Chobe National Park: Facts, Map, Animals And Safari Packages

Chobe National Park: Facts, Map, Animals And Safari Packages. Visit Chobe National Park For day game drives with our Affordable Luxury African Safaris and Tours. Whether you’re drawn to Chobe for the sheer spectacle of its elephant herds, the remoteness of Savuti, or the calm beauty of Linyanti, this national park promises a memorable African safari experience! Let me know if you’d like a tailored recommendation.

Chobe National Park in northern Botswana is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, celebrated for its rich biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes, and abundant safari opportunities. Here’s a detailed overview of what makes Chobe unique:

Facts About Chobe National Park

1. Location and Size: Chobe National Park covers approximately 11,700 square kilometers and is situated near the town of Kasane, where Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Zambia meet. The park is part of the greater Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.
2. Diverse Ecosystems: Chobe has four distinct ecosystems:
   • Chobe Riverfront: Famous for large elephant herds, lush floodplains, and incredible boat safaris.
   • Savuti Marsh: Known for its unpredictable Savuti Channel, supporting a dynamic mix of predators and large herbivores.
   • Linyanti Marsh: A remote area with dense mopane forests and rare species like the endangered African wild dog.
   • Hinterland of Nogatsaa and Tchinga: Less visited, offering a serene and secluded safari experience.
3. Largest Elephant Population in Africa: Chobe is home to around 120,000 elephants, the highest concentration of African elephants on the continent. Herds often gather along the Chobe River, especially during the dry season.
4. Unique Wildlife and Birding: The park hosts large populations of buffalo, lions, leopards, and a variety of antelopes. It’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 450 species, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and saddle-billed storks.

Map of Chobe National Park

The park’s layout centers around the Chobe River in the north and extends southwest to encompass diverse habitats. Maps generally highlight:

• Chobe Riverfront (closest to Kasane)
• Savuti Area (located in the western part of the park)
• Linyanti Marsh (in the northwest)
• Roads and trails that connect Kasane, Savuti, and other areas of the park for self-drive and guided safaris.

Wildlife and Animals in Chobe National Park

1. Elephants: Chobe is synonymous with elephants, particularly in the dry season from June to October when they gather along the Chobe River to drink, bathe, and feed.
2. Big Cats: Lions, leopards, and occasional cheetahs thrive here, particularly in Savuti, where lion and hyena interactions are frequent.
3. Buffalo: Large buffalo herds roam across the floodplains and woodlands, making for dramatic scenes as they interact with predator species.
4. Rare Species: African wild dogs, sable antelope, and red lechwe can be spotted, especially in Linyanti’s wetlands.
5. Bird Species: Vibrant birdlife includes fish eagles, African jacanas, and several migratory species arriving during the wet season (November to April).

Safari Packages and Options

Chobe National Park offers a variety of safari packages, each tailored to different preferences and travel styles:

1. Chobe River Cruises: Boat safaris along the Chobe River are popular for their unique water-based vantage points, offering close encounters with hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and birdlife. Sunset cruises are especially scenic.
2. Game Drives: Guided game drives, especially in open 4×4 vehicles, are available for morning and evening sessions. Many lodges and safari operators offer packages with private and shared game drives.
3. Fly-In Safaris: For a luxury experience, fly-in packages to remote lodges in Savuti and Linyanti offer more intimate experiences with exclusive wildlife sightings and luxurious accommodations.
4. Self-Drive Safaris: For the adventurous, self-drive options allow visitors to explore the park at their own pace. However, 4×4 vehicles and knowledge of off-road driving are essential.
5. Combination Safaris: Many tour operators offer Chobe packages that combine visits to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, and even Namibia’s Caprivi Strip for a multi-destination safari experience.

Our Recommended Safari Itineraries

• 3-Day Chobe Highlights: Includes game drives along the Chobe Riverfront, a river cruise, and one night in Savuti.
• 5-Day Chobe & Savuti Safari: A blend of game drives in the Chobe Riverfront area, a two-day stay in the Savuti for predator viewing, and a sunset river cruise.
• 7-Day Chobe & Victoria Falls: This itinerary includes four days in Chobe for game drives and river cruises, followed by three days in Victoria Falls.

Chobe National Park Animals Gallery