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Chobe Under Canvas
Chobe Under Canvas
Chobe Under Canvas
Chobe Under Canvas
Chobe Under Canvas
Chobe Under Canvas

About Chobe Under Canvas

Chobe Under Canvas aims to combine the advantages of a mobile camping safari with the luxuries of a semi-perma...

... nent tented camp. Always based in the Chobe Riverfront area of the Chobe National Park, the camp is packed up every fifth day (in keeping with the national park's mobile-camping rules) and moved to a different private site in the same area.

Although Chobe Under Canvas retains a semi-permanent camping atmosphere, the tents, service and food are more in keeping with Botswana's excellent safari lodges. It offers wonderful wildlife viewing, especially at the end of the dry season, and a more economical, and slightly more adventurous, alternative to many of the country's other lodges and camps. However, travellers need to accept that game-viewing here, in the national park, won't usually be as exclusive as is the norm in Botswana's private safari reserves.

Our view

Although Chobe Under Canvas retains a semi-permanent camping atmosphere, the tents, service and food are more in keeping with Botswana's excellent safari lodges. It offers wonderful wildlife viewing, especially at the end of the dry season, and a more economical, and slightly more adventurous, alternative to many of the country's other lodges and camps. However, travellers need to accept that game-viewing here, in the national park, won't usually be as exclusive as is the norm in Botswana's private safari reserves.

Lucy Copson

Lucy Copson

Botswana expert

Accommodation

5 tents

Children

Best for aged 16+

Open

February to mid-December

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Fishing

Fishing

Helicopter

Helicopter

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Chobe Under Canvas

22 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


100%
22 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
22
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr&Mrs TfromBiggleswade

Arrived 10 Aug 2022, 3 nights

"Chobe Under Canvas review"

"great guide, fantastic game spotting, interesting and adequate accommodation …" Read Mr&Mrs T’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

StevensfromUtah

Arrived 24 Jun 2022, 2 nights

"Chobe Under Canvas review"

"This was the best of the safari camps. …" Read Stevens’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr J.fromMakati

Arrived 26 Apr 2022, 2 nights

"Interesting introduction being in a tent"

"Camp staff and guide were great. Lots and lots of animals to see in park. …" Read Mr J.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs WfromCoventry

Arrived 6 Nov 2019, 2 nights

"Chobe Under Canvas Review"

"a wonderful experience …" Read Mr & Mrs W’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs B.fromRichmond

Arrived 25 Sep 2019, 3 nights

"A great experience at Chobe under Canvas"

"a unique mobile camp experience …" Read Mr & Mrs B.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs J,fromEdinburgh

Arrived 1 Sep 2019, 3 nights

"Amazing - highly recommended!"

"fantastic food, very comfortable tents, and amazing hospitality …" Read Mr & Mrs J,’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms F.fromLondon

Arrived 26 Aug 2019, 3 nights

"Chobe Under Canvas Review"

"Beautiful camp with excellent good facilities and service …" Read Ms F.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr JfromElgin

Arrived 15 Sep 2017, 3 nights

"Glamping in the bush"

"Chobe Under Canvas mobile camp was a contrast to Pom Pom camp and the Delta …" Read Mr J’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms LfromHeathfield

Arrived 20 Aug 2017, 2 nights

"Wonderful safari and great camping"

"... absolutely wonderful ... it was one of the best experiences of our trip... …" Read Ms L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Sds & KssfromLondon

Arrived 8 Sep 2016, 2 nights

"Chobe Under Canvas - Amazing experience!"

"I booked this with a little trepidation as I was not sure living in a mobile …" Read Sds & Kss’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Chobe Under Canvas reviews

Chobe Under Canvas: Our full report

Chobe Under Canvas aims to combine the advantages of a mobile camping safari with the luxuries of a semi-perma...

... nent tented camp. Always based in the Chobe Riverfront area of the Chobe National Park, the camp is packed up every fifth day (in keeping with the national park's mobile-camping rules) and moved to a different private site in the same area.

