Chobe wildlife Archives - Under One Botswana Sky Blog

Celebrating 60 Years of Safari at Chobe Safari Lodge

admin — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 12:08:51 +0000

Famous for its outstanding tourism and precious gems, this year Botswana’s essential qualities collide just outside Chobe National Park – 2019 marks the Diamond Jubilee for a heritage property, Chobe Safari Lodge.

Botswana Heritage Stay Celebrates 60 Years of Safari

Images and text courtesy of Botswana’s National Archives.

Kasane’s oldest tourism offering, Chobe Safari Lodge is a landmark establishment on the border of Botswana’s first and oldest national park. Celebrating 60 years of service this year, the iconic riverfront stay has long worn a sign at the entrance announcing a birthdate of 1959.

However, Botswana’s National Archives reveal that the very first hotel application was actually put forward almost 30 years earlier.

Introducing the Chobe River Hotel

Following the successful establishment and prosperous tourism appeal of the Kruger National Park, the vast lands of the Chobe district were officially declared as a non-hunting zone in 1932 by the resident commissioner, Charles Rey, in then-Bechuanaland.

Images and text courtesy of Botswana’s National Archives.

The 80-year old archival letters also divulge early ties to the nearby Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe. Under 100 kilometres away, suggestions recommended the two lodgings link up so that intrepid visitors might relive David Livingstone’s journey to Mosi-oa-Tunya, catch a feisty tiger fish in the mighty Chobe River and explore Botswana’s pristine wilds.
Charles Rey wrote,

“The Kruger Park pays well, so there is no reason why we should not achieve something of the sort. We have several great natural advantages … game of great variety and in large quantities, excellent fishing in the Zambesi and Chobe Rivers; there are mineral hot water springs between Kasane and Kazungula; in the fourth place, we have not got to look for tourists. They already go to the Victoria Falls Hotel, where they have not much to do beyond looking at the falls”.

However, the lasting effects of two world wars and accompanying financial pressures never saw this reality emerge until one Mr Charles Trevor and his wife, Ethnee Holmes à Court, gained interest again in 1959 – the Chobe River Hotel was born.

Images and text courtesy of Botswana’s National Archives.

A brief history of Chobe Safari Lodge

The earliest hotel brochure lists prices in British shillings and states “Tourist Camp, Bar, Al Fresco Restaurant – open” and that nearby, there is “plenty game, bit shy!” A night at the Chobe River Hotel cost just 15 shillings per hut (roughly equivalent to BWP 220 today).

Fortunately, following the independence of Botswana in 1966, the Chobe Game Reserve was officially proclaimed as a National Park in 1968, thus safeguarding the future of this ‘shy game’.

“Unspoilt Botswana!” declares a later, 44-year old brochure. “The expansive Chobe National Park, teeming with free-roaming wildlife. Here is the Africa of your dreams!”. From May 1972, the hotel was known as Chobe Safari Lodge, “Botswana’s year around safari resort”.

Images and text courtesy of Botswana’s National Archives.

Many things change, but mercifully, many things don’t. What began as a distant outpost in northern Botswana has transformed into a thriving tourist hub. Kasane has mushroomed in the 60 years since the town’s first hotel opened for business. Today there are over 30 accommodation options in town. However, Chobe National Park remains a wildlife haven harbouring Botswana’s densest concentration of wildlife.

Chobe Safari Lodge today

Home to the unusual African Quadripoint – the only place in the world where four countries meet – and famed as the unofficial elephant capital of Botswana, Kasane and the wider Chobe region continues to lure globetrotters. Where else on earth can one see elephants snorkelling across the water and witness the wild on an afternoon river safari? Precious Puku find safety on the floodplains and the unique African Skimmers shelter on riverine island sandbanks. The handsome and endemic Chobe Bushbuck still treads between the chalets at Chobe Safari Lodge and warthogs mow across the lawns too.

A Chobe Bushbuck at Chobe Safari Lodge.

Those early ties with Victoria Falls still continue. