Home to the most ecologically diverse fauna found in Botswana, Chobe National Park was the country’s first national park and third largest. Often referred to as the ‘Land of the Giants’, it has some of the largest elephant herds and a rich pack of predators that hunt on them.
History
It was established as a National Park in 1967 but steps to preserve the diverse land had started from the 1930s itself. The park was secured and hunting was strictly prohibited. Human activity that fell within the borders were moved out and till date you can see the remains of old timber industries.
The park was originally inhabited by the Basarwa people or the San bushmen, who were nomadic tribes and survived through hunting and gathering. You can see their rock paintings which are present in the hilly regions of the park.
Wildlife
Chobe is renowned all over the world for housing the Kalahari elephant herds, which are the biggest of all elephants. It is believed that an estimate of more than 50,000 elephants reside here. The park is also home to more than 400 species of birds and travelers are often amazed that such diversity can exist here as the climate is dominantly hot and desert-like.
The park can be divided into four major regions based on its geography, and they each house a distinct collection of wildlife.
The Chobe riverfront in the northern region is the most popular spot for tourists and also acts as a watering hole. It is inhabited by the Kalahari elephants, African Buffaloes, giraffes, sables and the puku antelopes. The river also attracts water birds like storks, ducks, bills and ibis.
The Linyanti marsh area consists of the Linyanti river around which there are woodlands, lagoons and floodplains. Here you can find large groups of lions, African wild dogs and leopards, antelopes and bush elephants. You can also find the Nile crocodile in the waters and a rich concentration of birds as well.
The Savuti marsh region consists of extended savannah grasslands which attract a dynamic and rich wildlife. You can spot lions, bush elephants, cheetahs, zebras, warthogs, impala, hyenas and rhinoceroses.
Between the two marshes, there is a vast expanse of extremely dry hinterland which is also the least explored part of the park. There is nothing much exciting to find here apart from groups of elands, which are huge antelopes.
Why should you visit?
If you are a wildlife enthusiast and have long dreamed of an African Safari, then the Chobe National Park is definitely a must visit place. Because of the different ecosystems that the park encompasses, you get to see a wide range of wildlife.
In addition to their world famous budget safaris, the park also offers camping, game drives, river cruises and water based game viewing.
A trip to the Chobe National Park can also be combined with a visit to the Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the biggest waterfall in Africa, given its close proximity.
Well, what are you waiting for? Grab your safari gear and start planning!
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