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Chobe National Park is the 3rd largest national park in Botswana and the most biologically diverse. It falls marginally behind the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Gemsbok National Park in size. Known as the ‘Elephant Capital of Botswana’, Chobe is home to the largest elephant population in Africa and boasts one of the largest game concentrations in Africa.
Located in north-eastern Botswana, it falls within an area where two major biomes converge. The Kalahari savanna merges into the lush acacia woodlands and Zambezi teak forests that flank the magnificent Chobe River. The national park takes its name from this glorious river which flows from the Cuando River in Angola.
Discover the best-kept secrets of this magnificent wilderness region and why you should plan a safari tour to Chobe National Park.
Chobe National Park competes with the magical Okavango Delta and the mysterious Kalahari Desert and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana for tourist attention but it’s definitely a firm favourite with wildlife travellers. Quite simply, it’s breathtakingly-beautiful and packed with game.
Chobe National Park is divided into 4 distinct ecosystems which lends itself to spectacularly diverse fauna and flora; from lush forested river banks and floodplains to marshlands, rolling grasslands, dense woodlands and dry savanna plains. Chobe’s different habitats attract an abundance of game and bird, including the largest population of elephant in Africa and strong numbers of predators.
The only member of the Big 5 that’s not found in Chobe is rhino. You’ll find strong populations of elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard. In fact, Chobe is well-known for its elephant-killing lion and incredible leopard sightings. Sightings of cheetah and wild dog are also relatively common.
Home to a population of over 120 000 elephants, Chobe National Park is known as the ‘Elephant Capital of Africa’. The Chobe elephants are Kalahari Elephants which are the largest elephants in Africa. This doesn’t deter the lions of Chobe who’ve become famous for regularly bringing down full grown elephants.
Fishing safaris on the Chobe River offer some of the best angling experiences in Africa, especially if you’re going after the ferocious tiger fish. Tigerfish grow up to 8 kilograms in the deep waters of Chobe River so it’s no wonder the mighty river attracts thousands of avid fisherman each year, particularly in the dry winter between May to October.
Home to over 450 bird species, the Chobe National Park is heaven for avid birdwatches. The birdlife is particularly good in the northern region along the banks of the Chobe River. The best time for a birding safari in Chobe is from November to April when the migrant birds descend on the Park.
Game viewing and bird watching while floating down the Chobe River either on a sunset boat cruise or houseboat makes a holiday in Chobe National Park worth every cent. It’s so much better than driving through the bush in an open safari vehicle because you’re able to get close to the game and birds who stick close to the water’s edge. Chobe boat cruises and houseboat holidays are unbelievably relaxing and enjoyable.
Chobe was established in 1967 and was the country’s first national park. The original inhabitants were the Basarwa people who are more commonly known as the San bushmen. Paintings by this ancient tribe dating back to the 1910s are found in the rocky hills that lie scattered across the Chobe landscape.
In 1885, to counter Boer expansion from South Africa and Ndebele incursions led by Mzilikazi from the north, Bechuanaland (former name) came under British protection. By 1895, Rhodes’ British South Africa Company hoped to annex Bechuanaland which prompted 3 Batswana chiefs to persuade Queen Victoria to keep their land under British control.
While under British rule, the vast wilderness area was divided into different portions by colonial authorities and the bulk of it was classified as belonging to the Crown. The idea of creating a national park to protect and preserve the indigenous wildlife originated at this time in the early 1930s. The aim was to safeguard the natural resources through sustainable tourism initiatives.
About 24 000 square kilometres within the Chobe Linyanti System was designated a ‘no hunting’ concession and later expanded to an area of some 31 600 square kilometres. Tragically, a tsetse fly infestation in 1943 almost wiped out the game in the region.
In 1957, the national park project was given the official stamp of approval, although by then the protected area had been reduced to 21 000 square kilometres. Chobe Game Reserve was established in 1960 and officially declared a national park in 1967. It was Botswana’s first national park.
The national park is named after the mighty Chobe River that is the lifeblood of the Chobe Linyanti System. It forms Botswana’s northern boundary with Namibia.
The Chobe River changes its name four times after entering the country. It enters Botswana as the Kwando River, becomes the Linyanti River, for a short while it’s the Itenge River and finally the Chobe River. It’s essentially an overflow of the Linyanti Swamp and Lake Liambezi.
This magnificent river merges with the iconic Zambezi River near the city of Kasane. Both rivers make their way towards Victoria Falls, although most of the water in the river system is backwash from the Zambezi when it’s in flood.
The Chobe riverfront is a haven for animals and birds, in particular large populations of elephant. It’s also the best place to visit for fishing, birding and photographic safaris and, of course, renowned for its sunset river cruises and Chobe houseboat holidays.
Covering an area of 11 700 square kilometres, the national park is made up of 4 distinct ecosystems. This includes the Serondela riverfront, Savuti marshes, Linyanti swamps and the Nogtsaa and Tchinga pans.
