Destinations / Botswana / Chobe National Park
The Makgadikgadi Pans
The Land of the Giant
Botswana's first national park is home to one of the greatest concentrations of elephants on earth. Along the Chobe River, vast herds gather to drink and swim each dry season, best seen from the water on a private boat safari. Just over an hour from Victoria Falls, Chobe is easy to reach and unforgettable to experience.
Elephants, River & Wilderness
Africa's Elephant Capital
In the dry season, thousands of elephants gather along the Chobe riverfront, alongside buffalo herds, hippos, crocodiles and the predators that follow them.
Safari by Boat
The Chobe River offers some of Africa's finest boat-based game viewing, with intimate encounters at water level and exceptional photography.
A Vast and Varied Park
Covering around 4,500 square miles (11,700 km²), Chobe stretches from the lush riverfront to the remote Savuti marshes and the Linyanti swamps.
Unforgettable Experiences
Giant herds, golden light and life on the river.
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Chobe River Boat Safaris
Watch elephant herds swim the Chobe River to Sedudu Island from a private boat at water level.
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Photographic Boat Safaris
Shoot from specially designed boats with swivel seats and camera mounts.
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Game Drives
Explore the riverfront floodplains in search of lion, leopard and puku, an antelope found nowhere else in Botswana.
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Sunset River Cruises
Watch the sun sink over the Namibian floodplains on the far bank, drink in hand.
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Birding
Look for African skimmers, fish eagles and carmine bee-eaters along the river.
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Spa Experiences
Unwind with a treatment overlooking the river.
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Day Trip to the Victoria Falls
Cross into Zimbabwe or Zambia to see the Falls, about an hour's drive away.
When to visit
Chobe follows the rhythm of the dry and wet seasons.
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The dry season draws vast elephant herds to the river. Wildlife viewing peaks from August to October.
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The green season brings lush landscapes, migrant birds, newborn animals and dramatic storms, with excellent value.
Premier Stays
Riverside lodges and seasonal camps with front-row views of the action.
Riverfront Lodges
Elegant lodges overlooking the Chobe River and its floodplains.
Tented Camps
Intimate camps under canvas that bring you closer to the sounds of the bush.
House Boat
Charter a luxury houseboat for your family or group, with private suites, a dedicated crew and tender boats for game viewing on the Chobe River.
Pairs Perfectly with…
Because the best safaris rarely stop at one destination.
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Okavango Delta
Contrast the desert with Botswana's water wilderness for a classic desert-and-delta journey.
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Linyanti & Savuti
Add Botswana's predator country and its great elephant herds.
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Victoria Falls
Witness the thundering spectacle of one of the world's greatest waterfalls, just a short flight away.
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Cape Town
End among mountains, vineyards and the Atlantic.
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Bazaruto Archipelago
End barefoot on Mozambique's white-sand islands, with turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and dhow sailing.
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Johannesburg
Begin or end in South Africa's vibrant gateway city, with direct flights to Kasane, the gateway to Chobe.
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Hwange National Park
Cross into Zimbabwe for great elephant herds at Hwange's waterholes and some of Africa's finest walking guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
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August to October offers the greatest concentrations of elephants along the river. The green season, from November to April, is excellent for birding and photography.
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Fly into Kasane, which has direct flights from Johannesburg, or transfer by road from Victoria Falls in around one to one and a half hours.
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We recommend two to three nights, often combined with Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta.
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Yes. Boat safaris are a wonderful way for children to see elephants and hippos up close, and several lodges welcome families. We recommend a private boat, so the pace and length suit younger travelers. Age policies vary by lodge.
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We recommend two to three nights, ideally paired with the Okavango Delta.
