Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Botswana

The best known safari area within the Chobe National Park is the Chobe river close to Kasane. Given its abundant wildlife and ease of access to Victoria Falls (just 1½ hours by road) this is a popular area for safaris – sometimes too much so. It is one of the few wildlife areas in Botswana where you will see other vehicles whilst on your game drive. However this must be balanced by the excellent game-viewing at the Chobe river, with massive herds of elephant on offer, relaxed prides of lions and the romantic attraction of the river itself.

Game-viewing afternoon river cruises on the Chobe river allow you to drift silently past a bathing herd of elephants on a river alive with crocodile and hippo. There’s marvellous birdlife including plenty of kingfishers and bee-eaters. Witness the amazing fishing skills of the African fish eagle or the rare African skimmer. Languorous sunset cruises by boat are a speciality of the area, usually combined with morning game drives into Chobe National Park.

There’s a good choice of game lodges and safari camps to suit all budgets such as the luxurious Chobe Chilwero, ideal for honeymoons, or the more secluded Muchenje. You can now also choose to stay in a semi-mobile camp, Chobe Under Canvas, which gives an authentic safari experience.

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