North of the Okavango Delta lies Chobe National Park, best known for its massive herds of elephant.
Established in the 1930s, this was Botswana’s first reserve and today, it is one of the most biologically diverse wildlife sanctuaries in Africa with all manner of predators, plentiful antelope and some 440 recorded species of bird.
Most visitors to this 11,700km2 park stay aboard luxury houseboats or in well-established safari lodges around the Chobe River, which is very popular with large pachyderm family groups as well as buffalo and giraffe especially during the dry season. Birding in this area is of particular note, whilst the iconic Victoria Falls is just a little over an hour’s drive from many of the upscale properties on the riverfront.
River cruises are the highlight of a Chobe River safari – the best way to view a quintessential African sunset and to appreciate the diversity of species that inhabit this scenic ecosystem. Game drives are available from land-based lodges, whilst community visits may also be available depending on where you choose to stay.
In the park’s arid west is the Savute, an extremely rich wildlife area. This remote and rarely visited region boasts some of the country’s best predator-viewing especially when the waterway that feeds it has mostly dried up. Activities here are predominantly land-based centred around game drives and nature walks, with boating possible when water levels are high enough.
Highlights
- The Chobe River – famous for some of the highest densities of elephant in Africa
- Chobe National Park is one of Africa’s best regions for boat cruises
- Abundant big-game predators, especially around the Savute Channel
- Stunning sunsets all year round – perfect for a relaxing sundowner!
- A paradise for bird-watchers and safari enthusiasts
When to visit Chobe National Park and the Savute?
Moderate temperatures and lack of water elsewhere in Chobe National Park and Savute make the “winter” months of May through to September the best time to visit. The Chobe River offers a permanent water source year-round and the game viewing is good in this area all year round.
Location
Best Botswana Safaris
Explore some of the amazing holidays and experiences that we can custom design for you. All of our safaris and tours are tailor-made to suit your interests, budget and timeframe.
Beautiful Botswana
Discover Botswana's most beautiful wilderness areas and an abundance of incredible wildlife on this luxury 10 night safari.
Botswana and Victoria Falls Family Discovery
Discover the extraordinary wildlife of Botswana's Okavango Delta and be awed by Zambia's mighty Victoria Falls on this memorable safari designed for families with kids.
Botswana Northern Highlights
Discover northern Botswana's most beautiful wilderness areas and an abundance of incredible wildlife on this fully serviced camping safari.
Desert & Delta Safari Botswana
Discover epic wildlife in the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Savute with Desert & Delta Safaris, one of Botswana's most respected operators.
Exclusive Botswana
Take in the best of Botswana on this 12 day exclusive safari, travelling from the Makgadikgadi Pans through the Linyanti into the Okavango Delta.
Highlights of Botswana and Zambia
This trip combines Zambia's wild South Luangwa National Park and iconic Victoria Falls with Botswana's magnificent Okavango Delta and elephant-rich Chobe National Park.
Ker & Downey Botswana
Experience this authentic 7 day Okavango Delta safari with Ker & Downey Botswana, one of the country's most respected operators.
Magical Mashatu & Mala Mala
Combine two fantastic safari experiences on this exciting 8 day itinerary staying at Botswana's Mashatu, "Land of the Giants" and legendary Mala Mala in South Africa.
Sanctuary Retreats Botswana
Experience the country's epic wildernesses from Chobe National Park to the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve with Sanctuary Retreats Botswana.
Wilderness Safaris Classic Botswana
Uncover the diversity of Botswana, journeying from the watery Okavango Delta to the arid Central Kalahari, on this eye-opening 9 day luxury safari.
Wilderness Safaris Premier Botswana
Experience the beauty and diversity of Botswana's Okavango Delta whilst staying in some of the area's most spectacular luxury tented camps.
Our Recommended
Places to stay in Chobe & Savute
The following are some of the lodges that we recommend in the Chobe National Park and Savute regions. For information on additional accommodation not featured, please contact us.
Chobe Game Lodge
The only lodge in Chobe National Park situated right by the magnificent Chobe River, Chobe Game Lodge offers a classic luxury safari experience.
Chobe Princess Safariboats
The three Chobe Princess Safariboats offer relaxed voyages along the wildlife-rich Chobe River, uncovering its many animal and bird species completely at leisure.
Muchenje Safari Lodge
Situated on the quieter western side of Chobe National Park, lofty Muchenje Safari Lodge offers captivating views of the Chobe River, Caprivi Strip and surrounding floodplains.
Ngoma Safari Lodge
Ngoma Safari Lodge is built with natural materials to blend into its beautiful surroundings, and boasts the largest elephant herds on Earth at its doorstep.
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero
Perched above the Chobe River at the edge of Chobe National Park, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero offers sweeping views over the islands and floodplains all the way to the Namibian border.
Savute Safari Lodge
Situated beside the ephemeral Savute Channel, this atmospheric safari lodge accommodates guests in thatched chalets, with the majority of game drives visiting the teeming Savute Marsh.
Zambezi Queen Houseboat
The Zambezi Queen is a tri-level houseboat built to exacting standards - an ideal vessel upon which to explore the mighty Chobe River.
Talk to one of our Africa Experts
Chobe National Park and Savute FAQ
JOIN OUR
E-Newsletter
Sign up to receive updates about exciting journeys, special offers and more