Chobe Tips
& useful informations
Planning a safari can be daunting. Having travelled to Botswana many times, we’ve put together these Chobe tips with useful information on travel logistics and other safari essentials. For more first-hand advice, take a look at our frequently asked questions or contact one of our safari experts.
How to Get There
Chobe River
If Chobe is the first stop on your Botswana itinerary, then you’ll fly into Kasane. This small but well run international airport lies just outside Chobe National Park, an easy road transfer from most of the Chobe River lodges.
You could also drive to Chobe from next-door Victoria Falls. It takes less than two hours from either the Zambian or Zimbabwean side of the falls – and that includes border formalities when crossing into Botswana.
Savute Region
The roads in Chobe National Park have sections of thick sand and can become impassable after rain. So, while it is possible to drive from Chobe River to the remoter Savute Region, most of our clients opt to fly instead. The flight from Kasane to the Savuti Airstrip takes less than an hour, and on arrival you’ll be met by your guide and transferred by road to your Savute camp or lodge.
Chobe River vs. Savuti Region
Chobe River
When people speak about Chobe, they’re usually referring to the Chobe River Region in the north of this vast reserve. Chobe River offers some of the finest boat safaris in the world, especially during the dry season when you can glide up close to the region’s famously large herds of elephant – a true bucket list experience. These fantastic river safaris together with Chobe River’s convenient location, just a couple of hours’ drive from Victoria Falls, make this the most visited part of the park.
Take a look at our Chobe camps and lodges section of find out more.
Savute Region
In the southwest of the Chobe National Park lies the remoter Savuti Region, an area known for excellent predator sightings. Days here are spent on game drives with an excellent chance of seeing lion, packs of hyena and even the elusive leopard. There’s plenty of other big game too, especially since the Savuti Channel started flowing once again. As for when to visit, any time of year is good, with a highlight being the arrival of the zebra migration at the start of the rainy season.
Take a look at our Savuti camps and lodges section to find out more.
What to Pack
Light aircraft transfers have a luggage restriction of 20 kg. This might seem worryingly little but bear in mind that your lodge or camp is sure to have laundry facilities, so don’t pack too many clothes.
Daytime clothing should be casual and comfortable; neutral colours are best. Long sleeve, lightweight tops are useful protection against sunburn and mosquito bites. Along with a couple of t-shirts pack a fleece, jacket and even a warm hat if you’re travelling in June or July (the chilliest months of the year). To find out more about the weather read our section on the best time to visit chobe.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Take along sunblock, a sunhat, sunglasses and lip balm, as well as your swimming costume for leisurely afternoons alongside the lodge pool. You won’t want to forget your camera and include plenty of memory cards, your charger and even a spare battery too. Other useful items include a torch, a small pair of binoculars and a personal medical kit.