Travel Guide to the Chobe National Park in Botswana
Chobe National Park is probably the most affordable of Botswana's parks and with the lure of excellent game watching both on and beside the river. However, the well frequented areas can become quite crowded.
SEASONS
Rainy season: November to March with a peak during January and February. Rains often only begin in mid- December. Travelling through areas of clay soil can be very difficult at this time, but much of the Chobe River area is accessible. These are the warmest months with temperatures and humidity high and mosquitoes abundant. The wild flowers that emerge during the rains are quite stunning and bird life is abundant. Many animals give birth during this period of abundant grazing and if you are prepared to negotiate some mud, the rainy season in Chobe is a delightful time.
Dry season: May to October is dry and as the months progress and water dries up inland, animals congregate in huge numbers along the river. Game is at its most dense and easily visible during the dry season and most visitors come at this time. October is the hottest month and although it is the best for game viewing, it is also the most uncomfortable as the expectation of rain is high and the heat can be oppressive.
CHOBE'S SPECIALITIES
· Elephants by the hundreds especially by the Chobe River during the dry season
· Sundowner river cruises culminating in spectacular Chobe sunsets
· 440 species of birds
· Big cats may be seen stalking buffalo on the grassy floodplains
· Fishing on the Chobe River for 20 different species of edible fish
· Spectacularly positioned safari lodges and tented camps along the Chobe River
· Rare Pel's Fishing owl can be spotted at night
· Small flocks of African skimmers, only found in this region are best seen in June or July
· Exceptional photographic opportunities
FACTS
In line with many of Africa's national parks, off-road and night driving is not permitted.
Chobe National Park covers 7 270 square miles (11,700 square kilometres)
This is a malarial area.
Accommodation ranges from upmarket lodges to rustic self-catering, tented camps:
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As one of Botswana's top Nature Reserves, Chobe National Park, is home to many of the mammals of southern Africa. Numerous wildlife safari and tour companies operate guided tours to Chobe National Park. Popular adventure travel activities in Botswana include: horse riding safaris, elephant back safaris, mountain biking, birding, wilderness walking trails, science safaris and volunteering especially for GAP year students.
For more on the Chobe National Park use the navigation on the right.
Botswana travel and wildlife guides:
• Eco-Travel Guide to Botswana •
• Accommodation • Activities • Adventures • Regions & Areas •
• Routes • Maps • Nature Reserves • Safaris & Tours • Wildlife - Fauna & Flora •
