Chobe

Things to see and do in Chobe

Chobe – Where the Elephants Outnumber the Stars

Chobe is not a park; it is a living, breathing miracle. Every dry-season afternoon, more than 50,000 elephants—old bulls with tusks like ivory scimitars, matriarchs followed by tiny calves still pink behind the ears—march to the Chobe River in a grey river of their own. The sky turns blood-red, dust hangs like gold in the air, and the sound of trunks slurping water and babies trumpeting is the soundtrack of raw Africa. Lions roar from the banks, buffalo herds a thousand strong stare with ancient eyes, and rare sable antelope melt into the shadows. From the river you watch it all unfold in silence on a sunset cruise, gin-and-tonic in hand, while hippos yawn and crocodiles longer than your boat glide past. This is the highest concentration of elephants on Earth, one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the continent, and the moment the sun drops behind Namibia across the water, you understand why Botswana is called Africa’s last Eden.

Top Activities and Experiences in Chobe

These are the moments that will leave you speechless and forever addicted to Africa.

Sunset River Cruise on the Chobe Riverfront

Glide past thousands of elephants drinking, bathing, and playing while the sky ignites crimson. Hippos grunt, fish eagles cry, and the silence is broken only by the click of your camera and the splash of a baby ellie learning to swim.

Early Morning Game Drive – The Elephant Rush Hour

Before sunrise, follow fresh tracks to a waterhole where hundreds of elephants converge. Watch newborn calves less than a week old stumble behind their mothers while lions watch from the treeline.

Photograph the Famous Chobe Sunsets

The sky turns every shade of fire as elephants silhouette against it—some of the most iconic wildlife images on the planet are taken right here.

Private Boat Safari with Your Own Guide

Get eye-level with drinking elephants, spot rare puku antelope, and drift silently past pods of hippos and crocodiles the size of canoes.

Savuti Channel & Marsh – Predator Capital

Deep in the park, where the mysterious Savuti Channel flows again after 30 years dry—lions that hunt elephants at night, painted wolf packs, and hyena clans that rule the darkness.

Linyanti Wetlands (concession bordering Chobe)

Exclusive private concessions with massive herds of buffalo, rare roan and sable, and some of the highest densities of lion and leopard in Africa.

Full-Day Safari with Picnic on the Riverbank

Start at dawn on the riverfront, drive inland to Savuti, lunch under a baobab while elephants pass metres away, then cruise back at sunset.

Birding Heaven – Over 450 Species

Carmine bee-eaters nesting in the riverbanks, African skimmers slicing the water, Pel’s fishing owls at dusk—Chobe is a birder’s paradise.

Ready to Meet the Elephants?

Pack binoculars, a sense of wonder, and prepare to have your soul permanently stamped with Africa. Read more to plan your pilgrimage to the greatest elephant kingdom on Earth!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chobe

What are the top things to do in Chobe?

The sunset river cruise with thousands of elephants, early morning game drives, photographing the iconic red sunsets, and exploring the predator-rich Savuti region.

What are the must-visit places in Chobe?

Chobe Riverfront, Serondela area, Savuti Marsh and Channel, Nogatsaa pans, and the private Linyanti concessions.

When is the best time to visit Chobe?

May–October (dry season): animals concentrate along the river in massive numbers, weather is perfect (20–32 °C), and elephant viewing is mind-blowing.

What are the best things to see in Chobe?

50,000 elephants at sunset, lion prides hunting buffalo, rare African wild dog packs, massive crocodile jaws breaking the surface, and the blood-red African sky.

Which are the best day trips from Chobe?

Victoria Falls (90 min drive), Impalila Island (Namibia), or a cross-border day trip to Kasika in Zambia.

Do you have a comprehensive Chobe guide?

Yes—this guide covers every elephant trunk, lion roar, sunset cruise, and practical detail you need for the ultimate Botswana safari.

What are the top attractions in Chobe?

Chobe Riverfront, Savuti Channel, Linyanti Swamps, and the highest concentration of elephants on Earth.

What are the best family activities in Chobe?

Sunset boat cruises (safe and magical), private family lodges with pools, and junior ranger programs at some camps.

Where can I find a Chobe tour guide?

Your lodge provides expert guides; self-drive is possible in the riverfront area, but most visitors prefer guided safaris or private boats.

What are the top festivals in Chobe?

