While you’re planning your travel to-do list for the year ahead, be sure to add a touch of adventure with a trip down the Chobe River. If you’re serious about safaris but want to do it at a leisurely pace while combining the exhilaration of a game drive and the relaxation of a boat cruise, then Botswana has the perfect activity for you!
Take a boat cruise down the Chobe River, a magnificent natural body of water that offers guests unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife in their natural environments. The Chobe National Park is home to the densest elephant population in Africa. You will often see them roaming onto the islands to snack on the sweet grass after they’ve a drink at the river. ‘A crossing’ is definitely a sight you will never forget!
Watch in awe as herds of hippos, buffalo, lion and zebra come to the water’s edge to quench their thirst. Seeing all these magnificent mammals while sipping on a cool beer or a chilled G&T to the sound of the fish eagle calling… will make you feel as if you’re in a dream. You don’t need to go out in search of game; sit back and relax as the wildlife come to you – the true beauty of a river safari. View herds and herds of game at your leisure as you sail past them congregating at the river bank, or feel the thrill of coming close to crocodiles basking in the late afternoon sun.
The best time to visit is during the dry winter months from June to October. This way you can make sure you will experience the best of Chobe National Park. Wildlife come from near and far to reach the water during the dry winter. And if you want to experience a more private water-based safari, you can always book a thrilling mokoro boat ride and get up even closer to the Big Five.
We highlyrecommend seeing this beautiful part of Botswana by boat – the true highlight of your trip. You will find some of the best photograph opportunities in the late afternoon and early evening when the light creates magnificent back-lighting and contrasting shadows. You will never be able to find another sunset quite like one that sets over the Chobe River.
Here are our top recommendations for accommodation in Chobe.