Visiting Botswana has always been a dream of mine, and I finally got the chance to explore the wonders of Chobe National Park in Botswana. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast like me, a Chobe safari is an experience you’ll never forget.
I met travelers who had just come from Burundi and Niamey. They shared stories of wildlife, rivers, and road adventures that brought their journeys to life. It reminded me that Africa offers endless routes to explore, each with its own rhythm and beauty.
Let me share with you the highlights of my unforgettable adventure in one of Southern Africa’s most stunning national parks. This region is a paradise for photographers, nature lovers, and those who dream of close-up wildlife photography.
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
I arrived in Kasane. It’s the main entry point to Chobe National Park. We set off in a safari vehicle towards our first destination – Chobe Elephant Camp. Staying connected while traveling here can be tricky, but using Eskimo eSIM kept me online without expensive roaming fees.
Driving along the Chobe Riverfront, I was already spotting wildlife along the way. We saw kudu, baboons, and more. The drive along the river was full of life.
The land had open floodplains and fresh water sources. These attract animals all year. The lodge was quiet and offered comfort. Guests could relax and enjoy nature.
Suggested Tour: Chobe National Park
Day 2: Exploring Chobe National Park
The next morning, we set out for a full-day safari experience. Chobe National Park is famous for its elephants. It has one of the biggest elephant populations in Africa.
We saw large herds of elephants near the Savuti Marsh area and Linyanti River. There were wildebeest, impala, giraffes, and lions. We also saw wild dogs, hyenas, warthogs, waterbuck, and even a leopard. A rare sighting of roan antelope and puku made the day even better.
Later, we joined a boat cruise on the Chobe River. We spotted hippos and crocodiles in the water. Watching from the boat gave us a new view of the park. The Zambezi Queen, a luxury boat, passed by. It looked like a floating hotel.
After that, we went on another game drive for more game viewing. The animals were everywhere. Our guide shared great info about them. We even spotted cheetahs in the distance, resting in the shade.
Suggested Tour: Victoria Falls
Day 3: Day Trip and Wildlife Encounters
On my last day, I took a Chobe day trip that included a visit to the Ngoma Safari Lodge. Nestled near the edge of the park, this haven provided a stunning view of the surrounding plains. I could see herds of elephants and buffalo in the distance as I enjoyed a delicious breakfast.
We then continued our journey with a day trip to the Okavango Delta, one of the most famous and beautiful areas in Botswana. Even though it was just a day trip, I could feel the magic of the delta, with its waterways and diverse wildlife.
It reminded me of how interconnected all of Southern Africa’s wildlife areas are – from the Serengeti National Park to Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, and from Victoria Falls to Namibia, Zambia, and beyond.
Suggested Tour:
Trip Essentials
Reflections on My Botswana Safari
My Chobe National Park Botswana trip was perfect. I loved seeing large herds of elephants, the Savuti Marsh, and calm river cruises. You can choose a luxury lodge or a camping safari in a tent. Both are great.
If you plan to visit Chobe National Park, do it. You get both land and water safaris. You can book online. There are budget and high-end options. If you’re traveling from Johannesburg or anywhere in South Africa, it’s worth the trip.
The best time to go is during the dry season, from April to November. Wildlife is easiest to spot in August and October. Chobe National Park in Botswana gave me memories for life.
From the wild to sunsets, the whole trip was unforgettable. It gave me a deeper love for the African wilderness!
FAQ
What is special about Chobe National Park?
Chobe is famous for its massive elephant herds and mix of land and water safaris. It has beautiful river views, rich biodiversity, and year-round wildlife sightings. The park also offers great access to neighboring regions like Victoria Falls, Namibia, and Zambia.
Do I need malaria tablets for Chobe National Park?
Yes, malaria is present in the region. It’s a good idea to speak with your doctor before your trip. Most travelers take malaria tablets as a precaution, especially during the rainy season.
Which is better Kruger or Chobe?
Both are amazing but offer different experiences. Kruger is bigger with more varied landscapes and lodges. Chobe stands out for river safaris, huge elephant herds, and fewer crowds. If you love water-based game viewing, Chobe is a great choice.
About The Writer
I’m Cyrine, a 19-year-old Filipina writer navigating college, freelancing, and the journey to becoming a digital nomad. I share real stories, budget tips, and lessons from chasing freedom through remote work, one step at a time.
Unesco World Heritage Website– Dholavira Our journey began from Narayan Sarovar, on the western edge of India, driving towards Dholavira through the fascinating Kadhiya Dhroh canyon. By late evening, we reached the well-known 31 km roadway, often called the”roadway to heaven,”which links Khadir Bet Island to the mainland. Dholavira is uniquely located on an island surrounded by the beautiful white stretch of the Rann of Kutch. 
Increasing above the ground with tank in front To a visitor, the very first striking feature is the imposing castle rising above ground level. Standing before the east entrance at daybreak, it advised me of the Borobudur Temple in Indonesia, a website I had likewise gone to early in the early morning. The citadel has major four gates aligned with the cardinal directions. The northern gate once included a massive wood door and a large signboard with 10 letters– possibly the earliest known signboard worldwide. Although the script stays undeciphered, some scholars think interpretations are possible. 
Dholavira North Gate Sign Board recreated at a resort We entered through this north gate; the signboard is now maintained in a museum. Eviction passageway is flanked by chambers likely occupied by guards. A staircase, presently a momentary wood structure for visitors’ security, causes the leading where the complete website shows up against the sky. 
Bhoonga design circular real estate The east gate most likely led directly to the castle, with limestone pillars quarried 2-3 km away still noticeable. Throughout Indus websites, spaces tend to be especially small, leading me to question whether they acted as residences or storage spaces for trading items. Adjacent to the west gate lies a bead factory, which might have worked as an administrative or industrial office. The western castle location, called Bailey or Upa-Prasad in Hindi, was most likely home to the non-royal elite. Close-by stand four square granaries. 
On top of the Website– A pillar, A Stepwell and a Well As you go into, a massive water tank with staircases coming down 30 steps at 3 corners stands out. The tank includes rock-cut wells and stone actions, possibly the earliest models of stepwells like Rani Ki Vav. Nearby, a unicorn figurine suggests the tank’s ritualistic value to the people. Atop the site are two large stepwells and a round well, the latter measuring 4 meters in size– possibly the biggest well discovered in Indus Valley sites. Rope marks on a stone slab indicate usage of a pulley system to draw water. 
Connected water tanks at Dholavira Many fascinating are the southern water management tanks– a sequence of five interconnected reservoirs for storing and filtering water. The first 2 tanks handle desilting, the main third tank is three times bigger than the Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro, and the 4th tank features a ramp for wheeled carriage gain access to reminiscent of Surajkund. The fifth tank channels water to western tanks. 
Dancing Woman, Pottery and the Eastern Gate of Dholavira