Best things to do in Chobe National Park
Find out more about those top places in Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Places to Visit, and Things to Do in Botswana’s Premier Wildlife Destination
Chobe National Park, located in northern Botswana, is one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations and an essential stop for anyone planning an unforgettable African safari. First established as a wildlife reserve in the 1930s and later declared Botswana’s first national park in 1968, Chobe has earned international acclaim for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unparalleled opportunities for sightseeing and wildlife photography. This travel guide will take you through the park’s top attractions, places to visit, and things to do, whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time safari-goer.
Top Attractions in Chobe National Park: Wildlife, Landscapes, and Riverfront Views
One of the top attractions in Botswana, Chobe National Park spans over 11,000 square kilometers and features diverse ecosystems ranging from lush floodplains to dense woodlands. At the heart of the park lies the Chobe Riverfront, arguably the most famous area in the reserve and home to the largest concentration of wildlife in Botswana. This area is a haven for elephant lovers, as it’s widely recognized for having the highest population density of African elephants in the world—some herds number in the hundreds, a truly jaw-dropping sight.
As you explore the Chobe Riverfront, you'll have the chance to see a wide variety of animals including lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, hippopotamus, and crocodile. It’s also one of the best spots in Africa for birdwatching, with over 450 bird species recorded, making it a paradise for ornithologists and nature photographers.
Things to Do in Chobe National Park: Safari Adventures and Sightseeing Experiences
For those wondering about the best things to do in Chobe National Park, the list is as thrilling as it is diverse. The most popular activity is, of course, a game drive—morning and evening safaris take you deep into the bush where you can witness dramatic wildlife encounters up close.
Another unmissable experience is a boat safari along the Chobe River. This offers a unique perspective and the opportunity to observe herds of elephants bathing, crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks, and hippos surfacing just meters from your boat. Sunset cruises are particularly magical, with golden light illuminating the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
For the more adventurous, photographic safaris, private guided tours, and birdwatching excursions are also available, each offering a more personalized look at the park’s ecosystems and animal behavior.
Places to Visit Within Chobe National Park: Explore Beyond the Riverfront
While the Chobe Riverfront is the most famous area, the park has recently opened more regions to the public, offering exciting new places to visit for those wanting to escape the crowds and experience Botswana’s wilder side.
-
Savuti: This dry, open savannah is famous for its rugged, ochre-colored terrain and dramatic predator-prey action. Often called one of Africa’s best kept safari secrets, Savuti is a haven for lion and hyena sightings and is particularly well-known for its elephant-hunting lions—a rare behavioral adaptation seen only in a few places on Earth.
-
Linyanti Marshes: Stretching toward the Namibian border, this area is defined by its watery, marshy landscapes and remote wilderness. With fewer visitors, it offers more intimate wildlife encounters and is ideal for those looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. The Linyanti River is also a hotspot for aquatic birds and seasonal migrations of zebra and antelope.
Each of these regions within the park offers a different wildlife viewing experience, making Chobe a multifaceted destination perfect for both first-time visitors and returning travelers.
Why Chobe National Park Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List
Chobe National Park is more than just a safari destination—it’s a living, breathing reminder of the raw beauty and biodiversity of Africa. Whether you're captivated by the massive elephant herds at the Chobe Riverfront, the dramatic landscapes of Savuti, or the untouched wetlands of Linyanti, this national park is a must-visit for anyone seeking the ultimate African wildlife adventure.
Accessible by road from Kasane, a popular border town near Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Chobe is also the perfect complement to a visit to Victoria Falls, making it easy to combine multiple highlights into one unforgettable trip.
Final Thoughts: Your Chobe National Park Travel Guide
From iconic safari sightings and majestic landscapes to birdwatching and immersive cultural experiences, Chobe National Park delivers one of the most complete safari experiences in all of Africa. With so many places to visit, an abundance of things to do, and a long list of top attractions, it’s no wonder Chobe continues to rank high on every traveler's Africa travel guide.
So, whether you're charting your dream safari or simply searching for an unforgettable nature escape, be sure to include Chobe National Park in your travel plans—because few places on Earth offer a connection to the wild as powerful and pristine as this.
-
Chobe Safari
As Botswana’s first designated national park, Chobe is unsurprisingly host to the country’s most diverse range of animals, including one of the world’s densest concentrations of big game. The best way to watch Africa’s iconic safari species is through an early morning safari tour, as it is before the full heat of the day that the animals are most active. You will be able to get up close to the park’s famous elephant herds at the Chobe Riverfront, spot big cats, including lions, prowling the savanna and marvel at gaudy tropical birds all the accompanied by expert guides.
-
Whitewater Rafting
The northern border of Botswana’s Chobe National Park pushes up against the frontiers of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia, much of which is formed by the mighty Zambezi River. For those wanting to push beyond the park itself, two day rafting excursions are available that see expert tour guides help you navigate the thrilling rapids of the Zambezi, including the world-famous Boiling Pot and the Oblivion. Once your inner adrenaline junkie has been satisfied, head for one of the many riverside beaches to feast on a well-deserved barbecue and catch a breathtaking view of Victoria Falls.
-
River Cruise
The reason for Chobe National Park’s overwhelming abundance of wildlife is the Chobe River, which slowly meanders through the reserve. To get the best look at the vast numbers of elephants, big cats, antelope and buffalo that congregate on its banks head to the water for a river cruise where you can get a close view without causing any disturbance. If you can take your eyes away from the riverbanks, make sure to watch for the hippos and crocodiles that inhabit the murky depths.