Chobe National Park

Famous for its enormous elephant population, Chobe National Park offers incredible wildlife viewing along the Chobe Riverfront, particularly during the...

Chobe National Park at a Glance

Location
Chobe & Linyanti Wetlands, Botswana, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-17.930054, 24.721676
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for the Okavango Delta floods and wildlife. November to March for birding and green season rates.

Getting to Chobe National Park

Nearest airport: Serondela Airstrip, 34 km away.

Nearest international airport: Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport (FRW), 460 km away.

Big Five in Chobe National Park

4 of the Big Five can be found here: African Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Leopard Tortoise.

Weather & Climate in Chobe National Park

The warmest temperatures in Chobe National Park occur in October, averaging 28.9°C (up to 36.1°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 18.8°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in September with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 24.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 23.4°C (rainfall: 213.3mm)
  • February: 24.6°C (rainfall: 106.6mm)
  • March: 24.6°C (rainfall: 47.4mm)
  • April: 23.8°C (rainfall: 17.2mm)
  • May: 21.5°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • June: 19.1°C (rainfall: 0.3mm)
  • July: 18.8°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • August: 22.2°C (rainfall: 1.0mm)
  • September: 26.4°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • October: 28.9°C (rainfall: 1.9mm)
  • November: 27.8°C (rainfall: 47.7mm)
  • December: 25.9°C (rainfall: 119.5mm)

Best Time to Visit Chobe National Park

The best months to visit Chobe National Park are April, May, June, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 23.43°C, rainfall 213.3mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 76.3%
  • February: Great, temperature 24.58°C, rainfall 106.6mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 68.4%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.58°C, rainfall 47.4mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 64.1%
  • April: Great, temperature 23.79°C, rainfall 17.2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 53%
  • May: Great, temperature 21.54°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 38.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 19.07°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 37.6%
  • July: Great, temperature 18.79°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 33.3%
  • August: Great, temperature 22.17°C, rainfall 1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 28.5%
  • September: Great, temperature 26.35°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 24.8%
  • October: Great, temperature 28.87°C, rainfall 1.9mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 26.8%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.82°C, rainfall 47.7mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 46.4%
  • December: Great, temperature 25.89°C, rainfall 119.5mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 61.7%

Wildlife in Chobe National Park

Home to 130 recorded species including 40 waterbirds, 35 iconic birds, 32 birds of prey, 5 big herbivores, 4 big five, 4 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Chobe National Park

Based on average temperature of 23.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 47%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 24°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Chobe National Park

10 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Chobe & Linyanti Wetlands

Visitor Tips - Chobe National Park

Chobe's undeniable magic lies in its colossal elephant herds and the unique perspective offered by a boat safari on the Chobe River. We find the sunsets over the river, with elephants silhouetted against the fiery sky, to be truly sensational and an experience that stays with you long after you've left.

Gate Times

The gates typically open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:30 PM, though we always recommend confirming with your lodge or guide as these can shift slightly with sunrise and sunset, particularly in shoulder seasons. Park permits are essential and usually arranged in advance through your tour operator or lodge; self-drivers must pre-book online. We find that being at the gate for opening offers the most magical light and active wildlife sightings.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and a wonderful way to show appreciation for excellent service. For safari guides, we suggest around USD 10-20 per person per day. For general camp staff, a communal tip box is often available, and we recommend USD 5-10 per person per day. It's always best to tip in local currency (Botswana Pula) or US Dollars. Remember, these are guidelines, and exceptional service might warrant a little more.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Botswana

Travel advisory for Botswana

Chobe National Park FAQs

When is the prime time to experience Chobe National Park's unparalleled elephant gatherings, and what makes this period ideal for wildlife viewing?

The dry season, from May to October, is the absolute best time, as thousands of elephants congregate daily along the Chobe River to drink and bathe. This concentration of wildlife, including large buffalo herds and predators, makes for exceptional game viewing, particularly from boat safaris.

What unique safari activities does Chobe National Park offer that provide a distinct perspective compared to traditional land-based game drives?

Chobe is renowned for its boat safaris along the Chobe River, offering an unparalleled opportunity to view wildlife from the water. This allows for close encounters with elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a vast array of water birds, providing a different vantage point for photography and observation.

What are the typical accommodation options and logistical considerations for visitors planning a safari experience within or near Chobe National Park?

Visitors can choose between luxury lodges and tented camps located inside the park or more budget-friendly options in the nearby town of Kasane. Booking well in advance, especially for peak dry season travel, is crucial due to limited availability and high demand for prime locations.

Beyond the famous elephant herds, what specific wildlife interactions or unique sightings can visitors anticipate along the Chobe Riverfront?

While elephants dominate, the riverfront is also a hotspot for massive buffalo herds, often attracting lions and leopards seeking prey, leading to dramatic predator-prey encounters. Birdwatchers will delight in the diverse avian species, and sightings of hippos and large crocodiles are guaranteed in the river.

What practical safety tips and essential travel advice should visitors consider for an optimal and safe experience during Chobe's boat safaris and game drives?

Always follow your guide's instructions, especially regarding proximity to wildlife and during boat excursions, to ensure safety. It's also vital to stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and bring insect repellent, particularly during the warmer months.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Bradt Guide: Botswana by Chris McIntyre - Gold standard for Okavango Delta and Chobe planning - self-drive routes, camp reviews, and detailed maps. Essential for anyone planning a Botswana safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Cry of the Kalahari by Mark & Delia Owens - Riveting account of wildlife research in Botswana's Central Kalahari. An adventurous tale of two young researchers living among the wild animals.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.