Chobe National Park, Botswana: A Photo Essay

Up in the north of Botswana lies one of Southern Africa’s most incredible national parks.

Chobe River is the sort of magical wilderness that leaves you spellbound and speechless.

For me, being my first safari experience in this part of the world for some time, I was bowled over once again!

Related Posts

• Best Time to Visit Chobe River National Park
• Top 5 Things To Do in Botswana
• The Complete Safari Gear Packing List

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Where is Chobe National Park?

Set near the major city of Kasane, one great thing about Chobe National Park is that it’s easy to get to.

The place is well-connected by roads and easily accessible from nearby Victoria Falls too.

In fact, you are closer to the Zimbabwean border here than you are to the Botswanan capital!

There’s also lots of amenities in nearby Kasane, making Chobe River National Park the perfect place to overland to, and also to stop for a few days to stock up on supplies.

And it’s easy to enjoy a few days there with the amount of wildlife on offer!

Chobe Game Drive

The best time for game drives in Chobe National Park is first thing in the morning when your chance of seeing some of the park’s big cats are most likely.

Spotting my first lion here was a real experience and probably one of the reasons this place has seared itself into my memory.

In addition to the cats, during my time in this great African national park, I also spotted hippos, elephants, crocs, baboons, water buffalo, impala, jesus birds, giraffe and warthogs!

Not bad for a day’s safari work!

Chobe River Cruise

Perhaps even more enjoyable than the morning game drive however was the Chobe River Cruise we got to enjoy in the late afternoon – just in time for sunset!

It was amazing to see animals in such close proximity, be it in the water or on the banks, and the sheer volume of different species was incredible.

Enjoying a Chobe River Cruise was a very different sort of safari, and gave me a very unique perspective on the animals.

Giraffe came down to the water to enjoy a drink alongside wallowing buffalo and yawning hippos.

Baboons scampered through the trees, as impalas grazed gracefully beneath and crocs kept a watchful eye!

Best of all, had to be the elephant, which waded through the water right in front of us.

Chobe River Accommodation

Retiring for the evening we stayed at the excellent Thebe River Lodge Camp Site, where the grassy campsite, incredible bathrooms with hot showers and nice bar area made it a fantastic place to round off the Chobe National Park experience.

Mini Travel Guide to Botswana

How Long to Spend There?

I’d suggest at least 5 days in Botswana to ensure you have the chance to visit both Chobe River National Park and the Okavango Delta.

Ideally, you’ll spend 2 nights in both, with a night in Maun in between, but if you’re pushed on time, you can probably get away with visiting Chobe for just 1 night.

Remember this country is big and travelling between destinations takes a lot of time, which you’ll need to factor in as well.

Top 5 Packing Items for Botswana

#1 Good Camera – Don’t even think about coming to Botswana without a good travel camera to capture the best of this country. The Sony A6000 mirrorless ticks my box every time!

#2 Walking Shoes / Boots – These are highly recommended for walking safaris in the Okavango Delta and for early morning or evening game drives in Chobe, when the temperatures can really drop. Keen Targhee’s II always get my vote!

#3 Birkenstocks – And talking of footwear, a good pair of sandals are king in Botswana. I love my Arizona Birkenstocks which were perfect for keeping my feet cool and supported at the same time. Literally wore them every day in this country!

#4 Waterproof Windproof Jacket – I visited Botswana in the dry season, but was amazed how cold it got at night, especially when camping. Having my North Face lightweight, windproof and waterproof jacket saved me!

#5 South African Power Adapters – Botswana primarily uses South African power outlets, which are pretty unique, so make sure you come prepared with a suitable Skross adapter.

Travel Insurance for Botswana

World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Travel Money in Botswana

When it comes to paying for things in Botswana, it’s great to know that accommodation and tours can generally be paid for by card.

ATMs are also available in most major towns.

Whether you use ATMs or pay by card however, you’ll want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates, which is why I always take my Wise card away with me wherever I travel.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card here, and it links easily with Google and Apple pay. Get yours here.

Top Botswana Tours

If you’re interested in an unforgettable, well-priced tour in Botswana with guides you can trust, then email me at [email protected] and I’ll send you my top recommendations – simple!

Alternatively, I’m currently offering my readers an exclusive discount on all Absolute Africa tours (who I visited Chobe with), meaning you can now travel even more in this amazing continent for even less!

Simply send this top African overland tour company an email to [email protected], quoting the discount code BWSP, and start planning your incredible trip with them today!

Otherwise, why not check out these more comfortable options.

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Have you visited Chobe National Park?

Did you enjoy a Chobe River too?

Let me know your favourite wildlife Chobe spot in the comments below…