National Park

The best way to enter the park is by flying to the airport in Kasane. There are several lodges and camps near the airport, making it easy to get settled in before starting your photo safari.

If you’re not staying at a lodge on the Chobe Waterfront or in Kasane, you’ll need to fly into Livingstone Airport in Zambia. From there you’ll catch a small aircraft to the park. Keep your camera ready as they fly low over the Zambezi River, giving you some amazing photo opportunities of Victoria Falls! Upon arrival at Chobe National Park airstrip be sure to have a 4×4 vehicle ready to take you into the heart of this incredible wildlife reserve.

Highlights of a Chobe National Park Safari

When you visit Chobe National Park, there are endless opportunities to see wildlife in its natural habitat. The park is home to elephants, lions, buffalo, and a variety of other animals. You can also enjoy a variety of activities while you’re there.

One highlight of a safari is the unique lodging that is available. For example, you can stay in a tree house or at the Malilangeni Safari Club. These lodges offer an unforgettable experience, allowing you to get up close with nature.

Another significant activity is hiking. There are many well-protected trails to lead you through these areas. Grab that camera! You’ll want to take pictures along the way! Don’t worry about wildlife safety, thanks to the rangers and conservationists who patrol these areas daily.

Read More About Safari Travel

• Africa’s Big Five: What They Are + Where To Find Them
• Serengeti National Park: A Traveler’s Guide
• Kruger National Park: A Traveler’s Guide
• Where to Stay in Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Things To Do in Chobe National Park

If you want an adventure, Chobe National Park is a great place for it. There are many safaris available. I’m positive one will fit your adventurous nature. Looking to experience the land up close? Consider a walking safari. If photographing wildlife from the water’s edge, perhaps a river cruise down the Chobe.

River Safari

A Chobe river boat tour is a perfect way to experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Chobe River. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy Botswana’s natural environment. It offers an exciting opportunity to learn about the country. Boats cruises along the River offer passengers a unique opportunity to explore the riverbanks and photograph the wildlife. 

They also provide an opportunity to learn about the local culture and history, as well as its natural environment. In addition, river boat cruises offer a great way for guests to meet other travellers while exploring Botswana’s unique culture.

Chobe Game Drive

One of the best ways to explore Chobe National Park is through game drives.

The 4×4 safari vehicles are custom designed. Photographers and tourists will enjoy amazing views of the animals thanks to their open sides. Wildlife drives in Chobe Park are led by qualified safari guides. Their expertise and knowledge provide valuable information on the location and behaviour of the animals.

Although we can’t promise any specific sightings, elephant sightings are virtually certain! Chobe is home to the greatest number in Africa! It’s common to see buffalo, zebra, hyenas, giraffes, red lechwes, hippos, and crocodiles, as well.

The large cats, like lions and leopards, may be visible if you’re lucky. There are also cheetahs, although they tend to be quite elusive.

Helicopter Rides Over the Park

Helicopter rides of Chobe are a popular way to see the park. They can be done on scheduled departures or with safari-style tours. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and typically include a safety briefing and commentary from your pilot. 

The major advantage of helicopter rides over other forms of transport is that they offer unparalleled views over the park’s terrain. Some areas of Chobe are inaccessible by road. Helicopters can reach remote areas that would otherwise require hiking or horseback riding. Choose between a half-day trip, or full-day trip.

Balloon Rides

Feeling adventurous? Why not try a hot-air balloon flight? Experience Chobe National Park from the sky. There are several balloon companies that offer flights in Chobe National Park.

A hot-air balloon trip is typically a once-in-a-lifetime event, so picking the right operator is crucial to making sure your flight lives up to your expectations. The park is a beautiful backdrop for a wide variety of wildlife. You’ll float over rolling hills, open grasslands dotted with plains game, and flowing rivers.

Chobe is Ideal for Wildlife Enthusiasts and Avid Photographers

Chobe National Park is a top destination for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. As we stated before, Chobe has the greatest concentrations of elephants in Africa, and many other animals and birds. 

Boat safaris offer beautiful views of the park’s wildlife, while Savuti Channel offers some of the best game viewing in Africa. Photographers will love the opportunities to capture amazing photos of elephants, lions, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Best Time to Visit Chobe National Park

Forget the “best time to visit” – Chobe National Park is a year-round destination!

However, the average tourist prefers the dry season. If you can handle the heat, there is fantastic game viewing during August, September, and October. During this season, the wildlife is more active around the watering holes.

Consideration should be given to the wet season, too, particularly if you enjoy birding. You can expect a more individualized experience during the wet season as most lodgings have fewer guests. Each camp in the Chobe National Park has its own unique, small-town feel to it.

