Chobe National Park Guide: What to Expect on Safari

Going on a safari in Chobe National Park? This Botswana guide will go over what to expect when on safari exploring and looking for wildlife in Chobe National Park.

Intro

If you’re planning a safari in Botswana then chances are Chobe National Park is already on your list (as it should be!). Chobe National Parks offers some of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in Africa. But what is it really like to go on a game drive here? This guide will go over what you can expect on a safari (aka game drives) when venturing into the wild landscapes of Chobe National Park

Early Mornings

In Chobe, games drives often begin at sunrise when the bush is expected to be most active before the park heats up and the animals retreat for shade. So, expect an early morning where you’ll likely have to wake up before dawn and you’re in the safari truck as the sun is rising. This time of day is also a perfect time for photography as the light is soft and less sharp.

During our morning game drives, we saw lions relaxing, jackals hunting, water buffalo and zebra snacking, and an entire elephant family walking across the tracks!

Morning Game Drive Sightings • photos by Jeanie A

The Safari Vehicle Experience

Most game drives are done in tiered, open-sided, – but covered – 4×4 safari vehicles. The elevated seating makes it easier to spot wildlife and the open design allows for clear and unobstructed views at all angles!

Wildlife… Everywhere!

Chobe National Park is home to one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. You are pretty much guaranteed to see elephants when they’re in their giant family herds! We probably saw elephants the most during our visit.

But not only elephants, but you’ll likely see giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelope, buffalo, crocodiles lions and if you’re lucky, leopards! Leopards are more commonly seen in the morning, but I unfortunately wasn’t able to spot any :(. Besides these four-legged animals, you’ll also get to see tons of birds too. Birdwatchers will absolutely love it with more than 400 recorded species of birds in the park.

There really is wildlife everywhere where you’ll feel like you’re in a Lion King movie.

Wildlife… Everywhere! • photos by Jeanie A

Game Drive Amenities

Game Drives usually last 3 to 4 hours and usually includes a stop for tea, coffee, or a refreshing drink about halfway into it. Some even provide a small lunch box too! The guide will share fascinating facts and informations about the animals you’re seeing and their behavior. They can even point out tracks and dung that will lead to certain animals. They’re also wildlife-spotting experts where they can spot wildlife that normal people would miss.

However, when it comes to restrooms, there are no public restrooms when you’re out exploring deep in the park. If you need to go #1, the guide will stop somewhere safe, and you”ll have to ‘go’ in the wilderness. Women, be sure to bring hand sanitizer, tissue and a tiny trash bag if you have a tiny bladder. If #2, then the guide will drive a bit to the nearest public restroom. This will disrupt the flow of the safari but hopefully not too bad!

Safari Break & Guide Tracking • photos by Jeanie A

Afternoon Game Drives

If waking up before dawn isn’t your thing, then hop on an afternoon game drives. This is when the day is starting to cool down and the animals begin to roam around more. You’ll likely explore as the sun is slowly setting and the light turns golden, another perfect time for photographs!

For me, I saw more wildlife during the afternoon game drive then I did in the morning!

Afternoon Game Drive Sightings • photos by Jeanie A

Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure

1. Follow Guide’s Directions

Always, always, always listen to your guide’s instructions. Stay in the vehicle and keep your arms and legs inside. Doing so will keep you safe and respect the animals’ space.

2. What to Wear

To avoid sticking out and to blend with the natural surroundings, where neutral-colors and earthy tones. Think colors like beige, olive green, and brown.

3. What to Bring

Bring binoculars to spot wildlife off in the distance, a camera for those amazing shots, sunscreen and water.

For a more comprehensive list of essentials to bring on safari, check out my Safari Essentials: Top 15 Items to Bring on African Safari.

Where to Stay near Chobe National Park

I stayed at Kwalape Safari Lodge located in Kasane near the Chobe National Park. They have luxury villas available and a nice pool with dedicated bar. Book your stay by clicking here.

Botswana Travel Guides

🦒 Ultimate African Safari Tips: How to Make the Most of Your First Safari Adventure

⛺️ My Chobezi Review: Safari in Chobe National Park with Chobezi Experiences

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Final Words

A safari through Chobe National Park is a mind-blowing experience. You’ll be out in nature, see tons of wildlife, and have a fantastic guide that will make your safari a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. I hope this guide will help you understand what a game drive is really like in Chobe National Park.

I hope this guide helps with your next Chobe safari adventure —
Let me know your thoughts or tips in the comments below!