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At a glance

  • This is bona fide big game country with large herds of elephant and buffalo as well as excellent predator populations
  • The Chobe River is famous for its swimming elephants
  • Chobe National Park offers adventures such as game drives, river cruises, exceptional photographic opportunities and excellent birdwatching, with over 460 recorded bird species
  • Enjoy sundowners while watching hippos, crocodiles, elephant and buffalo on a sunset cruise on the beautiful Chobe River

Overview

Established in 1968, Chobe National Park is Botswana’s third largest and most visited national park. It’s popular for its huge concentration of elephants – the highest numbers in Africa – and for the Chobe River, which during the dry season is the only water source around, attracting wildlife from far and wide. Sunset boat rides down the river may float you past not just elephants but prides of lion, yawning hippos, large herds of buffalo, rare African wild dogs, giant storks, myriad waterfowl, lappet-faced vultures and bright-beaked bateleur eagles.

When to visit

  • January
    32ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    19ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    110mm
    Average Rainfall
    January is in the peak of the green season, with hot sunny spells punctuated by spectacular afternoon thunderstorms, providing welcome relief from the summer heat. Birding is excellent as it's peak breeding time for many of the migrant bird species. Game viewing is good with many predators chasing the fast-developing young of their prey species. This is also a significantly more affordable time of the year to visit Botswana, however some camps do close.
  • February
    32ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    19ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    97mm
    Average Rainfall
    February continues into the peak of the green season with hot humid days punctuated by spectacular thunderstorms. Birding is still excellent with many migrants still around. You may still see some animals giving birth, with increased predator activity in search of an easy meal. February is excellent for photography with dramatic skies and vibrant landscapes bursting with colour. The green season offers the opportunity to stay in some truly wonderful camps at greatly reduced rates from the peak season.
  • March
    31ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    17ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    88mm
    Average Rainfall
    March sees the temperatures start to cool down, although days are still hot and humid. The rains also start to ease off, however afternoon thunderstorms are still to be expected. March remains an excellent month for landscape photography with dramatic skies and clear air. It's also a good time for bird watching with many migrants in their breeding plumage.
  • April
    31ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    17ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    28mm
    Average Rainfall
    April is a transitional month between summer and the start of winter. Days continue to be hot and sunny, however the evenings are starting to get cooler. Rainfall has almost ceased across the country, although there may still be a few scattered showers. As the temperatures can vary significantly between the day and night, layers are recommended. April signals the start of the impala rutting season, a great time to witness dramatic clashes between rival males fighting it out for females.
  • May
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    5mm
    Average Rainfall
    May signals the start of the dry season and there is almost no rainfall throughout the month. Daytime temperatures are still pleasantly warm and sunny, however evenings and early mornings are cool so layers and a jacket are recommended. Waterholes start to dry up and animals start to move towards more permanent sources of water, making for some excellent and varied game viewing. Breeding herds of elephant start to increase in density daily as they visit the Chobe River to drink. The gentle rising waters attract a range of resident water birds, while the migrants take to the skies to head north for their winter feeding and breeding grounds.
  • June
    25ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    6ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    1mm
    Average Rainfall
    June is a wonderful time to visit. You can expect beautifully warm days, however nights and early mornings are cold, so layers are recommended. The dry season has started in earnest with animals congregating in large numbers along the banks of the Chobe River. Sightings of African wild dogs improve as they begin to search for dens for their puppies. This is also a good time of the year for walking safaris.
  • July
    25ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    6ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    0mm
    Average Rainfall
    July is Botswana’s coldest month, with warm sunny days but near-freezing evenings and early mornings, so plenty layers and jackets are recommended. July is also the driest month in Botswana with no rainfall. The soft light at this time of year combined with dust from the dry landscape and prolific game make for some dramatic photography. More and more animals congregate around permanent water sources, which also become a focal point for predators. This is peak season in Botswana so advance booking is essential.
  • August
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    8ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    0mm
    Average Rainfall
    August remains extremely dry with clear blue skies, temperatures on the rise and warm days, however evenings and early mornings are still cold. The elephant herds are getting larger in Chobe and with limited water available there can be tension among the breeding herds around the waterholes. Short grass, bare trees and limited water ensure excellent game viewing with wildlife congregating around permanent water sources. August is a very popular safari month in Botswana so advance booking is strongly advised.
  • September
    33ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    13ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    1mm
    Average Rainfall
    The weather starts to change in September, signalling the end of winter. For the most part, the country is dry and temperatures start to rise quite rapidly, with hot dry days and warmer evenings. Bird watching is good with the arrival of the first migrant bird species. Water levels start to drop, leading to high concentrations of elephant and buffalo herds in Chobe, as well as some excellent predator action.
  • October
    35ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    18ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    13mm
    Average Rainfall
    October is the hottest month in Botswana with balmy evenings and daytime temperatures often reaching 40°C. Game viewing is excellent, vegetation is sparse, and animals gather around the last remining waterholes, giving the big cats excellent hunting opportunities. Chobe is thriving with large herds of thirsty elephants. Birding is excellent with thousands of birds breeding and nesting.
  • November
    34ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    19ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    49mm
    Average Rainfall
    November sees Botswana emerging from the dry season, with soaring thunderclouds and more migrant bird species returning once the rains start. Wildlife viewing remains good with many animals still congregated around the waterholes. In Chobe the riverbanks are crowded with large herds of elephant and buffalo. When the rain arrives around mid-November, it comes in dramatic thunderstorms and wildlife disperses to feed on fresh new vegetation. As the pans start to fill, the antelope birthing season begins, with many predators seeking out the vulnerable young. Prices drop significantly in November, offering excellent value for money if you are able to travel at this time of the year.
  • December
    33ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    19ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    71mm
    Average Rainfall
    December is the start of the green season. The rains become more regular, with thunderstorms every few days cooling down the hot daytime temperatures. Nights are warm and humid. Grazing is plentiful on the plains and predators take advantage of the newborn wildebeest and young antelope. Sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah are all likely. The migrant birds have all arrived and birding is excellent at this time of year. Dramatic skies and vibrant colours make for wonderful photography.

Accommodation

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