The most popular place to visit in Chobe National Park is the Serondela, otherwise known as the Chobe riverfront. It’s spectacularly beautiful with lush plains and dense forests flanking the mighty Chobe River and it’s renowned for its abundance of animals and prolific birdlife.
Most luxury lodges in the Chobe are located on the Chobe riverfront and they’re hugely popular as outdoor destinations for fishing safaris, game viewing boat cruises and houseboat holidays.
Elephants are the highlight of any trip to the Serondela region. These mighty giants as well as an abundance of regular game and birds converge on the large permanent water source during the dry winter months.
Located in the north-east of the Park, it’s the closest area to Victoria Falls. If you want to combine a safari tour of Chobe National Park with a fun holiday to Victoria Falls, it’s the best area in Chobe to stay.
The Savuti Channel bisects the Chobe National Park and empties into the famous Savuti Marsh. Located in the western corner of the national Park, it’s renowned for its lush grasslands, savanna woodlands and high density of trees and vegetation. It’s where a number of epic wildlife documentaries have been made.
The Savuti Marsh itself is a relic of a vast inland lake that dried up centuries ago due to tectonic movement. It’s fed by the Savuti Channel although water supply is erratic and largely dependent on rainfall in other areas. The Savuti channel has been known to dry up for lengthy periods; more recently it filled up with water in 2008 after a dry spell of some 27 years.
A standout feature of the Savuti area is hundreds of dead trees that line the banks of the Savuti Channel. The magnificent trees succumbed to the lengthy dry periods but still stand sentry in ghostly clusters. Otherwise, the Savuti Marsh is characterised by vast savanna plains and rolling grasslands.
Strong populations of lions and hyenas and more rarely cheetahs are found in the Savuti area. They converge on the savanna plains during the annual zebra and wildebeest migration.
Situated in the north-western corner of Chobe and to the north of Savuti, this area is made up of a unique combination of lush marshlands and stark woodlands. The Linyanti Swamps is renowned for its large populations of predators and massive populations of elephant and buffalo.
The game is concentrated along the Linyanti River, particularly in the dry winter months. And obviously, an abundance of game attracts strong numbers of predators. This includes lions, leopards and wild dog. You’ll also find rare species of antelope such as the red lechwe and sitatunga as well as the crowd favourites; roan and sable antelope.
The Selinda Private Game Reserve lies to the west of the Linyanti swamps and Mamili National Park lies to the north of the Kwando River in Namibia.
Located in the northern corner of the Chobe National Park, the area is more typical of the dry Kalahari habitat. It can be unbearably hot and dry in the summer months. The area attracts large game numbers in the winter months, in particular late winter/spring between August and October. The reason it attracts so much game is it retains water well into the harsh dry winter months.
Nogatsaa is made up of a collection of clay-bottomed pans that hold water well into winter. Often it’s the only water available for game for miles during the dry season. The pans are surrounded by a mix of open grassland, mopane forest and mixed deciduous forests.
The Nogotsaa pans and Tchinga area of Chobe is virtually untouched by tourism development and only really attracts the die-hard wildlife enthusiast. It’s well-known for incredible sightings of the rare and majestic eland antelope and bird watching is very good around the pans.
The Ngwezumba River is the main water source running through the dry region but it only flows after exceptionally heavy rainfall.
The Chobe Linyanti system has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of Africa’s last unaffected wilderness areas. This remarkable ecosystem is made up of the Linyanti River in the north and the Chobe National Park in the east.
This vast natural system satisfies two main criteria:
The varied habitats of the Chobe Linyanti System includes marshes, waterways, riverine forests, dry woodlands and the world-famous Savuti channel. The Linyanti and Chobe rivers flow through the northern boundary of Chobe and support an incredible variety of fauna and flora. The Savuti channel runs through the southern region of the national park.
Renowned for its predators and massive herds of elephants, Chobe National Park is also home to rare antelope such as the red lechwe, sitatunga and Chobe bushbuck as well as unusual antelope species such as roan, sable, puku, tsessebe, eland and waterbuck.
The Chobe Linyanti System also supports a wide range of bird species, including rare and threatened species.
The Chobe National Park is best known for its impressive elephant population. Politicians state there are some 237 000 elephants in the Park in their quest to lift the ban on ivory hunting in the region, but the African Elephant Status Report estimates Botswana’s elephant population to be just over 131 000.
Regardless, Botswana can boast having the largest elephant population in Africa. The country supports approximately 30% of the continent’s entire elephant population which is estimated to be some 415 000 elephants.
Most of Botswana’s elephants originate from the largest continuous-surviving elephant population on Earth. They are the Kalahari elephants which are the largest in size of all the elephant species.
