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Chobe National Park

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Animal habitat
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Chobe National Park (Botswana)

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Chobe National Park in northern Botswana was established in 1967 as the country's first national park and is world-renowned for its extraordinary density of elephants. It is estimated that between 50,000 and 120,000 African elephants live within the park, representing the highest concentration of these animals on the entire continent. The park is divided into four geographically distinct areas: the lush Serondela region along the Chobe River, the Savuti Marsh, the Linyanti Swamps, and the dry hinterland of Nogatsaa. Each of these zones provides unique habitats for a plethora of animals, including lions, leopards, buffalo, and the rare puku antelope. Especially during the dry season from May to October, thousands of animals congregate along the banks of the Chobe River, providing spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. The park plays a central role in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), which facilitates the migration of animals across five African countries. Chobe remains an indispensable destination for nature conservation and ecotourism in Botswana.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262525232118182126292927
Rain mm18113510644320021070163

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The best time to visit Chobe National Park is the dry season from May to October, when elephants gather in large herds along the riverbank. During this period, wildlife is especially concentrated near water sources, making sightings easier.
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Best time of day
Early morning and late afternoon are prime times to see elephants actively drinking and bathing along the Chobe River. The soft, warm light during these hours also creates memorable photographic conditions.
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Etiquette
Never leave your vehicle and maintain a safe distance from elephant herds, especially females with calves. Feeding or disturbing the animals is strictly prohibited and can be dangerous.
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What to bring
Bring a pair of binoculars with good magnification to observe elephants and other wildlife from a safe distance. A camera with a telephoto lens and a tripod are recommended for sharp, steady shots.
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Getting there
Chobe National Park is easily accessible from Kasane, which has the main gate and various lodges. Many visitors book a guided game drive or a boat safari to experience the wildlife from the water.
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What to expect
Elephants are common, but special moments like herds with calves or bathing require patience. Take your time and observe the herds over longer periods to witness their natural behavior.

Geography

Coordinates
-18.25000, 24.50000

Facts

  • Chobe was declared Botswana's first national park in 1967.
  • The park is home to the largest concentration of African elephants in the world.
  • It covers a total area of approximately 11,700 square kilometers.
  • The Chobe River forms the northern border of the park with Namibia.
  • The Savuti region is famous for its high density of predators, particularly lions.
  • The park is a key component of the KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Chobe FloodplainsChobe Floodplains24 km · NEExplore →
Chobe RiverChobe River46 km · EExplore →
BukaloBukalo54 km · EExplore →
Linyanti SwampLinyanti Swamp56 km · SExplore →
Zambezi RiverZambezi River60 km · EExplore →
Katima MuliloKatima Mulilo80 km · EExplore →
SeshekeSesheke82 km · EExplore →
Kasane BaobabKasane Baobab84 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Chobe National Park (1)

Chobe Forest Reserve🌿 nature

The Chobe Forest Reserve protects dense woodland ecosystems essential for wildlife habitats within chobe-national-park-animal-habitat-life-v2.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Chobe National Park famous for?
Famous for having one of the world's largest elephant populations and spectacular boat safaris.
Are boat safaris on the Chobe River worth it?
Yes, they offer a unique perspective on elephants and hippos from very close range.
Can you enter with your own car?
Yes, but a 4x4 vehicle is mandatory for the sandy tracks within the park.
Where is the best entrance to the park?
The Sedudu Gate near Kasane is the most commonly used entrance point.
Are there campsites in the park?
Yes, there are government campsites like Ihaha, but they must be booked well in advance.
Chobe National Park: where is it located?
Chobe National Park is located in Botswana.
Chobe National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
Chobe National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Chobe National Park in northern Botswana was established in 1967 as the country's first national park and is world-renowned for its extraordinary density of elephants.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Nhabe Museum — Chobe National Park (Botswana)
Nhabe Museum
The Nhabe Museum is a prominent landmark in Maun, serving as a cultural gateway to the Okavango Delta region.

More places

Chobe Floodplains — Chobe National Park (Botswana)
Chobe Floodplains
Floodplains that attract many birds and animals.
Chobe River — Chobe National Park (Botswana)
Chobe River
A river known for its rich wildlife.
Linyanti Swamp — Chobe National Park (Botswana)
Linyanti Swamp
An extensive swamp area in the north.
Mababe Depression — Chobe National Park (Botswana)
Mababe Depression
The Mababe Depression is a vast, flat basin that was once part of the ancient Lake Makgadikgadi, now a seasonal marshland.
Kwando River — Chobe National Park (Botswana)
Kwando River
River in northern Botswana, part of the Linyanti system.
Selinda Spillway — Chobe National Park (Botswana)
Selinda Spillway
The Selinda Spillway is a unique waterway that can connect the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti River system during high floods.
Moremi Game Reserve — Chobe National Park (Botswana)
Moremi Game Reserve
An ecologically diverse reserve on the edge of the Okavango Delta.
Okavango Wetlands — Chobe National Park (Botswana)
Okavango Wetlands
A complex system of wetlands full of life.