Dry Season May – November

• Perfect for a first-time visit to Africa
• Seldom drops to 0ºC at night, rarely gets too hot during the day.
• Keep in mind that the weather varies in November: rain or sun, hot or chilly

Wet Season December – April

• Non-stop rain January and February
• Spectacular sky might shift from overcast to sunny to cloudy again in a matter of minutes.
• Typically, showers are brief and intense, although occasionally the sky is only grey.
• Although you must wear waterproof apparel, the rain need not prevent you from accomplishing anything.

Chobe National Park’s African Big Five

This stunning park is home to Africa’s most iconic wildlife, including the “ The Big Five of Africa ”. Elephants are the park’s star attraction, with herds numbering in the thousands. Buffalo and antelope can also be seen grazing in the open savannahs. Meanwhile predators, the leopards and lions, stalk their prey from the shadows. If you’re lucky, you may see the elusive African Wild Dogs!

No trip to Chobe would be complete without experiencing its incredible elephant herds. These majestic creatures can be found throughout the park, but they are especially concentrated along the banks of the Chobe River. Be sure to bring your camera – these animals are definitely worth photographing!

Geography and ecosystems

Botswana is well known for its diverse geography and ecosystems. The country is home to Africa’s most biologically diverse protected area. Chobe National Park boasts of lush floodplains, a dense woodland of mahogany, teak and other hardwoods. As well, the Chobe River is a major source of water for both humans and wildlife.

The floodplains are the only place in Botswana where puku antelope can be seen in any significant numbers. The Savuti Channel within the park is one of Africa’s most famous spots for its large population of predators.

Linyanti Marsh lies on the western edge of Chobe National Park and is renowned for its exceptional game viewing opportunities. Selinda Reserve borders Linyanti Marsh on its northeastern side and offers some magnificent scenery. This includes riverine woodlands, open woodlands and lagoons teeming with bird life. You might also see red lechwe and sitatunga – two rare antelope species.

Visit Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is an amazing place that is teeming with life. It’s home to the famous Chobe elephant herds, as well as many other types of wildlife. The scenery is mesmerizing and there are so many different activities to take part in. 

While you’re here, see the park from as many different perspectives as you can! Opt for a game drive, boat cruise and even a hot air balloon ride! There really is something for everyone at Chobe National Park. Enjoy!

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

Okavango Lodge Safari

3-Day Chobe Camping Safari

Four Rivers Safari

Okavango – Chobe – Victoria Falls

Botswana Adventure Safari

Chobe Photographic Safari

Boat Cruise & Game Drive Day Trip

Chobe Savuti Safari

Chobe Safaris

Chobe Safaris inside the Chobe National Park. This unique national Park offers 4x4 roads along with an abundance of wildlife. Chobe safaris provide a variety of safari options to travellers. We have selected a range of experiences, including visiting the Chobe National Park. You can choose the level of comfort and adventure on your Chobe safari. Plan your visit to Chobe National Park. You can stay inside the Park or outside on the outskirts of the Park. The Chobe is accessible, and one can visit the Park daily.

Chobe Activities

Chobe Day Trips: You can visit Chobe Park on an open game drive vehicle and experience the wildlife of Botswana. You can also select a boat trip and enjoy a game viewing or sunset boat trip on the Chobe River.

Photographic Safari: Join a team of professional photographers and learn the art of wildlife photography. Wildlife photography is more than just capturing animals and landscapes. You can learn the techniques and functions of your camera equipment. Learn how to catch the action and compose your photographs. This Photographic safari will give you an added advantage before starting your Botswana Safari.

Multi-Day Camping Safari

These multi-day safaris are inclusive. These safaris will include park fees, entrance fees, all camping equipment, and meals and game drives—an excellent safari package for travellers on a budget.

Mobile Camping Tours: Mobile camping tours will take you into the heart of Chobe Park. Usually, a camp and passenger crew will guide you on your safari. These mobile safaris can be anything from 2 days to 21 days. They all pass through Chobe National Park.

Chobe Lodge Safaris: Lodge safaris are fully inclusive, with all activities, meals, and accommodation inclusive of the packages. Enjoy the wilderness and bush life in your chosen lodge's comfort.

Chobe Exclusive Flying Packages: Flying Safaris is the perfect fully inclusive safari for the discerned traveller. Suppose you seek a level of comfort, luxury and adventure in the bush. Small charter planes will transfer you to your lodges and destinations of choice. The advantage is the aerial views of Botswana and exclusive remote destinations. Flying Safaris are perfect for travellers with a limited travel time.

Chobe Safaris Highlights

• Multi-Day safaris.
• You can enjoy Exclusive Safari Packages.
• Book your Private Safari Tours.
• Enjoy the Excellent views over the Chobe Floodplains.
• Drive along the Chobe River.
• Experience Some of the best Birdwatching in Botswana.

Kasane is a popular destination in Botswana. It is a gateway to three surrounding countries, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, neighbouring Botswana. The city is perfect for a two or three-day stopover, making vehicle repairs, buying supplies and experiencing the Chobe National Park.