Chobe Under Canvas has just five spacious, walk-in tents, taking a maximum of ten guests. These are fairly traditional Meru-style tents of khaki canvas with mesh windows, and have sisal matting covering the floor. Each is furnished with very comfortable twin or double beds, a bedside table with two rechargeable lanterns, a box of tissues and a flask of cold water, and a luggage chest. Behind the bed, a canvas wall separates the en-suite bathroom, where you’ll find a hanging rail with canvas shelves, insect repellent and a laundry bag. Another rechargeable lantern sits on a small wooden table here, alongside a shaving mirror, tin basin, water jug and complimentary soaps. Above a slatted wooden mat is a bucket shower, which is filled with warm water when you return from the day's safari activities, and a rolled-up canvas doorway leads to a separate flush toilet – all under the same roof. At the front of each tent is a small covered ‘porch’ with two deckchairs and a table.

The five tents are arranged in a semi-circle, just a few metres apart, facing an open-sided marquee-style tent which forms the main area of Chobe Under Canvas. Delicious meals are enjoyed here as a group, around a long, lantern-lit table. There is also a small 'bar' table holding a selection of drinks, a coolbox packed with cold drinks, a very small reference library and a selection of board games.

Activities include game drives and boat trips along the Chobe River, led by professional and very knowledgeable guides. Typically, guests at Chobe Under Canvas will enjoy a game drive both on their first afternoon and the following morning, with a boat trip often arranged for the second afternoon. The wildlife in this area is plentiful and very relaxed, making for some fantastic viewing opportunities throughout the year. But as the natural pools of water formed in the park during the summer months dry up, and the wildlife becomes more dependent on the permanent waters of the Chobe River during the dry season (between about August and October), the game densities along the riverfront noticeably increase – making both game drives and boat trips on the river particularly rewarding. No matter the time of year, however, there is a great variety of birdlife to be seen from boat cruises, from fish eagles to goliath herons and white-fronted bee-eaters to giant kingfishers.

As with previous visits to Chobe Under Canvas, on our last visit in November 2015 we experienced the camp’s pros and cons first hand. A real pro is its location inside the national park. Most lodges in Chobe are located outside the park, so they have to queue at the park gates before and after every game drive. Chobe Under Canvas has the advantage of being one of the first vehicles out on drives and one of the last to head back to camp in the evening – allowing you more time on activities. We had some wonderful elephant sightings with a number of young babies; a herd of sable; buffalo and jackal; a pride of about six lions; and lots of pregnant impala desperately waiting for the start of the summer rains before they gave birth.

One of the cons was that our guide had found a female leopard with an impala kill in a tree earlier in the day, but when we returned to find her in the afternoon, she was no longer there. Strict park rules state that you are not allowed to drive off-road within Chobe, but there was clear evidence that many vehicles had been driving off-road to try and get a closer look. She had obviously been chased away.

It’s also important to note that this part of Chobe National Park has become more and more popular over the years and is now much busier than any of Botswana's other parks – which we witnessed on our most recent visit in November 2015. Although the 'Under Canvas' safari guides are adept at keeping away from the crowds, you'll still see many other vehicles. This is especially noticeable at an exciting animal sighting, and at breaks for tea and coffee or sundowners, as in the national park these have to be taken at designated spots.

Geographics

Location
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Ideal length of stay
We recommend a stay of two nights at Chobe Under Canvas, although you might consider three nights during the dry season when game densities in this area are particularly high. The camp combines particularly well with its sister camp, Savute Under Canvas, and also often forms part of a trip with Sandibe Safari Lodge, Nxabega, Xaranna Okavango Lodge or Xudum Delta Lodge – which are all owned by the same company, &Beyond.

If you're visiting Chobe National Park in combination with private areas elsewhere in Botswana, especially around the Okavango Delta, then we recommend quite strongly that you start with Chobe if possible, and then move on to the more remote wildlife areas where you will encounter fewer visitors.
Directions
The road transfer to Chobe Under Canvas from Kasane takes approximately an hour to an hour-and-a-half, depending on the location of the camp. However, this may be longer if you see any exciting wildlife sightings on the way.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
Considering Chobe Under Canvas is a semi-permanent mobile camp with the simplest of kitchen facilities, we were very impressed with the standard of meals on our last visit here in November 2015.

