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Kickstart your day the wild way, experience the thrill of the hunt, enjoy a serene sunrise on the deck, pull in a feisty tiger, coffee below the branches, a bumper breakfast, meet the mighty mosi oa tunya, soak up the african sun, lunch beside the chobe river, take a time out siesta, all aboard, explore the elephant capital, evening game drive, dinner on the deck.

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Chobe National Park | Travel guide

Chobe National Park (NP) is Botswana’s first national park and its third-largest protected area at 4,517 square miles. Named after the Chobe River, forming the border with Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, Chobe is famous for its biological diversity, wildlife, lodges and water activities. 

Fondly known as ‘The Land of The Giants’, the park has four distinct geographical areas: the Chobe Riverfront, the Ngwezumba pans, Savuti and Linyanti with large elephant herds spanning the riverways and landscapes in the incredible part of southern Africa. 

The river plays a big part in daily life here and a trip to Chobe is not complete without a boat trip along the Chobe river, discovering wildlife and birdlife from a different perspective. 

Table of Contents

Why visit Chobe National Park?

Safari at chobe national park.

Chobe national park safari drives are a real treat with abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery galore along the waterways.

Chobe has a huge population of elephants as well as lions, giraffes and other, captivating the attention of visitors and guides alike. 

The birding here is also excellent with superb photo opportunities  on game drives and upmarket lodges for visitors to rest after a long day viewing predators. 

Visitors can also combine their African safari tours with the nearby Victoria Falls with easy border transfer into neighbouring Zambia. 

A popular destination with safari tours , the park offers plenty of attractions and wildlife for couples on a Botswana honeymoon safari and groups on a luxury safari . 

Home to the big five and Africa’s largest elephant population at around 50,000, Chobe also hosts large numbers of lions as well as African painted dogs, blue wildebeest, Cape buffaloes, civets, crocodiles, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, leopards and pukus. 

The elephants and buffaloes are a permanent presence on the riverbanks in the dry months and zebras are very common as well, while smaller numbers of sable, roan and greater kudu can be found in the park interior. 

More than 450 bird species can be found in Chobe including fish eagles, skimmers, long-toed lapwings, African darters and saddle-billed storks.

Other activities at Chobe NP

Chobe offers visitors a large range of different and exciting activities in this beautiful setting. 

Boat safari cruises

Starting from $49.50 per person, visitors can choose a boat cruise. Departing from Kasane, with regular morning and afternoon departures. For the more adventurous, try a white water rafting trip on the mighty Zambezi river. 

Zambezi Queen river cruise

Visitors can expect to sip cocktails with a close view of relaxed wildlife. The Zambezi river queen offers a true luxury hotel experience on the Chobe River with excellent views. 

Chobe Princess boat cruise

Only a small number of guests permitted per boat with the Pride of the Zambezi accommodating passengers in five elegant en-suite cabins. 

Photographic safari 

Limited to just a small  number of travellers, visitors can share a different type of Chobe safari, a photography tour , with like-minded individuals whilst enjoying big game views and capturing favourite moments.

Fishing 

Fishing in the Chobe river appeals to many visitors looking for a relaxing activity with these ‘catch and release’ trips. 

Safari tours

Visitors can book customised safari tours to see multiple parks and game reserves over a week or longer. With some of Botswana’s best parks and reserves an easy charter flight away, trips to Chobe are often combined with tours to the Okavango Delta . 

Village tours

Discover the cultural heritage of the region, traversing across the Chobe River by wooden mokoro canoe and then on foot to traditional tribal villages. 

Get up close and personal with the African bush on a guided bush walk visiting the Chobe Forest Reserve. 

Chobe to Victoria Falls day trip 

Visitors can get from Chobe to Victoria Falls either by joining a tour bus/boat or driving themselves. The drive is approximately 100km (62 miles) and takes just over one hour. 

Hotels on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls typically charge approximately USD $150 per person for the day trip with pick ups via road transfer at 7am. 

Check out our article on the best things to do in Botswana which includes other activities including eco safari walks with local bushmen.

How to get to Chobe NP?

For visitors wondering how to get to Botswana , you can fly to Maun (MAU), Gaborone (GAB) or Kasane (BBK) airports. A Botswana visa and certain vaccinations may also be required to enter the country.

Chobe NP in northern Botswana has multiple areas that can be visited. 

The most popular and accessible of which is the riverfront, just 3 miles west of Kasane and 50 miles/1hour driving from the Victoria Falls. 

The Savuti and Linyanti areas can be reached by 4×4 in the Dry season, but most people fly-in by chartered plane to their lodge.

From Maun, the route is 370miles taking over 3.5 hours.  Car rental in Botswana is an excellent way to tour this stunning country and see the incredibly diverse range of Botswana animals and scenery. 

Visitors to this area usually fly into Kasane Airport (BBK), and self-drive visitors can pick up their 4×4 at the airport.

Another entry point is Maun Airport (MUB). From here, visitors can fly to Kasane.

Tariffs & Regulations 

Entrance fee to Chobe National Park

For international non-residents, adult daily fees cost $11 and children cost $5.50. 

Carrying a small amount of Botswana currency , the Pula (BWP) is useful when paying for smaller food or ticket items. 

Regulations 

When visitors enter the park, they must follow common sense rules including picking up waste, respecting the reserve schedules and staying in the vehicle when required. 

Accommodation at Chobe National Park

Excellent accommodation options for all parties can be found at Chobe including luxury lodges, houseboats and camping. 

Chobe has very few lodges within its boundaries as the accommodation is mostly set in private concessions on the borders of various parts of the Park.

Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge Chobe NP Botswana

Situated on the banks of the Savute Channel, Savute Elephant Camp offers a magnificent birds-eye view of the majestic elephants in its natural habitat.

Savute Elephant Lodge features spacious and airy rooms atop raised wood lined decks with rich thatch roofing. Suites boast contemporary, minimalist décor with fine linens, ensuite bathrooms with el fresco showers, dressing areas, and personal bars. 

Chobe Game Lodge  

Chobe Game Lodge is a five-star eco-lodge situated on the banks of the Chobe River and offers 44 guest rooms. 

Each lodge boasts air con, an ensuite bathroom, and a private terrace with views of the river. Four decadent suites add to the experience with their own infinity plunge pools. 

Pangolin Chobe Hotel 

This Chobe National Park hotel is situated on the top of a hill in the nearby town of Kasane, overlooking the mighty Chobe River. 

Rooms come complete with air conditioning and modern bathrooms, and an on-site plunge pool is available for a refreshing dip.

Chobe Chilwero Lodge 

Offering great views above the river, this luxury accommodation is an excellent option also.

Chobe Houseboats 

Choose from a floating hotel with 14 suites, a sun deck, and a hot tub, a houseboat that sleeps 10, or a more private affair on a boat with only two or three suites. 

All boat options give visitors ringside seats to the wildlife action along the riverbank and come complete with all meals, complimentary drinks and spirits, and airport transfers. 

Chobe National Park camping

Visitors looking for budget accommodation in Chobe can avail of camping options starting from $12 per person per night. There are some designated camping areas in the park, though visitors are strongly recommended to camp only with a guide. 

Chobe National Park offers three public campgrounds that are very popular and book up fast. 

Ihaha Campground

This campground is located on the riverfront and contains 10 sites, a solar-powered washing station with flush toilets and hot water, and daily trash collection. This campground overlooks a hippo pool during the dry season when the river’s water level below it recedes.

Savuti Campground

This unfenced campground is for the adventurous, as wildlife can meander through camp at any time, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is needed to access it. The campground contains 14 sites. 

Linyanti Campground

This camp contains five sites that overlook the Linyanti rivers. This campground also has a washing station with flush toilets and cold showers and is pretty remote. 

Private camps offer a step up from roughing it, with mobile tent suites, complete with ensuite bathrooms, flush toilets, steaming hot buckets, and solar-powered lamps. 

Useful information  

Chobe National Park can be found in northern Botswana close to the border between Namibia and Zimbabwe. 

Weather 

The climate in Kgalagadi TP is warm to hot with day time temperatures ranging from 25C/77F to 35C/95F.

Best time to visit Chobe NP

​August to October is the best time to visit Chobe for wildlife viewing along the riverfront. Understanding the best time to visit Botswana is useful as this can impact safari prices and availability. 

Health 

Chobe NP lies in a high-risk malaria zone and antimalarial medication is advised. It is recommended to consult with your doctor prior to your trip. 

Where is Chobe National Park located?

In the north of Botswana close to Namibia and Zimbabwe. Visitors typically fly into Kasane Airport (BBK). 

How much is the park entrance fee?

For international non-residents, adult daily fees cost $11 and children cost $5.50. 

What animals will visitors see?

Big 5 including herds of elephants, lions, Cape buffaloes, lions, leopards and rhinos as well as African painted dogs, blue wildebeest, civets, crocodiles, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, impala and leopards. 

Chobe National Park definitive safari guide

Elephants , everywhere . That’s the iconic highlight of a safari in Chobe National Park. And giraffe. Lots of giraffe actually, wandering around in their towers.

Situated in the north of Botswana, Chobe National Park is one of Africa’s most legendary safari destinations . It’s home to the world’s largest elephant population, along with a wonderful variety of other wildlife.

Chobe is also a great destination for a budget safari . The park is easily accessible and highlights as big as elephants are impossible to miss.

This definitive safari guide will immerse you in Chobe National Park and covers all the different visitor options , from super budget day trips to the most evocative of four-day safaris.

Why is Chobe National Park So Special

The abundant and diverse wildlife

Let’s get excited about what you are going to see.

Imagine the sight of an elephant, a giant swinging his trunk and flapping his ears. Now imagine a herd of elephants, perhaps 20 pachyderms barging through the bush. Now try to imagine the sight of 100 elephants. Can you do that?

How about 100,000 elephants? 100,000 ! That’s how many elephants are in Chobe National Park during the dry season, when resident herds are joined by migratory herds.

Not only is this the world’s largest elephant population , they are the world’s largest elephants. These Kalahari elephants are bigger than those you will see elsewhere in Africa and double the size of Asian elephants. They even dwarf the elephant bulls of Ngorongoro Crater .

Chobe is also one of the best places in Africa to see giraffe . The Angolan giraffe is abundant all over the national park and you cannot miss the world’s tallest animal. Hey – check out all these facts about baby giraffe , the cutest newborn on the savannah!

Then what else? Cape buffalo gather in large herds. Zebra stripes are a common sight. Hippos fill the rivers, grunting and guffawing throughout the day. Crocodiles sunbathe on the banks, causing a stir of commotion when grazers come close.

Baboons cause a racket in the trees while various large antelope species graze around the riverbanks. You can see endangered puku , tsessebe , wildebeest and many more.

Chobe National Park is also the home of predators. This is where you can see lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and even wild dogs .

So what doesn’t Chobe have? Well, there are no mountain gorillas nor chimpanzees. What else? Hmmm, Chobe has just about all the animals you will want to see on an African safari . The only real exception is the lack of rhinos . Without rhinos Chobe cannot be a big five destination.

A beautiful range of habitats

Don’t get too excited just yet. Before you book a flight to Botswana and move permanently to Chobe National Park, you need to understand the habitat, because this has a huge impact on the wildlife viewing experience.

Most of Chobe National Park is dense bush and forest . The vegetation is tall and thick but it’s not all the same. Chobe has four very distinctive ecosystems and these help to attract the wonderful diversity of wildlife.

Thick swathes of teak trees are broken by small lush plains. This is elephant paradise and you can see where herds have bashed new trails in the forest.

The Chobe River meanders along the north of Chobe National Park, forming a natural barrier between Botswana and Namibia . It joins the Kwando and Linyanti, two of Africa’s other most iconic rivers.

Riverine forest dominates the landscape between these rivers, another great habitat for elephants and forest-dwelling antelope.

Elsewhere in the park you will see open woodlands mixed with seasonal swamps and great patches of mud. Again, nice for elephants, as well as being a place where predators can hide.

Animals are attracted to Chobe National Park because there is a lot to eat . They also make a home here because there is so much water . In a Southern African region of arid desert, Chobe provides a haven of fluid bounty.

Vegetation provides places for animals to hide

The concentration of lions and leopards in Chobe National Park is as good as anywhere else in Southern Africa. However, not many people will see the big cats because the vegetation is so dense.

It’s easy to encounter predators on open plains, such as Serengeti National Park or the Masai Mara . You enjoy incredible visibility and can hone in on the most famous safari sights.

However, explore Chobe’s dense landscapes and you will not be able to see very far . Trees and bushes block the way. A lion pride may be sleeping just 20 meters from the four-wheel drive trail, but if the lions are completely hidden you will easily miss them.

Giraffe are taller than the trees. Elephants are bigger than the bush. So these animals cannot be missed. But the predators deliberately hide away and it is rare to see them, even though they are so abundant.

Secretive animals like roan antelope can also be difficult to find. While they may be one of Africa’s largest antelope species, it’s easy for them to sneak into the trees and avoid your eyes.

So to recap – Chobe National Park has an incredible wildlife abundance and variety, but the vegetation means you will not encounter it all.

But…just as you cannot see them, the animals cannot see you coming. In dense landscapes like Chobe you can usually get closer to animals than on open grasslands and plains. And getting closer is a wonderful way to connect with your wild side.

A thrilling combination of safari activities

Game drives are the standard activity in most national parks and game reserves. Game walks and nighttime game drives are also an option in private concessions, but rarely in national parks.

Chobe National Park is a wonderful experience because you can combine different activities .

River cruises are integral to every Chobe safari. You can cruise for a few days in a custom boat, down the Chobe River and along its tributaries. Most people do at least a half-day river safari, enjoying all the animals drinking along the banks.

Game drives are also part of the safari, weaving along sandy trails through the forests, to swamps and open grasslands where you look for more than just safari giants.

In some parts of Chobe you can also go on walking safaris , an intimate experience in some of Africa’s wildest areas.

This opportunity to explore in different ways is the biggest highlight of a Chobe National Park safari. You get alternative perspectives and see different animals in different habitats.

Plan a Chobe National Park Safari Around How Much Time You Have

Chobe covers the northeastern corner of Botswana and practically shares a border with Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. You can approach the national park from four different countries! A safari here can even be a day trip from Victoria Falls .

Chobe can roughly be split into four different areas . Each has its own habitat and contrasting animal population.

The key difference is their accessibility . A river runs along the north of Chobe so you can reach some places by water. A highway runs along the eastern boundary and you can spot elephants crossing this road on route to Zimbabwe and other places.

But getting into the heart of an enormous national park will take time . The roads are rough and bumpy. Elephants and buffalo literally block the trails. Plus, you really won’t want to rush.

You need to plan a Chobe safari around how much time you have. This length of time also equates to budget . Although a Chobe National Park is very affordable in comparison to other safari destinations, it’s still not a cheap day out.

Choose the Serondela area for a one-day safari

Serondela in the northeast is less than an hour from the Botswana border with Zambia and Zimbabwe. It’s the most popular area because it’s so accessible by road. Many people visit Serondela on a day or overnight trip from Victoria Falls.

Expect to see lots of elephants , giraffe , buffalo and hippos . Don’t expect to encounter many predators. The vegetation is thick and big cats shy away from the abundance of vehicles in Serondela.

Serondela is the touristic part of Chobe National Park because of all the day trips. You can also stay in affordable lodges overlooking Chobe River, on the Serondela part boundaries.

However if you are going to spend the night it’s better to camp inside the park , so you can also explore the Ngwezumba pans.

