Chobe National Park
130,000 elephants — the world’s single largest elephant population. The Chobe River at sunset. Lions, leopards, wild dogs. Chobe is Botswana’s supreme wildlife crown.
130,000 Elephants and the Chobe River at Golden Hour
Chobe National Park hosts the largest elephant population of any protected area on earth — over 130,000 individuals. In the dry season, herds of 200–500 converge simultaneously at the Chobe River in concentrations that must be witnessed to be believed. The ground shakes; the air fills with trumpeting; the river bank disappears beneath a living grey mass.
The Chobe River boat safari — launching in the late afternoon and cruising as the setting sun turns everything amber — is one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife experiences. Close encounters with hundreds of elephants, hippos surfacing alongside the boat, crocodiles on every sandbank, and fish eagles calling overhead in the golden hour create a safari experience of overwhelming density and beauty.
Our 7-Day Botswana Safari combines Chobe with the Okavango Delta for the complete northern Botswana experience. Contact Apes & Wildlife Safaris to plan your itinerary.
Boat safari approximately $30–50 per 2-hour cruise. All through Apes & Wildlife Safaris.
Malaria prophylaxis required. The Chobe Riverfront is extremely busy July–October — the Savuti and Linyanti sectors offer comparable wildlife with far fewer vehicles. Victoria Falls is just 80km from Kasane.
Wildlife & Natural Highlights
Elephant Herds
130,000 — the world record. Dry season brings herds of 200–500 simultaneously to the Chobe River. The scale is impossible to convey in photographs alone.
Chobe River Boat Safari
The late afternoon cruise with elephants at the water in golden hour is one of Africa’s most celebrated experiences. Hundreds of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and fish eagles.
Lions & Wild Dogs
The Savuti area in Chobe’s centre is famous for its predator density — large lion prides, wild dog packs, and spotted hyena clans around the Savuti Channel.
Leopard at Linyanti
The western Linyanti Wetlands host a high-density leopard population in riverine forest — one of Botswana’s most reliable leopard destinations.
Cape Buffalo
Massive dry season aggregations in the Savuti area can exceed 1,000 animals — large enough to challenge the lion prides that depend on them as primary prey.
Avifauna — 450+ Species
African fish eagle, carmine bee-eater nesting colonies in the riverbank, and the rare Pel’s fishing owl along the Linyanti channels are among the highlights.
Key Areas & Experiences
Each zone of Chobe National Park delivers a distinct wildlife experience. Apes & Wildlife Safaris tailors your itinerary to cover the areas that best match your interests and group.
Northern section along the river — primary boat safari and game drive zone. Maximum wildlife density.
Famous for lion, leopard, wild dog, and the extraordinary predator-prey dynamic around the seasonal Savuti Channel.
The western Linyanti Wetlands — the park’s most exclusive zone with very few visitors. Excellent leopard and wild dog.
Vast, dry, rarely visited. Lions range enormous territories. The wilderness quality is unmatched anywhere in Chobe.
Best Time to Visit Chobe National Park
Elephant concentration at the Chobe River peaks. Predator activity in Savuti at maximum. The definitive Chobe experience.
Rains beginning. Wildlife still excellent at the river. Elephant calves born.
Lush landscape. Migratory birds. Elephant herds disperse somewhat from the river.
Wildlife beginning to concentrate at the river again. Good value period.
Curated Safaris Including Chobe
Every Apes & Wildlife Safaris itinerary is tailor-made and can be extended to include Chobe National Park alongside other Botswana parks and destinations.
Expert Tips for Chobe National Park
Plan Well in Advance
Peak season for Botswana fills months ahead. Contact Apes & Wildlife Safaris early to secure the best dates, accommodation, and permits for your group.
Stay Multiple Nights
A single day in Chobe National Park scratches the surface. Two to three nights reveals the full depth of the wildlife, landscape, and daily rhythm across dawn, midday, and dusk.
Never Miss the Dawn Drive
The first two hours after sunrise deliver the highest predator activity, best photography light, and most concentrated wildlife encounters. Always prioritise the early start.
Trust Your Expert Guide
The best wildlife encounters come from guides who read animal behaviour and position the vehicle ahead of the action. Apes & Wildlife Safaris works only with experienced, park-specialist guides.
Combine with Other Botswana Parks
Botswana’s parks are most rewarding in combination. Ask Apes & Wildlife Safaris about the ideal circuit — Chobe, the Okavango Delta, and the Central Kalahari together deliver Africa’s most complete safari.
Take Out Medical Evacuation Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation cover is essential for all Botswana safari travel. Many parks are remote — evacuation distance matters. Apes & Wildlife Safaris can advise on appropriate cover.
Your Botswana Safari Awaits
Apes & Wildlife Safaris handles every detail — permits, transfers, expert guides, and hand-picked accommodation — from first enquiry to final sundowner.