Botswana’s common border with Namibia’s Caprivi region has been set aside for one of Africa’s premier wildlife conservation parks. The Chobe National Park occupies 10,566 sq km of land and is home to a splendid variety of wildlife. The park is comprised of rivers, swamps, scrublands, grassy savannah and natural pans.

You will be delighted to hear that Chobe National Park is not only the second largest national park in Botswana but also has one of the greatest concentrations of game found on the African continent. The Park is divided into four sections, the Serondela area, the Savuti Marsh area, the Nogatsaa and Tchinga, and the Linyanti Marsh.

One of the most magnificent sights to behold here are the elephants who move in their thousands along the well-worn paths of the Chobe River every afternoon to drink. Boasting the highest elephant population in the world (approximately 45,000) is but one of the Chobe National Park’s drawcards. There are also large herds of Buffalo, Blue Wildebeest, Bushbuck, Kudu, Impala and Sable while the wetlands are home to impressive numbers of Hippo and Crocodile as well as an eclectic range of birds. The Savuti area of the park marks what was once the massive super lake which covered most of Botswana, its flat dry lakebed is now a sea of grass which is renowned for spotting Leopard, Cheetahs, Hyena and Lion.

You might think what are you supposed to do in a national park that has four sections. Well the logical thing to do is to view the wildlife and experience the magic of Africa. The first section of the park you want to visit is the Serondela area. This section of Chobe National Park is filled with dense green forests which in turn attract African wildlife like elephants, buffaloes and the famous bee-eater. The Serondela area is the most visited part of Chobe National Park because it is situated near the Victoria Falls.

Well if you ever visit Botswana go see the Serondela area in Chobe National Park, it will truly amaze you. The next section in the park is called the Savuti Marsh area. Long ago, in fact millions of years ago this was a large inland lake whose water was cut by tectonic movements. These days the Savuti marsh is fed by the Savuti Channel, which supplies the marsh with water. The Savuti Marsh is covered with savannahs and grasslands, which attract thousands upon thousands of wild animals every year.

During the rainy season you will be able to see an astounding amount of different bird species in the park as well as lions, hyenas and zebras. Now and then you might also be privileged to see a cheetah. If you unable to make the rainy season don’t despair because even in the dry season you will be able to view warthogs, kudus, impalas, zebras, wildebeests and the king of the Chobe National Park the elephant. If ever you want to experience a large scale migration of animals you must visit the Savuti Marsh.

It is renowned for its annual trek of zebras and predators.

The third section of Chobe National Park is The Linyanti Marsh. This section of Chobe National Park also called the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. This region is shared between a very small number of private camps. Travellers to this region will be able to view the African wildlife privately and exclusively. If you ever end up in Botswana during the dry season, then The Linyanti Marsh is the place to visit. During the dry season huge concentrations of species such as the zebra and elephant can be seen. It is also renowned for lions and hyenas. All bird lovers will find this region of the Chobe National park irresistible.

The last region is the Nogatsaa and Tchinga, a hot and dry hinterland. All that’s known about this area is that it holds water well into the dry season and during this time it’s a great place to spot elands. I only recommended this area to the adventurous traveller.

You truly need hair on your teeth if you want to visit this section of Chobe national park. The true attraction of the Chobe National Park however, is its elephant population. You have not experience the true spirit of Chobe national park, until you see the African elephant.

With the exception of certain sections, which are closed in the rainy season during November to April, the park is open throughout the year.

When to Go

The best time to visit it is between May and September when it is possible to see several thousand animals each day. Even though the Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s most developed reserves, many of the roads in the area are only accessible by 4X4 vehicles. Many visitors to the park chose a package option which includes luxury accommodation; safari drives various other guided expeditions.

With the wide range of activities, accommodation and travel option on offer in this magnificent country, a holiday in the wilderness regions of Botswana is made easy and accessible for all tourists. Many tour operators offer exceptional package deals which allow you to experience the true essence of Africa.