Chobe is a district in the northern part of Botswana, Africa. It’s world-renowned for the Chobe National Park, one of the country’s top wildlife destinations and the third-largest national park in Botswana. The park is famous for its large elephant population, which is considered one of the largest in the world.
Key Features of Chobe
1. Chobe National Park
- Established: 1968
- Size: Over 11,000 square kilometers
- Main attractions: Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.
- The park is divided into four distinct areas:
- Chobe Riverfront – Excellent for boat safaris and known for its dense wildlife.
- Savuti Marsh – Famous for lion and hyena activity.
- Linyanti Marsh – A remote area ideal for secluded safari experiences.
- Nogatsaa and Tchinga – Less visited but rich in biodiversity.
2. Chobe River
- A major river that forms the northern boundary of the park.
- Offers unique boat safaris to view animals along the water’s edge, especially in the dry season.
- The river eventually joins the Zambezi River near the point where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe meet.
3. Wildlife
- Elephants: Estimated over 50,000 elephants migrate through the park.
- Birds: Over 450 bird species – making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
- Other animals include giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and predators like lions and leopards.
4. Tourism & Activities
- Safari drives (day and night)
- Boat cruises on the Chobe River
- Photography tours
- Birdwatching
- Visits to nearby attractions like Victoria Falls (about 1–2 hours away)
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: May to October (dry season) – Animals gather at the river, making viewing easier.
- Accommodation: Ranges from luxury lodges to budget campsites.
- Access: Easily reachable from Kasane, the gateway town to Chobe. Kasane has an international airport and is near borders with Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia.
