Chobe National Park
50,000 elephants along the Chobe River — Africa's greatest concentration of the world's largest land animal.
About Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park covers 10,566 square kilometres in northern Botswana, renowned for hosting the largest concentration of elephants in Africa — an estimated 50,000 in the Chobe district during the dry season. The park's four distinct ecosystems — the Chobe riverfront, Savuti Marsh, Linyanti Swamp, and Nogatsaa Pans — each offer dramatically different landscapes and experiences. The Chobe River forms the park's northern boundary with Namibia's Caprivi Strip, and sunset boat cruises along the river are among Africa's most iconic experiences.
When to Go
May to October for massive elephant and buffalo herds along the Chobe River. August to October for Savuti's predator action as water dries up. November to April green season brings migrant birds and lower rates.
What You'll See
50,000 elephants in the dry season, buffalo herds exceeding 2,000, large lion prides in Savuti (famous for hunting elephants), leopard along the riverine forest, wild dog, spotted hyena, roan and sable antelope. The Chobe riverfront is one of the few places in Africa where you can see elephants swimming across a river. Over 450 bird species including African skimmer and carmine bee-eater colonies (September-November).
Your Journey Begins
Kasane Airport (BBK) is 10 minutes from the Chobe River gate, with flights from Johannesburg, Maun, and Victoria Falls. Self-drive from Victoria Falls/Livingstone border is 80 km (1.5 hours including border crossing). Charter flights access Savuti and Linyanti airstrips. Kasane also offers day-trip access to Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe border).
Within Chobe National Park
Chobe Riverfront
Hundreds of elephants swimming across the river at sunset — Africa's most iconic boat safari.
The Chobe Riverfront stretches along the northern boundary of the park where the Chobe River separates Botswana from Namibia. During the dry season (May-October), elephants wade across the river in herds of hundreds, creating one of Africa's most photographed wildlife spectacles. Afternoon boat cruises (departing from Kasane) combine land and water game viewing — elephants bathing, buffalo drinking, fish eagles hunting, and Nile crocodiles basking on the Namibian sandbanks.
Savuti Marsh
Lions hunting elephants — Savuti's legendary predator drama, documented by National Geographic.
Savuti Marsh is a 10,878-hectare seasonal floodplain in Chobe's southwestern corner, fed by the enigmatic Savuti Channel that has historically dried and refilled in multi-decade cycles. Savuti is legendary for its lion-elephant conflict — prides here have been documented hunting juvenile and even adult elephants at night, behaviour filmed for the National Geographic documentary 'Relentless Enemies.' The marsh attracts vast zebra herds, and Savuti's rocky outcrops bear ancient San rock paintings.
Linyanti Marshes
Fewer than 10 camps across vast private marshlands — wild dog packs and elephants in total seclusion.
The Linyanti Marshes form a vast wetland system along the Linyanti River on the park's western boundary, managed as private concessions by operators like &Beyond, Wilderness Safaris, and African Bush Camps. With fewer than 10 camps across the entire area, Linyanti offers some of Botswana's most exclusive game viewing — large wild dog packs, elephant herds, lion prides, and over 350 bird species. Night drives and walking safaris are permitted in the private concessions.
Tours in Chobe National Park
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