Chobe

Chobe refers to a national park, a district, and a river in northern Botswana. The park and district take their name from the Chobe River, which forms part of the border with Namibia and Zambia and flows through the area near the town of Kasane. The national park is one of Botswana’s largest, covering about 11,700 square kilometers, and is a core component of the region’s wildlife conservation and tourism.

Chobe National Park features a mosaic of ecosystems, including riverine woodlands along the Chobe River, dense dry woodland, and floodplains. The river’s waters concentrate wildlife at all times of the year, especially at the edge of the season’s dry spells. The landscape supports large populations of herbivores and predators alike.

The park is renowned for its concentrations of elephants, among the highest in Africa, though it also sustains buffalo, giraffe, hippo, zebra, and numerous antelope species. Predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and African wild dogs occur, and the area hosts diverse birdlife with hundreds of species, including waterfowl and raptors. A variety of smaller mammals and reptiles are also present.

Access is primarily through Kasane, with common activities including guided game drives and boat safaris on the Chobe River. Walking safaris are offered in some areas under ranger supervision. Visitors typically plan visits during the dry season from May to October, when wildlife congregates around the river; year-round birdwatching is possible.

Chobe National Park is administered by Botswana's government as part of the protected-area network. It connects with neighboring conservation areas along the northern river corridor and is a major destination for wildlife research and ecotourism.