Breakfast is usually a selection of cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurt and toast.

Lunch is often a choice of salads, cold meats and cheeses with freshly baked bread. A variety of snacks are served whilst on safari activities in the morning and at tea time in the afternoon.

Dinner is a more substantial meal. On our last trip we enjoyed pre-dinner drinks with nibbles of biltong around the campfire. Then for starters we had creamy vegetable soup and freshly baked rolls, followed by crumbed hake, fluffy mash potato, green beans and butternut squash. Dessert was apple pie and cream.
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Not Available
Drinks included
There is a good selection of soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits on offer, and drinking water is always available. All drinks are included with the exception of any premium or imported wines, liqueurs and spirits, which should be requested in advance.

Special interests

Solo safaris
Chobe Under Canvas is a luxurious, adventurous mobile camp within one of Botswana’s prime game areas. It’s a single-friendly social camp with travellers eating at a communal table. Holidays here won’t be lonely!
See ideas for Solo safaris in Botswana
Birdwatching
The Chobe Riverfront is not just about the 'big stuff': it's also a superb destination for birdwatching. Over 450 species of birds have been seen in Chobe, including African skimmers, found between about October and March.
See ideas for Birdwatching in Botswana
Wildlife safaris
During the dry season, increasingly high densities of wildlife are drawn to the Chobe River's permanent waters, making Chobe Under Canvas a good choice for wildlife safaris in Botswana. By September/October the numbers of elephant are astounding.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Botswana

Children

Attitude towards children
Children aged 12 years and over are welcome at Chobe Under Canvas.
Property’s age restrictions
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
There is very little for younger visitors to do between wildlife activities, and there is no pool, so we do not recommend this camp for children aged below 16 years or so.
Notes
This is a very open safari camp and wildlife does pass through. Children must be under parents' supervision at all times.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Chobe Under Canvas

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Chobe Under Canvas have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Buffalo

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Lion

100% success

Zebra

83% success

Roan antelope

50% success

Sable antelope

50% success

Wildebeest

33% success

Leopard

17% success

Aardvark

0% success

Brown Hyena

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Eland

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Sitatunga

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Wild dog

0% success

Communications

Communications
Chobe Under Canvas is in constant contact with their base of operations in Kasane by radio and also by cellphone when reception permits.
TV & radio
There is no television or radio.
Water supply
Transported in
Water supply notes
The tents at Chobe Under Canvas do not have running water. A jug of water is provided in your bathroom and will be topped up when necessary, and your bucket shower will be filled with hot water on request. There is no running water in the tents, but the toilets are plumbed with flushing water

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The manager and guides are trained in first aid and can tend to any minor ailments. The nearest doctor is based in Kasane, between an hour to an hour-and-a-half drive away.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
A horn is provided in each tent to raise the alarm in case of an emergency.
Fire safety
Each safari vehicle is fitted with a fire extinguisher. Park rules limit the size of the campfire.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Helicopter

    Helicopter

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
Laundry is included, but they do not wash underwear. Washing powder is provided in the tents for this purpose.
Money
The tents do not have safes.
Accepted payment on location
Chobe Under Canvas cannot accept payments by credit card – but as everything is included, there shouldn’t be any need for this. Any necessary payments are welcomed in cash in US dollars or Botswana pula

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Chobe Under Canvas's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Chobe Under Canvas.


Excursions from Chobe Under Canvas

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Chobe Under Canvas. 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
100% (2 reviews)

Other lodges in Chobe National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Muchenje Safari Lodge

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.


96% (175 reviews)
Chobe River Lodge

Chobe River Lodge

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


96% (59 reviews)
Savute Safari Lodge

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.


94% (36 reviews)
Savute Under Canvas

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.