Day visits are prevalent in the Park. Enjoy an open game drive vehicle with a local guide. Most of the Kasane and the Park lodges offer whole game drives during your stay. Do not miss the opportunity to explore the Chobe National Park with professional safari guides.

When is a good time to visit Chobe on safari?

Chobe National Park is accessible throughout the year. Some roads will be closed during the Rainy season from November to April. However, you can still visit and experience the change of season. The camping safaris are best from May to December every year. Day visits during the rainy season will still allow for excellent wildlife experiences.

The local guides are professional and have years of experience. It is best to partake in a guided safari to introduce the Park and the animal behaviour. After that, you can explore the Park once you have an orientation and the road conditions.

Why Choose a Chobe Safari with local companies and guides?

The Chobe Park is a vast conservation area, and at Kasane, the Park meets with the Chobe River. Local knowledge and experience will teach you the behaviour of the animals. You will also have the chance to orient yourself in the Park and familiarise yourself with the roads. As a first visit to the Park, the local knowledge is decisive for your experience and identification of the wildlife and birdlife. A combination of a Chobe Game Drive and a Chobe River Experience will show the contrast between the Park and the behaviour of the animals.

How to Choose your Chobe Safari?

First, decide how you will travel towards the Chobe National Park. Are you joining an existing safari tour, flying to Botswana or undertaking a self-drive safari? Once you have chosen your mode of travel to the Park, select your time frame within this area of Chobe and Kasane. Select your accommodation or camping site in Chobe or Kasane. We suggest visiting the Park and the Chobe River for at least two full days.

Chobe Camping Safaris

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Discover the Wonders of Chobe National Park: An Unforgettable Safari Experience in Botswana

• March 28, 2023

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Chobe National Park in Botswana is a unique destination that offers unforgettable experiences for those who love nature and wildlife. This park is located in the north of the country, near the borders of Namibia , Zimbabwe , and Zambia . It is one of the largest national parks in Africa , covering over 11,000 square kilometers! It is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles .

If you are planning a trip to Chobe National Park , here is what you need to know:

Table of Contents

Where is Chobe National Park?

Chobe National Park is located in northern Botswana , near the borders of Namibia , Zambia , and Zimbabwe . It is located along the Chobe River . 

Why is Chobe National Park Worth Visiting?

Chobe National Park is one of the most famous game reserves in Africa  due to its  large size, diversity of animals,  and  different safari options.

Animals in Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park  boasts a huge variety of wildlife, including the largest concentration of elephants in Africa , estimated to be over 50,000 individuals. Visitors to Chobe National Park can witness large herds of elephants bathing and playing in the Chobe River , which runs through the park.

In addition to elephants, the park is also home to lions, leopards, hyenas, rhinos, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras , and many species of antelope s. Bird lovers will be delighted with the over 450 species of birds that can be found in the park, including very colorful species such as the African Fish Eagle and the Lilac-breasted Roller .

Chobe National Park experience

Chobe National Park offers a unique safari experience, with opportunities for game drives, boat safaris, and even walking safaris. The park is also situated near the borders of Namibia , Zimbabwe , and Zambia , making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring southern Africa . During my stay in Chobe , I was lucky enough to see crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, hippos, kudu, impalas, water buffalo, baboons, and more!  The amount of large animals that I saw in Chobe National Park is comparable to Ngorongoro Crater .

Boat Safari

Chobe river.

The Chobe River is a vital source of water for wildlife in the park, making it an excellent location for animal viewing. It serves as a natural border between nearby countries, and provides an excellent opportunity for a boat safari .

Doing a boat safari along the Chobe River is a memorable experience and one of the highlights of my trip to Botswana. The Chobe River , which acts as the border between Botswana and Namibia , is home to a wide variety of animals. You will be able to see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants in the water, as well as dozens of different animals that come down to the river to drink.

The boats used for safaris are specially designed and equipped for wildlife viewing. They are spacious, with comfortable seating and a roof to protect you from the sun. Certain boats allow you to climb onto the roof for an even better view of the area. The boats’ low sides provide an unobstructed view of the riverbanks and animals.

Boat safaris are led by experienced and knowledgeable guides who will share their expertise on the river’s wildlife and ecosystem. My guide discussed the history of the Chobe River , including past border disputes between the two countries, and was able to give us interesting facts about each animal we encountered . They will also ensure your safety and answer any questions you may have.

I participated in a game drive at around noon, following the boat safari. The wildlife is very active around this time, until the hottest time of the day, around 3 or 4 pm .

Wildlife at Chobe

The diversity of wildlife that we saw was impressive, especially near the banks of the Chobe River! There were large groups of impalas , often at least 100 impalas per herd! Baboons were frequently found alongside them, with the adults grooming each other and children playing nearby. 

