Chobe anchors the largest national elephant population on earth — an estimated 120,000 move through northern Botswana, and in the dry season they mass along the Chobe River in herds that stretch to the horizon.
The signature experience is the water: an afternoon cruise or small photographic boat puts you at eye level with swimming elephant, buffalo crossing to the islands and some of Africa’s biggest crocodiles. Victoria Falls is barely 90 minutes away, making the two a natural pair.
Chobe is Botswana at its most abundant: riverfront game drives and sunset boat cruises pass elephant herds hundreds strong, buffalo, hippo and some of Africa’s densest lion prides. It pairs naturally with Victoria Falls, less than two hours away by road, and with the Okavango Delta by light aircraft.
Highlights of Chobe National Park
The river at sunset
Elephant swimming trunk-up between islands as the light turns gold.
Photographic boats
Low, stable craft with swivel seats and camera mounts — built for photographers.
Savuti
Chobe’s wild interior — famous lion clans and the elephant-hunting prides of documentary fame.
Victoria Falls next door
Cross to the Falls by road in about 90 minutes.
Explore Victoria Falls next door →Best time to visit
Dry season — the river becomes the only water and the herds concentrate.
Green season — zebra migration to Savuti, dramatic skies and low rates.
In the rainy months many of these same camps drop their rates by 20–40% — emerald landscapes, newborn wildlife, superb birding and far fewer vehicles. Peak season isn't the only great season: tell us your budget and we'll show you what the green season buys.
Planning & cost
Fully tailor-made — priced privately to your camps, season and travel style. No fixed packages.
Every journey is private and tailor-made — your own guide and vehicle, the finest lodges, and a specialist on call throughout.
Everything else,
answered before you ask
The practical details that apply to every safari we plan — so this page is the only one you need.
Money & tipping
US dollars are accepted at virtually every camp, and cards work at lodges and city hotels. Your trip is fully inclusive, so cash is mainly for tips: plan on roughly $10–20 per guest per day for your guide and $10–15 for camp staff, handed over at the end of each stay. We send exact guidance with your final documents.
Health & safety
See a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure for routine shots and malaria advice (most safari regions require prophylaxis; parts of South Africa are malaria-free). Camps are remote but professionally run, with radio contact and evacuation cover — we require travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.
Staying connected
Nearly all lodges have Wi-Fi in the main areas (often in-tent too), and an eSIM from your US carrier covers the cities. Expect to be offline on game drives — most guests come to see that as the point. Family back home can always reach you through us, day or night.
What to pack
Soft duffel bags only (light aircraft cap luggage around 33 lb / 15 kg), neutral-colored layers for cold mornings and warm afternoons, and binoculars. Laundry is included at almost every camp, so pack for 4–5 days no matter the trip length.
Full packing list →Continue exploring
Botswana
A Botswana safari is Africa’s water wilderness — the Okavango Delta, Chobe and the Kalahari.
Explore → ExperienceOkavango Delta
An Okavango Delta safari explores Africa’s great water wilderness by mokoro and 4x4.
Explore → ExperienceVictoria Falls
The largest sheet of falling water on earth — a natural wonder.
Explore → RegionSouthern Africa
The desert, the delta and the falls — Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Explore →Chobe National Park FAQs
Getting to Botswana — flights, visas and health
Current at the time of writing. We re-confirm every requirement for your exact routing before you travel — and we will tell you what to apply for, and when.
Let's design your Chobe National Park journey.
Tell us how you like to travel and our experts will craft your private, tailor-made itinerary — no obligation.
Enquire now