Quick Travel Tips For Chobe, Savuti, and Linyanti

Chobe National Park is one of the top-visited protected areas in Botswana. Find out what to know before you go.

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Chobe National Park | Chobe Riverfront | Savuti | Linyanti | Quick Travel Tips For Chobe National Park | What To Pack For A Safari To Chobe National Park

Plan A Botswana Safari: Chobe Riverfront

The Chobe Riverfront area is a popular destination for boat cruises and game drives. A well-trodden route on self-drive and luxury safaris, the closeness of the area to Kasane and Victoria Falls means it is well-connected to many of Southern Africa's famous sites and safari areas.

FAQs Answered: Chobe National Park: Chobe Riverfront

• What is Chobe Riverfront famous for? The Chobe Riverfront is an attraction for many because of the high concentrations of elephants. Connected to the Okavango Delta, it preserves wildlife corridors and features a diversity of wildlife. The Chobe River and Chobe River floodplain are a top safari destination for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. With the coming of the dry season, wildlife descends on the Chobe River, making this a prime spot for game-viewing.


• What is Chobe National Park best known for? Chobe is synonymous with elephants - and lots of them. If you are visiting the Chobe Riverfront, it is common to see many elephants. The riverfront is also famed for attracting wildlife during the dry season. For wet and dry safaris, Chobe offers an amazing balance of activities - with accommodation to suit every pocket.


• What is the closest town to Chobe National Park? Kasane connects guests to the Chobe Riverfront. Kasane is on the northern boundary of Chobe National Park, close to Kazangula and the meeting point of Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.


• Can you see the Big 5 in Chobe? Chobe National Park is home to a wealth of wildlife species. This includes all of the Big 5, although rhino are rarely seen. There are also around 560 recorded bird species in the park, which makes this a birding wonderland.


• How do I get to and around Chobe National Park? Chobe National Park and the Chobe Riverfront are easily accessible by air. With airports at Kasane, Livingstone, and Victoria Falls, it is easy to travel to the Chobe Riverfront by short road transfer from any of these destinations. Alternatively, a transfer by charter plane would get you to your lodge (who will arrange game drives and boat cruises). If you are self-driving, you will need a 4x4 vehicle to explore the park and Chobe and Kasane are popular stop-offs.


• What is the best time to visit Chobe National Park? The most popular time of year to visit Chobe National Park and the Chobe Riverfront is during the dry season - between May and November. That said, it is an all-season destination with plenty on offer during the dry and rainy seasons.


• How many days do you need in Chobe National Park? Two to three nights in Chobe National Park are recommended for you to have the best Chobe experience. This gives enough time to explore on game drives and boat cruises before moving on to your next destination.


• What should I wear to Chobe National Park? The best advice on what to wear on safari to Chobe is to dress in layers. Especially in the winter months, it can get very cold on the water or on the back of open game-viewers and you'll need to adapt to changing conditions during the day. Read our full Chobe safari packing advice and download your free, customisable safari packing list.

Travel Advice for Chobe National Park: Chobe Riverfront

• Chobe National Park accommodation: Whether you want to stay in a luxury lodge or are looking for budget camping or self-catering accommodation, there are many options in and around Kasane and the Chobe Riverfront. From luxury lodges and houseboats to simple chalets and safari tents, this is a wonderful destination to take in the views.


• Chobe self-drive safari tips: If you are exploring the option of a Chobe self-drive safari, you will need a 4x4 to self-drive inside the park. If you are renting a 4x4, make sure you are familiar with the 4x4 functionality of your car and listen closely for tips on driving in sand. With such a high concentration of elephants, be aware as you drive and look out for elephants in thick, bushy areas. Always give elephants a bit of space and have an exit strategy (especially when observing breeding herds). Also, get a map of the tracks to plan your game drive routes and timings.


• Chobe National Park decongestion policies: Is Chobe National Park crowded? It can be. The park has a decongestion policy that gives lodge game-viewers priority and limits the number of vehicles. The rule states that, if you are staying outside the park, you may only enter between 9am and 2:30pm, but may remain in the park until the gate closes. We have read reports of people who have been allowed in outside of these hours.


• Go on a Chobe boat cruise: No matter how seasoned a safari-goer you may be, go on a boat cruise! If your experience is anything like ours, you are in for a wonderful experience. Our guides were fabulous, we saw lots of wildlife on the banks and many birds, and we got to follow the river and explore the park by water, which was a novel experience and quiet of crowds.


• Chobe riverfront malaria precautions: Chobe National Park is in a high-risk malaria zone. Speak to your medical practitioner about a malaria prophylactic plan (as well as any other required vaccinations). The best way to avoid malaria and other insect-borne diseases is to avoid getting bitten. Cover up in BUGTech anti-insect clothing and apply and re-apply an effective insect repellent throughout the day.