The vast majority of Botswana’s elephants are found in the northern region which includes Chobe, Moremi and the Okavango Delta. The Chobe elephants follow annual migratory routes which sees them travelling up to 200 kilometres between the Chobe and Linyanti rivers where they congregate in the hot winter season.
The elephant numbers in Botswana are striking but the population has actually declined by some 15% over a period of 10 years. The decline of elephant populations in other African countries is more dramatic but Botswana has been able to keep a lid on rampant poaching because of its solid conservation policies.
The iconic Okavango Delta and Moremi Reserve lie south west of Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia lie to the north east.
Before it was declared a national park, the Chobe area was used as grounds for trophy hunting and as a valuable source of teak wood for the burgeoning timber industry. Both destructive hunting and wood felling practices have been outlawed in the national park.
Botswana is landlocked and lies very close to the centre of southern Africa on an elevated plateau of approximately 1 000 metres. A large part of the country experiences low annual rainfall and for this reason, the Chobe River is the lifeblood of the northern region.
The Savuti channel in Chobe National Park dried up in 1888 and only flowed again 70 years later in 1957.
A tsetse fly infestation in 1940s almost derailed plans to turn the Chobe area into a national park. The bite of a tsetse fly is one of the most painful insect bites you can experience and the horrible fly is the carrier of sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in cattle. Fortunately, the tsetse fly problem has almost been eradicated, using the old-fashioned but effective tsetse fly trap.
Gobabis Hill in Savuti is renowned for its outstanding collection of San rock art paintings, dating back some 4 000 years. These early paintings capture scenes of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle, in particular livestock farming.
The only member of the Big 5 missing in Chobe National Park is rhino. You’ll find rhino at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Mashatu Game Reserve and Mokolodi Nature Reserve.
The most popular area to visit in Chobe National Park is the Serondela area. It’s the closest wildlife area to Victoria Falls and perfect for travellers wanting to experience both popular destinations.
Northern Botswana has 6 forest reserve that fall within the Chobe Linyanti System, occupying a total area of 455 400 hectares (about 1% of the country’s land). These include Kasane, Kasane Extension, Chobe, Kazuma, Maikaelelo and Sibuyu forest reserves.
The forest reserves border tribal lands and provide an important ecological buffer between human settlements and the protected wilderness areas. They’re made up of a complex mosaic of forests, national parks, farmlands, grazing lands and human settlements.
The Kasane Forest Reserve straddles a game-rich area between Chobe National Park and Matetsi Reserve. It’s renowned for incredible animal sightings, including lion and leopard. Floodlit waterholes are found close to Camp Kazuma which is a luxury lodge on a private concession in the reserve.
Kazuma Forest Reserve is a small but relatively dense patch of forest that straddles the Kazangula-Nata Road. It joins two of the world’s finest national parks; Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. The reserve is made up of vast open plains, dotted with pans that are mostly dry. It’s regarded as the world’s busiest elephant corridor.
Gobatsaa Hill is a rocky monolith that rises up from the Savuti landscape. It’s most famous for rock art paintings created by the San people (Bushmen), some of which dates back to some 4 000 years ago. A 1.6 kilometre sandy track encircles the massive rock.
The reason why locals call it Leopard Rock is because the caves, rocky clefts and dense undergrowth is the ideal habitat for leopards. You need to be on the lookout for leopards when exploring Gobatsaa Hills and its rock art galleries.
Impalila Island is located on the far eastern tip of Namibia, bounded on the north by the Zambezi River and on the south by the Chobe River. A waterway known as the Kasai Channel cuts this piece of land from the rest of the Caprivi floodplains in the west.
It’s home to about 3 000 people spread across 25 small rural villages. There’s no electricity on the island and homes are built using mostly sand and reeds.
A short boat cruise takes you across to the 12-kilometre long and 4-kilometre wide island. Spend the morning exploring the island in the company of a local guide and meet the local people living in the traditional rural settlements.
Impalila Island is rich in history and famous for being the meeting point between four countries; Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. It was discovered by Dr David Livingstone in the early 1800s during his epic journey from Luanda in Angola to Quelimane in Mozambique.
KASANE
The wild and remote village of Kasane is the gateway to the Chobe National Park. It lies sandwiched between the borders of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia and the Chobe National Park.
Situated on the banks of the mighty Chobe River, residents of Kasane are used to elephants, warthogs and predators wondering through their unfenced town. Kasane overlooks the Zambezi region in Namibia which was previously known as the Caprivi Strip.
It’s the ideal destination in Botswana to base yourself if you’re planning to combine a Chobe safari tour with a trip to Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls and Livingstone in Zambia are just over 1-hour’s drive from Kasane.
An interesting spot to visit in Kasane is the police station. It sits beside a broad-bellied baobab which long ago served as a jail cell. The giant tree is hollow in the middle and was large enough to hold a few prisoners at a time.
The Savuti Marsh is a vast area in the western region of Chobe National Park that’s characterised by open savanna grasslands. Suvute is the local word for “unclear” and it’s thought to be a reference to the unpredictable supply of water in the area.