With two days try mobile camping and the Ngwezumba pans

The Ngwezumba interior is dry, dense and hot. It’s the heart of the Chobe ecosystem, packed full with surprises and subtle animal behaviour.

The Ngwezumba pans provide water during the dry season so animals don’t need to stick around the rivers. They help to create exceptionally diverse game viewing from July to October.

Wildlife gathers around thick nutritious vegetation and you can get very close to a wide range of Chobe National Park favourites. Expect to see the giants, as well as lesser known species and a small selection of predators.

You need at least two days in Chobe National Park to explore Ngwezumba. Many tour operators run two-day one-night Chobe tours that use basic mobile camps inside the national park.

With three days, immerse yourself in Savute

Forests and grasslands merge together around the Savute Marsh and Savute River, in the far west of the park.

For decades the Savute Channel ran dry. Now the water has returned, along with a stunning abundance of animals.

This is probably Chobe National Park’s ultimate big-game area and you will need three days. Okay, you can do it in two days, but why cut short an African safari?

Open grasslands are great for spotting predators during the dry season. Here you will also encounter large antelope herds. And of course there will be elephants – there are always elephants in Chobe National Park.

Around Savute the national park shares unfenced borders with private concessions . That means your movements will be limited somewhat. However, a safari in Chobe National Park is less than a fifth of the price as a safari in the private concessions.

If you can spend more than USD 500 a day choose Linyanti

Savute and Linyanti are very similar in habitat , with permanent rivers, woodlands, grasslands and marshes.

Both offer a wonderful variety of habitats, which helps them attract an equally wonderful variety of animals.

In particular, Linyanti is the best place in the Chobe ecosystem to see predators . Lions and leopards are complemented by regular African wild dog sightings. It’s spectacular and it’s really wild, on safari so far from the day-tripping hordes.

If you have three or four days then you can visit Ngwezumba, Savute and Linyanti. However, note that most of the Linyanti area is gazetted as a private concession .

This Linyanti concession joins with Kwando and Selinda, two other phenomenal safari destinations.

These concessions are very expensive but they do offer some of Africa’s ultimate safari experiences.

Planning Where to Stay in Chobe National Park

Lodges on the Chobe River are beautiful, relatively basic, and offer a good safari on a budget. These are the most typical places to stay for a Chobe safari.

You can watch hippos and elephants from the verandah, as well as enjoy Chobe’s superb bird life.

However, these river lodges are not located inside the national park . Whether you go on a game drive or boat safari, you cannot get very far into the park before you need to return to the lodge.

By sleeping inside the park you can travel further and experience more. Mobile camping is very affordable here. It’s more adventurous than the river lodges and can still be comfortable.

Camps move every few days and are pretty basic, with tents, sleeping mats, outdoor bush toilets, and…well, that’s about it. This is camping, not glamping .

But just imagine…you can camp in a national park where 100,000 elephants roam! You can camp in a woodland occupied by big cats and big game. Talk about a connection with your wild side!

When to Visit Chobe National Park

Many Chobe animals are permanent residents. They have all the food and water they need. Except there are two problems .

Chobe National Park isn’t the safest place for many animals , not with so many predators and so many places for these predators to hide. There’s also an issue of overpopulation . Vegetation is depleted with all the mouths that need feeding.

So many of the animals leave Chobe during the green season, which is roughly from late-November to March and April . This is the hottest time of year as well, so it’s not great for being out in the bush, as you can read more about in our detailed Botswana safari guide .

When the rains come the animals spread far and wide. They go off to fresh pastures and vegetation, knowing they can drink from seasonal waterholes and swamps.

November to April is off season so the park will be less crowded. The birdlife is fantastic during these months but you can’t get the complete Chobe big game experience.

After the rains have stopped and the sun has shriveled the earth, Africa’s wildlife returns to Chobe. This is the dry season so there isn’t much water except for in Chobe and the Okavango Delta .

Chobe always has water so it’s an incredibly popular migratory destination , especially for elephants. Animals start arriving from May onward and by July the wildlife population has swelled.

The best time to visit Chobe is June to September, at the height of the dry season, when the vegetation is at its lowest and the animal population is at its highest.

Planning a Safari Itinerary

From the Victoria Falls area

Arrive from Victoria Falls and you will first reach Serondela. By the time you cross the border it will be mid-morning, so not the best time for a game drive.

Most itineraries start with a boat safari along the Chobe River. Then later in the afternoon you can go on a game drive. Spend another day and you can do an early-morning game drive followed by an afternoon boat cruise.

Expect to pay upwards of USD 200 for a Chobe day trip from Vic Falls. Make it USD 300 for an overnight trip – this is really good value for the experience.

From elsewhere in Botswana or from Namibia

Arrive from anywhere in Botswana and you can access Chobe from the south . So it’s best to start with game drives, work your way through the national park, then end with a boat cruise.

Safaris really vary in price and you can find space on a shared safari for USD 150 per day upwards. Expect the price to be much higher for a private safari.

Still, in comparison to the Okavango Delta and elsewhere in Africa, this is good value.

Extended boat cruises

Standard boat cruises are in small boats that go up and down the river past hippos and elephants.

Large live-aboard boats offer multi-day Chobe river safaris. These are ideal if you seek downtime and a very relaxed safari. They travel west towards Linyanti and Savute, so the game viewing is better than a half-day cruise.

These extended Chobe cruises are pretty expensive and start from USD 450 per day.

Extended safaris

Hey, you want to connect with your wild side, right? Well, there aren’t too many national parks wilder than Chobe.

Our advise – try to make your Chobe National Park safari as long as possible .

It takes a long time to even reach the Chobe wilderness, so don’t cut your time short. Immerse yourself and savour the complete Chobe experience.

Right, we’re off to marvel at some elephants in Botswana. Happy safari! 🙂

About The Author

Editorial Team

Related posts.

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Botswana safari: the planning guide for beginners

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park safari guide

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The Ultimate Chobe National Park Safari Guide

LAST UPDATED: 4/13/23 – Chobe National Park Safari Guide

There are some truly incredible travel experiences that you can have throughout the world but visiting Africa and going out on safari is one of the most unique and exhilarating experiences that I have been fortunate enough to enjoy. Getting up close and personal with some of the world’s most amazing and endangered animals in their natural environment is something you need to experience first-hand to appreciate. I have been lucky enough to have gone on safari in seven different national parks, and three different reserves, all in four different African countries. I have treasured each of these experiences greatly for their own different reasons, but my favorite has undoubtedly been my Chobe National Park safari this past autumn.

Chobe National Park is unlike any other national park that you can tour in Africa. It is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants on the continent, is at the epicenter of Botswana’s great zebra migration, and offers one of the wildest and most authentic safari experiences you will find anywhere. Whether you decide to take a boat safari in the Chobe Riverfront Region to see herds of elephants playing in the water amongst hippos and crocodiles or venture into the wild interior of the Savute Region to see the park’s dense population of apex predators hunt big game, a Chobe National Park safari will leave an imprint on your soul that will be with you for your lifetime. An African safari is truly one of the world’s most incredible travel adventures and Chobe National Park is one of Africa’s most amazing parks to have that experience.

It is for this reason that I have created this Ultimate Chobe National Park Safari Guide. Not only do I want to share my incredible experience and safari photographs with you to inspire you to have your own adventure, but I want to give you the resources you will need to successfully make that inspiration and reality. In this Chobe National Park safari guide, I will let you know what requirements you will need to visit Botswana, give you some tips on how to get to the park, let you know which regions of the park you can visit, and provide you with information on which tours, lodges, and campsites I recommend. With this information in hand, you should be able to confidently plan an incredible safari adventure in Chobe National Park that you’ll never forget.

Botswana Entrance Requirements

Before you depart for your Chobe National Park safari in Botswana, you will need to make sure that you meet all of the requirements for entry into the country. In order to assist you in this preparation, I have created a short article that outlines all of the Botswana entry requirements for visitors. This includes the necessary passport, VISA, and customs requirements that you will need to consider before you depart for your trip.

Travel Immunizations

Important Note:  I am not a medical doctor and do not have any medical experience. The information provided in this section is a summary of information that I got from the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States for travel to Botswana. I am providing you this information to help bring awareness of the necessary vaccinations to you, but consultation of my guide should not replace a discussion about your travels with your doctor or a travel medical clinic.

One of the most important, and yet most often overlooked, aspects of travel is the necessary vaccinations that are required or recommended to keep you safe and healthy when you travel. Before you depart for Botswana, you are going to want to make sure that you have all of the proper vaccinations.

Some of these vaccinations, like the Yellow Fever vaccination, are included in the Botswana entrance requirements if you are traveling to Botswana from certain high-risk locations. Other vaccinations, such as a flu shot and the Typhoid vaccine, are recommended, but not required.

For your convenience, I have summarized the CDC’s recommendations on vaccines and healthcare for travelers visiting Botswana for you to review in my “Botswana Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements” guide linked below.

What to Bring

If you are visiting Africa to go on safari for the first time, you might not be sure of what to bring with you. To help you with these questions as you prepare for your Chobe National Park safari, I have developed several guides that you should review. First, my article the “20 Tips for Those Visiting Africa for the First Time” will help you get prepared for what to expect when you arrive in Africa for the first time. It outlines what you should do, what you shouldn’t do, and gives you some tips that will help you know what to expect on your first visit to the continent of Africa.

Then, as you start to prepare for your trip, you will want to review my “Essential Safari Packing List” to make sure that you have all of the gear that you need and don’t pack what you won’t need with you. Finally, if you plan to take pictures on your safari, you will definitely want to review my “Tips for Photography on African Safaris” guide to make sure you get the best photographs possible to remember your adventure!

How to Get There

Depending on how you plan to take a Chobe National Park safari, there are several different ways in which you can plan to get there. Chobe National Park is a huge park that covers over 4,500 square miles, so where you plan to tour within the park will have a big impact on how you will want to get there. In this section of my Chobe National Park Safari Guide, I provide you with some valuable information on how it will be best for you to plan your transportation to Botswana.

Getting to the Park

There are two airports within 1.5-hours of Chobe National Park, one in Kasane, Botswana, and the other in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. In addition, there is also an airstrip for smaller aircraft that is located in the Savute area of Chobe National Park. If you are planning to book a multi-day safari in Chobe National Park, the tour operator you choose is likely to want to pick you up in either Kasane or will help you organize your flight into Savute.

For those who are visiting the Victoria Falls area and would like to take a full-day safari in Chobe National Park, many tour operators will organize transportation for the one-hour drive from Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park. This includes assisting you with the border crossing from Zimbabwe to Botswana and then back to Zimbabwe when your tour is finished. For a general understanding of where Chobe National Park is located in Botswana and relative to other parks and reserves in Botswana, please refer to the map I have included below.

View Larger Map

Recommended Tours

Because Chobe National Park is such a big park, it will be difficult to see all of it in one visit. Which parts of the park you visit will depend a great deal on how much time you want to spend in the park and what tour you choose to book. If you are in the process of looking at Chobe National Park safari tours and would like some assistance with choosing the right one for your trip, I have included some resources below to assist you.

Chobe National Park Map

Before you choose a tour operator for your Chobe National Park safari, I think it is really important to understand a little bit about Chobe National Park. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the park, Chobe National Park is divided up into four main areas. These areas include the Ngwenzumba Pans, Linyanti, Savute, and the Chobe Riverfront. To assist you in deciding which parts of the park you’d like to visit; I have included a park map and a description of each of these areas for you to review below.

Recommended Chobe National Park Tours

If you are looking for a tour operator to use to see Chobe National Park in Botswana and will be flying into the Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe area, I would highly recommend using Africa Beast Safaris . Simon from Africa Beast Safaris is super passionate about what he does and takes extraordinary care of his customers. We used Africa Beast Safaris for our Chobe National Park tour and were thrilled with the level of service.

Chobe Riverfront Region

If you are interested in booking a day tour of Chobe National Park, these tours primarily focus on the Chobe Riverfront area of Chobe National Park. This area of the park is near the town of Kasane, which is roughly an hour West of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Many tour operators will facilitate travel from Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park for the day, including assistance in getting thru the border crossing to Botswana and back at the end of the tour. This makes day tours to Chobe National Park from Victoria Falls incredibly popular.

Most tours in the riverfront region include both land and boat safari. Depending on the tour operator you choose, this will include either a morning or afternoon boat cruise along the Chobe River, with a land safari the other half of the day and lunch in between. You will typically see large numbers of elephants, antelope, buffalo, and other grazing animals along the edge of the Chobe River and on the island between Botswana and Namibia. There is also a high concentration of crocodiles and hippos in the river, so they are frequently spotted on boat cruises as well.

Depending on when you visit, it isn’t uncommon to spot giraffes, elephants, antelope, and even lions and leopards on land safaris in the area. However, your chances of spotting wildlife from land in this region greatly increase when you visit during the dry season. If you are looking for a good day tour of Chobe National Park, here is a list of some tours I would recommend.

Linyanti Region

If you have more time to explore Chobe National Park and would like to maximize your chances of spotting predators, then one region of the park you might consider visiting is the Linyanti Region. Situated to the North of Savute in the corner of the park, the Linyanti Swamp is one of the prettiest areas of Chobe National Park. It is characterized by papyrus-lined waterways, vast reed banks, and beautiful riverine forests. In many ways, the Linyanti Swamp resembles the Okavango Delta in its beauty and diversity of wildlife.

Speaking of wildlife, the Linyanti Region of Chobe National Park is renowned for its large concentrations of elephants, lions, hippos, sable, and even the rare African painted dogs. The peak season for wildlife viewing in the region is during the dry winter months when wildlife concentrates near the Linyanti River for water.

In addition to land safaris in 4×4 vehicles, the area is also popular for bird walks and canoeing in the large lagoons and waterways. If you would like to take a safari in the Linyanti Region of Chobe National Parks, here are some tours that I would recommend looking at.

Savute Region

If there is one thing above all else that attracts wildlife enthusiasts to Botswana, it is the completely wild and remote viewing opportunities that it affords. When it comes to being wild and remote, few places in Botswana are more of than the Savute region of Chobe National Park. The region stretches from the park’s northern boundaries to the Linyanti River and is characterized mostly by its mysterious Savute Channel. While dry and arid for almost 30 years, it is now flowing with water again. This has attracted animals from far and wide to the lush marsh of this wilderness haven.

Above all else, the Savute Region of Chobe National Park is known for its predators. There are large prides of lions that are renowned for taking down elephants that live in the region, as well as an abundance of spotted hyenas. These apex predators hunt the large herds of buffalo, zebra, and elephants that live in the region, which makes Savute one of the best places in all of Africa to see predators in action.

If you would like to plan a safari in Savute, you will need to plan to spend a considerable amount of time in the park because of the region’s remoteness. Most tour operators will coordinate a flight into the Savute airstrip on a small plane, which can make the tours a bit more expensive. However, when you see the rugged wildness of Savute, I am sure you will agree that the extra time and money are worth it. For those that are interested, I have included some Chobe National Park safaris in Savute that I recommend below for you to review.

Ngwenzumba Pans region

The final region where you can take a Chobe National Park safari is the unique Ngwenzumba Pans region. Located about 70km (43.5 miles) south of the Chobe River, this area is characterized by a complex set of clay pans that are surrounded by grassland plains, mopane forests, and combretum thickets. With over a dozen distinct pans that collect water when it rains, the Ngwenzumba Pans region of Chobe National Park becomes an attractive area for animals when the rainy season.

