Vacaay

Chobe National Park

About Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is in northern Botswana near the vast, inland Okavango Delta. It's known for its large herds of elephants and Cape buffalo, which converge along the Chobe Riverfront in the dry months. Lions, antelopes and hippos inhabit the woods and lagoons around Linyanti Marsh. The floodable grasslands of the Savuti Marsh attract numerous bird species, plus migrating zebras.

When to visit

The best time to visit Chobe National Park in Botswana is during the dry season, from May to October, when wildlife congregates around the river.

Most popular: May - October

Spring · Sep, Oct, Nov

Spring in Chobe National Park marks the beginning of the wildlife spectacle. As the dry winter ends, the first rains start to transform the landscape. This is an excellent time for bird watching, as migratory birds begin to arrive, adding to the already impressive resident species. The weather is pleasantly warm, and the increasing water availability encourages animals to move around, offering fantastic game viewing opportunities. The park's vegetation begins to bloom, and newborn animals can often be spotted, adding to the magic of the season.

Summer · Dec, Jan, Feb

Summer is the peak of the rainy season in Chobe, characterized by hot days and occasional thunderstorms that cool the air and nourish the land. The park is in full bloom, covered in lush greenery. This season offers the most dramatic skies, perfect for photography enthusiasts. While the dense vegetation and water abundance can make wildlife harder to spot, it's the best time to see baby animals and enjoy the park's vibrant birdlife. The Zebra migration towards the Savuti area of the park is another highlight, attracting predators and creating spectacular wildlife viewing moments.

Autumn · Mar, Apr, May

As the rains taper off, autumn brings milder temperatures and clearer skies, making it an ideal time for game drives. The water levels in the Chobe River rise, drawing animals from the interior to its banks. This concentration of wildlife along the river makes for exceptional game viewing, including large herds of elephants, which Chobe is famous for. The landscape remains lush, but as the season progresses, the vegetation starts to thin, improving visibility for spotting wildlife.

Winter · Jun, Jul, Aug

Winter in Chobe is the dry season, offering some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities as animals congregate around the remaining water sources. Days are warm and sunny, while nights can be quite cold, so packing warm clothing for early morning game drives is advisable. The lack of water forces animals to the Chobe River and other permanent water bodies, making sightings more predictable and spectacular. Elephants, in particular, are a common sight, often seen in large herds along the riverbanks. This season also sees fewer visitors, offering a more secluded and intimate experience of the park.

Weather Highlights

  • Summer high

    36°C / 97°F

  • Winter low

    7°C / 45°F

  • Rain

    50 days

  • Snow

    0 days

Location

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