The Savuti plains are lush and fertile during the rainy months in Botswana and home to large herds of elephant, buffalo and zebra. Wild date and ilala palm trees grow on small islands that dot the expansive wetland area.
Three artificial waterholes were put in by the Park’s authorities and they attract large herds of elephants during the dry season.
The town of Victoria Falls and the iconic waterfall is just over an hour’s drive from Chobe National Park. It’s a great idea to book an overnight tour of Victoria Falls to experience the highlights of the area and enjoy a few of the adventure activities on offer.
Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and, without doubt, one of the most spectacular sights you’ll see on a safari tour of Africa. It was named Mosi-oa-Tunya by the Makololo tribe, meaning ‘the Smoke that Thunders’.
When the water is high, over 950 cubic metres of water plummets over an almost 2-meter wide edge every minute; dropping over 100 meters into the Zambezi Gorge and creating the largest curtain of water in the world.
The Victoria Falls, the surrounding national park and much of the town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The major attractions fall within a national park that spans some 24 square kilometres.
Victoria Falls has earned itself the reputation of being the “Adrenalin Capital of Africa” and offers an exciting array of head-rushing activities; from bungee jumping 100 plus metres off a railway bridge to white water rafting through the Batoka Gorge and sitting on the precipice of the mighty falls in Devil’s Pool.
Accommodation in Chobe National Park ranges from ultra-luxury safari lodges to permanent tented camps and basic camping. There are also a few luxury safari lodges in Chobe on private concessions which are off limits to self-drive tourists.
International tourists visiting Chobe usually opt for a fully-inclusive Botswana safari package that includes flights in/out of the Park, accommodation, meals, drinks and safari and river adventures. It’s a vast country and unless you’re an avid wildlife traveller, it’s best to stick to the beaten route and book your Chobe safari tour through a reputable tour operator like Moafrika Tours.
A safari tour to Botswana is pricey but you have a wider choice of places to stay in Chobe that are more affordable than the luxury lodges in the Okavango Delta. You also have the option of camping which makes Chobe significantly more affordable for local tourists.
Here is a list of the popular safari camps in Chobe National Park that offer outstanding accommodation in a spectacular bushveld setting as well as incredible animal sightings on daily game drives or boat cruises on the Chobe River.
Accommodation in Chobe for 10 guests
Camp Savuti offers accommodation for 10 people in 5 Meru-style tents. Overlooking the Savuti Channel, you’re guaranteed incredible sightings of game and excellent bird watching.
Children of all ages are welcome at Camp Savuti.
Accommodation in Chobe for 80 plus guests
Chobe Game Lodge is an elegant 5-star eco-safari lodge that overlooks the magical Chobe River. It’s also the only permanent safari lodge on the Chobe riverfront.
Chobe Game Lodge is hugely popular as a fishing and birding destination and for idyllic game viewing on small motor boats or on a double-deck river boat.
The 44 elegantly designed ensuite guest suites lead out onto a large wooden deck which is the perfect spot to be for game viewing and bird watching. The 4 deluxe private suits have their own private deck and an infinity plunge pool.
A 250 metre elevated boardwalk and viewing decks offer panoramic views of the vast wilderness and the magical Chobe River.
Children of all ages are welcome at Chobe Game Lodge.
Accommodation close to Chobe for 12 guests
Chobe River Cottages offers self-catering accommodation in the Chobe National Park, on the Chobe riverfront close to Kasane. It’s the perfect stopover for families or self-drive tourists enroute to the Okavango Delta, Moremi Reserve and the Chobe National Park. The cottages are a short walk from shops, restaurants and banking facilities in the town.
The 6 self-catering chalets sleep 4 people and are fully-equipped for comfort and convenience. The main bedroom is ensuite and the comfortable lounge has a television with DSTV and Wi-Fi. The outside barbeque area is nestled in a secluded treed area and there’s a lovely swimming pool in the garden.
Children of all ages are welcome at Chobe River Cottages.
Accommodation in Chobe for 10 guests
Chobe Under Canvas is a novel concept and the new trend in safari accommodation in Botswana. It’s a mobile full-service tented lodge that’s moved and set up in different locations in a private campsite on a bi-weekly basis.
Chobe Under Canvas is owned and operated by &Beyond, the leading safari hospitality group in South Africa.
The private Chobe campsite is unfenced and game roams freely throughout the camp. Chobe Under Canvas offers avid wildlife enthusiasts an authentic safari experience in Chobe that’s reminiscent of the golden age of Africa explorations.
Chobe Under Canvas offers 5 spacious and comfortable safari tents with either double or twin beds, an ensuite bathroom with a steaming hot bucket shower and flush toilet. It may be tented accommodation in Chobe but modern conveniences and comfort are not sacrificed.
Children 12 years and older are welcome at Chobe Under Canvas.