This makes the region a great area to go on safari during the wet season when animals tend to stay away from the permanent water sources of the Linyanti and Chobe rivers. Even during the dry season, the water pumps that provide water to the man-made watering holes in the area ensure that there is wildlife in the area for visitors to see.

While this area of the park isn’t nearly as popular with visitors as the other regions, it does offer a unique experience for visitors who have been on safari in Botswana before and are looking for something different may crave. There aren’t a lot of tours that focus on this area of the park, so your best bet for going on safari in the Ngwenzumba Pans region of Chobe National Park is to book accommodation at one of the area’s nice lodges. I have linked to the lodge in the area I recommend below, which outlines details on the safari services and activities that they offer visitors.

Best Times to Visit

Because the river runs thru the park, Chobe National Park is one of the parks in Africa where you have an excellent chance of spotting wildlife no matter what time of year you visit. However, that doesn’t mean that some parts of the year aren’t better than others. If you are in the planning phase for your Chobe National Park safari and are trying to decide what time of year it would be best to visit, I have included a wealth of information for you to review below so that you can make an informed decision.

Average Temperature (℉) by Month

One factor that you will definitely want to consider when deciding what time of year to visit Botswana to go on a Chobe National Park safari is the average temperature. During September thru November, the high temperatures can get quite hot. Typically, you will go on safari in the mornings and evenings, so that you can avoid being in the sun during the hottest time of the day. That said, it can still be quite hot while on safari and if you don’t do well in very hot temperatures, you should probably avoid these months.

On the other hand, the average low temps during May thru August can be quite chilly. They use open safari vehicles in Botswana, so you will want to prepare yourself for chilly morning game drives if you decide to visit during these months of the year. For more information on what types of temperatures to expect on your Chobe National Park safari, please refer to the chart of average temperatures I provided for you to review below.

Average Precipitation (Inches) by Month

Arguably the most important factor that you will want to consider when deciding what time of year to visit Botswana for your Chobe National Park safari is the amount of precipitation that the area is getting. Not only can a lot of rain put a hamper on your daily safari plans, but an abundant amount of rain can also greatly affect the likelihood that you will see animals. During the dry months of April thru October, Chobe National Park gets very little water. As the area dries out, leaves fall, and the vegetation begins to dry out as well. This makes it much easier to spot stealthy animals like the leopard.

Not only that but the amount of water available in the park begins to decline as the weather dries out as well. This means that more-and-more animals will need to visit the Chobe River and other permanent water sources to drink during the end of the dry season. This makes finding the wildlife much more predictable than it is during the wet, rainy season when water is plentiful. For more information on what levels of precipitation to expect on your Chobe National Park safari, please refer to the chart of average precipitation levels I provided for you to review below.

Best Months to Visit

If you are starting to plan your Chobe National Park safari and would like to know which months are best for visiting the park, I have put together a chart below that outlines which months I think are the best for visiting Chobe. I have also detailed some of the pro’s and con’s for visiting Chobe National Park during both the dry and wet seasons to assist you in determining which time of year would be best for your visit.

Dry Season (April to October)

• There are a lot of sunny days and very little rain.
• Boat safaris are incredible as animals congregate along the riverfront.
• You can capture some spectacular sunsets on the river.
• The riverfront can get very busy during the peak months of July to October.
• It can be very dusty and dry during the peak of the dry season.
• The end of the dry season (September and October) can be very hot.

Wet Season (November to March)

• It is birthing season for grazing animals, so there are high concentrations of predators in the park.
• Very large concentrations of zebra and other wildlife migrate to the Savuti marsh.
• Migrating birds visit the park, so it is the best time of year in Chobe for bird watching.
• Less wildlife congregates at the riverfront because water is more plentiful in the park, so wildlife is less congregated.
• The temperatures get very hot.
• There are frequent afternoon showers, which can hamper safari plans.

Where to Stay

If you do not want to book a tour for your Chobe National Park safari, there are a few options that you can choose that may save you some money. You have the option of arranging your own transportation to the park and then booking your lodging or campsite accommodations separately.

Depending on the lodging that you choose, they may offer guided game drives for guests. If so, you can take advantage of their guided game drives to see the park. If you choose a campsite or a lodge that doesn’t offer guided game drives, you will need to self-drive to see the park.

If you are in the process of planning your Chobe National Park safari and are planning to book your accommodations outside of a tour, I have included some valuable information on self-drive safaris and some recommended campsites and lodges in this section for you to review.

Recommended Chobe Camps and Lodges

Chobe National Park is an incredibly large park and there are many wonderful lodges and campsites in and around the park to choose from. If you are choosing to book your own accommodations for your Chobe National Park safari adventure, I have included some of my recommendations for you to review below. These recommendations include campsites, lodges, and places with a mixture of both. I have also included some of my top picks for campsites and lodges at different price points so that you can choose the accommodations that are right for you and for your budget.

Tips and Guidelines for Self-Drive Safaris in Chobe

Doing a self-drive Chobe National Park safari has its advantages, as you can go your own pace and be on your own schedule, but it does require quite a bit of preparation and planning. If you are planning on doing a self-drive safari in Chobe National Park, there are several things that you should be aware of and prepare for before your trip. To assist you with this preparation, I have included some tips and guidelines for you to review below.

• Park rules require that you stay on the marked roads at all times. You cannot drive off-road in Chobe National Park.
• Target the dry season for your visit as there is far less risk of the roads being flooded.
• Make sure you have a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance. The roads can be rough in areas and you don’t want to get stuck.
• Let some air out of your tires while driving on the gravel and sand park roads. This will give you extra traction and help you prevent getting stuck. Just remember to re-inflate your tires before getting back on the paved roads.
• Bring a satellite phone with you in case of emergencies.
• Make sure you have plenty of food, water, and extra fuel with you.
• Download the Tracks4Africa app for navigation. It is the recommended app for safari navigation in Botswana.
• Be prepared to pay your park fees. They are paid at the park entrance gates and are valid from when you enter until the next day at 11AM. Foreigner adults cost 120Pula per person, per day and cars are 50Pula (about 10 pula is 1$USD).
• And finally, leave yourself plenty of time to get back to your lodge or campsite before dark.

The Wildlife You May See

Because of the plentiful water supply to the park by the Chobe and Linyanti Rivers and the Savute Marsh, Chobe National Park in Botswana offers visitors an impressive wealth of wildlife to view. Both Elephants and Cape Buffalo are found along the Chobe River during the dry season and the plains zebra migration to the Savute region is impressive to behold. Along with zebra, it isn’t uncommon to see wildebeest, giraffe, puku, and impala, as well as smaller numbers of greater kudu and sable antelope within the park as well.

For visitors who long to see predators, the Linyanti and Savute regions of Chobe National Park offer some of the best lion-spotting opportunities in Africa, with large lion prides inhabiting both areas. They often compete with a large density of spotted hyenas, leopards, and even occasional painted African dogs and cheetahs for food. Within the park’s rivers, it isn’t uncommon to see crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks and hippos in the water trying to escape the heat. With so much wildlife in the park, Chobe National Park continues to be one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa.

Safari Tips

When you are on safari, especially while on a safari in Chobe National Park where you have an opportunity to see animals from land and the water, it is easy to get lost in the experience.  Being on safari is such an amazing experience and you should enjoy every single second of it.  However, if you aren’t careful, you might not get everything out of the experience that you could have.

In order to make sure that you get everything out of your Chobe National Park safari that you possibly can, I have provided some general safari tips below for you to review.

• Be Patient and Open-Minded – When you are on safari, everything isn’t going to go according to plan.  The weather, the animal’s behavior, and other factors are going to impact where you go and what you see.  Chobe National Park provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa, but even in Chobe, you have to be ready to adjust your plans if necessary.
• Safety First – It is really easy to get caught up in the safari experience and want to get the best pictures you possibly can.  However, safety should always be the primary concern.  To give you some help on how to remain safe while on safari in the Chobe National Park, I have outlined some general safety tips for you to review later in this guide.
• Don’t Get Stuck Behind Your Camera – Everyone wants to get great pictures while on safari, and you should absolutely bring your camera and take a lot of pictures.  However, if you spend your entire time in Chobe National Park looking thru your camera, you are going to miss out on some of the experience.  I would recommend setting your camera down every-once-in-a-while and just enjoy being in such an amazing place.
• Ask Lots of Questions – Make sure you ask your safari guide a lot of questions while you are on safari in Chobe National Park.  It is easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to ask which type of animal you are looking at or why they are doing what they are doing, but your safari guide is there to answer these questions for you.  And believe me, they enjoy answering these questions.  Don’t get home and regret not asking those questions.
• Do the Land and Boat Safaris – Unlike many wildlife parks in Africa, Chobe National Park allows you the opportunity to see the wildlife from both a safari vehicle and from a boat on the Chobe River. Each of these safari experiences allows you to get different and unique looks at the wildlife. Make sure you leave yourself enough time to do a safari by land and boat or book a tour that offers both.
• Give Yourself Plenty of Time – Chobe National Park is a very large park, with very distinct and unique environments. Most day trips will offer safaris in the Kasane area, which allows you to do a boat and land safari near the Chobe River. However, if you want to experience some of the more wild and untamed parts of Chobe, I recommend spending multiple days in the park and exploring other parts of the park as well. One of my favorite parts of the park is the Savuti area, which borders the Okavango Delta. This is where you will find the infamous elephant hunting lion prides and see high concentrations of predators.

Safety Tips

Being on Safari in Chobe National Park can be an amazing and exciting experience, but it can also be a very dangerous experience if you don’t follow the proper safety rules.  In order to ensure that your safari experience is a memorable and safe one, I have outlined some general safari safety rules for you to review below.

• Obey your safari guide at all times – The most important safari safety tip of all is to listen to your safari guide and obey them at all times.  They are there to keep you safe, so let them.
• Don’t stick anything out of the safari vehicle – It is never a good idea to stick anything outside of a safari vehicle.  Whether this be your arms, your feet, or your camera as you try to get a great picture, keep them inside the vehicle at all times.
• Don’t make a lot of sudden or frantic movements in the vehicle –  When you are in the safari vehicle, the animals tend to think of the vehicle and everything associated with it as one homogeneous entity.  However, if you make sudden and frantic movements, or do something else to make you stick out as apart of the vehicle, you may become an object of interest to them.
• Never get out of the vehicle unless your guide says you can – This point cannot be stressed strongly enough. Never, and I mean never, get out of your safari vehicle unless your safari guide explicitly instructs that it is safe.
• Never leave your tent or lodge room at night – This is another point that I cannot emphasize strongly enough.  You should never leave your tent or lodge room at night without a chaperone.  The African bush can be a dangerous place, especially at night, so make sure you follow whichever procedures your safari guide gives you for getting assistance at night.  If they don’t mention this, make sure you ask ahead of time.
• Walk, never run – If you do find yourself outside of your vehicle and confronted by an animal (hopefully this never happens), then make sure that you stay as calm as possible, walk away slowly (never turning your back on the animal), and NEVER, EVER run away.
• Never swim in lakes or rivers – Unless you are explicitly told by your safari guide that the waters are free of hippos and crocodiles, you should never attempt to swim in a lake, river, or pond.  Even then, I would think twice about doing it.  Hippos kill more people in Africa than any other animal, and crocodiles are not far behind on the list, so you always have to be safe when even approaching bodies of water.
• Never Stand Up on Boat Safaris While Moving – This tip should be very self-explanatory, but it is an important one so I will mention it anyways. When on a boat safari, never stand up in a moving boat. Falling into the water could lead to drowning or a wildlife attack. In addition to staying seated, do not lean out of the boat or touch the water. There are wild animals in the water that may see this as an opportunity to attack.

Chobe National Park Photo Gallery

I have been on safari in four different African countries, and Chobe is certainly one of my favorite spots. I was able to capture so many spectacular photographs during my Chobe National Park safari that I want to share with you, so I have created the Chobe safari picture gallery for you to view below. I hope you enjoy these images and that they inspire you to book your own adventure in Chobe National Park!

If you would like to view some more of my top Chobe National Park safari photos, as well as photos from some of my many other travel adventures, make sure you are following me on Instagram as well!

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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An amazing and thorough guide. Well done, Josh!

Thank you so very much!! That means a ton coming from you!

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The complete guide to a safari in Chobe National park in Botswana

Panning to go for a safari in Chobe National park in Botswana? Here is a comprehensive guide to Chobe national park that will give you all the information to plan your safari.

Located in the North of Botswana, Chobe was declared a national park in 1967 and it spans an area of 11,700 square kilometers making it the third-largest national park in Botswana.

The national park whose main source of water for the park’s wildlife is the Chobe river is divided into four distinct regions; Chobe riverfront (which has the largest concentration of wildlife in the park), Nogatsaa, Savuti, and Linyanti.

Chobe national park Botswana consists of the largest population of African elephants, big herds of buffalos, and also offers a great chance of spotting the big five making it the most visited park in Botswana.

It is indeed undeniably true that Chobe national park is one of the best places to visit in Botswana to enjoy wildlife at its best.

A safari in Chobe National park is sure to provide its visitors with amazing vegetation, pans, wildlife- literally something new every day.

Be it seeing hyenas, elephants, or even hippos at your campsite or hearing roars of the lions from a distance at night, a Chobe National park safari will blow your mind away.

The Ultimate Guide to a safari in Chobe National park

My experience at chobe national park.

Visiting Chobe national park had been a dream of mine having read so much about it and it being one of the best National parks in Africa.

Even though I did not spot all the “Big Five” animals, I was not let down by Chobe as my expectations were high.

I was able to see a lion sitting in the grass just a few meters away from me at the Chobe riverfront, something I had never experienced in my life. If this is not what they call impressive, then I don’t know what to call it.

As my excitement for wildlife and spotting animals grew, I became obsessed with seeing a leopard or even a cheetah.

I remember at one point, I saw a zebra from a distance and I immediately thought it was a cheetah.

I screamed in excitement saying “omg, omg, there is a cheetah”. Everyone else was wondering where it was since they were only seeing a zebra and not a cheetah.

As we approached it nearer, I realized it was just a zebra. I was made fun of the entire game drive for hallucinating. What can I say, I just wanted to see a cheetah.

But all in all, the safari in Chobe National park was an incredible experience for me that I consider myself lucky to have been to one of the best places for a safari in Africa and one considered the best among Botswana national parks.

Related post: Things to know before going on an African safari

Chobe National park animals and wildlife

Although the wildlife at all 4 distinct parts of the park may not differ, there are greater chances of spotting lions and Cheetahs at the Chobe riverfront.

Chobe is home to approximately 120,000 elephants making it the African country with the most number of Elephants. Often times, you’ll also see herds of buffalos, groups of monkeys playing around the riverfront.

Whether it is Zebras, Giraffes, Red Lechwe, Hippos, crocodiles sunbathing on the river bank or the rare rock monitor, Chobe’s wildlife never disappoints.

Aside from the animals, beautiful common and rare birds also span this amazing park bringing satisfaction to the bird lovers. Also, the vegetation and landscape leave visitors in awe and in appreciation of Chobe National park wildlife.

For the 4 days, I was in the park, I was able to see a pride of lions just a few meters away from the car. However much I would have loved to see Leopards and Cheetahs, I was not lucky enough to spot any.

But some of the wild animals and birds I was lucky to see include, a huge number of Wildebeest, Impalas everywhere, almost the entire park, big and impressive herds of Elephants including some that were swimming in the Chobe River. Spotting giraffes was the order of the day, water back, hippos, and so many others.