Elephants were a common sight, either traveling in herds or solitary, during our excursion. It was interesting to see them wading into the river to eat and cool down. They would rip the grass out with their trunks, and then swing them back and forth to get the mud off of the roots before eating it. It was a very interesting sight to behold.

Advice for Game Drive

These game drives are conducted in open safari vehicles, giving you a 360 degree view of the area . Make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect you while you are admiring the wildlife and scenery!

While you are able to drive around the park on your own, I recommend participating in a tour with an experienced guide. Not only are they experts at tracking animals, but they also communicate with other people around the park . That way, if a rare animal is spotted, the guides will immediately drive you to that location to try to find it.

How to Get To Chobe National Park

Getting to Chobe National Park is relatively easy, with a few options to choose from.

If you’re flying to Chobe National Park , the closest international airport is located in Kasane . From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle to your accommodation within the park. Alternatively, you can hire a tour that will pick you up from the airport.

From Livingstone or Victoria Falls

Many visitors to Chobe National Park travel from nearby towns, such as Victoria Falls or Livingstone . There are several tours that will take you from these cities to Chobe National Park for a day trip or up to a week. I participated in a safari with Kalahari Tours , and I was very happy with the experience. They arranged the transportation to and from Chobe , including the border crossing , as well as the boat safari and game drive.

Just make sure to check the border requirements for each country before setting off.

Tips for Visiting

Before your safari trip to Chobe National Park, here are 5 tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly

1. Choose the Right Time to Visit

The best time to visit Chobe National Park is during the dry season (May to October) when the animals congregate around the water sources. However, this is also peak tourist season, so book early. If you prefer fewer crowds and more affordable prices , consider visiting during the rainy season (November to April) . I visited Chobe National Park in March, and was lucky enough to experience perfect weather. There were also not many tourists there. Sometimes, you just get lucky.

2. Bring the right gear

It gets bright here, especially near the river, so bring sunglasses and sunscreen . The evenings get chilly, especially during the dry season, so bring warm clothes . One thing I wish I had that I didn’t was binoculars . You never know when a lion or water buffalo will appear in the distance, so you want to be able to look at them while you have the chance!

3. Plan ahead and book in advance

Chobe National Park is a popular destination, and availability for lodging and safari tours can fill up quickly. Make sure to book your accommodations and safari tours well in advance to ensure you have the best possible experience.

4. Booking the safari from Botswana is much cheaper

Going on a safari in Chobe National Park is a popular activity for many travelers in Livingstone, Zambia who come to visit Victoria Falls. While there are many tours that will take you right across the nearby border to Botswana, you can save hundreds of dollars by traveling to Botswana and booking the safari from there! This may be a great option for budget travelers who wish to spend multiple days in Chobe National Park.

5. Bring insect repellent

Mosquitoes and other insects can be prevalent in Botswana, especially during the rainy season. While you are driving, you will be fine. But when your safari truck stops so you can look at animals, you’ll be surprised at how quickly bugs will swarm on you . Bring insect repellent to protect yourself from bites and reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever.

Need help planning your trip? Click HERE to find a variety of tools and information that can help make your travel planning more enjoyable.

Resources for your trip.

Book A Cheap Flight The first place to look for cheap flights is Skyscanner . This website gathers information from different companies and websites around the world to find the best deals for you. One of their best features is the ability to see the cheapest day to fly each month. Google Flights is another excellent resource.

Book A Place To Stay Booking.com is my go-to website for booking accommodations. They consistently have some of the best prices for hotels and frequently have deals. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . If you specifically want to rent a home, check out AirBnB or Vrbo .

Looking For A Tour? The best resource for looking up tours is GetYourGuide . This company will make planning your itinerary a breeze. For budget travelers , I recommend looking up available tours here and trying to organize them yourself to save some money.

Use Your Phone Abroad Whenever I travel abroad, I use Airalo . This is a company that offers eSIM services via a phone app. It is very convenient and you won’t have to worry about swapping SIM cards out of your phone. You can pay a few dollars for plans that range from 1 week to 1 year. Use the Promo Code ANDREW9734 for $3 off your first purchase!

How To Travel On A Budget? Traveling on a budget is my specialty. Check out my post on Traveling Internationally With Only A Personal Item . For other ideas on saving money while traveling, check out my ebook The World Is Yours: How to Afford International Travel on a Budget .

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Andy Alcala

Hey there! I'm a travel enthusiast always seeking new adventures. I've visited over 70 countries, mostly in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. I prefer to travel off the beaten path, where I've discovered hidden gems and authentic cultural experiences that are often overlooked by most travelers. I look forward to sharing my stories with you!

Experiences

• Responsible Tourism
• Standard room
• Triple room
• Honeymoon Suite
• Family Suite
• Family Safaris
• Game Drives
• Spa Treatments
• Boat Safaris

The lodge where it all began

Chobe Game Lodge is a pioneering lodge on the banks of the world-renowned game-rich Chobe River.