Accommodation close to Chobe for 40 guests
Elephant Valley Lodge is located in the Chobe Forest Reserve which lies adjacent to Chobe National Park. It’s positioned alongside an elephant migration route so you’re guaranteed incredible sightings of large herds of elephants moving between Chobe and Zimbabwe.
Accommodation at Elephant Valley Lodge consists of 20 Meru-style ensuite luxury safari tents that are air-conditioned and equipped for comfort and convenience. The main lodge overlooks a large waterhole which makes for very exciting ‘sofa’ game viewing.
Children of all ages are welcome at Elephant Valley Lodge, but children under 6 years are not allowed on the daily game drives.
Accommodation in Chobe for 26 guests
Ghoha Hills Eco Lodge sits high up on a ledge overlooking the magnificent Savuti. It operates as an ‘off-the-grid’ luxury safari lodge, using solar power and alternative energy sources in order to significantly reduce its environmental impact.
The stunning tented lodge blends seamlessly with the surrounding Savuti bushveld and offers guests an authentic safari experience. Each ensuite safari tent is airconditioned and equipped for comfort and convenience. Located 150 kilometres south-west of Kasane, it’s the perfect stopover for safari tours to the Okavango Delta, Moremi Reserve and Chobe National Park.
Children of all ages are welcome at Ghoha Hills Eco Lodge. There are 2 luxury family-size safari tents that sleep 4 guests and are suitable for two adults and two children.
Accommodation close to Chobe for 16 guests
Kwando Lagoon Camp is a luxury safari camp located in the Kwando Concession. Birdlife and game viewing is excellent in the area, including sightings of the Big 5 and wild dog and sable.
Each ensuite safari tent is air-conditioned and equipped for comfort and convenience. The 8 suites are spacious and carefully set out under large ebony and marula trees on the banks of the Kwando Lagoon.
Children of all ages are welcome at Kwando Lagoon Camp. There is a family suite sleeping 2 adults and 2 children and a children’s club to keep young kids entertained while their parents are on game drives.
Accommodation in Chobe for 20 guests
Muchenje Safari Lodge sits on an escarpment within the Chobe Forest Reserve on the quieter western side of Chobe National Park. It’s perfectly situated with panoramic views of the Chobe River, Caprivi Strip and the seasonal floodplains.
It’s a scenic 2-hour drive from Victoria Falls and the perfect stopover for travellers on their way to the Okavango Delta and Moremi Reserve.
Muchenje has 11 thatched free-standing cottages, including a family cottage that sleeps 2 adults and 2 children. Each cottage has a spacious bathroom and a comfortable lounge area which leads out onto a private deck.
Children of all ages are welcome at Muchenje Safari Lodge.
Accommodation close to Chobe for 16 guests
Ngoma Safari Lodge is located in northern Botswana within the Chobe Forest Reserve. It borders the western boundary of Chobe National Park and is an hour’s drive from Kasane and a scenic 2-hour drive from Victoria Falls.
The safari lodge offers 8 ensuite river-facing suites that offer guests a quiet refuge in a spectacular setting. The emphasis is on luxury and comfort with indoor and outdoor showers and a private deck with a plunge pool.
Ngoma Safari Lodge is a joint privately-funded community project set up in association with the Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust. Through this programme, the local community directly benefits from the lodge through land leasing and employment opportunities.
Ngoma Lodge is 7 kilometres from Ngoma Gate on the border of Namibia and a short 5 kilometre drive from the nearest entrance into Chobe National Park.
Children of all ages are welcome at Ngoma Safari Lodge.
Accommodation close to Chobe for 28 guests
Pangolin Chobe Hotel is located in Kasane on a hill overlooking the Chobe River. It’s a unique hotel concept which features minimalist and clean design with contemporary décor. The hotel has 14 ensuite guest rooms with either a King-size bed or twin beds.
A striking feature is an infinity pool with a fireplace built in the middle of the pool. Other highlights include a spacious lounge and dining area with a wonderful bar on the deck offering panoramic views of the Chobe River, and a photo editing room with 20 desk spaces.
Children of all ages are welcome at Pangolin Chobe Hotel.
Accommodation in Chobe for 30 guests
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is an ultra-luxury lodge situated in stunning bushveld surrounds on the edge of Chobe National Park. It overlooks Namibia with panoramic views of the river islands and floodplains.
Guests have the choice of 15 luxury suites that are equipped for comfort and convenience. The Pool Suite at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero has its own private deck and plunge pool and is perfect for anyone booking a honeymoon in Botswana.
Special features at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero include a split-level swimming pool and an excellent spa facility.
Children of all ages are welcome at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero.
Accommodation in Chobe for 24 guests
Savute Safari Lodge is ideally positioned overlooking the Savuti Channel. The 12 thatched luxury ensuite units are built on a raised platform, offering panoramic views of the watercourse and surrounding bushveld.
