Aptly and fondly referred to as ‘The Land of the Giants’, the Chobe National Park is famous for huge herds of elephants, cape buffalos, which converge along the Chobe River in the dry months, and large pride of lions that have learnt to prey on them. The park is home to Africa’s largest elephant population (numbering over 120,000) and comprises of rich ecosystems, diverse landscapes and an almost unparalleled abundance of wildlife and birdlife. In close proximity to a number of southern Africa’s other safari must-sees, Chobe is Botswana’s most visited park, which Safari lovers should definitely add to their bucket list. Its close proximity to the borders Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia, makes it a popular and easy day trip destination for visitors from Victoria Falls as well as those on tours in the wider southern Africa region.
The park takes its name from the Chobe River, which flows along the park’s northern boundary and forms the border between Botswana and Namibia’s Caprivi Strip. The River is the regions lifeline, providing a year round source of water for the multitude of animals and birds that call the park home. Its fertile floodplains combine with grasslands, mopane woodland and thick scrub to create a patchwork of habitats that together provide shelter for one of the greatest concentrations of game on the African continent. Visitors to Chobe can choose between a traditional land safari and a river cruise but it’s always best to try both options. A river cruise allows you to see crocodiles and birdlife as well as buffalos and elephants bathing in the Chobe River.
