
Chobe National Park, affectionately called “The Land of the Giants”, is home to Africa’s largest elephant colony. This national park covers more than 10,000 km and is Botswana’s second-largest. It has rich ecosystems, pristine landscapes, and one of the largest concentrations of African game. You will see buffalo, zebras, and high numbers of predators such as leopard, lion, spotted hyena, and cheetah.
Chobe National Park can be divided into four ecological systems, which are savanna plains and river, swamp, swamp, and scrub. This makes it incredibly diverse and consistent in wildlife sightings. Chobe River, located in the northeast of the park, is the permanent water source. It is the center of wildlife activity. The park is home to some of the most impressive elephant and buffalo herds on the continent during the dry months of June through November. The park is dry because there is not enough water. As the African sun heats across the savannas herds of wildlife gather around the river. It is a magical sight to see.
Wildlife viewing
Book a game safari to get insider information about the best spots to see certain animals. Who knows? It is possible that you will see one of the “Big Five” safari animals on your African safari trip, although it is becoming increasingly difficult to spot the rhinoceros. Guides are the best guides to take you on the most memorable game drives. They can be done in the morning or late afternoon. You can also book night drives to view Chobe’s fascinating nocturnal wildlife like aardvarks and porcupines.
Chobe National Park is famous for its elephant herds that can number hundreds of animals. The park is home to around 120,000 elephants. The park’s buffalo herds are almost as large, and it is well-known for its large population of lions. The Chobe River is a great habitat for water-dependent species, such as hippos, Nile Crocodiles and waterbuck. The Chobe also hosts leopard, puku, cheetah and the endangered African wild dog.
Birdwatching
Chobe National Park is a popular spot for birders. It has the highest concentration of Southern African raptor species, including the bateleur and vulnerable lappet-faced, as well as the largest number of birds. The river’s most prominent bird is the endangered African skimmer. Meanwhile, the banks of Chobe are dotted with burrows created by the amazing Southern Carmine Bee–Eater. The kori bustard, Africa’s largest flying bird, the Pel’s fishing owl and the Pallid Harrier are other notable species. These Palearctic migrants are also in danger.
When to go: The best time of year for a Chobe Safari
Chobe National Park is most popular during the dry season, which runs from May to October. The dry season is when water-dependent animals such as elephant, buffalo, and predators are abounding along the Chobe River or in the Savuti area. It’s very hot and bone dry in Chobe from August to October, but you will be rewarded with the best game-viewing on Planet Earth if you are able to withstand the heat.
Facts You Should Know About the Chobe National Park
- Chobe National Park is divided in four areas with distinctive geographical landscapes. These are: the Savuti channel and Linyati Wetlands, Serondella, Nogatsaa, and Serondella.
- The Savuti channel was completely cut off in 1888. It re-opened 70 years later. It’s unpredictable and sporadic but it is extraordinarily diverse and beautiful.
- Due to the dense black cotton soil, the roads through Savuti can be difficult to navigate.
- Linyati and Savute have no internet or mobile network coverage.
You have every reason to do a digital detox, and still enjoy the simple pleasures that come with a Botswana safari.
- This area was once a national park before it was made a national park. It was used for trophy hunting and as a source to make teak wood for the blooming Timbre industry. Both of these activities have since been banned.
- Chobe National Park was affected by a severe tsetse fly invasion in the 1940’s. This had a major impact on the decision of declaring the area a National Park.
- Gobabis Hill, Savuti is home to ancient San rock paintings. They are approximately 4000 years old
These are mostly paintings of livestock. The area is well-known for its wandering leopards.
- Chobe National Park is home to the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. You can feel the ground shake when a large herd moves through the park.
The Great Elephant Census of 2016, which covered the entire continent, conducted an extensive study of African elephants. Their findings revealed that Chobe National Park was the country with the greatest concentration of elephants, out of 18 countries.
- Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were secretly married to celebrate their second marriage in 1975 at Chobe National Park.
- The park is just a short drive from Victoria Falls. This magnificent natural wonder is available to you on your Botswana safari.
- Rhino is one of the Big Five animals that isn’t found in the park. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary and Mashatu Game Reserve are good places to see rhino