Each ensuite chalet is equipped for comfort and convenience, with a private deck and comfortable lounge area. The main lodge has a glorious swimming pool and sundeck which overlooks the waterhole.
Children 6 years and older are welcome at Savute Safari Lodge.
Accommodation in Chobe for 16 guests
Serondela Lodge lies on the banks of the Chobe River on the Namibian side, looking out over the Chobe National Park. It’s renowned for incredible wildlife sightings, prolific birdlife and spectacular scenery. Located a short 17 kilometre drive from Kasane, it’s the perfect stopover for travellers enroute to the Okavango Delta, Moremi Reserve and Chobe National Park.
There are 8 luxury suites which face onto the river so you wake up to breathtakingly-beautiful sunrises. Each ensuite chalet is equipped for comfort and convenience, including one which is a family unit sleeping 2 adults and 2 children.
The luxury suites are spacious and secluded with a comfy lounge area and private viewing deck. Built with large windows, they’re designed for brilliant ‘sofa’ game viewing from the comfort of your private suite.
Children of all ages are welcome at Serondela Lodge.
There’s a fine selection of luxury accommodation in Chobe National Park but for a truly authentic safari experience, you have the choice of a number of well-managed camping sites located in spectacular riverfront and bushveld settings.
Travellers are welcome to make use of the public campgrounds in Chobe but they’re hugely popular and space is limited so you need to book well in advance to secure a spot. The campsites are unfenced and game roams freely through the campgrounds. You need to carefully consider whether camping is a safe option if you’re travelling with young children.
The public campgrounds in Chobe National Park have decent ablution facilities with showers and flushing toilets. You need to bring your own water, firewood and meals. There aren’t any restaurants or shops in the camp sites.
The camping rates are for a maximum of 3 vehicles per site and include:
Campsites in Chobe National Park can be booked through the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks. The DWNP handles all park entrance fees and also operates campsites in some of the parks, although a few campsites are privately operated on private concessions.
DWNP Central Reservations: +267 318 0774
DWNP email: [email protected]
DWNP office location: S19.98433 E23.42992
Ihaha Campsite is located on the Chobe Riverfront and has 10 sites available. The campsite overlooks a hippo pool in the dry season and in the rainy season, the river below the campground flows strongly.
The ablutions have flush toilets and hot showers powered by solar energy. There’s no electricity in Ihaha Campsite.
Savuti Campsite is a popular public campground that overlooks the Savuti Channel. There are 14 sites available; with running water, ablutions with showers and flushing toilets but no electricity.
Savuti Campsite is a 4-hour drive from Kasane and you need a 4×4 vehicle to get to it.
Linyanti Campsite overlooks the Linyanti Marsh and offers guests an incredible place to stay for excellent game viewing and bird watching.
The campsite only has 5 campsites; with running water, ablutions with showers and flush toilets but no electricity. They’re usually booked well in advance in the high tourist season from June to October.
One of the most popular things to do in Chobe National Park is a houseboat holiday. You have a choice of 3- and 4-star rated houseboats which are generally a more affordable option for accommodation in Chobe.
Most Chobe houseboats are marketed on an all-inclusive basis. This includes collection from Kasane Airport and transfer to Chobe River where the houseboat is moored as well as accommodation, meals, soft drinks and local alcoholic beverages and a combination daily game viewing or fishing excursions on smaller river boats.
What makes the Chobe houseboats so special is you can spend hours relaxing on the deck; watching game and birds parading past the boat on the river banks. You’re as close as you can be to the animals and birds.
Popular Chobe houseboats to consider for a wonderful family holiday in Chobe National Park are:
This is a collection of houseboats that operate from various spots along the beautiful Chobe River within the Chobe National Park. What makes them special is the number of people staying on the houseboats are limited so it feels a lot like a private boat charter.
The Chobe Princess Houseboats have been extensively refurbished and now offer international guests the ultimate luxury houseboat experience. Chobe Princess 1 has 5 luxury suites and Chobe Princess 2& # have 4 suites each.
The Pangolin Voyager Houseboat operates on the magical Chobe River within the Chobe National Park. When hired on an exclusive-use basis, it can be taken up to the Zambezi River for fishing, birding and photographic safaris.
The Pangolin is more than just a houseboat; it’s a floating luxury lodge that offers travellers a unique safari experience. Guests are picked up from Kasane Airport and transported to where the houseboat is moored on Chobe River.
Booked as a private tender boat on an all-inclusive package, you can look forward to hours of relaxation with a dedicated guide and a team on board to cater for your needs.
The Zambezi Queen Houseboat operates on the Chobe River outside of the Chobe National Park. Guests can be picked up from Kasane Airport or from Livingstone and Victoria Falls.
This magnificent Chobe houseboat has 14 semi-luxury suites, sleeping up to 28 guests. It can be hired on a exclusive-use basis for a family group or private function. It’s the biggest houseboat on the Chobe River.