• Tipping tips: Take along some cash or get the local Botswana currency - Pula - to tip lodge staff, guides, trackers, boatmen, waiters in restaurants, and (if you are self-driving) petrol attendants. It is normal to tip lodge staff in a communal tip box - or to tip guides at the end of activities.


• When to visit: As mentioned above, the dry season is the most popular time to visit. Peak season falls from July to October. If you're looking for a quiet safari experience, it is worth noting that the area around Kasane and the Chobe Riverfront can get very busy at this time of year. This is especially worth considering if you are self-driving. If you opt to travel during the summer months, prepare for the rains and very hot summer weather.

FAQs Answered: Chobe National Park: Savuti

• How big is Savuti? Savuti is approximately 5000 square kilometres and is located in the north-west of Chobe National Park.


• Where is the Savuti Channel? The Savuti Channel runs around 100 kilometres from the Chobe River to the Mababe Depression through a gap in the sand ridge. This feeds the Savuti Marsh. Part of this famous wilderness area's mystique lies in the inconsistency of the flood, which has led to long periods of desolation.


• When is the best time to visit Savuti? The dry season from May to October is a popular time to visit Savuti for safari-goers. With mild temperatures until the hot days in September and October, wildlife congregates around waterholes as dry conditions intensify. Savuti is also known as a place to witness the second largest zebra and wildebeest migration. While the timing of this depends on the rains, the best chance to witness this is during November and December or February to April.


• How to get to Savuti If you are staying at a lodge in Savuti, you will probably fly in by light aircraft. If you are on a mobile safari or 4x4 self-drive adventure, a few different options exist. The best route will depend on where you are travelling from. We recommend researching routes and road conditions in advance, as deep sand makes for sometimes surprisingly slow travel times (game viewing at the same time).


• What should I wear to Savuti? Dress in layers - with a reliable fleece and lightweight anti-insect safari clothing in neutral colours. When it comes to accessories, sun and insect protection will be a priority. We recommend covering up in anti-insect, sun protective clothing and packing a hat and DEET-based insect repellent. Follow our Chobe and Savuti safari packing advice and download your free, customisable safari packing list.

Travel Advice for Chobe National Park: Savuti

• Savuti malaria risk: There is a risk of malaria in Savuti and Chobe National Park - especially during the rainy season. Consult your medical practitioner about prophylactics before you travel. Preventing mosquito bites is an important factor in reducing the risk to your health. Stock up on a reliable, DEET-based insect repellent like Australian-made Bushman bug spray and cover. Apply and re-apply throughout the day and night. Cover up in lightweight anti-insect BUGTech™ safari clothing.


• Savuti activities: Famed as a predator hotspot, game-view by vehicle and on foot (if the opportunity arises). With more than 400 bird species and exquisite landscapes, the time between sightings is filled with plenty to take in. There is also ancient San rock art, which adds an amazing human context to this wild place.


• Savuti wildlife migrations: The Botswana zebra migration reaches its zenith in Savuti during the rainy season - usually between November and December and February to April. The second largest zebra migration in the world, huge herds move through the region for grazing and water.


• Savuti quick self-drive tips: If you are self-driving, there is a single campsite inside Savuti - and booking in advance is essential. This campsite is unfenced, so be aware at night and pack reliable torches and lanterns. Plan routes and travel times carefully - bearing in mind slow, sandy tracks and photo stops, of course. You will need to tackle the roads in a 4x4 and be prepared to drive in soft sand. Stick to speed limits and gate times and don't drive offroad. Give elephants a bit of space and plan your exit.

Travel Advice for Chobe National Park: Linyanti

• Where is Linyanti? Linyanti is remotely located in the north-west corner of Chobe National Park. This wild area carries on into the Selinda Reserve and looks out over Nkasa Rupara National Park in the Caprivi Strip in Namibia.


• Wildlife in Linyanti: This trans-boundary conservation area holds rich sightings potential - especially during the dry season.


• Linyanti activities: The best thing to do in Linyanti is look for wildlife and explore the landscape in as many ways as possible. This primarily means game drives - whether through a lodge or on a self-drive safari (although drivers will need to respect the no-access roads in and around private reserves and areas). Canoe safaris, mokoro outings, and boat rides are available, as well as night drives and walks. The area also offers outstanding birding.


• When to visit Linyanti: Linyanti's constant water source makes it a all-year-round safari destination. The dry months from May to October have a better chance for large herds of elephants, while the rainy season is the time to see the zebra migration.

Botswana Links:
Chobe National Park | Chobe Riverfront | Savuti | One Night In Linyanti | What To Pack For Chobe, Savuti, and Linyanti | Quick Travel Tips for Chobe National Park |

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