Here is one for the books! Read on to discover more about an exceptional day-trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana.
On a recent trip to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, I had the opportunity to spend the day in Chobe, in neighbouring Botswana.
I was a guest of Shearwater, a company that operates activities and lodgings in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
CHOBE DAY-TRIP
I jumped at the opportunity to visit one of Botswana’s prime game reserves, with one of the world’s largest elephant populations.
The Chobe day-trip was an experience to remember. There were superb game-viewing opportunities on open safari vehicles and from the water on a cruise boat.
DRIVING TO BOTSWANA
Leaving after breakfast, driver-guide Bernard arrived to collect the group for the journey to the Botswana border.
The scenic drive along the Kazungula Road became somewhat of a game drive.
Although the one-hour trip is not a game drive, you can sometimes still see wild animals.
The road snakes its way to the border, flanked by Mahogany and Teak trees on either side. Here, one can often catch a glimpse of wildlife.
At several points in the journey, our driver Bernard pointed out different species he spotted.
Once, the bus halted to allow a herd of elephants to cross the road. At another time we stopped to see a troop of baboons playing under the trees.
And further on, we crossed paths with a swarm of migrating dragonflies.
When nearing the border Bernard pointed out the new Kazungula bridge in the distance.
This opened in 2021, connecting four neighbouring countries: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and Botswana.
CROSSING BORDERS
On arrival at the Zimbabwe borderpost, we bid farewell to Bernard, as we met our Botswana guide Strawberry, who would be taking us into the Chobe National Park in Botswana.
While clearing the busy Zimbabwe border, a troop of Banded Mongooses darted around outside, seeking shelter from the scorching sun. Their antics provided some entertainment while waiting in the heat.
After clearing through the Zimbabwe and Botswana borders, we climbed onto our safari vehicle and set off for Chobe National Park.
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
The Chobe region is dominated by Chobe National Park, an 11 700 square kilometre park situated in the northeastern corner of Botswana.
Being Botswana’s third-largest national park, it is arguably its most biodiverse, divided into four distinct habitat regions.
The park is surrounded by private and state-controlled lands.
Heading into the park, we traversed the wooded landscape in search of wild animals. Initially, we saw many bird species including various types of eagles and owls.
Not until we reached the floodplain did we see much game. However, once the riverbank was in sight game viewing became plentiful.
The riverbed and floodplain were full of elephant herds. There were breeding herds, bachelor herds and mixed herds in various places along the massive floodplain.
Some were bathing, while others were roaming along the riverbank.
ELEPHANT POPULATION
Botswana is home to the largest elephant population in the world, with an estimated 131 909 elephants.
The country’s vast and protected areas, such as Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, provide an ideal habitat for these majestic creatures.
Chobe National Park is home to around 75 000 of the country’s elephant population.
Botswana’s strong conservation policies and anti-poaching measures have played a significant role in maintaining and even increasing its elephant population.
EXCELLENT WILDLIFE SIGHTING
We found large herds of African buffalo and Sable antelope on the floodplain. We also spotted a number of crocodiles basking on the banks of the river.
After that we headed back into the park, driving away from the riverbed.
The mercury was rising. It was over 40 degrees centigrade by midday.
Even some of the wildlife seemed to be languishing from the oppressive heat.
The scorched terrain had a few patches of shrub, which provided small amounts of shade.
This is indeed where many of the animals seek shelter during the heat of the day.
Our guide was intent on providing his guests with something to remember.
After a while, he scouted out a young male lion lying in some shade provided by a bush.
Nearby, under another bush, there were some lionesses and cubs. They appeared to be dozing in the midday heat.
After such exciting close-up sightings, we headed to Mowana Safari Lodge in Kasane, for a buffet lunch.
With lunch behind us, we walked over to the jetty, where we met our next guide, Sylvester, who would take us game viewing on the river.
GAME VIEWING ON THE CHOBE RIVER
The Chobe River marks the border between Namibia and Botswana.
However, its confluence with the Zambezi River marks “Africa’s Four Corners” – the meeting point of Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
Its banks and floodplains are Chobe National Park’s most popular destinations, attracting vast numbers of wildlife and tourists during the dry season.
Boarding the vessel, we set out. The twin-engine boat headed up the Chobe River, passing pods of hippos and basks of crocodiles floating in the water.
SEDUDU ISLAND
We arrived at Sedudu Island, a fluvial island located in the middle of the Chobe River. This is indeed an ideal location for game viewing.
In fact, the island was the topic of contention almost 30 years ago resulting in a dispute between Namibia and Botswana concerning the boundary around the island and the legal status of the island. The case was referred to the ICC for clarification.
Sedudu Island is one of the top tourist attractions in the area. The island has an area of approximately 5 square kilometres.
Sedudu is home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants and many bird species.
Heading up the channel located on the Botswana side of the island, there were large herds of elephants, impalas, kudu and buffalo.
We also saw water monitor lizards and various birds.
Completing a trip around Sedudu Island, we returned via the channel on the Namibian side of the river.
BACK ON LAND
After over two hours of game viewing from the water, we arrived back at Mowana Lodge, where our driver was waiting, to take us back to the border.
Bidding farewell to Sylvester, we hopped onto the safari vehicle and headed back to the Botswana border.
While en route, dark clouds unleashed thunder and lightning.
Before long we arrived at the border and seamlessly exited Botswana. We bid farewell to Strawberry and were met by Bernard at the Zimbabwe border post.
By this stage it was raining heavily and were pleased to board the bus – that would take us back to Victoria Falls.
Again, the hour-long journey revealed various wildlife species alongside the Kazungula Road.
This road passes through a national park, hence the opportunity to see wildlife.
CHOBE: A DAY-TRIP TO REMEMBER
Reaching Victoria Falls, with memories to behold and experiences to share, we were somewhat tired but quite content with an exciting Chobe day-trip.
A trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana is definitely something for the bucket list.
Chobe is easy to do as a day-trip from Victoria Falls or as a trip entirely on its own.