It’s also the only Chobe houseboat that offers game drives in the Chobe National Park. Guests are taken from the boat to the national park in open safari vehicles for a day safari tour.
The seasons in Chobe are quite hard to pin down because you often get long dry spells in periods when it should be the wet season. As a rule, the rainy summer season lasts from end October to early April, and the dry winter months last from May to September.
The rainy season generally starts in late October/early November and lasts until March or April. However, you do it long dry spells during this time. It’s hot and humid in the summer months and many areas are difficult to get to when the roads get thick with mud.
This is not the best time to see game in Botswana but it’s a favourite time for birders. The rainy season usually sees an influx of migrant birds that feed in the algae pans and raise their chicks. Many antelope give birth to their young at this time when the bushveld is lush and there’s an abundance of food.
Temperatures begin to drop April and by May, Botswana is experiencing its first month of winter. The days are sunny and mild but the night time temperatures can be bitterly cold. Winter in Botswana lasts until August when Spring arrives.
Game is concentrated along the Chobe riverfront as it’s the main source of water in the dry season.
An array of migrant birds and local water birds congregate on the lush fertile wetlands and pans in the dry hinterland.
Botswana is considered one of the safest safari destinations in Africa in terms of political strife and unrest. However, you need to follow the usual safety precautions when travelling through Botswana to Chobe National Park as you would in any other foreign African country.
Tourism and hospitality is important for Botswana’s economy so on the whole, tourists are treated with respect and well taken care of if they do experience any petty crime on a holiday.
The most serious hazard for people on holiday in Botswana is the state of the country roads and the risk of road accidents. Drive carefully and stick to the road rules and make a point of getting to your destination before the sun goes down. Avoid at all costs travelling around Botswana at night.
Occasional crime experienced by tourists in Botswana includes car-jacking, pickpocketing and the usual tourist scams such as card skimming or cloning. Be vigilante and don’t put yourself in any situation which is risky or life-threatening.
Avoid walking in downtown city areas after dark.
Be wary of walking or picnicking in remote areas unless in a large group.
Keep valuables in a safe place and avoid carrying large amounts of money or wearing conspicuous expensive jewellery.
Drivers who break down or need to change a tyre should be wary of anyone who offers help; and don’t stop to assist apparently distressed motorists as this is a technique sometimes used by hijackers.
Always park in well-lit areas of town and in secure parking at shopping centres and your hotel in Botswana.
Keep car doors locked and valuables such as mobile phones, cameras and handbags out of sight.
Avoid giving strangers a lift, in particular hitchhikers.
Women travelling on their own in Botswana are not likely to encounter problems such as sexual harassment if they stick to the main tourist routes and attractions and use common sense.
Traditional culture is strongly patriarchal but the people of Botswana are used to female visitors travelling independently. In rural areas, it’s best to dress modestly so as not to draw to much attention to yourself.
It’s recommended that ladies wear a wrap or sarong over their swimming costumes when walking to their rooms or the restaurant and avoid wearing shorts or skirts that are too short and show to much bare skin.
Women should not accept lifts from strangers or walk around town alone after dark. Women’s sanitary products are widely available.
Children are more vulnerable to some health risks such as malaria so ensure that you take all medical precautions. You also need to be aware of the global problem of child/human trafficking; make sure your children are well supervised on a Botswana holiday and never let out your sight.
If you fly to Botswana via South Africa, you’re required to produce a full Unabridged birth certificate for any member of your family that’s 18-years and younger. Please refer to the South African Home Affairs website for more information on documents required to enter and exit South Africa.
Homosexuality in Botswana is illegal. However, in recent years, authorities have become more accepting and tolerant towards homosexuality but it does remain a strong social taboo. It’s advisable to keep same-sex displays of affection private as a precaution.
On a Chobe safari tour, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Avoid drinking tap water, particularly in remote and rural areas where water might not be safe to drink. Buy bottled water from restaurants, hotels and shops.
Diarrhea is a common ailment when travelling in Botswana and can be brought on by anything from poor water to spicy foods and dehydration. Carry anti-diarrhea medicine in your medical kit and in extreme cases seek medical attention at a local clinic or hospital.
If diarrhoea is combined with nausea, vomiting, cramps, fever or blood in the stool; you’ll need a course of antibiotics to treat it.
To stay healthy and well in Botswana, follow these basic precautions:
Safari tours in an open safari vehicle are perfectly safe if you listen to the game ranger and follow basic safari rules. Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines. If you’re nervous or unsure what to do if you encounter a wild animal, wait for a clear instruction from your game ranger and follow his advice.
Don’t stand up in the open safari vehicle or hang body parts out the window or off the side of the vehicle. Don’t wander off when you stop for a bush break; always ask your guide where you can go for a wee break.
