About Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is situated in Botswana. Chobe National Park backpacking tours offer the best of beautiful Botswana with wildlife and birds galore.

Chobe National Park Budget Travel

Chobe National Park budget travel is very easy with great value for money backpacking tours and fantastic highlights. Below is useful information on Chobe National Park to help you plan your budget holiday in Chobe National Park. We offer a variety of budget tours and backpacking advice in Chobe National Park.

Airports

Chobe National Park nearest airports are:
• Kasane Airport
• Maun International Airport

Birdlife

Chobe National Parks include 550 of the country’s bird count, and with a wealth of rich habitats across the park a wide number of endemic and migratory species can be seen. The Chobe River is particular bird rich, and water birds such as flamingo, stork, eagles, fishing owls and many other species can be found around the water source.

Conservation

Chobe National Park conservation plays an important role in Botswana’s ecotourism, and Chobe is the country’s most famous and popular conservation area. Elephants in particular play a key role in conservation efforts in the park and with strict control and regulations governing the park, many species are able to flourish in their protected environment.

Culture

Chobe National Park cultures include the following:
• Literature plays an important role in current and historical cultures
• Food and drink play an important social role
• Arts and crafts also plays a large role in bushmen culture
• Music and drama have been a part of bushmen culture for centuries

Customs

The following items are allowed for over 18 year old travelers:
• 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
• 2 liters of wine and 1 liter of spirits
• 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
• Cameras must be declared on arrival
• Currency must be declared on arrival

Health

Chobe National Park health concerns are largely restricted to malaria and AIDS, and with clean drinking water, modern facilities and camps which have first aid facilities, minor ailments can be easily treated on your holiday. Some camps may only offer the most basic of first aid however, and the nearest hospitals are not always very close to it is best to take precautions to remain healthy on your safari.

AIDS

With a shocking 23% of the adult population facing the AIDS reality in Botswana, this disease is Chobe National Park’s biggest health threat and is increasing each year. Travellers to Botswana only face risk of HIV or AIDS exposure through sexual relations with an infected partner, or through a blood transplant with infected blood or needles.

Vaccinations

Chobe National Park inoculations include:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A & B
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever

Languages

Chobe National Park languages include:
• English 2.1%
• Tswana 78.2% (official language)
• Ikalanga 7.9%
• Sekgalagadi 2.8%
• Other 9%

Malaria

Chobe National Park malaria medication includes:
• Mefloquine (Lariam)
• Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone)
• Doxycycline

Money

Chobe National Park money and banking information is as follows:
• The Botswana currency is the Pula and Thembe
• Credit cards and debit cards are widely acceptable at some camps
• There are exchange facilities within Kasane
• There are a number of banks within the town as well
• Travellers cheques are accepted at some lodges

People

Chobe National Park people include the following groups:
• Tswana 79%
• Kalanga 11%
• Basarwa 3%
• Kgalagadi 3%
• White 3%
• Other 1%

Phrase

Key Chobe National Park local phrases in Tswana include:
• Hello - Dumela
• How are you? - O kae?
• I am fine - Ke teng
• Please ' Tsweetswee
• Thank you - Ke a leboga

Vaccinations

Chobe National Park inoculations include:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A & B
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever

Plants

Chobe National Park plants are fairly rich, with a range of vegetation including Bachestegia sandveld, mopane woodland, grasslands, mixed Combretum veld, floodplain grassland and riverine woodland. Much of the woodland has been destroyed by elephants however, which has reduced these areas to scrub regions.

Religion

Chobe National Park religion includes:
• Christian
• Badimo
• Islam

Safety Tips

• Remember that many wildlife can be dangerous, so be cautious during all game activities
• Do not ever leave camp alone on foot, or get out of your car during game drives
• Don’t ever try and touch or feed any of the animals you see ' you may get attacked by nervous or aggressive game
• Avoid swimming in the river, which may have hippos or crocodiles, as well as bilharzias in the water
• Do not leave valuables lying around, rather keep them locked up in the camp safe to avoid temptation

Transport

Chobe National Park local transport options include:
• Plane
• 4x4 safari vehicle

Travel Books

Chobe National Park recommended travel books include:
• Botswana: Okavango Delta, Chobe, Northern Kalahari Bradt Travel Guide by Chris McIntyre
• The Lions and Elephants of the Chobe: Botswana's Untamed Wilderness by Bruce Aiken
• The Mammals of the Southern African Sub-region by J. D. Skinner and Christian T. Chimimba
• Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide by Peter Allison
• Shell map of the Chobe National Park by Veronica Roodt

Visa Requirements

Get more information on visas in Botswana

What To Buy

• Good sturdy backpack and a decent moneybag
• Plug adapter (especially UK and US travelers)
• Malaria medication and vitamins
• Chobe National Park travel book and wildlife/bird guide
• Insect repellent

What To Pack

• Lightweight, loose clothing in neutral colours
• Comfortable walking shoes as well as sandals
• Camera and binoculars, plus spare batteries and film or memory card
• Warm jacket for winter months
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

When To Go

• Chobe National Park offers year-round attractions
• Wildlife around the Savuti region is best during November to May (summer)
• In the riverfront areas game is richest during June to October (winter)
• January and February are the peak tourist months and therefore the busiest months

Wildlife

Chobe National Park wildlife ranks high in the top game stakes in Africa, and with a large number of game ranging from Africa’s Big 5 to huge herds of buffalo, zebras, lechwe, Chobe bushbuck and other species to be found, wildlife is abundant and visitors are guaranteed excellent game sightings.