Chobe National Park Safaris

Chobe National Park, located in northern Botswana, is a wildlife-lover’s paradise, and is the third largest national park in the country, covering an area of 11,700 km². The park is divided into four distinct regions, each offering a unique experience to visitors.

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Regions of Chobe National Park

Chobe Riverfront

The Chobe Riverfront, also known as Serondela, is the most popular area of the park, and attracts visitors from all over the world. The riverfront is home to a dense population of elephants, who are known to swim across the Chobe River, and herds of buffalo, as well as many other species of wildlife. Visitors can take a boat cruise along the river, or a game drive through the floodplains and woodlands to witness the stunning wildlife.

Savute

The Savute area of the park is a remote and wild region, famous for its predators, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The region is also known for its large elephant population, as well as its vast open landscapes. Visitors can go on game drives in the region, to see the incredible wildlife and stunning landscape.

Linyanti

Linyanti, located in the western section of the park, is a remote and wild area, with a diverse range of habitats, including riverine forests, savannah plains, and wetlands. The region is known for its large populations of elephants, as well as predators, such as lions, hyenas, and wild dogs. Visitors can go on game drives, guided walks, and boat cruises to witness the wildlife.

Chobe Forest Reserve

The Chobe Forest Reserve is a lesser-known region of the park, located in the south-eastern section of the park. The region is characterized by its dense forest, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, bushbucks, and antelopes. Visitors can go on guided walks and game drives to witness the wildlife and stunning scenery.

Wildlife in Chobe National Park

The park is home to the largest concentration of elephants in Africa, with an estimated 50,000 of these magnificent animals roaming the area. In addition to elephants, the park is home to a wide range of other animals, including lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and over 450 species of birds. Visitors to Chobe National Park can embark on a variety of safari activities to experience this incredible wildlife first-hand, including game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris.

Best Time to Visit

Chobe National Park is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Botswana, known for its large herds of elephants, buffalos, and diverse birdlife. The best time to visit Chobe National Park largely depends on your interests and preferences.

The dry winter months from May to September are generally considered the best time to visit Chobe National Park for game viewing. During this time, vegetation is sparse, making it easier to spot wildlife at water sources. Additionally, the animals tend to congregate around the Chobe River, creating excellent opportunities for boat safaris and river cruises.

From November to March, Chobe experiences a rainy season, and the temperatures are hot and humid. However, the vegetation is lush and green, and birdwatching is at its best. During this time, migratory birds flock to the park, and there are many opportunities to see bird species unique to this region.

Month-by-Month Guide to Weather

January:

Hot and humid with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F). Highs can reach 33°C (91°F) and lows can drop to 19°C (66°F). Expect occasional thunderstorms with an average of 8 days of rainfall for the month.

February:

Similar to January, hot and humid with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F). Highs can reach 32°C (90°F) and lows can drop to 20°C (68°F). Expect occasional thunderstorms with an average of 8 days of rainfall for the month.

March:

Temperatures remain high with an average of 24°C (75°F). Highs can reach 32°C (90°F) and lows can drop to 19°C (66°F). Expect occasional thunderstorms with an average of 9 days of rainfall for the month.

April:

Temperatures start to cool down slightly with an average of 22°C (72°F). Highs can reach 30°C (86°F) and lows can drop to 16°C (61°F). Expect occasional thunderstorms with an average of 7 days of rainfall for the month.

May:

Temperatures continue to cool down with an average of 19°C (66°F). Highs can reach 27°C (81°F) and lows can drop to 12°C (54°F). Expect occasional thunderstorms with an average of 5 days of rainfall for the month.

June:

Temperatures drop further with an average of 16°C (61°F). Highs can reach 24°C (75°F) and lows can drop to 8°C (46°F). Expect occasional thunderstorms with an average of 3 days of rainfall for the month.

July:

It's winter season and temperatures are cooler with an average of 15°C (59°F). Highs can reach 23°C (73°F) and lows can drop to 7°C (45°F). It's a dry month with little to no rainfall.

August:

Similar to July, it's winter season with an average temperature of 16°C (61°F). Highs can reach 25°C (77°F) and lows can drop to 8°C (46°F). It's a dry month with little to no rainfall.

September:

Temperatures start to warm up with an average of 19°C (66°F). Highs can reach 29°C (84°F) and lows can drop to 13°C (55°F). It's a dry month with little to no rainfall.

October:

Temperatures continue to warm up with an average of 22°C (72°F). Highs can reach 33°C (91°F) and lows can drop to 17°C (63°F). Expect occasional thunderstorms with an average of 3 days of rainfall for the month.

November:

Temperatures increase with an average of 24°C (75°F). Highs can reach 35°C (95°F) and lows can drop to 19°C (66°F). Expect occasional thunderstorms with an average of 5 days of rainfall for the month.

December:

Hot and humid with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F). Highs can reach 34°C (93°F) and lows can drop to 20°C (68°F). Expect occasional thunderstorms with an average of 7 days of rainfall for the month.

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