Friends, imagine dawn mist dancing over verdant riverbanks as colossal elephant herds drift into view. Chobe National Park replaces flat savannahs with lush, rippling hills and winding waterways.
This guide unveils what to expect, from budget figures to tailored activities, ensuring every moment in Botswana’s Chobe is as thrilling as it is well‑planned. Let the river’s secrets unfold.
About Chobe
Chobe is in northern Botswana and covers 11,700 square kilometers along the fast-flowing Chobe River. Adults pay about $30 per day to enter the park. Boats and game drives are arranged through licensed operators in nearby Kasane. The park gates open at 6 am and close between 6 pm and 7 pm depending on the season. You’ll see a mix of mopane woodlands, river-side thickets, and open grasslands full of animals.
Best Seasons
The dry season (May–October) concentrates animals near waterholes, so afternoon game drives ($50/person for a half‑day) and sunset boat cruises ($80–90/person) typically yield spectacular views. From November to April, lush greenery blankets the park and newborn calves emerge, though high grass heightens spotting difficulty. Shoulder months—April/May and October/November—offer balanced rates on accommodations ($150–300/night) and moderate crowds.
Wildlife Highlights
Chobe boasts the world’s highest elephant density: herds of 100+ frequently gather along riverbanks. While hippos surface in pods of 20–30 at midday, lions patrol river fringes; tracking them on night drives ($60/person) may reveal stealthy scenes. Keep binoculars ready for giraffe browsing treetops and crocodiles sunning on sandbars.
River Cruises
Sunset cruises depart Kasane Marina around 4:30 pm, lasting roughly two hours and costing $85 per person. Glide past bathing elephants, as their trunks trail mist into the golden sky—camera shutters clicking in near silence. Hippos break water’s surface, ears twitching, while African fish eagles wheel overhead. Pick a small‑group boat (max 12 passengers) for intimate wildlife encounters.
Game Drives
Early‑morning drives begin at 6 am, when predators are most active, and run until 10 am. Vehicles hold up to 10 guests, equipped with canvas roofs for unblocked views and light breakfast stops ($50/person). Expect close-up zebra grazes in floodplains and wise elders guiding elephant calves through river crossings. Afternoon drives (2–6 pm) reveal hippo mud‑bathing and twilight predator hunts.
Combining Delta
The Okavango Delta lies about 520 km west, a 9‑hour drive via Maun. Break the journey with an overnight in Maun (lodging from $70/night) before mokoro canoe safaris at $60 per person. Waterway journeys offer a contrasting labyrinth of lagoons and papyrus fringes. Combined packages from Kasane to Maun start at $450 for three nights.
Staying Overnight
Inside Chobe, River Lodge camps from $200/night include all meals and two daily activities. Kasane offers Chobe River Cottages from $80/night with self‑catering units and tour desks. For luxury, Splendido Safari Camp provides exclusive tents at $350/night with private riverviews. Book 3–4 months ahead during July–August to secure riverside chalets and sunset‑cruise slots.
Safari Tips
Wear neutral clothing—khaki, olive, brown—and sturdy closed‑toe shoes for dusty tracks. Layer up: mornings can dip to 10 °C, while afternoons heat toward 30 °C. Carry a reusable water bottle; park regulations prohibit single‑use plastics. Always confirm vehicle departure times the evening prior, and arrive 15 minutes early at Kasane departure points.
Responsible Travel
Respect animals by turning off camera flashes and phone sounds. Stay at least 15 meters from elephants—guides make sure safe distances are kept. Don’t feed or wave at animals; human food can mess with their natural eating habits. Support tours that put 70% of fees back into conservation and local villages.
Conclusion
From thunderous elephant crossings to serene sunset cruises, Chobe reveals its pulse at every bend of the river. Whether tracking lion prides at sunrise or drifting past hippo pods at dusk, this park rewards careful planning with unforgettable wildlife moments. Which adventure calls first—the mist‑shrouded morning drive or the golden‑hued river safari? Share your choice and embark on Botswana’s green safari masterpiece.
