Chobe National Park

A Beautiful Time in a Beautiful Place

We have not been directly in the Chobe National Park, but we stayed three days at the Savute Safari Lodge in the Savuti area, one of the four distinct areas of the Chobe National Park and situated in the most western part of it.
Beside the amazing view of literally hundreds of elephants we have had the rare opportunity to see other big mammals like lions, leopards, african wild dogs, buffalos, impalas and so many more.
Moreover we also encoutered a lot of birds (mostly birds of prey) and reptiles.
The most amazing and special experience was the hospitality of the people who were host to us in the lodge. They told us a lot about their culture, lifestyle habits and they seemed very curious about the european culture and our lifestyle. Truly an exchange we enjoyed a lot.
We will never forget this unique trip.

Chobe is the jewel in Botswana's wildlife crown -- just take a trip down the Chobe RIver and you'll see why. There are animals everywhere here, from swimming elephants to lounging leopards. Don't expect to be the only one watching that pride of lions, but if you can eschew the luxury lodges and do some camping out in the wilderness, that's the way to experience Africa. Try to stay two days or more, since every day you'll see something different. And one more thing -- be ready to feel very depressed when it's time to leave.

This feels like Africa

Many of Southern Africa's wildlife parks have become developed to the point of disneyfication but not Chobe. It still feels raw, gritty, and intimate. Perfect location for a self drive safari with outstanding human food and lodging also available just outside the park in Kasane.

The most incredible experience ever, if you get the chance- GO!

Chobe National Park was part of our camping safari package. The entire trip was extremely well organised, our group of 12 participants well looked after. Fresh food is prepared each evening and facilities were basic, but perfectly adequate. The Chobe national park is well looked after and access regulated to protect the wildlife. Living in the park allowed for early starts for the gamedrives in the morning and plenty of time in evenings to see amazing african sunsets. The wildlife was incredible and with the truck it was possible to get really close without bothering the animals. For lovers of bird photography the diversity is astounding. Overall a trip to be highly recommended.

Nowhere else have I seen such huge herds of wild elephants - it was an incredible sight. There was also huge amounts of other wildlife, like baboons, giraffe, antelope and zebra.

Thoroughly enjoyed the boat trip! Hundreds of animals within minutes.

After experiences safaris via vehicles, the boat was a nice change and offered us a unique opportunity to view animals in a different way. We witnessed dozens of elephants swimming, babies holding their mom's tails, lots of hippos, crocodiles, birds, buffalo, deer and other animals up close and personal. Plus Chobe is much more colorful than Kruger in early September. Beautiful area. Highly recommend the day trip out of Victoria Falls!

Amazing landscape entouring an outstanding fauna

The best part of this park, compared to other great parks in Africa, is the landscape. Concerning animals, it is the best place to see elephants that I know.
Good organisation, guides and food with Kananga.
Do not miss the boat at the sunset, you really dont know where to look at.

A magical day

Our group (of 9 people) booked the Chobe Full Day Trip hosted by Kalahari Tours (http://www.kalaharichobe.com). Apart from a delay in our border pick-up from Zambia, the day went smoothly.
After a quick morning tea, the first half of the day was spent in a boat on the Chobe River - we found our guides informative and entertaining. We were delighted by the amount of bird life along the river seeing, among many others, African Fish Eagles, White-fronted Bee-eaters and Great White Egrets. There was plenty of animal life along the banks too - crocodiles, elephants and hippos.
After lunch which was simple but filling, we spent the afternoon in a specially-modified 4x4 vehicle in the Chobe National Park. A highlight of this was seeing the after-math of a leopard-kill. We had a close (but safe) encounter with some elephants, and saw several baboons, impala and giraffes. Unfortunately no lions that day, and zebras were 'out-of-season' - their migratory pattern means they simply are not present in Chobe in June. Again, our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining.
I would thoroughly recommend a visit to Chobe National Park, and fully intend to go there myself when I am next in southern Africa. To see some pictures from that day, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/s-haydon/albums/72157655902764278.

Memories forever - elephants and hippos eating on the riverbank, a few meters only from our boat! Croqs, lions, giraffes, every wild animal you can wish to see. Amazing place. Best safari(s) we've done.

With an experienced guide and camping in the park, we had immediate access to the animals and scenery immediately.