Discovering Chobe National Park
My safari experience in Botswana took place in Chobe National Park, one of the most iconic and wildlife-rich national parks in the country. Chobe is often considered a true giant of Botswana, and for good reason. The park is famous for its vast landscapes, incredible biodiversity, and especially its large elephant population. Located in the north of Botswana, near the border with Namibia and Zambia, Chobe plays a crucial role in the country’s ecosystem.
What makes Chobe so special is its sheer size and diversity. From riverfront areas to open plains and forested regions, the park offers a constantly changing scenery. It feels wild, untouched, and incredibly alive. Unlike some other safari destinations, Chobe feels raw and unpredictable, which makes every game drive unique. The park is also known for its high concentration of animals, meaning sightings can happen quickly and unexpectedly.
For many travelers, Chobe National Park is a highlight of any Botswana itinerary, and after spending a full day on safari there, I completely understand why. This was not just a safari — it was an immersion into nature at its purest.
The Morning
The day started early, just as a safari day should. After a good breakfast at our campsite, we walked over to the reception area. There, we were greeted by our tour guide for the day, who would be taking us on a full-day game drive from morning until sunset.
We were incredibly lucky, as the safari vehicle ended up being just the three of us — essentially a private game drive, which made the experience even more personal and relaxed. Our guide was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, instantly making us feel comfortable and excited for the day ahead.
After a short drive, we arrived at the entrance of Chobe National Park, where the real adventure began.
First Impressions of Chobe National Park
The moment we entered Chobe National Park, the scenery completely blew us away. Everything felt lush, green, and almost Jurassic Park-like. It was a total contrast to places like Etosha National Park, which is much drier and flatter.
Chobe is far more hilly, with dense vegetation, tall trees, and thick bushland. The landscape feels layered and alive, offering endless places for wildlife to hide and roam freely. It immediately felt like the perfect environment for a safari.
What stood out right away was the abundance of animals. Within minutes of entering the park, we were already spotting wildlife on both sides of the road. It felt unreal — like the park was welcoming us with open arms.
In Search of the Lion
Like many safari travelers, we dreamed of seeing the Big Five, but the lion was at the very top of our list. With that goal in mind, we continued deeper into the park, eyes constantly scanning the surroundings.
To our surprise, it didn’t take long at all. Within the first hour, we spotted our first lion. The excitement was unreal. And it only got better.
At one point, we found a group of lions resting together, relaxing in the shade of a bush. They were completely calm, sleeping and enjoying the afternoon, completely unfazed by our presence. Watching them in such a peaceful moment was truly unforgettable and one of the highlights of our time in Chobe National Park.
An Unforgettable Safari Experience
As we continued driving, the landscapes kept changing. Wide open plains suddenly turned into rolling hills, followed by greener, denser areas. Chobe felt like a perfect combination of different ecosystems, all blending into one another.
Along the way, we encountered massive herds of African buffalo, another member of the Big Five. They were standing in the water, covered in mud, cooling off and completely owning their space. The sheer size and power of these animals were impressive to witness up close.
Every turn brought something new — gazelles grazing peacefully, zebras crossing the road, and birds filling the sky. It felt like a never-ending discovery.
A Shocking Moment at the Water
At one point, we noticed some unusual movement near the water. Something felt off, and our guide slowed down. Suddenly, we realized what was happening right in front of us.
A crocodile was feeding on a gazelle, right before our eyes. It was raw, intense, and incredibly real — like watching a live episode of a wildlife documentary. A true Discovery Channel moment.
It was shocking, fascinating, and humbling all at once. Moments like these remind you that you are truly in the wild, where nature follows its own rules.
Sunset and the Journey Back
As the day slowly moved toward sunset, the atmosphere changed. Animals began making their way toward water sources, creating even more opportunities for sightings. The golden light made everything feel magical.
We gradually made our way back toward the campsite, spotting more wildlife along the way. When we arrived, the sun was setting beautifully behind the landscape. Behind our campsite was a waterhole, visible from a terrace area. Sitting there with a coffee, we watched animals arrive one by one.
The elephants came first, followed by smaller animals, all respecting the natural hierarchy. In the distance, jackals could be seen moving around, their eerie laughter echoing through the air. It was peaceful, thrilling, and surreal at the same time.
Barbecue with the Lion
As evening set in, we prepared for a barbecue at the campsite. It’s important to mention that Chobe National Park has no fences — the park is completely open, and so is the camping area. You are truly sharing the land with wildlife.
While our hamburgers were cooking, we suddenly heard it. A lion’s roar in the distance. A real one. Instantly, adrenaline kicked in. It was dark, and although we had a good flashlight, the situation felt intense.
We quickly climbed up into our rooftop tent, leaving the barbecue behind for a moment. After waiting about ten minutes and carefully checking our surroundings, we climbed back down. Thankfully, the burgers were still fine — not burned at all.
That moment perfectly summed up our day: thrilling, wild, and unforgettable.
👉 Check also the Travel checklist for Botswana!