95% (25 reviews)
Chobe Elephant Camp

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.


96% (24 reviews)
Chobe Safari Lodge

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.


85% (19 reviews)
Chobe Game Lodge

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.


85% (15 reviews)
Ngoma Safari Lodge

Ngoma Safari Lodge

With sweeping views across the floodplains of the Chobe River, Ngoma offers superb food and flexible safari activities.
Closed for refurbishment 5 Jan - 28 March 2026


100% (14 reviews)
Chobe Chilwero

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.


100% (3 reviews)
Camp Kuzuma

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.


100% (2 reviews)
Savute Elephant Lodge

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.


100% (2 reviews)
Elephant Valley Lodge

Elephant Valley Lodge

Elephant Valley Lodge is a lovely camp in a beautiful setting – sit in its hide and watch the wildlife come to drink at the waterhole. Activities focus on boating and drives in Chobe which - although very busy, and a long drive from the lodge – is very rich in wildlife.


80% (1 review)

When to go to Chobe National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Chobe Under Canvas in Chobe National Park


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Chobe National Park in January

January marks the peak of the rainy season in Chobe National Park. Evening rains are typically brief but heavy, often accompanied by thunderstorms. While temperatures remain high, they are slightly cooler compared to earlier months. Wildlife tends to be more dispersed, making it harder to spot animals. Big game densities near the Chobe Riverfront are relatively low, but some resident species, like giraffes, are accustomed to vehicles and can appear so relaxed that they seem almost tame.

The Savuti Marsh becomes lush and green, attracting herbivores. Migratory birds abound throughout the park, with the Linyanti Marsh being particularly rich in birdlife during this period. January is an excellent time for visitors interested in lush landscapes and diverse birdlife. Lower rates at many lodges make this a good time to visit on a more moderate budget.

  • Warm temperatures with occasional thunderstorms
  • Birdlife at its most spectacular in Chobe
  • Big game dispersed across the park
  • Seek most wildlife away from the river
  • Good availability and rates in Chobe’s lodges and camps

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Chobe National Park in February

February in Chobe National Park is similar to January, with heavy rains most days, often towards evening. The landscape is green and alive, with insects and smaller animals more easily seen. Many birds and animals are raising their young, especially in the Linyanti and Savuti areas, making for lovely family group sightings. The Chobe River swells, creating a spectacular landscape and attracting diverse wildlife. However, the rains create pools and waterholes in the bush, which combined with thicker vegetation makes it harder to spot larger animals.

The Chobe Riverfront area still offers a good wildlife experience as although much big game has moved away, the animals that remain are often more relaxed. Boat cruises on the Chobe River provide excellent opportunities to observe wildlife from a different perspective. Visitor numbers remain low, with good rates and more availability in camps and lodges.

  • Warm with occasional thunderstorms in Chobe
  • Vegetation running riot; smaller wildlife thriving
  • Many animals with young in the park
  • Big game dispersed throughout Chobe
  • Low visitor numbers, good camp availability

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Chobe National Park in March

March typically marks the end of the main rainy season in Chobe National Park, with showers gradually tapering off. Many days are characterised by clear skies, intense sunshine, and rising temperatures. Short afternoon thunderstorms may still occur, while the park's landscape remains lush and vibrant. During this time, many birds and animals complete the process of raising their young. The Savuti Marsh area becomes particularly fascinating as predators exploit the vulnerability of the young and weaker prey.

The Chobe River levels start to stabilise, offering excellent boat safari opportunities. March can also be a good time to explore the Linyanti area, where many animals congregate as other water sources begin to dry up. With fewer visitors in most areas, rates are still be relatively low at lodges and safari camps.

  • Variable weather, rains tailing off in Chobe
  • Occasional small thunderstorms in the park
  • Many animals finish raising young in Chobe
  • Birdlife still spectacular along Chobe River
  • Few tourists, often lower rates in lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Chobe National Park in April

During April, rains in Chobe National Park have usually stopped, though there may still be the odd afternoon downpour. This results in clear skies and a lovely green, lush landscape. Night-time temperatures start to drop, and are especially noticeable in the Savuti area. The Chobe Riverfront begins to flourish at this time, with the numbers of elephants and other wildlife gradually increasing along the river.

