The Chobe is one of Africa’s magical rivers, and the best way to explore Chobe NP is by boat. In the late afternoon, big herds of elephant and buffalo come to drink at the river, and seeing elephants swim across it is a real treat.
There are plenty of hippos and crocs in the river, and the birdlife is just phenomenal. Predator sightings are easier on a game drive. Lion, leopard and wild dog are all present in good numbers.
Attractions
Chobe has a wealth of animal life, both in variety and in sheer numbers. Elephant and buffalo are a permanent presence on the riverbanks in the dry winter months.
Burchell’s zebra are very common as well, while smaller numbers of sable, roan and greater kudu can be found in the park interior. Lion are quite easy to find, and other predators that are regularly seen include wild dog, leopard and cheetah.
Thousands of animals on the floodplains kick up a lot of dust, which creates amazing photo opportunities at sunset. Less obvious are some of the smaller mammals such as the Chobe subspecies of bushbuck. Red lechwe are common in marshy areas. Some of the small predators include Selous’ mongoose, serval and wild cat.
Chobe has very seasonal wildlife viewing. The dry months, from May to October, are a good time to visit the Chobe River area in the north. During the Wet season, from December to April, animals tend to congregate around the pans in the interior.
Chobe is a great birding destination – more than 450 species have been recorded within its borders. Boat trips on the river are excellent for checking off many waders and other water-associated birds.
Birds often let boats come very close making photography remarkably easy. There are many fish eagles on the river, and their call is one of the most iconic sounds of Africa.
Several species, including skimmers, are on their southern-most limit, making a sighting particularly exciting for southern Africa bird watchers.
Chobe is a great park for bird watching throughout the year, but the best months are from November to April. This is when migrants swoop into the park.
Also, during these months a lot of birds are breeding, and large colonies of water birds can be found nesting on the sandbanks in the river. The best time for mammals, however, is in the dry months from May to October.
Where to stay
Chobe River Cottages in Kasane is set on the banks of the Chobe River and 2 km away from Chobe National Park. It features a pool and river viewing deck.
The chalets have an open plan lounge with sleeper couch and adjoining kitchenette with 2-plate stove and microwave. They offer a veranda, TV, BBQ facilities and a bathroom with shower. Guests can enjoy garden views. Free Wi-Fi is available.
Sandpiper Villas Chobe in Kasane provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. Free Wi-Fi is available. Sedudu Gate Chobe National Park is 7 km from the accommodation, while Start of Boat Cruise is 60 metres away.
Poviruuo Holiday Home is set in Kasane. Around 6 km from Sedudu Gate Chobe National Park, the property is also 1.7 km away from Kalahari Holiday Tours and offers free Wi-Fi. The property is situated 1.8 km from Start of Boat Cruise and 1.9 km from Botswana Tourism Board Information Centre.
Big 5 chobe lodge
Situated on the banks of the Chobe River, The Big 5 Chobe Lodge offers air-conditioned accommodation, an outdoor pool and a restaurant. The rooms at The Big 5 Chobe Lodge feature a bathroom with shower and all beds are draped with a mosquito net.
An optional breakfast is available every morning at the restaurant is also open for dinner. Staff can assist you with the organisation of tours and airport transfers. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Kasane is within 10 minutes’ drive and the Kazungula Ferry is only 4 km away.
Elephant Trail Guesthouse
Offering a barbecue and sun terrace, Elephant Trail Guesthouse is located in Kasane. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar and shared kitchen. Certain units include a seating area where you can relax.
Most of the Private Rooms are fitted with a private bathroom fitted with a bath. Meals are available for a surcharge and free coffee and tea is available for guests.
Staff can assist with booking game drives, boat cruises, fishing trips and transfers to Victoria Falls on request at a surcharge. There is a free daily shuttle to the supermarket. The area is popular for cycling and fishing. The guest house also offers bike hire.
Nxabii Cottages
Situated 13 km from Sedudu Gate Chobe National Park, Nxabii Cottages features accommodation with barbecue facilities, a garden and a shared kitchen for your convenience. Free Wi-Fi is available.
All units feature air conditioning and a cable flat-screen TV. A patio with garden views is offered in every unit. Africa under Canvas is 2.4 km from the holiday home, while Impalila Island is 3.1 km away.
This property is also rated for the best value in Kasane! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.