- Botswana
- ~1,170,000 hectares (11,700 km²)
- 1968 (Botswana's first national park)
- Chobe District
- Highest concentration of elephants in Africa; massive buffalo herds; lions and African skimmers.
- High risk; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
- ~18°40′S 24°30′E
- Unfenced; part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA).
- Riverine forest, floodplains, teak woodland, and the Savuti marshland.
- June–October for river safaris; December–March for the zebra migration in Savuti.
Chobe National Park is defined by its diversity, ranging from the lush Chobe Riverfront to the rugged, prehistoric landscapes of Savuti. It is world-renowned for its massive elephant population—estimated at over 120,000—and offers a unique "water-based" safari experience that provides a different perspective on African wildlife.
- Sedudu Gate (near Kasane), Mababe Gate (south), Ngoma Gate (west).
- * The primary hub, located minutes from the park.
- ~1.5 hours across the border in Zimbabwe.
- Easily accessible from Kasane or via 4x4 tracks from Maun.
- A mix of graded gravel and deep sand; 4x4 is essential for self-drivers.
- The lifeblood of the park, where the Chobe River creates lush grazing lawns.
- Dense interior forests that provide shade for large bulls and various antelope.
- An ancient inland sea fed by the erratic Savuti Channel, characterized by dead trees and open grasslands.
- Enormous herds gather at the river during the dry season to swim and drink.
- Particularly the "Savuti prides," famous for their specialized skill in hunting elephants.
- Massive "super-herds" numbering in the thousands.
- Exceptional sightings of African Fish Eagles and the rare African Skimmer.
Massive animal concentrations along the riverfront as inland pans dry up.
The Savuti area comes alive with the annual zebra migration and lush greenery.
- The "signature" Chobe experience; viewing elephants from the water at sunset.
- A classic way to move between the riverfront and the remote Savuti interior.
- Popular for adventurous travelers with fully equipped 4x4 vehicles.
Chobe is the "Land of Giants." It is the best place in Africa to see elephants and buffalo in staggering numbers, specifically via boat, making it an essential stop for any Southern African circuit.