A Boating Safari Down the Chobe River

Here's our guide to going on a boating safari in Chobe National Park, located in northern Botswana. With the Chobe River forming the park's northern boundary, it attracts vast herds of elephants - as high at 80,000 in the dry season.

The lifeblood of Chobe National Park in northern Botswana is the Chobe river. This is the focus of most of the animal life in the park, and therefore the safari activities. To be floating on the river with the boat’s engine off, listening to the splashing of the elephants and the sounds of the water, is very special.

When to go to Chobe?

Like so many safari destinations, Chobe’s game viewing is at its best during the dry season. This is also when the parks are at their busiest. Every season though has it pluses. Chobe guides encourage travelers to visit in September or October when the dry season is at its peak and the elephant numbers in the park increase. In the evenings, the elephants come down to drink at the river and the numbers are incredible.

YZ expert Sophie last traveled in April and would happily return during this time and it was "wonderfully green, and I am not entirely sure why but there were at least 10,000 dragonflies hovering above the river. It was an incredible sight – they are fascinating insects and with two pairs of wings they are so agile in the air. Traveling in April during the low season, I did not see many other boats on the river – in peak season, the river is busier."

Where to stay?

If you prefer taking your safari at a slower pace, then Chobe Savanna is a camp worth considering. Located on the banks of the Chobe river on the Namibian side, this camp offers just water-based activities. It is a lovely property, and can be the perfect place to end your Botswanan safari.

If you’d like more information on planning a safari to Botswana, feel free to contact us here. Alternatively, take a look below for more inspiration: