Chobe National Park

Excellent wildlife density

Chobe National Park is one of the great natural reserves of Africa. It is a rather arid environment kept alive by the Chobe River which helps to concentrate wildlife and permits excellent viewing of large and small animals. Elephants, buffalo, and antelope are common and often in large groups. The river attracts birds, hippo, crocodile and one of the best vantage points to view animals is by boat. Surrounding the river, vegetation can be dense and animal viewing must be from vehicles on defined roads which may limit visibility of animals but provides more privacy and less environmental impact. July is dry season, and probably the best time of year to visit Chobe because they must seek water from the river. I stayed in a tented camp hosted by And Beyond Chobe under Canvas which created an immersive experience with the land, and the sounds of yapping jackals, roaring lions, and other animals provided nighttime entertainment and wonder. Food was prepared by campfire and the roving camp was specifically designed to cause low environmental impact. Our guide and camp team were knowledgeable, friendly, and seemed genuinely concerned about our experience. Nights were cool and the days were warm to hot so preparation is needed. Choose is an excellent destination for photographers. Consider the animals may be farther away then some reserves and a long lens is advised. I primarily used a 100 to 400mm. Chobe can offer a wide variety of experiences; the best thing about safaris is that you never know what you will see, but almost certainly, the magical experience will never fade in your mind.

Chobe National Park, elephants EVERYWHERE!

I took a day trip to Chobe National Park as part of a vacation to Victoria Falls. My only regret is that I only had time to spend one day in this AMAZING park. Timing is everything and we were blessed with literally hundreds of elephants. From the river, we spent time with several families as they took turns rolling in the mud (to put on their "sunscreen"). We also saw several pairs of young male elephants trying to show off in the water. There were also several water buffalo, impalas, hippos, and birds. We had a delicious lunch and then went on a land game drive to the same area of the river. By early afternoon literally hundreds of elephants had arrived at the river. We had so many up close views of elephants and giraffes it was spell binding. We also saw impalas, gazelle deer, and some very busy dung beetles. Although we didn't see a huge variety of animals, it was more than made up for in the sheer volume. I can only imagine what life lives deeper in the park. Kudos to Botswana for their action against poachers and it's ability to maintain a high density of life! I would definitely travel to Botswana again, only I would stay for several days.

Everything was perfect about this safari, except the season. We've been there at the end of still wet season, with too much water around and too tall grass to hide for wildlife. Did not spot big cats at all. However, a lot of hypos, zebras, giraffes, elephants, different kinds of antelopes, beautiful birds.

Lots of hyppo's, elephants and other wildlife (verry close to the hotel)

so much wildlife, never seen this before!

Chobe National Park a Photographer's Paradise

Chobe National Park is a photographer's paradise. Whether you are on land or water, the photo opportunities are bountiful. I loved it----particularly the water cruise. Out on the water gave you a chance to appreciate and enjoy the beautiful sky and to relish the wonderful sense of space. I give two (2) thumbs up to Chobe, and if I had more thumbs, they would be up as well.

One of the best Parks I have ever visited

Stunning in the Wet Season

We were at the "quiet end" of Chobe National Park, and although we weren't expecting so many sightings since it was the wet season, we had a spectacular time. Everything was green, elephants were everywhere, and a highlights was seeing female lions with 10 cubs. Just beyond them were Cape Buffalo. We also saw numerous birds, and wild dogs. The scenery from Baobab lodge, overlooking a flood plain toward Namibia, was spectacular. Giraffes, water bucks, and other animals came to drink, and the changing light and clouds across this open space was magnificent. We saw birds everywhere, both around the camp and while out driving. Even though wet season means animals are not clustered at water holes because there is water everywhere, it still made for very exciting viewing. Our guides were excellent, as was our accommodation at Baobab Lodge.

We also visited Chobe National Park which was a great contrast to Moremi due to the wet lands environment of the river - there were many different types of animals and birds and different behavior for the common animals like the elephants and buffalo. We witnessed an incredible stand-off between a pride of lions and a family of elephants - who were trying to escape the river with their young calf. It was also wonderful to see so many hippos both in and out of the water - it was hard to believe that they can be the most dangerous animals in the African wild!

I particularly enjoyed our days on the Chobe River (I like being on the water). There are all kinds of animals and birds all along the river. This area is a little more touristy than the Delta, but it's so gorgeous. The accommodations here are a little more upscale but only because it attracts more visitors (probably because it's nearer several international airports).