With more than 450 bird species recorded in Chobe national park, it is close to impossible to see all of them. But if you’re keen enough, you’ll be able to see some of them.

I was able to spot some like the Burchell’s Coucal, Lilac-breasted Roller, Little Bee-eater, yellow-billed stork, Marabou stock, Grey Heron and so many others.

And if you want to make spotting animals and birds fun, buy the Chobe national park tourist map that has a checklist of all animals, reptiles, and birds that are in the park.

For whichever animal/bird you spot, just check it on the checklist. This checklist is not only fun but it also gives you an idea of what to look out for within the park. In the same way, it helps you learn the name of the animal/bird you see and have no idea what it is.

The Chobe national park tourist map is not just a map but offers important information about the park and the best routes to take.

Pro tip* I highly recommend buying the Chobe national park tourist map plus the Botswana lonely planet guide book . The Botswana Lonely Planet guide book provides insightful information while the map showcases all the loops that you can take mapped out well with coordinates and estimated kilometers. You can buy the Chobe tourist map from any entry point to the park or at wildlife offices. And for the Botswana Lonely Planet guide book (which was extremely useful to me), you can buy it on Amazon.

Malaria at Chobe National park

Many people are always concerned about Malaria before they visit Chobe or even Botswana as a whole.

However, during the dry seasons, cases of malaria are not common but if you’re not sure about how safe it can be, buy an insect repellant before you visit.

During and after my visit, I did not have of Malaria or any symptoms and I also became confident about it when I asked the locals and they said that the country had done a great job in trying to kick Malaria out.

Though I didn’t have an insect repellant, I always zipped the tent at night not to give any chance of mosquitos to enter the tent. But if you want to have a 100% guarantee that you will be free from malaria, you can buy this mosquito repellant.

Related post: Things to know before traveling to Africa

When is the best time to visit Chobe National Park

The best time to visit Chobe National park is between May to October when the weather is dry which is also Botswana’s winter period.

During this period, the days are sunny but the nights can get really cold. Also, the rains have ended causing most pans to dry out.

Even though the water levels of the Chobe river reduce, it becomes almost the only source of water for the wildlife in the park.

This forces most animals to concentrate around the riverfront for water making it the best time to see a large number of animals in one place.

On top of that, Botswana having sandy roads doesn’t make it ideal to visit Chobe national park during the rainy season that spans from December to March.

Actually, some campsites even shut down as some roads become impassable. So if you don’t want to get stuck in the sandy roads of Botswana, May to October would be the best time to visit Chobe National park and Botswana in general as the roads are easily passable with a safari car or even the 4×4 Self-drive cars.

How to get to Chobe National park

There are different entry points to the park and where you enter from depends on where you’re coming from.

The main entrance is the Sedudu gate in the north-east of the park, perfect for visitors coming from Kasane. If you’re coming from Namibia, the Ngoma gate will be the ideal entry point to pay your park fees.

For visitors coming from Maun, the southern entrance at Mababe gate would be ideal. This is also the same route that connects to the Moremi Game reserve.

Since we were coming from Maun, we used the Southern gate of Mababe to connect to Savuti camp, which is next to Savuti Marsh which also has a high concentration of wildlife within the park.

If you’re on a Chobe National park self-drive safari, you can opt for any of those gates or book a tour that comes with a transfer to the park.

Related post:  The complete 3 weeks self drive Botswana Itinerary

Chobe National Park entrance fees

To enter the park, you’ll need an entry permit which can be obtained at any of the gates mentioned above.

The entry fees are the same at all gates of the park and you’ll also need to pay for the vehicle.

• Non -residents Adults (18 years and above) – 120 BWP (Botswana Pula) per day.
• Residents Adults (18 years and above) – 10 BWP
• Non-residents children (8-17 years)- 60 BWP per day and children below 8 years are free to enter.
• Residents children (8-17 years) – 5 BWP per day and children below 8 years are free to enter.
• 50 BWP for each non- Botswana vehicle per day.

Pro tip* The entry fees can be paid both by cash or by card

Disclaimer* Please note that the prices discussed were accurate by the time this post was written but are subject to change at any time without any warning.

Chobe national park accommodation

While in Chobe national park, you can choose to go camping which is the most fun way obviously but if you still want to experience a great Chobe national park safari while sleeping luxuriously and comfortably, then you can opt for one of the many lodges in Chobe national park.

Below are the details of the accommodation in Chobe national park.

Chobe National park camping

Chobe national park has designated campsites providing a camping experience like no other. All campsites are well maintained with Ablution blocks that come with clean showers with both hot and cold water.

Campsites also have a scullery section to do your dishes from. The ablutions are clean, with flush toilets and toilet paper is also provided.

In the recent past years, all the campsites within the pack were privatized which means that you don’t have to go to the wildlife offices to make bookings but rather book with private companies in charge.

Even though it is advised to book way in advance, it means you must have specific dates already chosen out. You call also directly call the companies for bookings.

Although booking by a phone call can be better, we sometimes found that if you’re a private visitor, you’ll be told that the campsite is full even when it’s not true.

I still find that troubling as to why they would say that on phone but if you insist and just show up at the campsite, you’ll be surprised to find a number of free campsites.

The campsite you choose depends on the route you’ll be taking whether the Savuti Marsh area, Linyanti marsh, Nogatsa or Serondela area which is also known as the Chobe riverfront.

For our safari, we chose to go to Savuti Marsh Area and the Chobe Riverfront and below are the campsites I camped at.

Related post: Safest countries to visit in Africa

Savuti campsite

Savuti campsite is well located in the heart of Chobe national park just next to the Savuti Marsh which has a large concentration of wildlife.

Savuti has 14 unfenced campsites, an ablution block surrounded by an elephant protective wall to keep elephants out of the shower- something that used to be an issue in the past.

The ablutions are fitted with flush toilets, electricity, hot and cold showers powered by solar panels, and are always kept clean.

The campsites at Savuti have no electricity and have huge volumes of sand just like most areas of the park. The campsites also have designated fire pits where visitors can enjoy a nice campfire.

While at the campsite, be sure not to leave food unattended to and not to go far away from the camping grounds at night because wild animals are always nearby.

At our campsite, we were able to see Elephants, Impalas, wild dogs running to go for a hunt, an experience that was both exciting and a bit scary.

Savuti campsite prices: 50$ per person per night for Non residents.

To make a reservation at Savuti, contact SKL Group of companies which not only manages Savuti campsite but also Khwai and Linyanti. Call them at +267 6865365/6 or email at [email protected]

Looking for where to stay in Gaborone, Botswana? Here is  my honest review of Masa square hotel

Ihaha campsite

If you’re to visit the Chobe riverfront, of which you should, sleep at Ihaha campsite.

Ihaha campsite which has 10 designated campsites is located at the Chobe riverfront offering breathtaking views of the hippos cooling off in the river making it one of the best campsites in Chobe.

Even though the Ablutions are a bit old and not well maintained, they still have flush toilets, hot and cold water but unfortunately no electricity in the ablutions.

Just like the Savuti campsite, Ihaha does not have electricity at the camping grounds but the clean grounds with no masses of sand makes up for it.

All campsites are just next to the river which makes the camping grounds also home to wildlife, meaning at any time, you can spot animals at the campsite and this is the exact reason why the management advices visitors not to move away from their camping grounds at night. Even going to the ablutions when it gets dark is advised against.

To make reservations at Ihaha campsite, you can call management at +267 6861448. Although this option might work out for you in my experience, it didn’t.

When we called management to make a reservation, we were told that it was fully booked for the days we wanted but that wasn’t going to make us cancel our programs because we were on a fixed itinerary.

So what we did was to taste our chances and just show up. To our surprise, we reached and over 5 campsites were free yet we had called earlier and they said they were fully booked.

We asked one of the staff and he said, the phone operators normally say that when they hear that you’re a private individual instead of a tour company representative. That is something that still beats my understanding but hey, we got where to stay for 2 nights.

Ihaha campsite prices: 260 BWP per person per night for non-residents.

Related post: Things to know about camping in Botswana

Chobe national park lodges

If camping is not for you but still want to explore the wildlife in Chobe national park, then you can take advantage of the lodges within the park.

These luxurious lodges are on the high end of the budget but offer comfort and a deluxe experience within the park.

Some of the famous lodges in Chobe National park you can stay at include;

• Ngoma Safari Lodge . You can book your stay at Ngoma Safari Lodge from here
• Chobe Game Lodge.

You can also opt for the private tented camps that offer a feeling of modern and luxurious camping. These can be booked by calling the management of the campsite or from the campsites themselves.

Activities at Chobe national park: Things to do

Multiple game drives

A game drive is definitely the major activity to do within the park and that’s the main reason people travel from miles away to experience Africa’s best safari destination.

You can either enjoy a game drive by booking a guided game safari or opt for a self-drive in your 4×4 car.

As a self-driver, you might not be aware of the best loops to take at specific times but the staff at the different campsites are always willing to tell you where to go and at what time to maximize the chances of seeing the Chobe National park animals.

If you prefer booking a guided game drive in the park with an experienced tour guide, you can book a tour from here .

Pro tip* The best time to go for a game drive in Chobe National park or any safari for that matter is either early in the morning or late in the evening but even if you do an afternoon game drive, you’ll be able to see some animals.

Chobe river cruise

The other activity to do in Chobe National park is to go for a cruise along the Chobe River. You’ll need to book a cruise with a tour company.

The cruise offers an ideal opportunity to see animals up close and those that might have come to drink water at the river banks.

This is the Chobe river cruise that I personally recommend to get the most of your trip as it comes with knowledgeable tour guides with lots of information to provide.

More Chobe National park tours you can opt for

What to take for a game drive in Chobe National park

What to take for a safari in Chobe National park doesn’t differ much from what you’ll need for all African safaris but here is what shouldn’t miss.

• A good camera: It will be an injustice to yourself to come to the best wildlife destination and not take amazing photos. So before you go, make sure you buy a good safari camera , the more lightweight, the better. You can also draw inspiration from these best travel cameras.
• Binoculars : Who wouldn’t want a better view of the wildlife. These ones are my favorite.
• ChapStick Lip Moisturizer: Botswana, in general, is dry, so whether you like it or not, your lips are likely to become dry. So buy this ChapStick Lip Moisturizer that I used to keep my lips moist.
• Sunglasses : The sun can be pretty rough on the eyes, so buy these sunglasses to protect them.
• A safari hat: This may not be so necessary but if you feel the sun will be merciless on your head, buy it from here before you go.
• Extra memory cards and batteries: You wouldn’t want to stop capturing the beauty of this place by running out of space on your memory card. Carry these extra memory cards to be on a safe side.
• Sunscreen: You’ll need one by all means. This one has an SPF 30 which is recommended.

To get the full list of what you’ll need for your Chobe national park safari, check out this complete packing list for Africa

General tips for visiting Chobe national park

• You’ll need a 4×4 wheel drive car to be granted access to the park – a 2×2 can’t make it in the sandy roads.
• If you’re self-driving, observe the driving rules within the park- 2 tires should always touch the road.
• The park is soo big, you’ll need more than 2 days to at least see the biggest part of it.
• But wherever you choose to go, don’t miss the Chobe riverfront and Savuti marsh areas, they have the largest concertation of animals in Chobe National park.
• Do not get out out of your vehicle due to excitement – you don’t want to go back home in a plastic bag.
• Do not feed the wild animals.
• Actually, it’s not even allowed to eat right in front of them – for your safety.
• Visit in the dry months of the country.
• Do not be tempted to leave the park with any animal. I can’t believe I am even saying this but some people are just too weird. The park security even checks at exist to make sure that you have none. Even your uncooked meat maybe taken away unless it’s fully labeled that it was bought from a supermarket.

There you have it, folks, I hope that this complete guide to a safari in Chobe national park guide helps you make your planning process to the best African safari destination easier.

If you still have any more questions about Chobe national park, leave them in the comment section and I’ll answer them as soon as possible.

* The adventurous feet is a proud member of the Amazon Associate and other affiliates. This means that if you purchase anything through the links on this website, I might get a small commission without any additional cost to you. *

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Keep up the great work. This is really hepful information which is hard to find in other blogs. This is very helpful for planning our trip to Botswana and Namibia.

This really warms my heart, this is the exact reason i started this blog – to provide useful information and knowing that it helped you plan your trip feels like success to me. I hope you have an Incredible safari and fingers crossed for you to see the big 5 animals

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Ultimate guide to a safari in chobe national park.

Chobe is an incredible wildlife paradise - here's a beginner's guide to Botswana's first National Park.

15 Feb 2021

21 feb 2023.

Tucked away in the North Eastern corner of Botswana is the incredible wildlife paradise that is Chobe National Park. Combining several different habitats and ecosystems this species rich area is definitely worth including into any safari, be it as an add on from Victoria Falls or either side of a longer Botswana safari .

• Large numbers of elephants
• High concentrations of predators, especially in Savute
• Chobe river cruise
• Day trip across the border from Kasane to Victoria Falls
• Exclusive luxury lodges
• Incredible birdlife
• Water based activities
• A photographer’s paradise in both the wet and dry season

More about Chobe

Created in 1960 and covering nearly 12,000sqkm, Chobe National Park was Botswana’s first National Park.

The national park stretches from the Okavango Delta , south of the Caprivi strip of Namibia and up towards Kasane where the borders of Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia and Botswana all converge. The Northern border is defined by the Chobe river which separates Botswana and Namibia until it flows into the Linyanti river further to the west.

Although Chobe National Park covers a large area, much of the central and southern regions are rarely visited by tourists. The majority of camps are either located in the Savute region to the West or in the North East not far from Kasane. Both areas differ hugely and much of the national park in between is sparse and inaccessible during the dry months.

In the West, the Savute channel winds along the border of the Chobe National Park linking the Linyanti River to the Savute Marsh, contrasting with the constant flow of the Chobe River, this channel often goes through extended dry periods and will then suddenly flow again. This inconsistency often means your trip to Savute can be a mystery until you arrive. The Savute area is particularly well known for their predators, especially lions and hyenas.

As a whole, Chobe is famed for being an elephant stronghold. With numbers inside Chobe thought to be over 130,000, Chobe acts as one of the last safe havens for elephants and one of the few places where you can witness these graceful animals in incredible numbers. The mega-herds in Chobe and the surrounding areas can number in their hundreds and are often found heading down to the banks of the Savute Channel or Chobe River to rehydrate in the afternoon.

Find the best places to see elephants in Botswana here

When to visit?

It depends what you are looking for, but many people prefer to visit in the dry season which is from May to September when the game is easier to spot.

During the dry seasons the grasses are low and much of the larger animals tend to stay close to the riverside due to the scarcity of waterholes and other ground water.

In contrast during the wet summer months (Nov – April) the vegetation is lush and the surrounding waterholes are all full providing a number of options for the wildlife to rehydrate. The animals are still there; however, they are often a little more sparse and can be slightly more difficult to find. If you are keen birder, although there is a high diversity in species throughout the year you will be able to see a wider variety during the wet season.

Personally, I think different parts of Chobe work best at different times of the year. My favourite time of year to be in Savute is April/May, with the green lush marshes and waterholes with plenty of water, the game viewing is fantastic, as well as the scenery and lighting for photography.

Chobe is home to an impressive wealth of species. As previously mentioned, elephants gather here in huge numbers and are on of the big draws to this incredible area.

