Chobe National Park, Botswana (boat cruise)

Chobe National Park safari cruise

Within five minutes on the safari cruise on the Chobe River, I saw the elephants on the river bank.

Along the riverbank in Chobe National Park
Along the riverbank in Chobe National Park

Having walked in the Okavanago for three days prior in search of elephants, I had been happy seeing one up close.  Here in Chobe, they were everywhere – on the banks of the river, swimming in the river, on the island – just everywhere.   I would later read that Chobe has one of the highest concentration of elephants, so if you like elephants, this is the place to go – add Botswana to your safari list now!

Time for a swim in Chobe River
Time for a swim in Chobe River
A bit of a water hazard in the water at Chobe
A bit of a water hazard in the water at Chobe

The sunset safari cruise navigated the river in and out of the slight channels along the island – the island provides a safety zone for animals, at least those that can swim to it.  I was hard pressed to figure out where to look and what to photo as there were so many animals – such a different experience from the Okavango.  I was on animal overload.

Animals everywhere you look
Animals everywhere you look

and my friends the hippos

Hippo - Chobe River
Hippo – Chobe River
The gang's all here
The gang’s all here

 

Hippos at play
Hippos at play

The hippos were behind the boat so we stayed and waited them out before the boat could move (this time I was on a bigger boat thankfully!).  The safari cruise then continued around the island with animals on land, in the water and on the shore.

Cape Buffalo and friend
Cape Buffalo and friend
What big (and sharp) teeth you have!
What big (and sharp) teeth you have!

As the sun was starting to set the animals were beginning to leave the island which timed perfectly for our boat to head back to the hotel dock.  With the excitement over for the day (i started walking in the Okavango Delta seeing the zebras and circle of life, flew to Chobe in the dust and finished with a safari cruise), I could sit back, relax and watch the sunset.

Sunset at Chobe
Sunset at Chobe

 

4 thoughts on “Chobe National Park, Botswana (boat cruise)

  1. I am interested in the “boat safari” you took in Chobe. What was the boat you went on and the cost? Did you book direct or through a TA?

    1. Susie – I stayed at the Chobe Safari Lodge and the boat cruise was included as part of the room package that the TA, Rhino Africa, booked for me. My understanding is that you can book the cruise direct with the hotel. I’m not sure of the cost as it was included in the stay.

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