Stay close to your guide and group on a walking safari and always walk in single file. Never run or scream if you encounter a wild animal in the bush; follow your guides instructions in a quiet and calm manner.
Don’t wear bright and colorful clothes on a game drive or spray too much perfume or strong deodorant. Keep things “a la natural” when you’re in the bush. Suitable clothing colours are black, dark blue or the popular safari khaki (light brown/beige) colour.
Always wear a wide-brimmed hat, regardless of the time of year. Liberally apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Use insect repellent to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes and biting insects in the bush.
There are decent medical facilities in the main towns and cities of Botswana but not in the remote rural areas. It’s highly recommended that you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Botswana for a holiday in Chobe National Park because if you are injured or fall gravely sick, you’ll need to be airlifted to better medical facilities in South Africa.
Botswana is a high malaria risk area and anti-malaria medication is highly recommend. Please consult your doctor or local travel clinic for information on the prevention of malaria during your Chobe safari tour.
Take other precautions such changing into long-sleeved shirts and pants before the sun goes down (mosquitoes are most active between sunset and sunrise) and using an effective mosquito repellent.
Consult a travel clinic to find out if you and your family need to have a yellow fever inoculation before arriving in Botswana for your Chobe safari tour.
You will have to be inoculated against this disease at least 10 days before departing for Botswana. You’ll be issued with a Yellow Fever Certificate which will have to produce on entry into the country.
If your inoculation is administered LESS THAN 10 before departure, or if you are not in possession of your certificate, you can be refused entry in to the country. This applies to most countries in Africa.
The Botswana government undertook a project to rid the country of sleeping sickness carried by the tsetse fly as the disease is dangerous for humans and deadly for cattle. The project has had a very high success rate with the last case of sleeping sickness in Botswana reported about 20 years ago.
Botswana is one of the most politically stable countries in Africa. The country holds regular elections which are regarded as ‘free and fair’ and there is generally minimal political activity before or after the elections.
Botswana is a democratic country and practices sound economic management. At the same time, it is a very poor country and many of its rural inhabitants experience dire poverty.
Credit cards are widely accepted across Botswana but facilities are unreliable in remote areas so you do need to carry cash with you for your Chobe safari holiday.
The currency of Botswana is the Pula. Tourist attractions close to the South African border may accept South African Rands and places close to the Zimbabwe border often only accept US dollars. Consult your tour operator for more information on what money you should take with your for your Chobe safari tour.
The roads in Botswana are generally good, in particular the road infrastructure in the main towns and cities is very good.
The capital of Botswana is Gaborone and the gateway towns to the major national parks are Maun and Kasane. They are all well served by airline operations and easy to get to by road.
Don’t rely on public transport if you fly in/fly out of Botswana and don’t have your own vehicle. It’s highly unreliable and dangerous for foreigners; it’s recommended you hire a car rather than catch local buses and taxis in the main towns and cities in Botswana.
International flights from South Africa and Europe fly into Gaborone and guests reach Maun and Kasane by scheduled domestic flights. There are also direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Maun and guests are then transferred to their lodge by the private tour operators.
The road network in Botswana that links the major towns and cities is well maintained and easy to use.
Travellers have easy access to Chobe National Park from neighbouring countries, although you need to take into account that you’ll travel mostly on rural roads that pass through villages and wilderness areas. It’s advisable not to travel to or from Chobe National Park after sunset because animals on the road are a hazard.
Moafrika Tours offers a selection of tour packages for a holiday in Victoria Falls. The 5-day Victoria Falls Best Luxury Safari Tour includes a full day in Chobe National Park. This is an excellent option if you want to take advantage of how close Chobe is from Victoria Falls.
Day tour: Victoria Falls – Chobe National Park
Your day starts early )between 7h00-7h30); guests are picked up from their accommodation in Victoria Falls and driven to Botswana’s Kazungula Border Post. A professional safari guide meets you there and takes you to Chobe National Park for a morning game drive. The day is broken for lunch at the beautiful Chobe Safari Lodge.
The afternoon is spent on a safari tour of a different kind. Guests enjoy a boat cruise on the gorgeous Chobe River in specially-adapted boats that navigate the narrow channels with incredible game sightings and spectacular scenery.
Guests return to Victoria Falls late afternoon (approximately 16h30).
Moafrika Tours has made a name for itself as the leading tour operator in South Africa for day tours to the major attractions countrywide. Our most popular day tours are to Soweto and the highlights of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town.
We also offer a selection of outstanding tours for long-stays at the all the top safari destinations in South Africa as well as the gorgeous Garden Route and Cape Winelands.
Moafrika Tours has expanded its footprint and we now offer exciting tours to the best tourist destinations in southern Africa such as Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
There’s a tour for everyone and nothing is too much trouble for the Moafrika Tours team; you only need to ask!
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MoAfrika tours and the Kruger Safari Co. are destination management companies (DMC) and are not entities of the South African National Parks Board (SANparks).