As well as the large elephant population the density of predators is also one of the big draws to the area. All the usual suspects can be found such as lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog and Chobe is one of the few areas where you can see both the brown hyena and the spotted hyena sharing the same habitat.

In both the wet and dry months you can also see buffalo, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, black and white rhino, impala and red lechwe.

Chobe River Cruise

No visit to Chobe is complete without a cruise along the Chobe River, whether this if spending the morning on a smaller boat looking for wildlife along the banks or spending a few days on a longer cruise on the Zambezi Queen or Chobe Princes - both will provide an unforgettable experience.

Most safaris are dominated by morning and afternoon game drives so the opportunity to go on a water-based safari can be a welcome change. You can go with the flow of the river with the engines off allowing you to get nice and close as the wildlife comes down to drink on the banks. This provides some incredible photographic opportunities as well a bit of rest-bite from the bouncy roads.

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How to get there

Depending on where in the Chobe National Park you are visiting will determine your mode of transport and the entry point.

As previously mentioned, Chobe is often a middle spot on a longer itinerary and works as a good stopping point between the Okavango Delta or Central Kalahari as you are working your way North East to finish with a few days in Victoria Falls .

If you are heading to Savute, unless you are on a self drive or mobile safari you will need to fly in to one of the airstrips which services the camp you are staying at. Charter flights depart from Maun or Kasane or be ferrying you from another camp you are staying at.

If you are staying in the North East of Chobe or along the Chobe River front your entry point will be Kasane. Located near the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe , Kasane is easily reach by road transfer from Victoria Falls and this is the most popular mode of transport between the two. Alternatively you can fly into Kasane on a charter flight from the majority of Camps and lodges in Central and Northern Botswana.

Family friendly camps

Botswana family safaris are becoming increasingly popular and most camps now cater for children, that being said some still have higher age limits than others.

The North Eastern areas of Chobe are home to some of the family friendly camps and lodges catering for children of all ages. The accommodation tends to be larger here and being close to Victoria Falls are accessible without a private charter meaning they tend to be a favourite. Camps such as Muchenje and Ngoma are both great family options. With stunning views over the Chobe River and offering family rooms and private vehicles its is the perfect addition to any family safari.

The more remote and camps in Savute also cater for children, however these are often smaller and family tent and private vehicle numbers can restrict availability.

Romantic camps

Offering a true wilderness experience in luxurious and exclusive camps and lodges provides the perfect location for a romantic Botswana honeymoon .

Botswana is arguably one of the top safari destinations in Africa and with incredible game viewing it is difficult to try and squeeze everything into one trip. All areas in Chobe work for honeymoons, however camp such as Chobe Under Canvas is a personal favourite of mine. This is a semi permanent camp accessible from Kasane. One of the few camps located inside of the National Park it move every 5 days and offers a fully wild, remote and exclusive luxury experience.

Wondering when to visit? Take a look at this guide on the best time to visit Botswana .

Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas , our favourite family safaris , our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions .

Start Planning

Whether you are only visiting for a few days from Victoria Falls or your stop is part of a larger Botswana itinerary, Chobe is a must. Its huge diversity and incredible game viewing make it an integral part of your safari.

Our experts know all the areas and camps around Chobe, as well as the rest of Botswana and would be happy to help put together your Safari. It can be a daunting task researching which areas and camps to visit and the time of year you want to travel, however we can assist in creating a seamless adventure. Call us today on 01768 603 715 to find out more.

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Chobe National Park Botswana Complete Traveler’s Guide

Chobe National Park in northwestern Botswana covers an area of 11,700 square kilometers. This park is known as one of the most spectacular African safari wildlife parks . It’s famous for its wildlife and for the dense concentrations of large game in the park. 

Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s leading conservation areas, offering visitors excellent opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Expect to see hundreds of animals during your safari at Chobe National Park, including elephants, lions, rhinos, zebras, buffalo, and more.

In this ultimate guide to Chobe National Park, learn all about this incredible safari park and the treasures it holds. From impressive landscapes to breathtaking wildlife, you’ll experience the safari of your life at Chobe National Park, Botswana.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Chobe National Park

The park was established in 1967 to protect various ecosystems. Most notable is the perennial Chobe River system that forms a huge wetland with several lakes and rivers. The Chobe River runs through central parts of the park and empties into the great lake called Chirisa Kulana. The river system also serves as a natural boundary between two neighboring protected areas: Kgatleng Game Reserve and Orapa Wildlife Sanctuary. 

The park has four areas: Ngwenzumba Pans, Linyanti, Savute and the Chobe Riverfront. Within these areas, there are opportunities for visitors to explore the wildlife that call the park home. Chobe National Park is particularly known for its large elephant population.

Both day and overnight safaris will get you closer to the wildlife. One of the most popular attractions is a Chobe River Cruise. It offers beautiful views and a great opportunity to see elephants up close.

History of Chobe National Park Botswana

It’s hard to believe, but Chobe National Park in Botswana has a long and varied history. The park was initially known as “Mababe” and was proclaimed a reserve in 1907 by Sir Charles Eliot. The area only covered 965 square kilometres at that time. In 1924, it was extended to its current size of 11,700 square kilometres.

In 1959, the Selinda Spillway was built by Malcolm Colegate to provide fresh water for agriculture in parts of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. The spillway also created an important wildlife corridor between these countries.

The first safari camp in the park was Ngoma Safari Lodge, opening its doors in 1963. That same year saw the beginning of commercial fishing on the Chobe River, which continues today with increasing success each year.

Botswana gained independence from Great Britain in 1966. This led to major changes throughout the country, including those affecting Chobe National Park. New game laws were enacted. Some areas were closed for hunting, while others were opened. As well, anti-poaching measures stepped up considerably.

Since then, the park has grown in popularity as a top safari destination. It has become especially popular with those seeking an authentic African Photo Safari experience.

Abundant Wildlife & Bird-life

Chobe National Park is home to about 120,000 elephants. This makes it one of the largest concentrations of elephants in the world. Visitors come here to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. They can spot buffalo herds as well, and experience amazing lion and leopard sightings.

The river has an unbelievable abundance of wild animals, such as hippos and crocodiles. The park has many rare birds, like the African Fish eagle and African Skimmer. Most of these are highly prized by wildlife photographers for their beauty and rarity.

Where to Stay in Chobe National Park

Looking to stay at Chobe park? There is no shortage of accommodations. The majority are along the river. Whether you are looking for a luxurious lodge or something more rustic. You can find what you need.

In addition, Kwando Reserve offers guests a range of activities. Enjoy wildlife encounters in and out of water, as boats cruise the river. This private reserve is definitely worth exploring if you have the opportunity.

And if that’s not enough, consider visiting Botswana’s Moremi and Kasane. There is something for everyone on safari!

Kasane is a town in northeastern Botswana, on the banks of the Chobe River. It’s an excellent base when visiting Chobe National Park.

Chobe National Park borders Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia, making it easy for day trips or excursions from Victoria Falls. There are many safari offerings in Botswana and Namibia that can be combined with a visit to Chobe National Park. For example, visitors can explore Okavango Delta by mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe), go game viewing on horseback, or enjoy a bush walk.

A Different Perspective of Chobe

When most people think about safaris, they imagine a jeep ride in the African bush searching for lions and elephants. While this is an unforgettable experience, there are other ways to view wildlife in Chobe National Park.

The river is the best place to see wildlife and birds. This can include a boat trip where guests can take spectacular images of elephants and hippos. There are also fly-in safaris, scenic flights, and mokoro canoe (traditional dug-out canoe ) excursions on the Delta. Or try a camping safari! Visitors can explore Chobe in a variety of ways.

There are many options for an African Photo Safari, too, apart from traditional jeep safaris. Try a walking safari or river cruise, for example. The campsites in Chobe are a popular option for longer stays. They offer visitors incredible views of Africa’s biggest national park from tents or chalets. Houseboats offer varying degrees of luxury.

The park also has 450 species of birds. Make sure you bring your binoculars! Catch and release fishing is available, too, if you want to try your hand at landing some of Chobe’s famous tigerfish.

How to Get to Chobe National Park

The best way to enter the park is by flying to the airport in Kasane. There are several lodges and camps near the airport, making it easy to get settled in before starting your photo safari.

If you’re not staying at a lodge on the Chobe Waterfront or in Kasane, you’ll need to fly into Livingstone Airport in Zambia. From there you’ll catch a small aircraft to the park. Keep your camera ready as they fly low over the Zambezi River, giving you some amazing photo opportunities of Victoria Falls! Upon arrival at Chobe National Park airstrip be sure to have a 4×4 vehicle ready to take you into the heart of this incredible wildlife reserve.

Highlights of a Chobe National Park Safari

When you visit Chobe National Park, there are endless opportunities to see wildlife in its natural habitat. The park is home to elephants, lions, buffalo, and a variety of other animals. You can also enjoy a variety of activities while you’re there.

One highlight of a safari is the unique lodging that is available. For example, you can stay in a tree house or at the Malilangeni Safari Club. These lodges offer an unforgettable experience, allowing you to get up close with nature.

Another significant activity is hiking. There are many well-protected trails to lead you through these areas. Grab that camera! You’ll want to take pictures along the way! Don’t worry about wildlife safety, thanks to the rangers and conservationists who patrol these areas daily.

Read More About Safari Travel

• Africa’s Big Five: What They Are + Where To Find Them
• Serengeti National Park: A Traveler’s Guide
• Kruger National Park: A Traveler’s Guide
• Where to Stay in Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Things To Do in Chobe National Park

If you want an adventure, Chobe National Park is a great place for it. There are many safaris available. I’m positive one will fit your adventurous nature. Looking to experience the land up close? Consider a walking safari. If photographing wildlife from the water’s edge, perhaps a river cruise down the Chobe.

River Safari

A Chobe river boat tour is a perfect way to experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Chobe River. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy Botswana’s natural environment. It offers an exciting opportunity to learn about the country. Boats cruises along the River offer passengers a unique opportunity to explore the riverbanks and photograph the wildlife. 

They also provide an opportunity to learn about the local culture and history, as well as its natural environment. In addition, river boat cruises offer a great way for guests to meet other travellers while exploring Botswana’s unique culture.

Chobe Game Drive

One of the best ways to explore Chobe National Park is through game drives.

The 4×4 safari vehicles are custom designed. Photographers and tourists will enjoy amazing views of the animals thanks to their open sides. Wildlife drives in Chobe Park are led by qualified safari guides. Their expertise and knowledge provide valuable information on the location and behaviour of the animals.

Although we can’t promise any specific sightings, elephant sightings are virtually certain! Chobe is home to the greatest number in Africa! It’s common to see buffalo, zebra, hyenas, giraffes, red lechwes, hippos, and crocodiles, as well.

The large cats, like lions and leopards, may be visible if you’re lucky. There are also cheetahs, although they tend to be quite elusive.

Helicopter Rides Over the Park

Helicopter rides of Chobe are a popular way to see the park. They can be done on scheduled departures or with safari-style tours. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and typically include a safety briefing and commentary from your pilot. 

The major advantage of helicopter rides over other forms of transport is that they offer unparalleled views over the park’s terrain. Some areas of Chobe are inaccessible by road. Helicopters can reach remote areas that would otherwise require hiking or horseback riding. Choose between a half-day trip, or full-day trip.

Balloon Rides

Feeling adventurous? Why not try a hot-air balloon flight? Experience Chobe National Park from the sky. There are several balloon companies that offer flights in Chobe National Park.

A hot-air balloon trip is typically a once-in-a-lifetime event, so picking the right operator is crucial to making sure your flight lives up to your expectations. The park is a beautiful backdrop for a wide variety of wildlife. You’ll float over rolling hills, open grasslands dotted with plains game, and flowing rivers.

Chobe is Ideal for Wildlife Enthusiasts and Avid Photographers

Chobe National Park is a top destination for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. As we stated before, Chobe has the greatest concentrations of elephants in Africa, and many other animals and birds. 

Boat safaris offer beautiful views of the park’s wildlife, while Savuti Channel offers some of the best game viewing in Africa. Photographers will love the opportunities to capture amazing photos of elephants, lions, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Best Time to Visit Chobe National Park

Forget the “best time to visit” – Chobe National Park is a year-round destination!

However, the average tourist prefers the dry season. If you can handle the heat, there is fantastic game viewing during August, September, and October. During this season, the wildlife is more active around the watering holes.

Consideration should be given to the wet season, too, particularly if you enjoy birding. You can expect a more individualized experience during the wet season as most lodgings have fewer guests. Each camp in the Chobe National Park has its own unique, small-town feel to it.

Dry Season May – November

• Perfect for a first-time visit to Africa
• Seldom drops to 0ºC at night, rarely gets too hot during the day.
• Keep in mind that the weather varies in November: rain or sun, hot or chilly

Wet Season December – April

• Non-stop rain January and February
• Spectacular sky might shift from overcast to sunny to cloudy again in a matter of minutes.
• Typically, showers are brief and intense, although occasionally the sky is only grey.
• Although you must wear waterproof apparel, the rain need not prevent you from accomplishing anything.

Chobe National Park’s African Big Five

This stunning park is home to Africa’s most iconic wildlife, including the “ The Big Five of Africa ”. Elephants are the park’s star attraction, with herds numbering in the thousands. Buffalo and antelope can also be seen grazing in the open savannahs. Meanwhile predators, the leopards and lions, stalk their prey from the shadows. If you’re lucky, you may see the elusive African Wild Dogs!

No trip to Chobe would be complete without experiencing its incredible elephant herds. These majestic creatures can be found throughout the park, but they are especially concentrated along the banks of the Chobe River. Be sure to bring your camera – these animals are definitely worth photographing!

Geography and ecosystems

Botswana is well known for its diverse geography and ecosystems. The country is home to Africa’s most biologically diverse protected area. Chobe National Park boasts of lush floodplains, a dense woodland of mahogany, teak and other hardwoods. As well, the Chobe River is a major source of water for both humans and wildlife.

The floodplains are the only place in Botswana where puku antelope can be seen in any significant numbers. The Savuti Channel within the park is one of Africa’s most famous spots for its large population of predators.

Linyanti Marsh lies on the western edge of Chobe National Park and is renowned for its exceptional game viewing opportunities. Selinda Reserve borders Linyanti Marsh on its northeastern side and offers some magnificent scenery. This includes riverine woodlands, open woodlands and lagoons teeming with bird life. You might also see red lechwe and sitatunga – two rare antelope species.

Visit Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is an amazing place that is teeming with life. It’s home to the famous Chobe elephant herds, as well as many other types of wildlife. The scenery is mesmerizing and there are so many different activities to take part in. 

While you’re here, see the park from as many different perspectives as you can! Opt for a game drive, boat cruise and even a hot air balloon ride! There really is something for everyone at Chobe National Park. Enjoy!

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

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Safari in Chobe National Park

An expert guide to safaris in chobe national park.

James Gifford

Anthony Ham

• In this guide
• Okavango Delta
• Chobe National Park
• Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
• Where to stay

Occupying a vast swathe of territory in Botswana’s north-east, Chobe National Park belongs among the elite of southern Africa’s wildlife destinations.

Chobe incorporates two distinct regions: Chobe River (close to the Zimbabwe and Zambia borders), famous for its large elephant herds; and Savute (in the west), where a juxtaposition of contrasting habitats and handful of pumped water holes sustain a melting pot of species.

Classic views over Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park highlights

Close to Kasane, the Chobe Riverfront section of the park is wonderfully accessible and can be enjoyed on a game or wildlife drive, or on a boat safari from Kasane and out on the Chobe River.

