Things to Do in Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park stretches across 11,700 square kilometers of northern Botswana, where the Chobe River creates one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife corridors. The park actually holds the continent's largest elephant population - around 120,000 animals - and you'll likely witness herds numbering in the hundreds during the dry season as they converge on the riverfront. What makes this place genuinely special is the diversity of landscapes, from the lush floodplains of the Chobe River in the north to the remote Savuti marsh in the west, where predator densities reach some of the highest levels you'll find anywhere in Africa. The park tends to reveal different personalities depending on where you venture. The Chobe Riverfront area offers that classic African river safari experience with boat cruises and incredible photographic opportunities, while Savuti provides a more rugged, wilderness feel where you might witness the famous elephant-lion confrontations that nature documentaries love to feature. Interestingly, the seasonal flooding patterns here create dramatic shifts in animal behavior - what's a dusty plain in October becomes a bird-filled wetland by March, giving you completely different experiences depending on when you visit.

Dining options are somewhat limited given the remote location, with most visitors eating at their lodges or camps where meals are typically included in safari packages. Kasane town offers a few decent restaurants including The Old House and Café Zungu, which serve a mix of international and local dishes - nothing fancy but perfectly adequate after long game drives. Many lodges actually provide excellent cuisine, often featuring local ingredients like ostrich, kudu, and fresh fish from the Chobe River, along with traditional sides like pap and morogo (wild spinach). If you're camping, stock up on supplies in Kasane or Maun, as there are limited grocery options once you're in the park areas.

The dry season from May to October offers the absolute best wildlife viewing, as animals concentrate around the permanent water sources and vegetation is sparse enough for excellent visibility. July through September tends to be peak season with the largest elephant gatherings but also the highest prices and crowds. Interestingly, the shoulder months of April-May and October-November can be ideal - you'll still see plenty of wildlife but with fewer vehicles and better rates. The rainy season (November-March) transforms the landscape into a green paradise with excellent bird watching and baby animals, though some roads become impassable and wildlife disperses across the expanded territory.