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Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park

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

Chobe National Park

From fertile floodplains to open expanses of some-time marshland, Chobe is an irresistible magnet for wildlife.

Even in the heart of the dry season, when vegetation shrivels across most of the Kalahari, the permanent waters of the Chobe River provide sustenance for hungry animals.

Near Kasane, the gateway to the national park, herds of elephant regularly cross the river – an unmissable spectacle from a riverboat, whose passengers may also be treated to yawning pods of hippo and a motley array of cranes, herons and storks along the banks.

Above the river, dense thickets of bush conceal prides of lion, alert for a stray zebra or even a giraffe, while concealed up in the trees lurk leopards, awaiting their nightly prowl. The riverfront may be a busy area for safari-goers, but the rewards are many. And at its western end, where lodges – and 4x4 vehicles – are fewer, the sense of seclusion is an added bonus.

While the range of accommodation in the riverfront area is as varied as the wildlife, whilst just a small handful of lodges are located near Savuti Marsh.

To drive from the riverfront to Savuti is to experience the full gamut of the Kalahari: thick drifts of sand punctuated by pockets of scrubby thorns, culminating in broad, seemingly empty plains, where the occasional rocky outcrop secretes ancient rock paintings.

When the erratic Savuti Channel is flowing, its waters spill over the plains to create a marshland that is both beautiful and bountiful. Even when it’s dry, the seemingly hostile environment is flush with new growth in the early part of the year, a place of plenty for wildlife. As the land dries up, so the pools shrink, the last vestiges of water attracting predators to their wary prey. And so the cycle continues.

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park: in detail

Safaris visiting Chobe

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


Map

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

Map

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

Map

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

Map

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$13,060 per person

Read more about the Leopard Safari

Map

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

Map

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$5,400 - US$8,720 per person

Read more about the Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari

Map

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$5,980 - US$8,110 per person

Read more about the Sable Self-drive Safari

Map

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

Map

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$5,090 - US$7,260 per person

Read more about the Rock Hare Self-drive Safari

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Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

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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.


Giraffe

100% success

Elephant

99% success

Zebra

92% success

Buffalo

92% success

Lion

89% success

Hippo

88% success

Leopard

48% success

Wildebeest

47% success

Sable antelope

47% success

Roan antelope

39% success

Spotted Hyena

38% success

Eland

26% success

Wild dog

20% success

Brown Hyena

13% success

Cheetah

5% success

Sitatunga

4% success

Aardvark

1% success

Pangolin

1% success

Map of Chobe National Park

Choices for where to stay in Chobe National Park


Reference map

Most recent reviews of our safaris to Chobe

Click below to browse all 353 reviews from Chobe National Park. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.


100%
353 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
353
Good
5
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr. & Mrs. E from UK

Arrived 19 Oct 2023, 20 nights

"My Oct 2023 trip"

"We cannot praise the organisation of this trip highly enough... excellent... …" Read Mr. & Mrs. E’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

SoCalCouple from Calif.

Arrived 2 Oct 2023, 17 nights

"My Oct 2023 trip"

"Maruska did a great job planning our trip …" Read SoCalCouple’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

B & H from Uckfield

Arrived 6 Sep 2023, 13 nights

"Our Sep 2023 trip back to superb Botswana"

"4th safari in Botswana... Great sightings... very enjoyable …" Read B & H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs W from Bedford

Arrived 10 Sep 2023, 17 nights

"My Sep 2023 trip"

"We enjoyed our trip very much …" Read Mr & Mrs W’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

AZ Gang from MacLean

Arrived 7 Sep 2023, 13 nights

"My Sep 2023 trip"

"We can't thank Maruska and Expert Africa enough for the amazing trip. …" Read AZ Gang’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs K from Melbourne

Arrived 17 Sep 2023, 11 nights

"Outstanding safaris, holiday of a lifetime"

"If I could give Expert Africa 11 or of 10, I would! ... holiday of a lifetime! …" Read Mr & Mrs K’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Tom E from Bucks

Arrived 5 Jul 2023, 9 nights

"Botswana, Zimbabwe and Joburg"

"Our trip was fantastic. We all had a fabulous time. …" Read Tom E’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms J. from Northallerton

Arrived 23 Jun 2023, 15 nights

"My Jun 2023 trip"

"You did a brilliant job...I will and have already recommended you. …" Read Ms J.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr. M & Ms. C from Seattle

Arrived 14 Jul 2023, 9 nights

"Our amazing Jul 2023 trip"

"Our trip was amazing; definitely the trip of a lifetime! …" Read Mr. M & Ms. C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Family P from Cirencester

Arrived 4 Jun 2023, 17 nights

"My Jun 2023 trip"

"Botswana definitely deserves its reputation as the best safari location …" Read Family P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Chobe National Park reviews

When to go to Chobe National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Chobe in Botswana


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Botswana in January

January is at the peak of Botswana’s rainy season. These rains are often in the evening and are short but heavy, with occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures will still be high but cooler than October–December. Animals are generally dispersed, and not easy to spot, with the best game viewing found in the north of Chief’s Island and on the eastern and southern sides of the Okavango Delta.

