THIS WAS BOTSWANA’S FIRST national park and it remains one of the country’s most popular attractions.
Located in the north of the country where the borders of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia converge, it’s one of the largest
parks in Botswana and offers visitors everything from lush riverscapes to papyrus-lined marshes, floodplains, grasslands
and forests.

One of Chobe’s unique drawcards is that you can go on game-viewing safaris from boats on the Chobe River. This gives
you an excellent vantage point for viewing and photography, and allows you to get closer to some animals than would be
possible in your 4x4. You can jump on board one of the bigger river cruisers or hire your own smaller craft. Indeed, you
could even consider overnighting on a houseboat!

While you can expect to find just about all Botswana’s game represented in Chobe (including the rare Puku antelope and
the Chobe bushbuck), this park is particularly well known for its elephant. Some put the population as high as 100 000
and a visit to the park in the drier months can leave you convinced that every single one of these elephants have congregated
in and around Chobe river.

If you’re less elephant fixated or enjoy birding, you’ll do well to visit Linyanti, in the northwest corner of the park. With its riverine forests, reed banks and meandering waterways, some describe this area as a mini Okavango Delta. On the western side of the park lies Savuti, an area fed by the Savuti channel (when it flows). Extensive savannah and grassland are the order of the day here with a healthy sprinkling of predators like lion and spotted hyena.

Between Linyanti and Savuti is the Nogatsaa woodland. Often overlooked by visitors, this area has a number of pans which hold water deep into the dry winter months, making them the only water source around. Although animal densities can be lower here, this is a great place to escape the crowds.

To visit Chobe you need a 4WD. Camps are unfenced, so you need to be alert for wild animals. You are not allowed to
collect firewood in the park so make sure you bring enough with you. In the park you can choose between camping or
lodge accommodation.

KASANE: Besides being the administrative centre of this region, Kasane is a proper tourist hub with its own small airport. Overlanders
will find it a good place to refuel and buy provisions, and take a break from camping with a stay in one of its many lodges. There are no fences between the town and the reserve so wildlife (including elephant) is a common site within the town’s boundaries. Kasane is the best place to book a boat trip on the Chobe, a day trip to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or a visit to Impalila Island across the river in Namibia.

Close to the town to the south, you’ll find the Lesoma Memorial which was erected in remembrance of the 15 Botswana Defence Force Soldiers who were killed when the civil war in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) spilt over into Botswana in 1977.

ACCOMMODATION:
Options include lodges, self-catering, safari lodges, tented camps, houseboats and camping sites. (Jun-16).

FUEL:
There is a Shell fuel stop in Kasane and an Engen garage in Kazungula as well with both petrol and diesel supplies. (Jun-16).

HEALTH CARE:
Hospital contact added is for the Kasane Primary Hospital. There are two private clinics. Phone Chobe River Clinic (+267 625 1555) to get in touch with doctor Marios. The Doctor's contact added is for Dr Lwanga, Franklin with a surgery at Chobe Commercial Centre along President Avenue in Kasane. (Jun-16).

A traveller reported travelling here in August and September (delta, Chobe and Zambezi region). They were few mosquitoes but still took Malaria medication (Doxycycline) just in case.
It is advisable to take malaria medication, even if going for a short while. (2014).

TOURIST INFO:
The tourist contact added is for the Botswana Tourism Organisation branch in Kasane. This saves the whole Chobe/Kasane region about the facilities available, accommodation and activities to engage in this region. (Jun-16).

VEHICLE SERVICES;
For vehicle mechanical repairs, there is the Chobe motors in Kasane, contact Tel: +267 625 0673. There is a Tyre Max and Maxiprest Tyres. (Jun-16).

SERVICES:
Nearby Border Control point. Immigration & Customs Services in town. (Jun-16).

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