The Savute (sometimes spelled Savuti) region out in the west of the park, serves as a transition zone between the Riverfront and the Okavango Delta. It has a small number of tented camps, mobile camps, and campsites, and you can either fly in or self-drive. Savute can get busy, but safari vehicle densities are nothing like those in East Africa or even Chobe Riverfront.

Chobe National Park wildlife

Chobe in general, but especially the riverfront, has one of the highest elephant densities in Africa and close-up sightings are almost guaranteed.

Lions and leopards are also possible here, with giraffe, zebra, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles all commonly seen.

Game-viewing on the permanent Chobe River is best during the dry season, when elephants and buffalo regularly swim across the broad waterway to feed on the lush islands – the sight of a herd of submerged elephants using their trunks as snorkels is unforgettable. The plentiful birdlife (including several near-endemic species) is also best appreciated from the river.

Game drives are the order of the day in Savute where wildlife-viewing is good year-round. Savute is known for its predators – I’ve always had luck with lion, leopard and cheetah here, and on my last trip I spent an afternoon watching a highly active den of African wild dogs. As with the rest of Chobe, elephants are everywhere in Savute.

Best safari lodges in Chobe National Park

Savute Under Canvas: Easily the pick of the mobile camps in Chobe, &Beyond’s tented camp moves around the park almost weekly and captures the spirit of a mobile camp at its best.

Chobe Game Lodge: the only lodge inside the park gives you a chance to get ahead of the crowds in the early mornings.

Pangolin Lodge: a specialist photographic boat with swivel seats and gimbal mounts makes this an ideal choice for keen photographers.

Kubu Lodge: a charming affordable option in nearby Kazungula.

Savute Safari Lodge: a great value camp overlooking its own waterhole with experienced guides and a friendly atmosphere.

Safari in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

About the authors.

James is an award-winning photographer and journalist based in Botswana. His work on Botswana's wildlife, landscapes and culture has been published in numerous publications including The Times, The Guardian, BBC Wildlife, Lonely Planet, CNN Traveller, amongst many others.

Anthony is a renowned travel journalist and guidebook author and is one of the world's leading authorities on Africa safari, wildlife and conservation. He has been travelling to Africa for more than two decades to research Africa safari guidebooks for Lonely Planet. He is widely published in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, The Monthly, Virginia Quarterly Review (VQR), National Geographic Traveler, BBC Wildlife, Lonely Planet Traveller, Africa Geographic, The Independent, Travel Africa, among many others.

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Chobe National Park

Sub regions inside

Broader region.

Chobe National Park nestles in northern Botswana and is renowned for Africa's largest herds of elephant and Cape Buffalo. Considered to be Botswana's oldest reserve, Chobe offers a true wilderness experience with private concessions and camps that are unfenced and open to free roaming wildlife.

Chobe National Park can be visited throughout the year. Wildlife migrates through the park with the seasons. The riverfront area is best visited in the dry months, from May to October. August to October are the optimum months for wildlife viewing here, but it gets extremely hot at that time. During the wet months, many animals, plains zebras specifically, migrate to the Savuti Marsh. Linyanti is best visited from April onward.

There are three significant areas that make up the Chobe - Kasane, Savuti, and Linyanti.

Kasane is the perfect starting place for your safari adventure, a bustling town that shares an unfenced border with the Chobe National Park and is the main gateway to the Chobe and the rest of Botswana. It also offers an easy access point to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The Savuti , also known as Savute, is renowned for its predator sightings and big game, offering sanctuary to the greatest concentration of animals in Southern Africa. The Linyanti is situated north of Savuti in a corner of the Chobe National Park and is most famous for its large herds of elephants, lion, sable, roan, hippos, and wild dog.

The Chobe National Park offers a well-rounded safari experience with open-vehicle game drives, walking safaris, mobile safaris, birding safaris, and boating safaris. Accommodation in Chobe varies from private safari lodges and authentic tented camps to luxurious houseboats on the Chobe River.

Apr 26, 2024

Shann was beyond amazing

Shann was beyond amazing. Listened to our needs, communicated super-efficiently and gave really honest excellent advice. She was so patient, kind and professional. The time difference across the globe made no difference. I am so excited for the itinerary she has put together. I usually cobble my own itinerary together for our holidays and it’s so time consuming and hard work. This was a piece of cake! Thank you Shann.

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Great planning and service, and everything worked like clockwork. We booked an Inyari Lodge safari with air with Safari.com. it wasn't clear if there will be 2 or three of us, so with Candis' help we booked a family chalet for 2 and added the third later when it was confirmed he can come. Candis put us on flights that maximized our game drive time (unlike some of the other guests) so we got all 6 drives in 3 nights. The lodge was great. Especially the game drives. We saw more than we hoped for. Additionally, Safari.com's insurance was very competitive. Highly recommended.

Apr 24, 2024

Kim helped us for the details of trip…

Kim helped us for the details of trip planning.

Apr 23, 2024

Shann was amazing

Shann was amazing , great prompt service and went above and beyond to meet our travel requirements.

Apr 22, 2024

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My experience with safari.com is always incredibly, pascal made happen my dream again. He is the best always answering questions and making everything perfect.thank you again pascal, can’t wait to tell all about my second trip to Africa in October.

Thank you Heleen Coetzee for your excellent service!

Thank you Heleen Coetzee for your excellent service. We have booked through her at Kruger park numerous times. She is very helpful and quick to assist.

Apr 21, 2024

Fantastic travel agent for African safari family trip!

Wow! Shann was and is fantastic! She figured out a way to make our entire trip work. We are going on a 2 week trip to South Africa and Botswana. She really helped tie it all together as a wonderful, cohesive trip. She is super nice and super smart and very knowledgeable. She is also flexible and thoughtful, etc., etc. When the chips were down (and we literally were considering pulling the plug on the whole trip), she found a way to make the entire itinerary work and got us excited about our wonderful adventure! Highly recommend!

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We were looking for a Safari. Anja from Safari.com supported us to book accommodation and flights, she was very polite, super fast and very supportive. We can recommend her and Safari.com, it was great to book there.

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All You Need to Know for an Epic Chobe Safari Experience

Posted by Stephanie Parker on November 25 2022 in Travel Tips & Planning Enquire Now!

Thinking of going on a Chobe Safari in Botswana? Here's why Chobe National Park is widely rated as the best Botswana national park and one of Africa's finest.

A bit about Chobe National Park, Botswana

Chobe National Park, which sits in the northeast of Botswana, officially became the country’s first national park in 1968. Since then, it has become one of the best national parks in Africa , with even Hollywood stars and English royalty paying a visit to this special place. And it’s easy to see why!

This remarkable national park is famed for having one of the largest concentrations of wildlife on the whole African continent, making it a top choice for your African safari.

The park is vast (it’s actually about the size of Northern Ireland!) and features a large variety of habitats, including both river wetlands and dry savannah.

If you're considering a trip to this stunning and unique wildlife haven, this article will give you the perfect head start, with all you need to know for an epic Chobe safari experience.

When is the best time for a Chobe Safari?

One of the first things you need to consider when planning a Chobe National Park safari is what time of year to visit.

Botswana has two seasons, and the great thing about Chobe is that you can enjoy a brilliant safari there all year round.

That said, when you decide to visit might be influenced by what you would like to get from your Chobe safari experience, so read on to learn more…

If it's guaranteed game spotting and safari big hitters you're after on your trip, then the dry season would be the best choice for your visit to Chobe. Although Chobe National Park is known for excellent game viewing all year round, you are likely to tick more iconic African wildlife off your bucket list if you visit during Botswana’s winter months from April to October. This is because, unlike many water sources in southern Africa, the Chobe River does not dry up during the winter season. As such, huge numbers of animals are drawn to the river seeking much-needed water at this dry time of year. This makes it a pretty sure bet that you’ll see a huge number of animals on your Chobe safari between April and October.

However, it’s worth bearing in mind that the national park can get very busy during peak safari season (which runs from July to October), so if you’d like to have a quieter, more intimate African safari experience, going outside of these months is advisable. After all, one of the brilliant things about Chobe is that, even outside of peak season, you are still likely to see a lot of local wildlife on your safari.

If you're a keen twitcher and it’s the park’s amazing birdlife you really want to see, then it’s actually best to visit Chobe National Park during Botswana's summer. Many of the park’s bird species are migratory, making the warmer, wetter months (namely December through March) the best time of year for bird watching here.

Getting clear on your safari priorities will help ensure you visit this game park at the right time of year and get everything you want from your Chobe safari experience.

How Long to Spend in Chobe National Park?

With so much to see, you’ll want to spend at least a few days in Chobe National Park. The prime game viewing times here are during the early morning and late afternoon, so you’ll need to spend at least a night or two in, or near, the park to catch these game drive slots.

Then you’ll also have to fit in a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River!

Remember that this Botswana national park is huge and that different areas of Chobe offer their own unique wildlife spotting opportunities, so you’ll want enough time to explore several different areas.

Don’t miss the riverside area and the opportunity to take a boat safari on the Chobe River to see the serene sights of the Serondela, which consists of lush floodplains and dense forests that attract huge numbers of elephants and buffalos.

Then, if you have time, you’ll also want to see the Savuti area of Chobe. Savuti is considered by many African safari experts to be Botswana’s ‘predator capital’, meaning that if you want to see the infamous African big cats in action, you’ll want at least one day here. 

How to Get to Chobe National Park?

When it comes to travelling to your Chobe safari experience, it’s useful to know that Kasane International Airport is less than a 10-minute drive from the national park’s gate, making it one of the easiest ways to access your safari.

Kasane International Airport is easy to reach from Johannesburg, with daily flights connecting the two, meaning you can fly to Kasane from anywhere that allows a Johannesburg connection.

Alternatively, you can also fly to Victoria Falls Airport to reach Chobe National Park . Just 2 hours by road from Chobe, arriving at Victoria Falls will also allow you to make an epic stop at the world’s largest waterfall on your way to Botswana.

Given Victoria Falls’ breathtaking and iconic status, many people opt for one of our safari packages that starts in Victoria Falls and ends at Kasane - an easy and affordable way to wrap both these magical places into one epic southern African trip.

What Chobe Safari Activities Can You Do?

One of the reasons a Chobe safari is the perfect choice for an epic wildlife adventure is that there’s so much to do!

From epic morning game drives as the sun rises and the park comes to life, to savouring sundowners from the deck of your sunset river boat safari, as you watch the world glide by, Chobe National Park offers it all.

The keen birders among you can also enjoy special birdwatching safaris in Chobe and specialized wildlife photography safaris are also available to those keen to capture the park’s amazing creatures on film.

What Animals Can You See on a Chobe Safari?

Spotting animals will not be a challenge on a Chobe safari in Botswana!

Thankfully there is a wide range of animals in this national park and, when it comes to safari bucket lists, this place has it all!

With the highest concentration of elephants in Africa, this park is also one of the best places to see the continent’s iconic big cats, with lions, cheetahs, and even the elusive leopard, being regularly spotted.

You can also get up close with drinking water buffalo, bathing hippos and crocs (from the safety of your boat!), and seeing giraffes, wildebeests, warthogs, zebras, impalas, baboons, and hyenas is also common.

Unfortunately, the rhino population in Chobe National Park has been in sharp decline. However, the good news is these amazing animals are being successfully reintroduced into some private areas of this Botswana national park, so it’s hoped their numbers will soon be on the rise again.

Where to Stay?

Where to stay during your Chobe safari largely depends on the level of comfort you’re seeking and your budget.

Botswana is famed for its luxury lodges and, as a result, this country is one of the most exclusive safari destinations in Africa. If you want to splash out on a high-end experience in Chobe therefore, there are many options available.

Of course, not everyone has the budget for a luxury lodge, however, so our Chobe safari packages include a wide variety of accommodation options that are tailored to a range of budgets and are situated both within and close to the park.

If you’d like to stay within the Chobe National Park, there are three main camping sites, plus two luxury bush camps and several permanent luxury lodges.

Is a Chobe Safari Safe?

Botswana is considered one of the safest countries to visit in Africa . It has a strong economy and stable government. As a result, tourism is well-established and welcomed across the country.

However, as always with travel to southern Africa, do make sure you consult the most up-to-date travel advice before arriving here.

Chobe National Park lies in a high-risk malaria zone, so it is advisable to consider taking antimalarial medication. Insect repellent and covering up in the evening are also strongly advised. Always speak to your health practitioner before planning your Chobe safari trip.

What to Pack for an Epic Chobe Safari?

In terms of what to wear on a Chobe safari, you’ll want light loose cool clothing that can protect you from the heat of the sun.

Leave your brightly coloured garments at home and choose muted colours instead, so you don't scare off the animals you're trying to spot.

Shorts are fine to wear in the bush, but it’s more socially acceptable to wear long trousers when in local villages.

Bring warm layers for the cooler evenings, and if you're travelling in the wet season, you'll also want a light waterproof.

It’s good to note that laundry facilities are often included at the safari lodges, so you can pack light and wash along the way.

Other things you won't want to forget are a good camera (to get those snaps of a lifetime!), binoculars for birding, a sun hat and suncream (the sun is strong!) and some insect repellent (bugs are plentiful in the bush and especially around water sources).

Ready for an Unforgettable Chobe Safari Experience?

So there’s the lowdown on one of Africa’s top safari spots and all you need to know for an epic Chobe safari experience!

At African Budget Safaris, we have a wide selection of tours available that include a visit to this beautiful Botswana park (see our Chobe safari tours ). This means, that no matter how much time you have for your Chobe safari, our team of African travel experts can recommend a trip that fits your itinerary perfectly.

If you liked this post, these trips cover similar ground…

• 5 Day Chobe & Okavango Delta Lodge Tour
• 5 Day Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari Adventure
• 7 Day Botswana Safari - Chobe & Okavango Delta
• 7 Day Chobe, Okavango Delta & Moremi Lodge Tour
• 7 Day Victoria Falls, Hwange & Chobe Safari Tour
• 10 Day Botswana Safari: Moremi, Mababe & Chobe
• 9 Day Botswana Safari Adventure: Delta & Chobe Small Group Tour
• Private Botswana Camping Safari (Moremi & Chobe Mobile Camps)
• 11 Day Classic Botswana Safari: Delta, Moremi, Savuti & Chobe

About the Author

Stephanie parker.

