Things to Do in Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park, located in northern Botswana, is one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations and the country's first national park. Established in 1967, this 11,700-square-kilometer wilderness sanctuary is renowned for having the largest concentration of elephants in Africa, with an estimated population of over 50,000. The park's diverse ecosystems include floodplains, woodlands, and grasslands along the Chobe River, creating a haven for an incredible variety of wildlife. The park is divided into four distinct areas: Chobe Riverfront, Ngwezumba Pans, Savuti, and Linyanti, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities. From the famous Chobe Riverfront with its year-round water supply attracting massive herds during the dry season, to the remote Savuti area known for its predator activity and ancient rock paintings, Chobe provides some of the most spectacular game viewing experiences in Africa. The park serves as a gateway to the greater Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, making it an essential stop for any serious African safari adventure.

Dining in the Chobe area centers around lodge restaurants and the town of Kasane, as there are no restaurants within the national park itself. Most safari lodges offer excellent buffet-style meals featuring both international cuisine and local Botswana specialties like seswaa (shredded beef) and morogo (wild spinach). In Kasane, options include the Coffee Buzz for light meals and excellent coffee, Old House for fine dining with river views, and several local restaurants serving traditional African dishes. Many lodges can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice, and bush dining experiences under the stars are popular additions to safari packages. Alcohol is available at most lodges and restaurants, with South African wines being particularly well-represented.

The best time to visit Chobe National Park is during the dry season from May to October, when wildlife concentrations around the Chobe River are at their peak and roads are most accessible. During this period, elephants gather in massive herds of hundreds along the riverfront, creating spectacular viewing opportunities. The wet season (November-April) brings lush landscapes, newborn animals, and excellent bird watching with over 200 migratory species, but some roads become impassable and wildlife disperses. April and May offer an excellent compromise with good wildlife viewing, fewer crowds, and the last of the green scenery before the dry season begins.