What is the route to Chobe?

The Chobe Region is an easily reachable destination, offering several possibilities. The majority of travelers opt to include a visit to Victoria Falls in their itinerary due to its proximity. Depending on your origin, you may allocate time to visit Victoria Falls (either the Zimbabwean or Zambian side, or both) before undertaking a road transfer across the border into Botswana.

Upon crossing to the opposite side, numerous safari lodges are available, all in proximity to Chobe National Park. Alternatively, you may reside within the park at the one lodge under this jurisdiction, Chobe Game Lodge.

If you have previously visited Victoria Falls or chosen to exclude this destination from your itinerary, you may elect to fly into Kasane Airport. We can facilitate direct flights from Johannesburg, simplifying the inclusion of a South Africa layover in your schedule.

An alternative could involve allocating time in the Okavango Delta and Moremi region alongside Chobe. Commencing your journey in the Delta and concluding in Chobe, maybe incorporating Victoria Falls thereafter, allows for a direct flight from Maun Airport in Botswana to Kasane Airport.

For the more adventurous, consider a self-drive journey through Namibia and Botswana, concluding in the Caprivi Strip before crossing into Kasane to visit Chobe National Park. You can depart from Kasane Airport to Johannesburg International Airport for your return flight home. The possibilities are limitless, each associated with varying costs and degrees of ease. Consult with our Travel Experts to determine the most suitable option for you.

Will Chobe’s status as a national park influence my experience?

If you are posing this inquiry, you are probably acquainted with private concessions in contrast to national parks. If you have perused our previous blog posts on this specific inquiry, you would understand that private concessions are typically the favored option for experience. In this instance, Chobe National Park is the anomaly.

Chobe, Botswana’s third-largest park following the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Gemsbok National Park, boasts one of the most substantial concentrations of wildlife in Africa. This fact should tell you that your experience will be exceptional, as you are in for an extraordinary wildlife adventure when visiting this national park.

Initially designated as a wildlife reserve in 1930 and subsequently established as Botswana’s inaugural national park in 1968, Chobe National Park has a long history. The animals have acclimated to this region over numerous generations and are unlikely to go in the foreseeable future. Consequently, you can be confident that you will encounter a varied animal experience!

What species of animals can I anticipate observing in Chobe?

Despite the existence of a border between Botswana and Zimbabwe, which necessitates a passport for human passage, the elephants are the true proprietors of the area. They can traverse the two areas, navigating through private concessions and woodlands that separate the nations. Between these two areas, one can observe the continent’s most significant aggregation of African elephants.

If you have ever desired to witness an elephant swimming, Chobe is the optimal location to observe this phenomenon. The Chobe River is renowned for its boat tours, houseboats, and notable elephant crossings between the riverfronts of Namibia and Botswana. Another significant mammal to observe is the hippopotamus, frequently cohabiting a sandbank with a crocodile.

Chobe National Park hosts substantial herds of buffalo and zebra, as well as significant populations of carnivores like lions, spotted hyenas, and the elusive leopards and cheetahs. Rare and endangered fauna, including the remarkable African wild or painted dogs and puku (Kobus vardonii), flourish in the moist grasslands adjacent to the Chobe riverbank.

What is the optimal time to visit the Chobe Region?

Similar to many safari areas, visitation is possible throughout the year as the wildlife is present. Certain seasons enhance the likelihood of observing wildlife and provide more favorable weather conditions.

The optimal period to visit Chobe is during the dry season, from May to October. This season yields warmer days and cooler nights, resulting in the desiccation of most ephemeral waterholes, leaving only permanent water sources to sustain the fauna. The Chobe River, one of the largest permanent water sources, draws significant wildlife populations to its banks, notably enormous herds of elephants who bathe to cool down. At this season, the majority of safari lodges provide both terrestrial and aquatic activities, allowing visitors to observe this spectacle from the optimal vantage point of a motorized boat.

If birdwatching is your passion or if you prefer to avoid crowds, the green season from December to April is the optimal time to explore Chobe. The summer rains alter the environment, converting the arid, golden savannah into a verdant wonderland. The vast grasslands provide an optimal environment for babies to conceal themselves from predators. Numerous birds congregate in the region to enjoy the captivating woodlands that Chobe abundantly provides.

What characterizes a typical day in the Chobe Region?

Regardless of whether it is your inaugural or centennial vacation to the Chobe Region, you want to partake in several safari activities. Notwithstanding the early morning awakenings, the event you invariably miss is the one during which the creatures emerge from every nook! It is the karma of the African savanna. Nevertheless, the Chobe region provides visitors with more than merely conventional terrestrial game drives. Additionally, you may partake in river cruises.

A normal day commences with an early rise to savor a freshly brewed coffee or tea prior to embarking on the morning activity, typically a game drive. Typically, you would return to the lodge around mid-morning to partake in a well-deserved breakfast, after which you spend the remainder of the day at your leisure until lunch.

As the afternoon approaches, a light snack or tea revitalizes you before to your subsequent activity. This typically involves a boating safari that culminates in a sunset cruise, allowing you to observe the African sun descending into the water’s reflection while enjoying your preferred beverage.

Conclude your day by returning to the lodge for a delectable meal and, if fortunate, engaging in storytelling around the boma fire accompanied by a nightcap. Drift into slumber to the melodies of nature, lulling you into a trance to rejuvenate for another remarkable day in Africa.

Should I undertake any medical precautions when visiting the Chobe Region?

The Chobe Region is situated in a malaria-endemic zone. Kindly be advised that we are not medical professionals; therefore, it is essential to consult your physician on malaria prophylaxis before to travel. Nonetheless, it is absolutely feasible to enjoy a secure, malaria-free vacation in Africa by utilizing preventative medications.

Tip 1: Deter the Mosquitoes

The female mosquito that transmits malaria is a stealthy insect, necessitating effective repellent measures. They can attack at any hour, but are particularly active at dark and dawn. Consistently apply repellant and don long-sleeved shirts and long pants during the morning and evening hours. Be advised that clothing alone will not provide adequate protection, as they can penetrate the fabric. The majority of our lodges will feature screened windows and doors, air conditioning units, and mosquito netting for enhanced protection.

Recommendation 2: Consistently Administer Anti-Malaria Tablets

The fundamental measure to safeguard oneself against malaria is the administration of prophylactic medications. It is imperative to see your physician prior to administering these pills to ascertain the appropriate medication and dosage while entering a malaria-endemic region.

Tip 3: Monitor Symptoms and Complete Your Medication Regimen

Upon seeing any flu-like symptoms, it is imperative to have a malaria test to ensure safety and facilitate early detection, as malaria responds favorably to prompt treatment. Furthermore, do not discontinue your medication until the prescribed course is finished!

Is it feasible to travel adjacent countries following Chobe?

Chobe’s location serves as a confluence for four adjacent nations: Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. Located in northern Botswana, Chobe is next to border posts linking several neighboring countries, facilitating convenient travel for visitors to multiple destinations simultaneously.

Travelers can organize their schedule to include these four countries, provided they have sufficient time, facilitated by the recent inauguration of the Kazungula Bridge, which connects this quadripoint of nations. Envision the prestige and accomplishment of visiting four nations during a single African vacation!

Logistics can be complex and may appear daunting, particularly when considering that the Beitbridge Border Post experiences an average daily traffic of 25,000 individuals. Fortunately, you have access to our specialized Adventure in the Wild Safaris Travel Experts for guidance.