As the oldest 5-star Lodge in the area, and indeed in Botswana, the Lodge occupies an enviable position right inside Chobe National Park, giving guests a launchpad from which to explore the Park at first light. The early bird, as they say, finds the best game.

In 2014 we launched the first solar-powered boats and safari vehicles, creating silent safaris that transform the safari experience.  

Nestled on the banks of the Chobe, under a canopy of trees, Chobe Game Lodge consists of 40 beautifully designed and spacious rooms and a further four luxurious suites. Every room is air-conditioned and has its own private terrace overlooking the Chobe. Suites have their own infinity plunge pools facing the river.

The main areas are relaxed and comfortably laid out, with two complimentary bars and numerous spots to dine.  

Naturally the focus of the lodge lies with the majestic Chobe River, and the 250 meter boardwalk brings you up close to where the action is. Find a spot along the platform and settle in to watch colours change and the action unfold.

In the press

Chobe offers an elegant five-star experience with 40 spacious and stylish rooms, along with four luxurious suites. Guests can unwind in various complimentary bars and seating areas or by the pool, and they can choose from various dining areas.

Enjoy the diversity of the region’s abundant wildlife on guided 4WD game drives and take in the beauty of the famous Chobe River on a boat safari while witnessing massive herds of animals and prolific birdlife along the riverfront.

In the news

Guiding with grace, leading with strength, celebrating 50 years in tourism in botswana, chobe game lodge unveils new website., sustainable luxury tourism at its finest: chobe game lodge.

Elephant in the room: Why Botswana, Namibia want fewer of the gentle giants

Botswana alone is home to a third of the entire African elephant population – more than any other country in the world.

They might be an awesome sight to see from a safe distance on safari as they lumber around with their big, lopping ears and long trunks, but for those who live side by side with elephants, these mammals can quickly become a menace.

Elephants’ numbers in African countries have dwindled hugely in the past. Conservation efforts since the 1980s, however, have seen populations recover somewhat. In Southern African countries, where about half of the African elephant population resides, their higher numbers mean they are starting to come into conflict with humans.

Keep reading

Disappearing eels and the fight for a centuries-old livelihood, in colombia, hunting poachers, not drug traffickers, why are one-fifth of the world’s migratory species facing extinction, botswana threatens to send 20,000 elephants to germany.

As a result, some of these countries have tried to reduce their elephant numbers. In Botswana, which has the largest number of elephants in the world, President Mokgweetsi Masisi has sought to push controversial policies, like the promotion of hunting by rich tourists. Last month, he lashed out at the German government for considering a ban on the import of elephant parts, threatening to send Berlin 20,000 of its jumbos.

The diplomatic spat made catchy headlines. But it belied the serious challenges facing elephants, rural communities and conservationists working to find solutions.

How have elephant numbers changed in the past?

Following long periods of overhunting and poaching for their meat and expensive ivory tusks, elephant numbers collapsed dramatically across Africa between the 1970s and 80s. About 100,000 elephants were killed each year during that time, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). While an estimated three to five million elephants roamed the continent around 1930, the number had fallen to 1.3 million in 1979, the WWF says. According to researchers who have looked back as far as the 1500s, elephant populations in Africa have shrunk by some 98 percent.

Numbers continued to fall from 1979 until conservation practices – including crucial bans on sales of elephant parts and trophy hunting – halted the decline. Total elephant numbers in Africa currently stand at about 415,000, according to WWF estimates.

This is still low compared with historical numbers. In particular, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the African bush elephant as endangered and the African forest elephant as critically endangered, meaning they still face the threat of extinction.

The African bush elephant is a bigger animal inhabiting the savannah grasslands of Southern and Eastern Africa, making up 70 percent of the total population on the continent. Its cousin – the African forest elephant – is native to Western and Central Africa and is recognisable by its smaller, rounded ears and short, pointed tusks.

Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe together account for more than half of the African bush elephant population. Botswana alone is home to about 130,000 bush elephants – about half of the region’s numbers. It is a big country with a small population of two million people, comparable in size to France, which has a population of 67 million. For every 15 people in Botswana, there is about one elephant.

Zimbabwe has the second-largest bush elephant population at about 100,000.

Why have rising numbers of elephants become a challenge?

The largest living land animals’ feeding habits can dramatically alter ecosystems during their roughly 60 years of life. They have few natural predators to manage their numbers besides humans and, with people out of the way, elephants can populate quickly, says researcher Lucy King from the non-profit organisation, Save the Elephants.

“When left alone, they breed pretty well [and] their numbers can go up quite steadily over time because their survival rate is pretty good,” King says.

During the same time that elephant numbers have steadied, human population growth has doubled across Africa. In Southern and Eastern Africa, the population grew from 312 million in 1994 to 633 million in 2021 according to the United Nations Population Fund. That growth has seen humans occupy more land area and increasingly encroach on wildlife habitats. Settlements and farms have also cut roaming wildlife off from water or food sources.