Places Mentioned in this Post

1. 7C9H+QMG Chobe National Park, Kakoaka, Botswana

2. Savuti canal, Botswana

3. Chobe River

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Chobe Safari Tours & Holidays

5-Day Botswana Luxury Tour

$3,346 to $5,317 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Kasane (Start) , Chobe NP, Okavango Delta, Maun Airport (End)

4.9 /5  –  149 Reviews

3-Day Chobe Safari at Chobe Safari Lodge

$895 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Kasane (Start) , Chobe NP, Kasane (End)

Indigo Safaris

4.8 /5  –  126 Reviews

10-Day Extraordinary Expedition

$5,495 to $9,568 pp (USD)

Botswana & Zimbabwe: Private tour Luxury Lodge

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Makgadikgadi Pans NP, Okavango Delta, Savuti (Chobe NP) , Chobe NP, Victoria Falls (End)

Safari Online

5.0 /5  –  115 Reviews

3-Day Thrilling Vacation in Chobe National Park

$990 to $1,210 pp (USD)

5.0 /5  –  122 Reviews

6-Day Your Unforgettable Botswana Tour

$2,618 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Kasane (Start) , Chobe NP, Savuti (Chobe NP) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Maun (End)

Tony Mobile Safari   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  79 Reviews

16-Day Combined Chobe & Central Kalahari

$7,700 to $8,470 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Budget Camping & Guest House

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Passarge, Deception Valley (Central Kalahari GR) , Central Kalahari GR, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Chobe NP, Kasane (End)

Early Kingfisher Safari   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  21 Reviews

11-Day Expedition Safari to Botswana

$2,530 to $2,970 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Maun Airport (Start) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Savuti Channel (Chobe NP) , Chobe NP, Kasane (End)

Okavango Exploration Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  6 Reviews

11-Day Northern Explorer Trip

$6,655 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Mid-range Camping & Lodge

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Savuti (Chobe NP) , Kasane (End)

Wild For Game Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  17 Reviews

6-Day Authentic Botswana Camping Safari

$2,310 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Kasane (Start) , Chobe NP, Savuti (Chobe NP) , Mababe, Maun (End)

Moonlight Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  43 Reviews

9-Day Botswana: Chobe, Okavango & Makgadikgadi

$5,000 to $9,320 pp (USD)

You Visit: Kasane (Start) , Chobe NP, Makgadikgadi Pans NP, Okavango Delta, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Maun Airport (End)

Discover Africa Safaris

4.9 /5  –  420 Reviews

7-Day Okavango Delta, Khwai and Chobe Wildlife Safari

$2,734 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Budget Camping

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Okavango Delta, Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Savuti Channel (Chobe NP) , Chobe NP, Chobe River, Kasane (End)

Shipungo Safari & Tours   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  53 Reviews

11-Day Kalahari, Okavango and Chobe Expedition

$5,412 pp (USD)

Botswana & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle) Mid-range Camping & Lodge

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Central Kalahari GR, Maun (City) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Savuti (Chobe NP) , Kasane (Town) , Chobe NP, Victoria Falls (End)

Reflect Africa Expedition   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  12 Reviews

12-Day Camping - Moremi/Okav/Khwai/Savuti/Chobe/Vic Falls

$6,336 pp (USD)

Botswana & Zimbabwe: Private tour Mid-range Camping & Lodge

You Visit: Victoria Falls (Start) , Chobe NP, Savuti (Chobe NP) , Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Maun Airport (End)

Savanna Safaris and Tours   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  16 Reviews

7-Day Chobe & Delta Fly-in

$4,080 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Chobe NP, Okavango Delta, Maun (End)

4.7 /5  –  186 Reviews

3-Day Chobe National Park Camping Tour from Vic Falls

$715 pp (USD)

You Visit: Victoria Falls Town (Start) , Chobe NP, Victoria Falls Town (End)

5.0 /5  –  18 Reviews

7-Day Classic Botswana Safari - Moremi, Khwai & Savute

$3,575 to $3,933 pp (USD)

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Savuti (Chobe NP) , Maun (End)

Nalange Mobile Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  13 Reviews

3-Day 2 Nights Mobile Safari in Chobe National Park

$495 to $517 pp (USD)

Kalahari Tours   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

9-Day Classic Safari Tour with Victoria Falls

$3,079 pp (USD)

You Visit: Victoria Falls (Start) , Savuti (Chobe NP) , Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Okavango Delta, Maun (End)

Xaa Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

4.6 /5  –  18 Reviews

3-Day Chobe National Park Adventure

Botswana: Private tour Mid-range Hotel

N'tee Safaris and Tours   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

4.9 /5  –  15 Reviews

3-Day Chobe Budged Camping from Victoria Falls Town

$1,155 pp (USD)

Steenbok Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

4.8 /5  –  5 Reviews

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Chobe National Park

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Chobe National Park is located in Botswana and has the distinction of being the country’s first national park.  Chobe expands across an area of 4,500 square miles (11,700 sq km) making it Botswana’s third-largest protected area.  It is a GANP Ambassador Park .

Chobe National Park features four distinct ecosystems, which ends up creating four unique areas of the park for safari travelers.  One of the main areas and most frequently experienced is the Serondela area.  This is often referred to as the Chobe riverfront.

Victoria Falls visitors often take a day safari trip from Zambia into Botswana spending a half-day on the Chobe River and a half-day on land traveling along the river bed area.  Commonly seen are elephants, African Buffalo, giraffes, sable, water monitors, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and an array of birds.

The Savuti Marsh area is located in the western portion of the park.  Cheetah, lion, kudu, warthog, impala, zebra, wildebeest, elephant, rhinoceros, and an array of abundant birdlife are hopeful sightings in this part of the park.

The Linyanti Marsh is located in the northwest corner of the park.  Riverine woodlands and open woodlands are part of the make-up of this region of the park.  Leopard, wild dog, roan and sable antelope, hippopotamus, elephant, and crocodiles are highlights of this region of the park.  Of course, this is another part of the park rich in birdlife.

The dry and hot hinterland encompasses much of the park.  It is mostly a Nogatsaa grass woodland, however, it is a place to spot elands that are usually not experienced in other parts of the park.

Travelers arriving at Chobe will quickly get excited when they spot their first herd of elephants.  By the end of the day, a typical response sounds something like, “Oh, more elephants.”  The enthusiasm for elephant sightings subsides as the day goes on.  Elephant sightings in Chobe National Park are the closest thing Africa offers as a wildlife sighting guarantee.

Bird-lovers will appreciate the opportunities that safaris in Chobe afford the bird watching traveler.  An array of bird species can be experienced while traveling down the Chobe River and along the river banks such as the Fish Eagle, the Martial Eagle, Kingfisher, pel’s Fishing Owl, and many others.  Other birdlife species include Egyptian Geese, Sacred Ibis, and all of the rollers.

Chobe National Park is one of the places where lions can be found hunting elephants.  They are usually targeting the younger or weary elephants, but it is more common in Chobe than most any other national park in Africa.

Chobe National Park Accommodations

Ghoha hills savuti lodge.

Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge is strategically nestled amongst the Ghoha Hills with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness landscapes.

Things To Do:

Visitors have an opportunity to explore the wildlife and wildernesss of Chobe in a few different ways.  Each offers unique perspectives of both the landscape and the wildlife.

River Safari

The river safari is often part of a full day excursion that includes time on the river as well as on land.  The river boats give you a chance to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife that comes to the river to drink.

Much of the park is explored by 4x4 safari vehicles.  A game drive may be combined with a half day of river time viewing wildlife from a boat.

Chobe National Park Trails

Chobe National Park is home to an abundance of predator species.  Hiking throughout the park is not permissible.  There are no trails.  However, there are guided walking safaris which allow you to explore the wilderness and wildlife on foot.

Park Protection

Chobe National Park is a wilderness and wildlife protected area.  It is home to one of the largest elephant populations in the world.  The park was established to protect the habitat of the elephants and other wildlife speciies living along the Chobe River.

Chobe Highlights

• More elephants than you can imagine
• An array of bird species; it’s like a wild pet store
• One of Africa’s greatest concentrations of wildlife
• Lions that hunt elephants
• Combination water & land safaris

• Chobe National Park,  http://www.chobenationalpark.com/ ,  retrieved July 2019
• Botswana Tourism,  Chobe National Park ,  http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/explore/chobe-national-park .  retrieved July 2019.
• Earth Trekkers, On Safari in Chobe National Park,  https://www.earthtrekkers.com/safari-chobe-national-park-botswana/ , retrieved June 2020.
• Lonely Planet, Chobe National Park,  https://www.lonelyplanet.com/botswana/northern-botswana/chobe-national-park , retrieved June 2020.
• Okavango Expeditions, Chobe National Park,  https://okavangoexpeditions.com/safari-places/chobe-national-park/ , retrieved June 2020.

Discover Botswana 2024

Chobe National Park, and the Okavango Delta, Botswana

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About this trip

With over 500 species of birds and 160 mammals, northern Botswana is one of the world’s great wildlife destinations. A vast area with few people, the region is home to the iconic Okavango Delta, an enormous wetland where rivers flow in, but never out, providing a literal oasis in the desert. Despite the natural wonders, it is uncrowded, and very frequently, we will be alone with the wildlife. Our trip utilizes comfortable mobile tent camps, which allow us privacy, isolation, and a connection to the place that no hotel can provide. Fully equipped with good beds, great food, and hot showers, this is truly the way to experience Botswana.  Scheduled for the early dry season, the timing of this workshop means fewer tourists, more birds, and the unique opportunity to photograph and view wildlife during the northward migration of animals from the Kalahari to Chobe National Park.

What’s included

• Meals All meals after arrival in Johannesburg.
• Transportation From Johannesburg to Botswana and return, plus all ground transport.
• Safari Lodging Comfortable mobile tent camps
• 2 nights hotel Pre and post safari in Johannesburg, South Africa
• Guide Service Photo guides, and local safari guides

What’s not included

Available packages.

Select if you are traveling with a companion who will be sharing your accommodations.

Select if you are traveling alone and will have single accommodations. 

As you clear customs in Johannesburg, a driver will be waiting to whisk you off to our local guesthouse, a short distance from the airport. There, we'll meet for our first dinner, where we can meet our fellow travelers, discuss the upcoming adventure, and answer any last-minute questions you have. The next morning, we'll be off to Botswana!

We'll catch a morning flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana. Our local safari guides will be waiting as we clear customs, ready to load us up in the vehicles for the short drive down to the Chobe Riverfront. Within an hour of landing, we will be heading out for a boat trip on the Chobe, where we will like encounter our first elephants, crocodiles, impala, lechwe, cape buffalo, and uncountable numbers of birds. After a few hours on the river, we'll head off for the short drive to our first camp!

We've got a full day to explore the Chobe Riverfront. With abundant herds of impala, zebra, elephants, and a least one pride of lions, there is no shortage of photo opportunities. 

Transport days are all-day game drives during our safari. As usual, we'll head out at sunrise for a couple of hours of photography while the light is sweet. Then, we'll turn our wheels south and begin making our way toward the arid Savute area of Chobe National Park. Along the way, we'll have a picnic lunch and make many stops for photos. Unlike the dusty, high-speed roads of East Africa, there is relatively little dust in Botswana. The roads are mostly sandy two-tracks, that are driven at slow speed, so keeping our camera gear safe as we travel, is not difficult. We'll arrive in the Savute area in the late afternoon in time for an evening photo session before heading to camp for dinner and a hot shower!

We have two full days to explore the Savute area. Savute is home to two prides of lions, one of which is one of the largest in Botswana with well over 20 members. We'll likely encounter lions on several occasions during our two days here. The immense Savute Marsh, an open savannah area, is home to open country species like Tsessebe and Ostrich. And it's the occasional hunting ground for the local cheetahs. If we are fortunate, we may spot one!

Today, we head on to our first camp in the famous Okavango Delta. Another all-day game drive, we'll head along the length of the Savute Marsh, stopping for photo opportunities as we find them. Around mid-day, we'll find ourselves overlooking the Mababe Depression. This area is often loaded with wildlife as herds of elephants, Cape buffalo, giraffes, and rarer species like roan antelope are often found. Shortly after our picnic lunch, we'll exit Chobe National Park, and enter the Okavango Delta proper. With abundant elephants, packs of African painted dogs, zebras, leopards and so many other species, we'll keep our eyes open and cameras ready. Just after sunset we'll pull into our camp near the San community of Khwai, where we will spend two nights. 

The Okavango Delta is a land of constant change. The waters flood in and dry out, but not with the rains. The floods actually arrive in the dry season, as the rains from Angola and further north find their way into the river systems of the Okavango. This shifting environment is perfect for wildlife as there is always water around. For a couple of hours, we'll explore this watery environment from a pole-driven Mokoro canoe. It's a great way to experience the Okavango from water level and provides an entirely different photo perspective and opportunity. For the rest of the day we'll venture out in the vehicles exploring the mix of forest, savannah, and lakes that make up the Okavango. 

On Day 9 we'll move deeper into the Delta to the Xini or Xaxanaka areas of the Moremi Preserve. The landscape changes here from dry desert-like uplands to swamps filled with hippos, to open lakes loaded with water birds, and surrounded by grazing wildlife. It's an all-day game drive and one of the best. As usual, we'll arrive at camp around sunset, in time for dinner, and gin and tonics around the fire before heading to bed.  

We have two full days in this diverse part of the Okavango. With prides of lions, leopards, and even a chance for cheetahs, this is predator central and we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for them. We'll head out at sunrise each day to catch the early light, returning to camp in the late morning for lunch and siesta before heading out again mid-afternoon for another photo session until sunset. 

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Top 10 Safari Parks in Africa

C an't decide where do you want to start your next (or first) safari in Africa? We collected the top 10 safari parks in Africa places to see wild African animals in their natural habitat. If you want to know what to be on the lookout for, read our article on the top 10 safari animals you can spot on your travels!

There's always more to explore so feel free to check out our article on the top 10 countires for safaris! For some Safari fun you can check our blog post on how a Family Safari completely errupted into chaos!

Read ahead or jump to any section that interests you:

Introduction

A safari (Swahili: journey) in one of Africa's national parks is an exciting thing: many people can observe a larger number of wild animals and even have the oppurtunity to see the famous Big 5 of africa. 

The focus is on the savannah and bush landscapes, where savannah elephants , lions , buffalos , and other well-known wild animals feel at home. 

Whether it's Africa for the first time or safari connoisseurs, there should be something for everyone. And it attracts attention: There is no best destination in Africa, but there are the best destinations. 

So, where should the next safari lead?

10th place: Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Where else can wild animals be observed in front of one of the most famous mountains on earth? The Amboseli National Park at the foot of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania serves both as a postcard motif for Africa and as a photographic object. Giraffes, elephants and all sorts of other wild animals strut in front of the snow-covered summit of the "Kili" and give great photo motives.

Ancient elephants still live in the park. This allows visitors to observe the almost intact social behavior of the pachyderms in their herds.

The Kilimanjaro usually wraps itself in thick clouds during the day. The chances of seeing it are best in the morning and evening.

9th place: Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa

Number 9 on the top 10 safari parks in Africa is Addo. Known for, as the name suggests, its elephants, the Addo is more than a convenient destination near South Africa's Garden Route. The park is home to lions again after a resettlement program; black rhinos and leopards are also found here. Due to the extension to the south, the coast with its sharks and whales is also part of the park, which now advertises with the "Big 7".

In conclusion, the park is ideal for exploring with your own (rental) car. Please make sure to ask in advance what you have to consider for the self-drive safari.

In addition, holidaymakers in their cars should ensure they do not run over pill turners (African dung beetles), hundreds of which run across the roads depending on the weather.

8th Place: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Namibia's most important park is home to countless wildlife, including the white and black rhino who are critically endangered, something you can read more about in one of our other articles about these ancient and disappearing creatures. There are also several predatory cat species and many antelopes. "Etosha" means "big white square," which describes the landscape well. The vegetation is extremely sparse; in the dry season, many animals gather at artificial waterholes.

In the dry season, many animals can easily be observed at the park water holes and camps. 114 different species of mammals live in the park.

Every coin has two sides: The park is completely fenced in and cuts the animals off their original routes in search of water in the Kuene region. The waterholes are not comparable to the actual environment and natural migration behavior for true lovers.

7th place: Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

The Tarangire National Park is one of the most underestimated parts of the continent. Many visitors only make a short stop at the Serengeti or do not ebaobabven include the national park in their travel plans. But the park is home to large herds of elephants and many other species in a remarkable landscape of boabab trees.