January is also one of the best months to see the zebra and wildebeest migration in the Makgadikgadi salt pans and at Nxai Pan. Migratory birds abound throughout northern Botswana, along with a large number of breeding flamingos in the flooded salt pans. Rates are generally relatively low, making this a good time to visit on a budget.

  • Temperatures are still warm, with occasional thunderstorms
  • The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
  • Big game is dispersed
  • Zebra & wildebeest migration at its height
  • Availability in lodges and camps is often very good

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Botswana in February

The weather in February is very similar to January, with heavy rain most days – often towards evening – and temperatures on the high side, albeit cooling off from the rains and surface water. Across northern Botswana, the landscape feels green and alive; insects and smaller animals are more easily seen, and many birds and animals are raising their young. However, the rains have created pools and waterholes in the bush and thicker vegetation and tall grass makes it trickier to spot larger animals.

Further south, the game viewing is beginning to pick up in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Visitor numbers remain low, with attendant rates and availability in camps and lodges.

  • Temperatures still warm with occasional thunderstorms
  • Many animals with young; birdlife at its most spectacular
  • Big game is dispersed
  • Game viewing picking up in the Central Kalahari
  • Visitor numbers are low, so camp availability can be very good

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Botswana in March

March usually sees Botswana’s main rains starting to tail off. Many days will be clear, with a strong sun raising temperatures. On some days clouds will build, and the late-afternoon may see a short thunderstorm. Across the country, the landscape is green and alive. Many birds and animals are finishing raising their young. Much of the migration is now moving north towards the Savute area or Chobe National Park, though thick vegetation still makes it trickier to spot even larger animals.

March is one of the best times to be in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, where many of the pans fill up and animals come to drink, closely followed by predators. With few visitors in most areas, rates may still be relatively low.

  • Variable weather: rains tailing off but still hot
  • Occasional small thunderstorms
  • Many animals finish raising their young; birdlife still spectacular
  • The best time to visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve
  • Few tourists visit during March, so rates often low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Botswana in April

During April the rains have usually stopped, though there may be still be the odd late downpour. This results in clear skies and a lovely green, lush landscape. Night-time temperatures usually start to drop during April with this being most noticeable in the Central Kalahari and the Makgadikgadi areas. The Central Kalahari is really coming into its own at this point and from April through to May/June the Savute region is a particular favourite of ours, with good predator/prey interaction.

In much of northern Botswana, the camps are coming into their “shoulder” season, so rates are on the rise but still relatively low.

  • Evening temperatures cooling with just the odd shower
  • Northern Botswana is green and lush
  • Many animals still with young; good predator/prey interaction
  • Central Kalahari and Savute the best places for wildlife
  • A popular shoulder season time to book. Rates relatively low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Botswana in May

May is a very popular month to visit Botswana, often the last month of the “shoulder” season before camp rates hit their peak. While there is very little chance of rain, the annual floods from Angola are starting to make their way through the northern part of the Delta, and will eventually reach the majority of the Okavango late June.

With cooler temperatures morning and evening, predator activity tends to be higher, although tall grasses can still obstruct game viewing. With cool crisp evenings, and the game viewing really picking up, this is the favourite time to visit for many of our team – and camp bookings throughout Botswana are snapped up quickly.

  • Cool mornings and evenings with little chance of rain
  • Game viewing is beginning to pick up
  • Predator activity increasing, though grasses still quite high
  • Last month of “shoulder” season for most camps
  • Availability goes quickly throughout Botswana

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Botswana in June

June is the real start of the dry season. Temperatures are still cool in the morning and evenings with night-time temperatures sometimes reaching freezing, rising to 25–30 degrees Celsius during the day, with blue skies. Along with this comes a certain clarity to the air, favourable for serious photographers. Surface water and waterholes begin to dry up during this period and many animals begin to congregate around the remaining areas with water.

Visibility is improving as the grass is beginning to die back, and game viewing is very good everywhere, with particular improvement in the Kwando–Linyanti areas. Not surprisingly, camp availability is becoming scarce and rates are high.