The Savuti region is a particular favourite during this time, with good predator-prey interactions on display. April marks the beginning of the shoulder season for many camps, so rates are on the rise but still relatively moderate. This is an excellent time for photographic safaris, as the air is clear and the landscape still green.

  • Cooler evenings, occasional showers in Chobe
  • Northern Chobe lush and green
  • Good predator-prey interaction observable
  • Savuti area best for wildlife viewing
  • Popular shoulder season, relatively low rates

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Chobe National Park in May

May is a very popular month to visit Chobe National Park, 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 start to make their way through the northern part of the park. With cooler temperatures in the morning and evening, predator activity tends to be higher, especially in the Savuti and Linyanti areas.

The Chobe Riverfront becomes busier with wildlife as water dries up elsewhere, making it an excellent time for boat cruises on the Chobe River, where close encounters with elephants and other wildlife are a real treat. Away from the water, game drives in the park's interior become more rewarding as vegetation thins out and sightings improve. May is a favourite time for many visitors, and camp bookings throughout Chobe are start to be snapped up quickly.

  • Cool mornings and evenings, little rain in Chobe
  • Game viewing beginning to improve
  • Predator activity increasing in Savuti
  • Last month of shoulder season for most camps
  • Availability decreases throughout Chobe

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Chobe National Park in June

June marks the real start of the dry season in Chobe National Park. Temperatures are cool in the mornings and evenings, occasionally reaching freezing at night, and rising to 25-30°C/77-86°F during the day. This brings a certain clarity to the air and clear blue skies, making it a favourite month for serious photographers. Surface water and smaller natural waterholes are now drying up, leading wildlife to congregate around the remaining large water sources, including the Chobe River.

Visibility improves as the grass dies back, making game viewing very good throughout the park. The Savuti Channel and Linyanti areas see increased predator activity. June is an excellent time for both land and water-based safaris in Chobe, so not surprisingly, camp availability becomes scarce and rates climb.

  • Warm days, cold nights in Chobe National Park
  • Excellent conditions for wildlife photography
  • Animals congregating at Chobe River
  • Grasses dying back, improving visibility
  • Peak season begins, rates increase

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in June

Chobe National Park in July

July in Chobe National Park offers cold evenings and mornings, combined with great daytime game viewing; this makes it one of the most popular times to visit. Vegetation is really thinning out, making game ever-easier to spot, with the few remaining waterholes attracting large congregations of wildlife species. The Chobe Riverfront is increasingly rewarding, with large herds of elephants and buffalo congregating along the river.

However, this area is now becoming busy with visitors. Game viewing is good in the Savuti area too, with frequent predator sightings. The Linyanti Marsh attracts diverse wildlife, including rare species like wild dogs. Camps are now very much into the peak season and tend to be full. Advance booking is essential for popular lodges and camps.

  • Comfortable days, cold nights in Chobe
  • Excellent game viewing as vegetation dies back
  • Chobe Riverfront becomes busy with wildlife
  • Private concessions offer exclusive experiences
  • Peak season, higher rates in lodges

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in July

Chobe National Park in August

August is a favourite time for visiting Chobe National Park, as it aligns with the European and North American summer holidays. Camps tend to fill up quickly, so booking well in advance is essential. Daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm, perfect for outdoor activities; nights can be chilly, but the clear, cloudless skies also provide stunning opportunities for stargazing.

Wildlife is now congregating around the remaining water sources, especially along the Chobe River, making it a fantastic time for game viewing. If the Savuti Channel is flowing, it becomes a magnet for a variety of wildlife. This is one of the prime months to witness the park’s iconic large elephant herds. A boat cruise on the Chobe River offers up-close views of wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles.

With crystal-clear skies and animals congregating near water, August is an excellent time for photography safaris.