There are no festivals, but the annual elephant migration to the river (July–October) is nature’s greatest show.

Where to stay in Chobe?

Luxury: &Beyond Chobe Under Canvas, Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge; mid-range: Chobe Game Lodge (Elizabeth Taylor honeymooned here); budget: campgrounds or The Garden Lodge in Kasane.

Is Chobe safe?

Extremely safe—Botswana is one of Africa’s most stable countries. Malaria risk exists (take prophylaxis), and always stay inside vehicles near big game.

What are some essential tips for Chobe?

Book river-facing rooms, bring binoculars and a long lens, visit May–October, use anti-malarials, and tip your guide generously—they make the experience.

What are the best places to eat in Chobe?

Your lodge provides all meals—bush breakfasts under sausage trees, riverside lunches, and starlit boma dinners with kudu steak and amarula desserts.

Is Chobe safe for women travelers?

Yes—very safe and welcoming. Lodges are luxurious and secure, and solo women travellers rave about the experience.

What are some must-try experiences in Chobe?

Sunset cruise with thousands of elephants, hearing lions roar at night from your tent, photographing a dust-red sunset, and watching a baby elephant learn to use its trunk.

How can I book a tour in Chobe?

Through your lodge or operators like Wilderness Safaris, &Beyond, Pangolin Photo Safaris (famous for photography boats), or self-drive from Kasane.

What are some offbeat things to do in Chobe?

Walking safari in private concessions, night drives for hyena and leopard, hot-air balloon over Savuti (seasonal), or photographic hides at waterholes.

What should I pack for Chobe?

Neutral-coloured clothes, binoculars, camera with long lens, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, malaria pills, warm jacket for winter mornings.

Is there a cherry blossom festival in Chobe?

No, but in October the purple jacarandas and pink-and-white wildflowers explode across the landscape—Africa’s version of spring.

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Places to Visit

Chobe Riverfront & Serondela

The lifeblood of the park—permanent water attracts the highest concentration of elephants and buffalo on Earth. Sunset cruises and game drives here are legendary.

Savuti Marsh & Channel

Mysterious waterway that stopped flowing for 30 years and restarted in 2008. Famous for lions that hunt elephants and massive hyena clans.

Linyanti Swamps (private concession)

Exclusive area bordering Chobe with huge herds of buffalo, rare roan and sable antelope, and some of the best predator viewing in Africa.

Nogatsaa Grasslands

Remote southern section with giant tsessebe herds, ancient baobabs, and almost no tourists—pure untouched wilderness.

Kasane & Kazungula

Gateway towns on the river with lodges, houseboats, and the famous four-country border post where Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana meet.

Ihaha & the Four Countries Viewpoint

Along the riverfront, a stretch of campsites and picnic spots where you can stand on Botswana soil and see Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe at the same time. Elephants cross the river in front of you, hippos wallow, and the sun sets directly across the water into Namibia—pure Africa magic.

Suggested itineraries featuring Chobe

Vic Falls and Chobe Package

5 Days | From $1499

Zimbabwe | Botswana

Victoria Falls | Chobe

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Accommodation choices for Chobe

Chobe Marina Lodge

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Chobe Marina Lodge is at the waters edge in Kasane, Botswana and is a showcase of authentic Africa in its wild splendour. This is the land where the Big Five are missing one player, rhino, but where encounters with lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard are commonplace. The garden of Chobe Marina Lodge is home to unique species such as warthog, squirrel, mongoose, vervet monkeys and the iconic fish eagle. The Chobe National Park, renowned for its majestic elephants is a short distance away and taking a river boat cruise allows a different perspective of game viewing. The lodge is a luxury retreat and also offers fishing excursions for the tiger fish.

Chobe Safari Lodge

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There's no doubt that you'll leave Botswana feeling revitalised with the spirit of Africa. Chobe National Park accommodation is synonymous with luxury and comfort, at rates that suit every taste and budget. After a long day of game viewing, we invite you to put your feet up next to your own private plunge pool at Ngoma Safari Lodge. Or melt away the stress of city life with an African massage at Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge. No matter where you decide to rest your head in Chobe National Park, we guarantee it will feel like a home away from home.

Chobe Bakwena Lodge

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Bakwena Lodge is an intimate, privately owned eco-lodge on the banks of the Chobe River. Built around both ecological and traditional African principles