A family safari in Chobe National Park is an excellent way of retreating from the hustle and bustle of every day life to create special, lifelong memories together in the bush.
For a family visiting Chobe National Park in northern Botswana, there is loads of excitement to be had in the wilderness as well as learning about the fascinating stories of Botswana’s wildlife from local guides. This is one of Southern Africa’s premier wildlife destinations and offers a relatively affordable, ‘soft landing’ for a first-time family safari.
Here are three reasons to take the family on safari to Chobe National Park:
Meet the locals
Elephants leave the Chobe River after enjoying a refreshing swim
Chobe National Park is a stronghold of one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species, the elephant. The park is the playground of approximately 120 000 elephants and it is almost certain that you will see large herds in Serondela frolicking in the cool waters of the Chobe River.
A lioness lies down to rest in Chobe Cational Park
Moving out from the Chobe Riverfront into the surrounding marshes and neighbouring dry woodlands, you will may find big predators like lion, wild dog and leopard. Some of the other mammals to keep an eye out for on your family safari are bushbuck, red lechwe, roan, sable as well as small predators like serval and wild cat.
A hippo shows off the species’ notorious grumpy and aggressive side
The Chobe and Linyanti rivers have impressive numbers of hippos that are partial to a grumpy temperament, even to the toothy crocodiles. Amazing birdlife, particularly aquatic species like the African darter and saddle-billed stork, can be spotted fishing and nesting along the riverfront.
Explore in different ways
A sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River
A river boat cruise will likely be one of the major highlights of your family’s safari in Chobe. As the Chobe River is a permanent water source in Botswana, water safaris are offered throughout the year from most riverside lodges and camps.
A safari by boat gives a different perspective of the Chobe River
From the water, you can really get up close to the animal and bird life that thrive around the river habitat, and they are generally not too concerned by the boats. Of course, a safari in Africa is epitomised by the traditional game drive, which takes you into different equally wildlife-rich areas of the park.
A safari by game drive vehicle in Chobe National Park
There are also exciting day trips to enjoy from Chobe National Park and its closest town, Kasane. You can take the younger kids to witness the natural might of Victoria Falls, while the teenagers can take an exhilarating dip in Devil’s Pool at Livingstone Island.
Stay in family-friendly accommodation
Aerial view of Chobe Safari Lodge overlooking the Chobe River
Chobe Safari Lodge and Chobe Bush Lodge are found in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River, closely neighbouring the park. Both lodges have suites that comfortably accommodate families with children of all ages.
One of the children’s room at Chobe Safari Lodge
At Chobe Safari Lodge, you can book out a family room with separate children’s room consisting of bunk beds. You can feast on indigenous flavours of Africa as well as English and Continental as a la carte and buffet style meals.
The main lodge with swimming pool at Chobe Bush Lodge
Chobe Bush Lodge is conveniently located within eye distance of the Safari Lodge, which allows for easy movement between the two properties. There are four exclusive family rooms that are spacious for four people. Onsite facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant and bar.
Contact us for more information on our family-friendly accommodation in Chobe National Park.