As a result, humans and elephants are coming into more frequent contact and are clashing over the same resources. Foraging herbivores often roam onto farms, rip open thatch roofs on huts in search of food or cause damage to water pipes and other infrastructure. This has prompted angry locals to retaliate and attack them. Those interactions can be fatal for both man and beast.

Climate change has also caused more elephants to wander further than they once would have – and to more unpredictable places – to seek scarce food and water.

Zimbabwe is a peak conflict site, but human-elephant clashes are increasingly occurring across the region, King says.

Countries like Zimbabwe and Botswana blame elephant overpopulation and argue that reducing their numbers would reduce these clashes. However, some experts reject this suggestion, pointing out that there used to be many more elephants in Africa.

How have governments tried to tackle the issue?

South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana have all tried to reduce the number of elephants in their territory at certain points, but nearly all their methods have been met with criticism or outright condemnation from animal welfare organisations.

One practice is culling – the deliberate targeting and killing of several animals, usually whole families, together.

This practice was popular around the 1980s and 90s. In South Africa’s Kruger Park, a culling campaign saw about 14,000 elephants killed between 1967 and 1995. However, the practice was outlawed after African countries faced a global backlash, such as widespread calls for tourists to boycott countries culling elephants.

However, in 2008, South Africa defied the global outcry and lifted its culling ban. In 2021, Zimbabwe – which had killed about 50,000 elephants between 1967 and 1988 – said it was considering bringing back  the practice.

Conservationists such as King argue that culling is particularly cruel for elephants, who are emotionally intelligent and can experience trauma. Besides, the method is not effective and will “hardly scratch the surface”, she says.

Governments have also attempted to simply sell off part of their herds, although animal welfare groups say elephants could be shipped to zoos and used for human entertainment.

In 2021, Namibia auctioned 170 elephants but sold only a third – at 5.9 million Namibian dollars ($400,000). There was so much bad press and criticism of the sale that buyers were discouraged, officials said.

Another way to control numbers is by allowing trophy hunting, whereby countries license adventure seekers – usually tourists from the United States and other Western countries – to kill a limited number of animals in specific, allocated areas for their horns, skins and tusks. Often, these tourists target male elephants – or bulls – for their bigger tusks.

Government officials in Southern Africa – and hunters themselves – argue that hunting helps manage the elephant population naturally and provides revenue for local communities. That in turn incentivises local communities to stop illegal poaching and to ensure that elephant numbers remain steady — and never drop below a sustainable level. Hunting licences can cost as much as $10,000, depending on the animal being hunted.

African governments are often angered by the idea of Western countries telling them the practice is unethical – hence the threat by Botswana to ship 20,000 elephants to Germany. Botswana’s President Masisi has been a particular advocate for the return of hunting licences. In 2019, after he took office, Botswana lifted a five-year ban on elephant hunting.

What are the arguments against hunting?

Some conservationists dismiss this anger from African governments.

“I just think it’s extremely shortsighted. I think it’s a convenient smokescreen behind which to hide and justify trophy hunting which is big business,” says Ross Harvey, a wildlife economist with the non-profit organisation Good Governance Africa. Harvey points out that much of the funds from trophy hunting – first introduced in colonial Kenya – go to wealthy businessmen who own trophy hunting companies, rather than into conservation efforts.

“How much of it actually ends up going to conservation is highly questionable, certainly not enough to conserve the landscape, and how much of it accrues to poor community members is also extremely unclear,” he adds. “But now that elephant is gone, now you live with the negative effects of having taken out all the bulls – typically in their reproductive peak.”

Older males often help guide younger bulls, teaching them where to find food and water, or how to behave. When they are killed, younger males can become aggressive, researchers have found.

“My prediction is that you’re going to see an increase in human and elephant conflict because when you take out all the bulls that are responsible for disciplining the herd, then crop raiding is going to increase, not decrease,” says Harvey.

So, what is the solution?

Harvey says while elephant numbers may have increased since the 1990s, the real problem is not one of “overpopulation” but rather of humans cutting off connecting land strips or corridors which elephants – and all wildlife – use to migrate in search of food and habitat. Freeing up those spaces, he argues, will reduce human-elephant interactions.

“If you shoot them, you just exacerbate the problem,” he says.

“There’s only two solutions really,” says King. “One, to have breathing space. We keep throwing up fences everywhere and stopping [elephants], so they get squeezed into areas where they can then deplete the vegetation incredibly fast. The only solution is to release the valves and make sure the fences come down. That does not mean that elephants should be everywhere … but you can’t fence elephants in.”

