The best things to do in Chobe

WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE THERE AT CHOBE SAFARI LODGE?

Botswana's first national park remains its greatest, and there are so many thrilling ways to discover the wonders of Chobe National Park! A fantastic year-round wildlife destination, this enchanting elephant capital is also one of Africa's most accessible safaris.

Here are ways to explore Chobe.

Every activity can be booked from our on-site activity office at Chobe Safari Lodge or Chobe Bush Lodge

1. BOOK A SUNDOWNER SAFARI CRUISE ON THE CHOBE RIVER

Experience quintessential Chobe! Our spacious double-decker boats will treat you to some of Africa's best and most up-close game viewing. Chobe Safari Lodge and Chobe Bush Lodge are the closest Kasane accommodation to the Chobe National Park and sit right beside the park office. This means we're often the first on the water to enjoy the afternoon wildlife congregations.

Our expertly-guided riverboat cruise gently navigates these lively waters to sail past the hippos that leave the water to feed during the day, witness the large herds of buffalo and pause for elephants crossing. Our favourite has to be when they comically use their trunks as a snorkel!

Our deluxe boat cruise provides delectable snacks and five drinks to this outstanding wildlife experience.

2. HIRE A PRIVATE BOAT FOR A TAILOR-MADE RIVER CRUISE

Our Chobe lodges also provide private boat hire for a blissful morning in the wilderness. This means you have a personal guide to motor down the Chobe River that can curate a river cruise towards individual interests, such as in-depth birdwatching or specialise photography.

3. GAME DRIVE INTO THE CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

Before it became a national park, Chobe was a trophy-hunting ground and high-in-demand source of teak wood. This legacy endures, and Chobe is home to some of Botswana's most handsome antelope and glorious towering trees.

A game drive allows guests to seek out the animals that favour these ancient woodlands and the open savannah plains of the park, such as roan antelope, sable herds, journeys of giraffe, kudu, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, lion, leopard, and the occasional African wild dog.

Drives are available morning or afternoon. Avid wildlife lovers can also book a full-day safari that ventures deeper into the lesser-visited regions of the park with a packed picnic lunch to break the day.

4. VISIT VICTORIA FALLS ON AN EASY DAY TRIP

Don't miss the opportunity to experience the mighty Mosia Oa Tunya on a guided or unguided excursion to Zimbabwe. Located a brief 90-kilometre drive from Chobe Safari Lodge, 80 per cent of Victoria Falls can be seen from Zimbabwe, and the park has 16 scenic viewpoints to soak it all up – literally. Our top travel tip? Pack a raincoat or hire a poncho before exploring the charming rainforest of this majestic world wonder!

5. CATCH A TIGERFISH

The Chobe River is renowned for its exciting angling. Setting off in search of feisty tigerfish is an exciting adventure for amateur anglers and fishing pros. Our professional guides know the favoured fishing holes and feeding spots where these predator fish lie in wait and we practice an ethical catch and release policy.

6. FLOAT TO THE WORLD'S ONLY QUADRIPOINT

There is only one place on the planet where the corners of four nations come together. A Kazungula Bridge Tour will send you floating on the converging waters of the Chobe River and the Zambezi River, where four countries meet to witness the newly completed mega-structure that connects Botswana with Zambia and Zimbabwe while overlooking Namibia.

7. SOAR ABOVE CHOBE ON A SCENIC FLIGHT

Strap in for a spectacular voyage. Drift across the skies for a unique perspective on the elephant capital!

8. FALL IN LOVE WITH BIRDWATCHING

Chobe might just be the easiest place to gain an interest in birdwatching. Over 450 species of birds are found in this sprawling conservation area. Spot colourful kingfishers diving into the Chobe River for food, hear the fish eagles crying from trees and applaud the aerobatics of the endangered African skimmers.

Circled by towering riverine trees, the campsite surrounds, and Chobe Safari Lodge grounds are ideal for identifying birds at your own pace on a slow walk. Grab a checklist, strap on a pair of binoculars, and you'll find there's always something to see. Specialist birding guidebooks and identification aids are available at the Safari Shop.

9. MEET THE LOCALS ON AN AUTHENTIC NAMIBIA VILLAGE TOUR

Explore neighbouring Namibia and visit Impalila Island with a local. It’s just a short boat cruise across the Chobe River.

10. RELAX AND UNWIND WITH A SPA TREATMENT

Set in a peaceful corner of the lodge, the Kwa Maningi Spa offers an array of treatments sure to soothe weary safari muscles. Restore and relax with a massage, facial, manicure or pedicure. We proudly use indigenous African ingredients, such as Tsamma melon, baobab fruits and wild honey, in our rejuvenating botanical products.

11. SOAK UP A SUNSET OVERLOOKING THE CHOBE RIVER

Sedudu Bar is named for the island it overlooks (ask our guides about who owns the island for an interesting tale!). Stools have gorgeous views across the Chobe River, making this the finest sundowner spot in Kasane. Order a drink (try The Kasai from our cocktail menu) and revel in the breathtaking sun-drenched sky at sunset for a perfect end to your Botswana safari.

12. DINE BELOW THE STARS

Decompress with an unforgettable feast aboard our boat. Our evening cruise has an upper deck, so you can appreciate Botswana's incredible night sky between delectable courses. Diners will experience the unique evening surrounding sounds of the river by night and candle-lit romance.

13. PHOTOGRAPHIC BOAT CRUISE

Capturing wildlife from a waterside view is a great way for photographers to showcase their skills using their own equipment. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you are in the perfect spot to capture the beauty and captivating stories that nature has to offer. You can also connect with other passionate photographers and enjoy quality time in nature.

Our photography boat is custom-designed by photographers, for photographers, offering 360 degree revolving chairs and adjustable gimble rig swivels, promising zero obstructions.