  • Warm, comfortable days; cold nights, morning & evenings
  • Air clarity favours serious photographers
  • Wildlife is gravitating to waterholes, making game-viewing productive
  • Grasses beginning to die back
  • Most camps are into peak season, with rates correspondingly high

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in June

Botswana in July

Evenings and mornings are still cool in July, and this combined with great game viewing makes it one of the most popular times to visit Botswana. Vegetation is really thinning out now making game easier to spot, with the few remaining waterholes attracting lots of wildlife. The north-eastern side of Chobe National Park, along the Chobe River, is also very rewarding, although this area can become very busy.

Game viewing is extremely good in the Khwai areas, too, but again, this is a public area and – unlike in the private concessions of the Delta – vehicle numbers can be high. Camps are now very much into the peak season, and tend to be full.

  • Comfortable days; cold nights, morning & evenings
  • Game viewing very good as vegetation dies back and waterholes dry out
  • Chobe Riverfront and Khwai areas become very busy
  • Private concessions helps to avoid potentially high vehicle numbers
  • Now very much into peak season

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in July

Botswana in August

August is a popular time to visit Botswana, coinciding with the European summer holidays, and camp availability is difficult. Temperatures are generally cool at night, and comfortable during the day, although towards the end of the month they can rise above 35 degrees Celsius (albeit with low humidity). Cloudless skies bring spectacular star-gazing. Wildlife has congregated around the few remaining water sources, and much of the vegetation has now died back, so wildlife viewing tends to be varied and rewarding, particularly in the Okavango Delta.

Depending on the rains in Angola this can also be one of the best times to see the delta floods at their peak.

  • Dry, warm days, with mainly cool nights
  • Cloudless skies with spectacular stars at night
  • A fantastic time for wildlife watching, particularly in the Okavango
  • Traditionally one of the best times to see the Delta in full flood
  • Peak season: so high rates and many lodges full

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Botswana in September

September is another favourite month for some of our team members. Daytime temperatures are getting warmer, but nights remain cool. With the drier conditions, most of the greenery has faded from the landscape, and dust or even smoke create hazy conditions that aren’t great for photographers – though this does result in fantastic sunsets.

This is another extremely good month for game viewing, with large numbers of elephant and buffalo congregating in the Chobe region and migrant birds begin to return to Botswana. Rates remain high – and availability correspondingly low.

  • Warmer days and cool nights
  • One of the best months for wildlife viewing
  • Large congregations of elephant & buffalo in the Chobe region
  • Hazy conditions less good for photographers, but brilliant sunsets
  • High season rates; many lodges & camps are full

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Botswana in October

October is the one of the hottest months of the year, and usually one of the driest. Towards the end of the month the chances of rain can increase, and along with this can come greater humidity. The air is usually dry and hazy, making photography more challenging, but the lack of water and vegetation result in very good big-game viewing.

Water levels are now much lower, so water-based activities such as boating, mokoro trips and fishing cease in many of the camps which are not on major tributaries.

  • Hot temperatures, with the chance of rain towards the end of the month
  • Great big-game viewing
  • Less opportunity for water activities in camps as floods recede
  • Hazy air not great for photographers
  • Final month of the peak season in camps

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in October

Botswana in November

November usually marks the end of the dry season in Botswana, when increasing temperatures drive a rise in humidity, sometimes culminating in the first rains. These are often short but very heavy showers in the late afternoon or during the night, and can be spectacular. The rains lower the temperatures slightly but bring a flush of green back into the dry landscapes. As waterholes in surrounding areas fill, wildlife will gradually begin to disperse as it is not restricted by the availability of water.

November is a great time for birdwatching, with the arrival of many migrant birds. The first couple of weeks are very popular with travellers looking for great game viewing at lower rates as Botswana enters the “shoulder” season.

  • Hot in the middle of the day; sometimes humid
  • Heavy showers increasingly likely as the month progresses
  • Wildlife watching still good, but less reliable once it rains
  • Migrant birds start to arrive
  • “Shoulder” season brings mid-range rates in camps

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Botswana in December

The rains in Botswana have now started, bringing some respite to the high temperatures. Game viewing becomes harder as wildlife is more dispersed but great sightings can still be had in the right areas such as Khwai and the Kwara and Mombo concessions.

Areas such as the Makgadikgadi Pans change completely with the salt pans becoming covered in a shallow layer of water attracting large numbers of breeding flamingos. Low-season rates at many camps are a draw.

  • Temperatures starting to fall from the highs of October/November
  • Very high chance of rain, usually large heavy storms for short periods
  • Flamingos return to breed at the Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Wildlife more dispersed, so game viewing more challenging
  • Typically low-season rates in the camps

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

Botswana fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Chobe National Park.


ABU CAMP in OKAVANGO DELTA

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

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.

More about Helicopter Flight

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