This blog will provide lots of practical information about Chobe National Park in Botswana. How to get there? How much is the entrance fee? What kind of animals are there? Where to stay and much more. After reading this article, you will be well informed!

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park was one of Botswana’s first national parks, established when Botswana was a British protectorate. It covers an area of about 11 700 km2 and is well organized. The Chobe River is named after the river of the same name, which brings rich flora and fauna to the park. The national park is a small part of Chobe, with the Chobe Forest Reserve bordering Lignati to the west and the Casane Forest Extension between Casane and Pandamatenga. Animals travel freely between the different parks, and where this is not possible, wildlife corridors have been created.

Where is Chobe National Park Located?

The Chobe River is located in the northeastern part of Botswana. It borders the Chobe River to the north, Namibia on the other side, and Zimbabwe to the east. It is the most accessible and well-maintained park in Botswana. It is also bordered by a paved road to the south of the park, so it is possible to traverse the entire park and return via the paved road in a single day.

What Is the Attraction of Chobe, Botswana?

The large number of elephants attracts people to the great river Chobe. Large numbers of elephants walk and swim across the river to Namibia and return in the evening. These brilliant animals have learned that the park is safe and undisturbed by poachers. You can see lions, leopard, African-painted dogs, buffalo, giraffes, kudu, and impala, not to mention waterfowl such as ibis, hammerheads, African osprey, and storks.

How Can I Visit Chobe on My Trip to Botswana?

Kasane is the hub of Botswana and the second largest tourist center after Maun. Most day tours to Chobe depart from here. Kasane is easily accessible by land from Nata, but also has its own airport, with daily flights from Johannesburg. For example, trips are often booked to Kasane via Johannesburg, where a rental car is rented, and then back to Kasane via Chobe, the Okavango Delta, and the Makgadikgadi wetlands.

Park Entrance

There are two gateways into Chobe. The most used one is called the Sedu Gate on the Kasane side, and the other is called the Ngoma Gate on the Muchenje side.

Best Time to Visit Chobe

Actually, Chobe can be visited all year round. The rainy season is perhaps the most difficult time to drive in Chobe (wet and muddy). However, starting in April, the dry season begins, and as the dry season continues, more and better wildlife can be seen.

Self-drive or Organized?

This, of course, depends on your preferences and budget. But with a guide, you can spot animals faster than with your own eyes. Both are possible at a campground or lodge, but again, it depends on your budget and the freedom you want.

Beautiful Day Trips in Chobe

One of many tourists’ favorite itineraries starts in Kasana (start as early in the day as possible, when most predators are active). Then drive through several river loops flanked by sandy roads at the highest point, and after 3-4 hours, you will arrive at a picnic spot, Cerondela. You will have something to eat (watch out for very cheeky monkeys) and then continue running towards the Ngoma gate and back via the A33 (paved road). Return to the campsite or lodge before sunset. This is a full day drive where you can see different animals at different times of the day.

Have you ever been to any of these places? Share your experience with us in the comments below!