The elephant capital of the world is easily accessible by road from Kasane and sees herds of these majestic animals congregating along the lush riverfront setting. A contrasting landscape of expansive floodplains and dense forests encourage a huge array of wildlife. 

As a premier birdwatching destination, with over 450 species, avid twitchers will be spoilt for choice; expect to see the iconic African Fish Eagle, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, and the African Skimmer, alongside numerous storks and kingfishers. Those more interested in their animals being firmly on the ground can delight in an abundance of water buffaloes, elephants (of course), hippos, crocodiles, lions and the more elusive leopard. 

One of the best ways to view this wildlife is to take to the water on a river safari. Visit during the dry season (May to November) to see large animals gathering by the water, or during the wet season (November to April) to witness an explosion of migratory bird species.

TF’s top pick: Chobe Game Lodge

This remote, private concession north of the Okavango Delta is best accessed via a light aircraft from Maun or Kasane. The region is a mosaic of landscapes featuring sprawling waterways flanked by papyrus marshes and thickets of mopane woodland, which create an eclectic habitat for so many animals.

A stronghold for predators, expect to see a higher abundance of big cats, hyenas and even African wild dogs compared to elsewhere in Chobe. As this is still a predominantly wetland environment, you will get your fair share of water buffaloes, elephants and hippos in large groups by the many watering holes.  

The vast tributaries in this region offer the perfect chance to explore by mokoro canoe, providing an authentic safari experience with a local guide. Due to the less crowded nature of the park, night drives are also possible, which provide fantastic chances for spotting leopards. Those with African wild dogs on their bucket list should aim for denning season (May to August), as this is when packs stay near their dens with the new puppies. 

TF’s top pick: Linyanti Ebony

Bordering Linyanti, this remote area is also best accessed by air from Maun or Kasane and offers some of the most dramatic wildlife viewing and landscapes in Chobe. Defined by the unpredictable Savuti Channel which sees the river inexplicably dry up due to tectonic shifts, the unique setting of dead trees and teeming grasslands makes for quite the backdrop.   

This area is renowned for hosting the zebra and wildebeest migration, a spectacle that sees swathes of these animals pass through the plains following the seasonal rains. Of course, where there’s a high population of prey, there is indeed the opportunist predator. The predators in Savuti are as distinctive as their environment, with prides of lions being known to actively hunt elephants, a phenomenon attributed to their adaptability and coordination in sometimes harsh conditions.

Due to the dynamic terrain, game drives in a 4x4 are the easiest way to get around. The peak dry season (August to October) offers the best chance to witness the lion prides unique behaviors as food is scarce, whilst the wet season (November to April) is when the migration occurs. 

TF’s top pick: Savute Safari Lodge