In northern Botswana, one initiative called the “Eco-Exist Project” worked with locals to identify and demarcate more than 60 elephant corridors across the sprawling Okavango Delta. The team then worked with communities to replan village layouts, so that farms, homes and other infrastructure would be positioned away from these “elephant highways”.

It is not yet clear how much this project has reduced human-elephant conflict, but some 65,000 hectares (160,600 acres) of farmland belonging to 500 farmers, have been protected so far. Farmers have also clustered to share farm spaces which they have ringed with fences or crops such as chilli – which elephants dislike and therefore avoid.

Another solution, King says, is to teach people how to live more harmoniously with the animals. Her research on natural ways to fend off elephants from settlements and farms in southern Kenya has yielded some results.

King found that when she played sound recordings of swarming bees, elephants would disperse in a hurry. She then started to experiment with building beehive fences around several farmsteads. This is a rudimentary method which is suitable for rural communities – farmers need only poles to mount boxes housing the hives. Women then harvest the honey and sell it for some side income. The method is now being employed in 17 African countries and some areas in Asia.

“We’re really proud about it … and it’s completely open source,” King says. “We let people have the manuals, develop their own bio fence project, and run with it. And the interesting thing is it’s really working everywhere.”

However, the method works for small land areas only. It is also threatened by drought – which is not conducive for bees.

Animals Around the Globe

10 Best African Countries for Safari

Posted: December 19, 2023 | Last updated: December 19, 2023

#1 Botswana

Recommended Tours:

Thus, poachers are seen as enemies of the people. As a result, Botswana has come into view as Africa's most sought-after ecotourism destination. Starting from the Chobe National Park to the Moremi Nature Reserve, you'll be able to witness numerous gems all around the country.

Back in 2014, Botswana widely banned the hunting of wild animals and implemented strict laws which are still in practice. The country resumes its zero-tolerance for poaching and their very own environmental minister, Tshekedi Khama, has even launched a shoot-to-kill policy for poachers.

Botswana, with its wildlife conservation and natural parks, is a haven for nature lovers. It is currently in the top 5, as its approach to the protection and conservation of wildlife is worth the praise. As a country, it is very forward-thinking, some may even call it aggressively forward-thinking when it comes to its preservation and anti-poaching laws.

Its fertile land provides a safe and comforting home to around 200 mammal species. This includes elephants, hippos, monkeys and so much more. Along with 650 bird species and 5,500 plants. Even though the country is still underdeveloped and most of the population live in rural households, its national parks, and sight-seeing destinations are on the top 10 of our lists.

Even though many would face some difficulties in locating Malawi on a map, given how tiny it is, the country is home to the world-renowned Lake Malawi National Park. This is practically one-third of the country and is the most biodiverse lake in the world.

Most of the land in Namibia is occupied by the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. Along with that, the country also has 12 national parks and many other areas which are protected. So, if you go there for a safari, you'll have many rich areas to see and explore.

When it comes to countries with the least amount of population, Namibia is one of them. Which proves to be a good thing for nature. This is because most of the land in Namibia is still unspoiled by human filth or any sort of development, giving nature a chance to breathe.

In the country's Volcanoes National Park, you'll find 10 habituated gorilla families. Groups of 8 trekkers can visit them for one hour per day. But that's enough to get the best African safari experience. And as a nature lover, you'll enjoy the experience to the max.

If you've been around for some time, you'll be familiar with Rwanda's mountain gorillas. They were famously broadcasted and their fight for survival was shown on  National Geographic . This was all thanks to the late  Dian Fossey  back in the 1970s who advocated for the rights of these mountain gorillas throughout her life.

Considering the tragic history surrounding the mass genocide of the people of Rwanda back in 1994, it's truly a blessing what the country has achieved in the past 25 years. There have been countless investments in infrastructure. This has resulted in the country being a very fast-growing destination for ecotourism.

#6 South Africa

But given all the advantages, it's safe to conclude that South Africa also suffers from over-tourism. I mean, if you have so many great attractions, people will flock towards it. Chances are that you'll find yourself in the middle of dozens of unruly visitors who are not too keen on obeying the rules. This occurs mostly during the peak seasons.

Annually, the country has one million visitors. Its biggest attraction is the Kruger National Park with its enrichment in biodiversity. Visitors there also have the liberty to self-drive, thus, getting a first-person private but superb experience. 

For some time now, South Africa has been climbing the charts to become one of the most popular destinations for African safaris. Given its location, South Africa is a very convenient and cheap destination for people from the United States. Besides that, the country also boasts a well-developed infrastructure which makes it perfect for luxury travelers as well.

#7 Tanzania

One of the most popular locations would be the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The country is also a haven for 1100 different bird species. It's no wonder that Tanzania gets this much rep. Especially when the country boasts so many wonders.

We talked about Kenya being the top destination for Safari. Now Tanzania here takes second place in being the continent's most popular safari destination. And why shouldn't it? The country has 16 national parks and an extraordinary amount of wealth and wildlife wonders for the people to witness.

