Chobe - Safari Destination in Botswana

Seasons

The dry season between May and October affords excellent game viewing opportunities along the Chobe River and around natural pools and waterholes. October is the hottest month. Birding is always good in this region of Botswana with huge species variety, over 400 in Chobe National Park alone. Migratory species appear between November and March in the rainy season along with a profusion of wild flowers and many animals give birth during this time.

The Chobe River

An angler’s paradise - with many types of fish, over 20 species are edible! This magnificent river separates Botswana from Zambia and Namibia. It travels down from the Angolan highlands entering Botswana as the Kwando River, later changing to the Linyanti River, turning sharply to flow north-east and becoming the Chobe. Excellent fishing camps, Chobe safari lodges and tented camps can be found along the way and visitors can experience wonderful Chobe River cruises.

Kasane

Located on the Chobe River, this bustling town is the main centre in this region with an International Airport, shops, banks and garages. It is the northern gate to Chobe National Park, Botswana and because there are no fences, Elephant and Hippo are often seen wandering on the road. Kasane is also a border post with excellent access to Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and Victoria Falls in Zambia / Zimbabwe.

Attractions in the Chobe Region:

• Kasane – Kasane border town; Kasane Hot Springs; Kasane Forest.


• Chobe National Park – Chobe River fishing and Chobe River cruises; Savuti Channel.


• The Kwando and Linyanti Rivers; Linyanti Wildlife Reserve.

Chobe National Park

This National Park in Botswana is known for its vast population of Elephant, it is estimated over a 100 000 roam this area following ancient migratory paths. These tuskers and also huge herds of Buffalo, move from the south of the Park to north and gather along the Chobe River in the dry season.

Covering around 11 000 square kilometres, Chobe National Park is the second largest in Botswana. Visitors will find 4 very different eco-systems. In the north-east there are dense forests along the Chobe River and the lush plains of Serondela. In the far north-west it is swamp territory on the Linyanti River, in the west there is the Savuti Channel and Marsh and in between a dry hinterland.

Apart from Elephant, Lion, Buffalo and Zebra visitors can see Lechwe, Chobe Bushbuck also Puku antelope and Hippo which congregate in the river. Cheetah can also been seen with Hyena and Leopard being mostly nocturnal creatures. Birding enthusiasts can keep a look out for Pel’s Fishing Owl and the African Fish Eagle.

The Savuti River Channel is a popular Chobe Wildlife area – although currently dry, this unique area has a number of waterholes and grassy plains reminiscent of the Serengeti. These grasslands receive summer rains and attract huge numbers of Zebra in November who migrate from the Linyanti area. Visitors can also see Giraffe, Wildebeest, Roan, Sable and other antelope species, also Cheetah, Spotted Hyena and Wild Dog amongst many other predators.

The Savuti region is also very arid in some areas, with withering heat and hot sand. The Gubatsa Hills form ancient outcrops rising 90 metres out of a flat landscape, ancient San Rock Art can be seen here.

Those on a Botswana safari in Chobe National Park can enjoy traditional game drives in the early morning and late afternoon, fishing as well as fabulous sunset cruises on the Chobe River when many animals come to the water to drink. Off-road driving and night drives are not permitted. Outside the Park, visitors can go on bush walks and night excursions.

There are 3 public camps in the Park and various tented and lodging options in and around it. Chobe National Park is an affordable destination for a Botswana Game Lodge safari package.

Let your Siyabona Africa Travel Consultant advise you on the best Chobe safari options.

Linyanti Region

West of Chobe National Park, the Kwando River enters Botswana and becomes the Linyanti River. After a dramatic turn, it flows north-east to become the Chobe River.

The Linyanti River’s right angle turn is caused by a tectonic fault. An Okavango-like marsh has formed on the Namibian side, and on the Botswana side is the pristine Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. This area is characterised by lagoons, riverine forest, open grassland and inland woodland.

The Linyanti region is linked to the Okavango Delta in the south by the Selinda Spillway. Birdlife is prolific in this watery haven, bird enthusiasts may even spot a rare Narina Trogon. Visitors will find the air is filled with the sounds of birds and wildlife from dawn to dusk and beyond into the night. Other animals here include the Red Lechwe and the delicate rare Sitatunga antelope which have adapted to semi-aquatic life.

Visitors can enjoy this unspoiled and remote area where they can see large herds of Elephant, Buffalo and Zebra, also beautiful Sable antelope, Hippo, Bat Eared Fox and Wild Dog, amongst many other animals in varying habitats. Night drives follow nocturnal creatures and possibly the elusive Leopard. The Zebra herds spend the winter in Linyanti and then migrate east in November to the Savuti of Chobe National Park, for the rich grasslands that receive summer rains.

This area has many activities on offer both water based, such as canoeing, boating and fishing, and land based, such as game drives, night drives, bush walks and photographic safaris. There are a number of wonderful Botswana game lodges and camps in the Linyanti region.

The Linyanti region combines perfectly with other Chobe options and the Okavango Delta. For expert advice and travel arrangements, our Siyabona Africa Travel Consultants can create a tailor-made Botswana safari or combine destinations of your choice.