Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park, named after the Chobe River, is located in Northern Botswana and covers an area of 11,700 square kilometers (4,500 square miles). Established in 1967, it has become one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations. To the north of the park lies the Chobe River, forming the park’s boundary with Namibia and attracting large numbers of elephants and other wildlife to its banks. The Kasane Forest Reserve borders the park to the east, providing an important habitat for many wildlife species and excellent bird-watching opportunities. To the south, the park is bordered by the Savuti Marsh, a vast grassland and savanna home to many predators, including lions, hyenas, and leopards. To the west of the Chobe lies the Linyanti River, another vital water source for wildlife, known for its large herds of buffalo and elephants.

The park boasts a diverse ecosystem combining riverine forests, floodplains, and savannas, providing the perfect habitat for various wildlife species. The park is especially renowned for its large herds of elephants and its diverse predators, including lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs. Chobe is also home to giraffes, zebras, antelopes, warthogs, and many more. The park is also a bird lover’s paradise, with over 460 bird species recorded, making it an ideal destination for bird-watching enthusiasts. 

Boat cruises along the Chobe River offer a unique perspective of the park’s wildlife, especially the elephants that come to the river to bathe and drink. In addition to game drives, these cruises are another popular activity. Guided walking safaris are also available, allowing one to get closer to nature and spot some of the smaller wildlife species that are often missed on game drives.

A visit to Chobe can be easily included as a day trip from Victoria Falls. However, to truly appreciate this park, it’s best to dedicate a night or two to Chobe. After visiting Chobe, one can take a flight to the Okavango Delta from Kasane airport.