An African safari is on the majority of peoples’ bucket lists for good reason. I’m fortunate enough to have done several, and my absolute hands-down favorite was the day I spent in Chobe National Park, Botswana while on my trip with Exodus Adventure Travels. As magical as African safaris are, there are a few things you need to know before going on any, not just Chobe National Park (though I will get into the specifics for Chobe for the purposes of this post). So, before you jump on your flight to Botswana, here’s what to know before you go.
There’s a good chance you’ll see elephants
Botswana is home to the world’s largest elephant population, so there is a very good chance you’ll see elephants…lots and lots of elephants. Within the country, there are an estimated 130,000 of these majestic giants. I saw my first African elephant while road tripping Namibia, but as we drove from Namibia into Botswana, I saw an elephant right on the side of the road walking through the trees. What a proper welcome to Botswana!
Being quiet is key
It is quite tempting to want to call out to the animals in the same voice you might use to speak to your pets at home. But the key in visiting any national park is that the animals rule, and we are there as visitors. Not only is it disrespectful to make noises and gawk at animals who are simply living their normal, daily lives, but if they hear humans, they can be scared away, and that means you and your group will no longer be able to witness them.
There’s a reason everyone wears neutral colors
I admittedly did not understand why people only chose to wear tan, beige, and olive green colors on African safari. Well, turns out there’s a very obvious reason for that. It’s important to blend in as to not alarm the animals. Additionally, certain colors can attract bugs, specifically dark blue and black clothing attracting tsetse flies.
- Fashion-Tip: Wear something neutral like this olive green jumpsuit, this tan jacket (which you’ll need because the mornings are chilly), and a fun animal-print scarf.
- You’ll also want to bring a good sun hat and sunglasses.
You don’t have to use a guide (but it’s recommended)
Chobe National Park allows for self-guided drives, meaning, you don’t have to hire someone to take you around. While that might save you some money or sound like a really cool thing to do, I’d advise against it. A guide is trained on where to find animals, and can provide you with unique insight. For example, I would’ve never known how nutrient-dense elephant poop is without the help of a local guide (which really helped explain when I saw that monkey eating it).
- This is a highly-rated day tour with a guide
- For a shorter game drive, book this three hour drive with a guide.
You’re in malaria area–protect yourself
This is not medical advice since I am a travel blogger, not a doctor, but Chobe National Park is deep in malaria area, so you’ll want to take some type of preventative measure. I had spent the day in Ferrara, Italy just a few weeks prior to visiting, and simply popped in a pharmacy to buy anti-malaria pills (note there are two versions: one for when you’re actually infected with malaria, and one for preventative measures). I paid less than 5 euro, when years back, I bought similar pills in the US for my backpacker-friendly safari in Kenya, which required a doctor’s appointment and cost me $160.
The Big 5 are present here, but nothing is guaranteed
Seeing the Big 5 is a major goal for everyone when they go on African safari, but not every park in Africa is home to all five of them. Chobe National Park, luckily, is. I visited in April 2024 and was told a leopard had not been spotted in the park in nearly six months, but we did see footprints of one, meaning they’re still out there. I was fortunate enough to see elephants, rhinos, lions, hippos, plenty of gazelles, and even a monkey eating elephant poop. That means, out of the big 5, I saw three at Chobe (elephants, rhinos, and lions–the only missing are African buffalo and leopard).
Be prepared for an early wakeup call
The sun in Botswana is no joke, so it’s best to start your days off as early as possible. My call-time was 5:45 a.m., and though it was rough, it was totally worth it. It’s part of the experience to arrive at the gates of Chobe before the park opens, watching the sun slowly rise as you are let in. Not only is it going to be more comfortable for you, but think about it; the animals get hot, too! You’re simply more likely to see more animals the earlier you go since the climate is more comfortable for them.
The vehicle you use will make a huge difference
If you’re going with a tour group, like I did with Exodus Adventure Travels, make sure to do your research on which type of vehicle you’re going to be in. This might make me sound like a spoiled brat, but if you’re in a closed/contained vehicle, it almost entirely defeats the purpose of visiting Chobe National Park. We were not, luckily, but I have gone on safari experiences in a closed vehicle, and it definitely impacts the experience.
Brace yourself for the “African massage”
Oh, the African massage; a lovely play on words by the friendly folks of Africa relating to some of the rougher roads throughout the continent. African massage is not the spa experience you might think it is, but instead, a “full-body massage,” whether you want it or not, due to the vibration of the vehicle as it drives down the bumpy African roads. Chobe National Park is no exception, though, since we were going so slow, I didn’t feel it as much as I did in other parks (nothing will top Etosha National Park!).
- Pro-Tip: I highly recommend traveling with a travel-sized massage gun to ease the tension and increase circulation after a long day of “African massages.” I do not travel anywhere without my Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2.
River cruises are just as exciting as game drives
Driving through Chobe National Park is the main attraction, but a river cruise is another great way to get up close and personal with the many animals of Botswana.
- This tour combines a daytime game drive and a boat ride.
- This tour has a boat tour and included lunch.
Chobe is an easy day trip to/from Victoria Falls
I loved my time in Botswana, but moving around between different countries can be quite exhausting if you’re trying to do a massive African trip like I did. Chobe is a super easy day trip from nearby Victoria Falls, so instead of moving around and changing accommodation, save yourself the headache, base yourself in one or the other, and book a day trip.
- This tour is a great option for a day trip to Chobe National Park from Victoria Falls
- This is a great option from Livingstone, Zambia
- Planning a full Botswana getaway? This tour is a day trip to Chobe National Park from Kasane
If you do choose to stay in Botswana for a few nights, here are some great lodging options:
DISCLAIMER: I might make a small commission from some of the links throughout this article, but the price is the same for you. This helps keep my business running so I can continue to provide free travel tips!
DISCLAIMER II: Exodus Adventure Travels hosted me on their Cape Town to Victoria Falls lodging trip.