Some of its natural attractions include housing the highest mountain range in Africa. It also has the world's largest free-standing volcano and the second-largest freshwater lake. With its 30 national parks and other wildlife reserves, Uganda boasts many more sanctuaries which are worth the visit. Especially if you're a lover of nature and wildlife.

Often called "The Pearl of Africa", Uganda is certainly a great pick for an African safari. Its reputation as being one of the best ecotourism destinations comes from the country's natural attractions and wildlife.

Out of its 20 national parks, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to many wildlife animals such as African elephants, Angolan giraffes, Cape buffalo, etc. Other than that, there are many private ownerships of National parks, notably the Kasanka National Park which is near the basin of Lake Bangweulu. It's a safe place where visitors can see 400 different avian species.

Zambia may be a bit far down the list of popular destinations for your African safari, but many consider it to be a destination for diversified and immersive safari experiences, and making a notable feature on our 10 Best African Countries for Safari guide. The country is steadily focusing on conservation as their president has shown a keen interest and is working on building the nation's economy as well as the infrastructure.

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Chobe National Park

Chobe Princess boat cruise

Lodge style Intimate cruise

Flooded with calmness

Have you ever dreamt of a private villa on the water? This might become reality when you step aboard one of the three Chobe Princesses. With no set itinerary and only a small number of guests per boat, staying here feels like being on your own houseboat – and a very well appointed one, that is. Book the entire boat for your family or group of friends and relax during this intimate river safari. Open your curtains to sensational sunrises, feast on amazing meals while enjoying a 360° Botswana view and slip into the slow rhythm of the river. The crew will pamper you with unaffected warmth and generosity, doing whatever they can to make this trip memorable. And as if their hospitality alone isn’t something to remember, the wildlife viewing will definitely remain in your memories for a lifetime. As you drift down the Chobe River, you will be exposed to incredible game viewing from several mooring points along the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. Hop on the smaller tender boats and view wildlife from the water: a completely different experience from a game drive, as animals are more relaxed and at ease.

The Pride of the Zambezi accommodates passengers in five elegant en-suite cabins located on the lower deck and one en-suite cabin on the top deck. Each cabin can be made up as a twin or double, with fans, mosquito gauze and built-in cupboards. Wake up to be perfectly positioned for game viewing from the comfort of your own room. Elephants taking a dust bed, hippos going for their morning swim: you will sit front row. Tastefully and contemporary decorated, the rooms are deeply calming and feel deliciously remote. When your mind is at ease and disconnected from our fast Western world, it is time to discover the main areas of the boat. The middle deck is the heart of the boat with a fully equipped bar, comfortable lounge and dining area. This deck offers complete protection from the elements if needed, as well as a flat screen television and a plunge pool. The top deck features sun loungers (a great place to spot wildlife while sipping a cold drink). All areas boast incredible views while the boat cruises down the river.

Activities on the Chobe Princess

Staying on board of a Chobe Princess means that you are the captain of your river safari cruise. No tight schedules, no noisy engines, just the tranquillity of the ancient river. While sailing the Chobe River, the houseboat its top deck provides an ideal platform from which to view Chobe National Park’s abundant wildlife. In addition, each houseboat has a minimum of three smaller tender boats for use on a number of daily excursions that may take your fancy: gaze at four meter long crocodiles, laying still as tree trunks, witness a spectacular hippo fight, or mark off over 500 bird species found in this wetland paradise. After watching some of the magnificent wildlife, you can try your hand at landing a tiger fish, or capture Africa's unique beauty on a photographic safari. For those seeking more physical activity: go on a village walk or guided walk safari, as you will soon discover the mindfulness of walking on African soil. As mentioned earlier: your itinerary is a personal affair. Whenever you feel like lazing on a deck chair with a good read, grab that opportunity. It is all about finding your own flow.

Tripadvisor comments Chobe Princess

Having come from Kruger Park, I wasn't sure if I could top the experience - but I was wrong! We got so close to the crocodiles and hippos, and saw separate groups of elephants crossing the river. Such an amazing experience. Don't miss out on doing this. ch0775 from London, UK

The boat cruises are an excellent way to view animals up close as they take you to where the animals are. Elephants, crocodiles and buffalo were just a few of the animals we were able to get close to. The sunset on the Chobe River at the end of the cruise was just spectacular. The boat cruise is definitely a must for every visitor to Chobe National Park. Anne N from Perth, Australia

The boat is comfortable (including AC) and a relaxed break from the full programme you get in landbased safari camps. Wildlife slides past while cruising, the excursions in the small boats are quiet and calm, and starting time of the morning excursion is negotiable. However, do not expect spectacular wildlife experience like seeing big predators, but large herds of elephant and buffaloe, river crossing elephants and birds are also impressing sights. Marj0leinT from Utrecht, the Netherlands