Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park, located in northern Botswana, is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, renowned for its massive elephant herds and vibrant riverfront ecosystem. Situated along the Chobe River, which forms the border with Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, it offers diverse landscapes and exceptional game viewing. Below is a concise overview based on the latest available information.
Location and Overview
Geography: Covering approximately 11,700 square kilometers (4,517 square miles), Chobe lies near the convergence of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, making it accessible from Victoria Falls. The park is divided into four distinct areas: the Chobe Riverfront (most popular), Savuti (arid savanna), Linyanti (remote wetlands), and Nogatsaa (seasonal pans).
Key Features: The Chobe Riverfront is the park’s heart, with lush floodplains and iconic sunset boat cruises. Savuti’s marshes and Linyanti’s swamps offer rugged, less-visited wilderness. The park’s proximity to the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans makes it a key stop on Botswana safaris.
History and Formation
Established in 1968, Chobe was Botswana’s first national park, created to protect its rich biodiversity. The region’s geology, shaped by ancient river systems and tectonic shifts, supports varied habitats. The Chobe River, fed by seasonal floods, sustains life in an otherwise arid region. Archaeological sites indicate human presence for thousands of years, with the San people among the earliest inhabitants.
Wildlife and Ecosystems
Chobe is famous for hosting one of the world’s largest elephant populations (estimated 60,000–120,000), alongside a wealth of other species:
- Mammals: Abundant Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino—though rhinos are rare due to poaching). Also home to hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and rare species like puku antelope and roan antelope. Savuti is known for its large lion prides.
- Birds: Over 450 species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, carmine bee-eaters, and seasonal migrants like storks and pelicans.
- Ecosystem: The park spans riverine forests, floodplains, savanna, and marshes. The Chobe Riverfront is a year-round wildlife magnet, while Savuti and Linyanti transform with seasonal rains, attracting nomadic herds.