  • Dry, warm days and cool nights in Chobe
  • Spectacular stargazing opportunities
  • Fantastic wildlife watching along Chobe River
  • Large elephant herds visible at waterholes
  • Peak season, high rates and limited availability

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Chobe National Park in September

September is another very popular month to visit Chobe National Park. Days are warming up, while nights remain refreshingly cool. With drier conditions, most of the greenery has faded from the landscape, and photographers may find the haze from dust or smoke challenging, but it sets the stage for breathtaking sunsets.

Game viewing in September is exceptional, with large herds of elephants and buffalo gathering in the Chobe region. The Savuti and Linyanti areas also offer excellent predator sightings, and migratory birds begin to return, adding vibrant flashes of colour and adding to the park’s biodiversity.

Water-based activities on the Chobe River, such as boat cruises, are particularly rewarding, offering close-up views of animals coming to drink. Accommodation in camps and lodges is in high demand, with rates remaining at a premium, so early bookings are essential.

  • Warmer days, cool nights in Chobe National Park
  • One of the best months for wildlife viewing
  • Large elephant and buffalo herds by Chobe River
  • Hazy conditions create brilliant sunsets
  • High season rates, many lodges and camps fully booked

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Chobe National Park in October

October is typically the hottest and driest month in Chobe National Park. Towards the end of the month, the likelihood of rain increases, bringing a rise in humidity. The air is often dry and hazy, which can make photography more challenging, but the scarcity of water and vegetation leads to excellent opportunities for spotting big game. The Chobe Riverfront becomes a prime gathering spot for wildlife, particularly impressive herds of elephants.

In the Savuti area, predator-prey interactions are frequently observed around the remaining waterholes. Water levels are significantly lower by this time, meaning water-based activities like boating and fishing are limited to major tributaries. October is an ideal month for walking safaris, especially during the cooler morning hours. Despite the intense heat, it remains a prime time for wildlife enthusiasts eager to witness concentrated animal activity.

  • Hot temperatures in Chobe, chance of late rain
  • Excellent big game viewing opportunities
  • Water activities limited as levels can be low
  • Hazy conditions less ideal for photographers
  • Final month of peak season in Chobe camps

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in October

Chobe National Park in November

November typically signals the end of the dry season in Chobe National Park. Rising temperatures bring increased humidity, leading to the arrival of the first rains. These showers are often brief but heavy, occurring in the late afternoon or at night, and can be quite dramatic. The rains provide a welcome relief, slightly cooling the temperatures and transforming the parched landscapes into vibrant shades of green.

As waterholes begin to replenish, wildlife starts to disperse across the park. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding this month, with the arrival of many migratory species, especially in the Linyanti Marsh area. The first half of November is a favourite among travellers, offering exceptional game viewing at more reasonable rates as Chobe enters its shoulder season.

  • Hot days, increasing humidity in Chobe
  • Heavy showers more likely as month progresses
  • Wildlife watching good but less predictable
  • Migrant birds arrive in Chobe National Park
  • Shoulder season brings mid-range lodge rates

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Chobe National Park in December

By December, the rains in Chobe National Park are underway, providing relief from the intense heat. While game viewing becomes more challenging as animals spread out, excellent sightings can still be enjoyed along the Chobe Riverfront and in the Savuti Marsh. The rains bring a vibrant transformation to the landscape, with fresh greenery creating beautiful scenery. This is also a fantastic time for bird enthusiasts, as numerous migratory species make their presence known.

The Linyanti area becomes especially lush, drawing a variety of wildlife. December is ideal for those eager to see newborn animals, as many species give birth during this time. Boat cruises on the Chobe River offer a refreshing way to observe wildlife and enjoy the scenery. With low-season rates at many camps, December is an appealing option for budget-conscious travellers looking to experience the park’s beauty.

  • Temperatures falling from October-November highs
  • High chance of rain in Chobe National Park
  • Wildlife more dispersed across the park
  • Game viewing more challenging but rewarding
  • Typically low-season rates in Chobe camps

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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