Most travellers visit the Chobe Riverfront, where the river attracts thousands of animals all year round. Especially during the dry season, huge herds of elephants gather along the banks to drink, swim or simply cross the river. Buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles and countless bird species also feel at home here.

What makes Chobe special is that you do not have to experience the wildlife only from a safari vehicle. A boat trip along the Chobe River is also highly recommended. As the sun slowly sets, you glide silently past grazing elephants, swimming hippos, crocodiles on the sandbanks and fish eagles circling above the river. It not only produces beautiful photographs, but also lets you experience nature from a completely different perspective.

For travellers choosing a luxury safari, Ngoma Safari Lodge is a wonderful base. From the elevated lodge, you look out over the Chobe floodplains, where wildlife can often be seen from your own terrace. The lodge combines personal service, excellent cuisine and fully catered safari activities with spectacular views over the park.

If you are travelling with a 4WD and rooftop tent, then Ihaha campsite really puts you right among the wildlife. You do not even need to go on a game drive; the wildlife passes by of its own accord. Like Ngoma Safari Lodge, Ihaha is located on the western side of the park. This is convenient because the eastern part of the park (from Kasane) can be quite busy. The riverfront route is beautiful because of the large herds of elephants.

If you also want to see large herds of elephants outside the park, then Senyati Campsite is one of our favourite campsites in the Chobe area (approximately 40 minutes from the eastern gate). The campsite has an impressive underground hide at a waterhole, where elephants sometimes come to drink just a few metres away. You are literally at eye level with the animals, without disturbing them. In our view, the hide alone makes a stay at Senyati more than worthwhile.

Chobe shows how varied a safari area can be. From the riverfront to dry Savuti, and from a luxury stay at Ngoma to camping among the wildlife.

Chobe National Park