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Chobe River

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Chobe River (Botswana)

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The Chobe River in northern Botswana is one of the region's most spectacular and perennial waterways, forming the natural border with Namibia's Caprivi Strip. Originating as the Cuando in the Angolan highlands, it flows as the Linyanti through swamps before finally becoming the Chobe and joining the Zambezi at Kazungula. The river is world-renowned for its extraordinary wildlife density, particularly hosting one of Africa's largest elephant populations, which congregates along its banks during the dry season. The landscape along the river features lush floodplains, dense woodlands, and expansive marshlands that provide habitat for hundreds of bird species, buffalo, hippos, and lions. A unique characteristic of the Chobe is its ability to reverse its flow direction when the Zambezi River is in high flood, creating distinct hydrological conditions. For tourists, the river is best explored via boat safaris, offering close encounters with wildlife with minimal disturbance to the environment. The adjacent Chobe National Park, established in 1967, is Botswana's third-largest park and ensures the permanent protection of this fragile ecosystem.

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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Getting there
The river is best accessed from the bustling town of Kasane, which serves as the primary gateway for countless river cruises and safaris. You can travel to Kasane by plane or via relatively well-maintained roads from neighboring countries.
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Best season
The most spectacular time to visit is undoubtedly the late dry season when massive herds of elephants and other wildlife gather at the riverbanks to drink. In the wet season, the animals disperse inland, though the landscape becomes wonderfully green.
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Terrain & paths
The terrain surrounding the water consists of vast floodplains, swampy coastal zones, and flat grasslands. However, exploration takes place almost exclusively while seated-either in shallow motorboats or in raised, open-air safari vehicles.
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What to bring
A camera equipped with a highly powerful telephoto lens is an absolute must for any passionate photographer here. Furthermore, binoculars, a sun hat that won't blow away on boats, and sunscreen are essential for a full day on the water.
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Parking
Secure parking spots are abundantly available at nearly all lodges, at the boat docks in Kasane, and at the official park gates. Those driving themselves should never stop outside designated rest areas, and certainly never exit their vehicle.
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Safety
The heavy concentration of predators, hippos, and crocodiles on the riverbanks makes walking on foot extremely dangerous. Always remain firmly inside your vehicle or boat, and never stretch your arms far over the railing into the water.
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Time needed
The typical and most popular activities are morning game drives or the legendary late afternoon boat cruises, each lasting roughly three hours. To fully appreciate the entire ecosystem, however, many guests stay for several days in the region.

Geography

Coordinates
-17.80000, 24.50000

Facts

  • The Chobe River changes its name multiple times, known as the Cuando, Linyanti, and Itenge.
  • The Chobe National Park is home to an estimated population of up to 120,000 elephants.
  • Kazungula is the point where the borders of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe meet.
  • The river system is famous for hosting over 450 different species of birds.
  • Sedudu Island in the river was the subject of a long-standing territorial dispute with Namibia.
  • Boat safaris on the Chobe are considered among the premier wildlife viewing experiences in Africa.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

BukaloBukalo9 km · EExplore →
Zambezi RiverZambezi River24 km · SEExplore →
SeshekeSesheke40 km · SEExplore →
Katima MuliloKatima Mulilo40 km · SEExplore →
Chobe FloodplainsChobe Floodplains42 km · NWExplore →
Chobe National ParkChobe National Park46 km · WExplore →
Caprivi Wildlife AreaCaprivi Wildlife Area63 km · SEExplore →
Linyanti SwampLinyanti Swamp69 km · SWExplore →

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 nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which countries border the Chobe River?
Botswana and Namibia (Caprivi Strip) are on opposite banks.
Does the Chobe flow into the Zambezi?
Yes, at Kazungula, the two mighty rivers meet.
Why is the river so popular with tourists?
Because of the fantastic boat safaris and the elephant herds at the water.
Are there houseboats available?
Yes, multi-day trips on luxury houseboats are a popular option.
When is high water on the Chobe?
Usually between March and May, depending on rainfall upstream.
Chobe River: where is it located?
Chobe River is located in Botswana.
Chobe River: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
Chobe River: why is it worth visiting?
The Chobe River in northern Botswana is one of the region's most spectacular and perennial waterways, forming the natural border with Namibia's Caprivi Strip.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

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