The park is known for its elephant herds, which run through a prehistoric landscape along the Tarangire River.

The park is home to the tsetse fly, which transmits sleeping sickness. Visitors should urgently pay attention to consistent protection.

6th place: Chobe National Park, Botswana

"Land of the Giants" is written on the sign at the park entrance and already announces the park's main attraction: Elephants, one of the savannah's most social creatures . Between 80,000 and 100,000 pachyderms are estimated to live in the park and adjacent areas, where they migrate depending on the season.

Botswana pursues an exemplary animal and species conservation policy and no longer kills elephants if they become too numerous for the ecosystem. Instead, fences were dismantled to create more space for the animals. Kaffir buffalos and warthogs are also common. As a result, always check the weather forecast before you go.

A safari with the boat on the Chobe river belongs to the experiences, which holiday-makers surely do not forget so fast.

During the high season the Chobe River can be very narrow.

5th place: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

On the Luangwa River, the wilderness awaits: no fences, no radios to communicate with the rangers. Those who travel to the South Luangwa National Park will experience the bush unadorned, without much traffic and wild. It is not uncommon for your own jeep to be the only one at a spectacular sighting, giving visitors more time and peace to enjoy the encounter with the animals. Night safaris and bushwalks, i.e. safaris on foot, are allowed in the national park.

Pure wilderness. The park is known for its hippos and leopards . Many camps are not fenced and often wild animals run through the lodges. The park is also home to numerous endemic species and subspecies, i.e. animals that can only be found here. Sometimes you can even see the endangered Pangolins and the even more threatened Rhinos . Two species of Animals we explore in more detail in another article.

These include the Cookson gnu, the Crawshay zebra and the Thorneycroft giraffe.

The season plays an important role in the South Luangwa National Park. While in the dry season many large wild animals gather at the water and are so easy to discover, during the rainy season bird lovers get their money's worth.

4th place: Kruger National Park, South Africa

For most vacationers the Kruger National Park is the first safari experience in the African bush . It is one of the largest national parks on the continent and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. In contrast to the open savannahs in East Africa, the landscape is bushy and the animals are harder to spot.

This may be described as the best South African Safari.

In the Kruger National Park live some very rare animal species like wild dogs. Another animal worth further exploration in another one of our articles.

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The good infrastructure, the developed roads and the fences around the national park make it clear that the park is used and marketed commercially.

This partly causes a lot of traffic in the park and has at some corners only little to do with the real wilderness feeling.

3rd place: Ngorongoro Nature Reserve, Tanzania

While driving over the edge of the burglary crater into the nature reserve, visitors can rarely suppress the "wow" that involuntarily comes over their lips. The view can take your breath away. The safari through the crater, which has the highest predator density in Africa, becomes the photographic highlight of many Africa journeys.

The wildlife hike through Masai Mara and Serengeti also touches on the protection of the wildlife.

Overall, the high density of animals naturally attracts many visitors and some have the feeling of driving through an open-air zoo.

Some of the jeeps obstruct the way of the animals or hinder cats of prey during the hunt. Tell your driver that you don't approve of such behaviour.

2nd place: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Hardly any other national park in Africa is as famous as the Serengeti. This is of course due to the diverse fauna and one of the largest animal migrations in the world .

On the other hand, the Serengeti is almost always threatened: Many people have an interest in the place and in the fertile savannah, on which millions of wild animals cavort and planned large-scale projects would probably mean the end of the national park. The battle for the Serengeti has been fought for decades and culminated in the documentary "Serengeti must not die" by Michael Grzimek and his father Bernhard in the 1950s.

Really one of the Top 10 Safari Parks in Africa.

The migration of wild animals, where millions of wildebeests, zebras and antelopes travel in a large circle through the Serengeti and the adjoining Masai Mara in Kenya during the course of the year. This is known also as one of the great wilderbeast migration , a topic you can do further reading on with another one of our articles .

The Serengeti is exposed to constant threats. The plans to build a highway through the area are not over yet. There are also frequent conflicts between wildlife and humans.

In addition, organizations are now warning that too many tourists are coming to the park. It is best to drive in the low season and avoid facilities that require a lot of water (swimming pools etc.).

1st Place: Masai Mara Nature reserve, Kenya

Number one on the top 10 safari parks in africa list! When tears shoot into the eyes of the viewers of a lion documentary because the pictures are so overwhelming, the reportage is mostly shot in the Masai Mara (or Maasai Mara).

Wide landscape with green hills as far as the eye can see. The view is interrupted only by Wildebeest , zebras, giraffes, Elephants ,, antelopes , lions , hyenas… The Masai Mara could pass for an African cliché if it were not real.

Word has got around of course that the Masai Mara is a paradise on earth. It is therefore frequently overcrowded and the many cars already have influence on the behavior of the wild animals. Some cars leave the tracks in search of the best view. If this happens to you, it's best to tell the driver that you don't want them to.

The park also serves as a Rhino sanctuary and is home to some 60 white and black rhinos, who are guarded around the clock by armed rangers. An absolute must for rhino fans, who are almost guaranteed to meet some of the animals here.

The impressive Murchison waterfall, where the Victoria Nile plunges over 43 metres into the depths, is also a must see. The park is home to the endangered Rothschild Giraffes (also Uganda giraffe or Nubian giraffe). To the south of the park is the Budongo chimpanzee forest.

The park is in some places tsetse fly high area. Be sure to take care to protect yourself against insects.

When to go on a Safari

The best time is always present, but if you are looking for the most enjoyment from your trip, the best time to go is from July through October, when the animals are easy to find and in substantial numbers. However, deciding when to go on a safari depends on  what  country you want to visit and when you can plan your trip. As well as the type of wildlife you hope to encounter.

The best months for an African safari are therefore varied.

What to pack/ best luggage for African safari

Some of the most recommended basics:Here's the "must-haves" to  pack  for your  safari :

• T-shirt, shirt or blouse – long sleeves and collars help to protect from the sun and mosquitoes
• Fleece or warm jacket.
• A pair of  safari  trousers – those that zip off at the knees are very handy, too.
• Comfortable walking shoes (or boots) and socks.

Above and beyond the comfortable basics, there are niche items which could enhance your experience on safari. We've researched the best of these items to take with you.

Best insect repellent for African safari: Natrapel 8  Hour insect repthatellent: this is a CDC recommended product based on 20% Picaridin formula and is  DEET  FREE. It is safe to spray on your skin and clothing.

Best binoculars for African safari : Celestron 71347 Outland x | 10×25 |  Best compact Binoculars  for Travel.

Best camera for African safari : Best -buy cameras for  safari  in Africa: At Canon, it would be the Canon EOS Rebel series. Often you can get a kit ( camera  + lenses + accessories). Best for travelling and easy shots.

Best shoes for African safari :  light trail  shoes  and hybrid  shoe /sandals (Keen, Teva, Merrel, North Face, HiTec, Garmont, Salomon etc) are adequate for regular travel and normal  safari  conditions. Even fly-camping trips and walking trails on fairly rough terrain don't warrant hiking boots when conditions are dry.

It is important to find out what you need for specific areas as well as administrative documents and permits.

Summary on Top 10 Safari Parks in Africa

The landscape is very bushy and visitors often only see the animals when they are standing directly in front of or next to the car. Slow driving is therefore all the more important.

How did you like the article on the top 10 safari parks in africa? In conclusion, we hope to give you some ideas and inspirations on the best african safari tours, animal encounters and holiday trips.

• Masai Mara Nature Reserve, Kenya – Overcrowded but abundant wildlife, including rhinos.
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania – Famous for the great wildebeest migration.
• Ngorongoro Nature Reserve, Tanzania – High predator density, popular tourist destination.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa – Large park with diverse wildlife, commercialized.
• South Luangwa National Park, Zambia – Unspoiled wilderness, known for hippos and leopards.
• Chobe National Park, Botswana – Land of the Giants, home to a large elephant population.
• Tarangire National Park, Tanzania – Underrated park with large elephant herds and baobab trees.
• Etosha National Park, Namibia – Sparse vegetation, artificial waterholes attract many animals.
• Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa – Known for elephants, self-drive safari recommended.
• Amboseli National Park, Kenya – Elephants near Mount Kilimanjaro, observe intact social behavior.

Tips for Safari:

• Best time to go is from July to October for high animal sightings.
• Pack essentials like long-sleeved shirts, hat, fleece, comfortable shoes, insect repellent.
• Recommended binoculars: Celestron 71347 Outland x | 10×25.
• Canon EOS Rebel series for safari photography.
• Check specific requirements, permits, and administrative documents for each park.

Be advised that those are subjective ideas and of course every safari park, whether big or small can be beautiful and present you with awesome wildlife.

There's always more to explore so feel free to check out our article on the top 10 countires for safaris!

Frequently Asked Queastions (FAQs)

Safari experiences are generally safe, but it's important to follow guidelines and instructions provided by your guides or tour operators. Wildlife should be observed from a safe distance and never approached or provoked. It's also recommended to stay within designated areas and camps, especially during night hours. Adhering to these precautions ensures a safe and enjoyable safari experience.

Many safari operators and lodges prioritize sustainability and conservation efforts. They work to minimize the ecological impact by implementing responsible practices such as supporting local communities, conserving natural resources, and participating in wildlife conservation initiatives. When choosing a safari operator, it's advisable to opt for those with strong environmental ethics and credentials.

Interacting with or touching wildlife is strongly discouraged and, in most cases, prohibited during safaris. The well-being of the animals and the safety of visitors are of utmost importance. Safaris promote responsible wildlife viewing, which involves observing animals from a safe distance and respecting their natural behaviors. Touching or disturbing the wildlife can cause stress or potentially dangerous situations for both humans and animals.

Several ways to contribute to conservation efforts during a safari include supporting eco-friendly lodges or tour operators that actively participate in conservation initiatives. Additionally, you can choose to visit parks and reserves that allocate a portion of the entrance fees to conservation projects. It's also encouraged to learn about and respect local customs, traditions, and wildlife protection regulations while engaging in responsible tourism practic

The post Top 10 Safari Parks in Africa appeared first on Animals Around The Globe .

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Chobe National Park

Big Five Safari Chobe

With countless bird species and wildlife, it is challenging to summarise the highlights, but we will try to paint a picture of Chobe’s bustling wildlife.

Biggest predators & Big Five in Chobe

The big predators dominating Chobe National Park are cheetah, wild dog, lion, leopard and hyena. Large herds of elephant and buffalo also roam the area, seeking water and refreshment. Unfortunately, the rhino population has been decimated, but is slowly – and successfully - being reintroduced into private areas of Chobe National Park.

As fans probably already noticed, the Big Five (lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, and the rare rhino) can all be seen roaming Chobe. Imagine spotting these impressive animals without any boundaries or fences: this will leave an everlasting memory. But where does this name, Big Five, come from? It is not because these animals are particularly big. They got their nickname because it was so difficult to hunt these animals in, luckily, bygone days. Thus, the name, ‘Big Five’ is a result of their great defense strategy.

Are you seeking big game? The Chobe Riverfront is certainly one of Africa’s most prolific wildlife areas where, especially towards the end of dry season, big game gathers. Prides of lion, huge herds of buffalo and elephant; hop on a boat and gaze at this amazing scene. Get ready to take some spectacular photos in the afternoon, when complete elephant families bathe in the river.

Bouncy antelopes, over 500 birds

Besides the Big Five, you will also find a large variety of ever-elegant antelopes in Chobe National Park: like the Bushbuck. This very well camouflaged antelope will freeze if disturbed, often eluding hunting lions or hyenas as they pass them by from a ten meter distance.

There are over 560 recorded bird species in Chobe National Park, as they thrive in Botswana’s undisturbed natural vegetation. Swamp, open water, forest, drier areas; you will spot different species everywhere you go. In addition to Botswana’s local birds, you will discover migrating species from Europe and North Africa. The perfect book to read during a little siesta in your lodge is the highly recommend, Newman’s Birds of South Africa – start identifying!

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1. Rybokhotsoyuz

2. Easy Russia Tour Guide

3. UTS GROUP

4. 365AltaiMongolia

5. #1 Russia -Tanzania | Zanzibar, Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Agency | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD

6. Aviashop.Ru

7. Transsib Moscow

8. BASK TOUR

• Easy Russia Tour Guide
• #1 Russia -Tanzania | Zanzibar, Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Agency | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD
• 365AltaiMongolia

Moscow Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 60 most popular moscow trips. compare tour itineraries from 45 tour companies. 308 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular moscow tours.

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Winter

• Explore the majestic St Petersburg & Moscow on private city tours
• Admire the rich Russian history, art and architecture
• Travel to Moscow on a highspeed train
• Enjoy the local cuisine in stylish restaurants

Lower Volga Voyage

• Visit magnificent Red Square and Kremlin and examine the collection at theKremlin’s State Armory.
• Experience Russia’s diverse musical traditions at lively folk music performances
• Explore Volgograd, the site of the decisive battle of World War II’s eastern front

Volga Dream Russian River Cruise

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Summer

White Russian - 7 days

• Discover Moscow's UNESCO-listed Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and the historic GUM Department store
• Explore the grounds of Moscow's mighty Kremlin, with its numerous governmentbuildings, gold-domed cathedrals and the giant tsar bell
• Celebrate New Year's Eve in Moscow!
• Take in the highlights of St Petersburg including a guided tour of the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the remarkable Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace

Vodka Shot - 6 days

• Explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg, including the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt
• Marvel at the dazzling array of art and exhibits in the world-famous Hermitage Museum, at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg
• Discover a lavish residence of the tsars on a day trip to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo (winter: mid-October to April) or Peterhof Palace and gardens (summer: May to mid-October)
• Take in the highlights of the capital on a walking tour, visiting Moscow's famous Red Square, home to the historic GUM Department Store, Lenin’s Mausoleum and spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the Moscow Kremlin, Russia’s political power house. Stroll around the grounds of this fortified complex, visit the Kremlin's cathedrals and see the mighty Tsar Bell

Route of the Romanovs - 10 days

• Learn about the last days of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, visiting the sites where Tsar Nicolas II and his family were assassinated and buried
• Straddle two continents at the famous obelisk Europe/Asia border marker in Yekaterinburg
• Experience the Trans-Siberian railway on an overnight train journey from Moscow to Yekaterinburg

New Year's in Moscow - 9 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo on Christmas Day and marvel at the incredible Amber Room
• Spend a night in Novgorod, an ancient city by the Volkhov River - explore the kremlin, cathedral and other sights and enjoy a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

All Moscow , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Moscow

Small Group Moscow Tours

Back in the USSR - 7 days

Russian Revolution - 9 days

• Visit historic Novgorod, an ancient city which straddles the Volkhov River. Explore the attractive riverside kremlin and experience a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

The Snowball - 6 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo and marvel at the incredible Amber Room

Mood for Moscow - 4 days

• Head underground to visit a Stalinist-era Soviet Bunker on an optional excursion
• Stroll to the vibrant Izmailovo Market, which lies behind the walls of an ancient Kremlin, and shop for an array of souvenirs

Best Moscow Tours by Duration

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Moscow reviews & ratings, capitals of the north.

some hotels could have been better

It was jam packed with every place I wanted to go and see. I especially love my photo of us setting out on the night time river cruise in St Petersburg and the Peter...

I really did not buy much and what I did buy was small gifts for others .

Johanna-Marie

Good hotels, some better than others. Interesting itinerary

Too rushed. Optional tour rather too short

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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