Chobe River

The Chobe River is probably the best known safari area within the Chobe National Park. Rising in the Angolan highlands and then twisting along geological fault lines as it winds its way to the Zambezi,  the Chobe River is flanked by riverine forests, floodplains and open woodlands. It offers abundant wildlife and also easy access to Victoria Falls. (just 1½ hours by road). So this is a popular area for safari visitors – sometimes too much so. It is one of the few wildlife areas in Botswana where you will definitely see other vehicles whilst on your game drive. However this must be balanced by the quality of game-viewing at the Chobe river. Think massive herds of elephant and relaxed prides of lions. Plus the romantic attraction of the river itself.

Morning game drives into Chobe National Park are followed by languorous sunset cruises by boat. These river cruises allow for a special kind of game-viewing. You drift silently past a bathing herd of elephants on a river alive with crocodile and hippo. There’s marvellous birdlife such as kingfishers and bee-eaters. Witness the amazing fishing skills of the African fish eagle. Or the rare African skimmer.

Most Chobe lodges are located either in or near the town of Kasane, just outside the park gates. However a few Chobe lodges are either in the park itself. Or in the quieter conservation area to the west, nearer to Ngoma Gate.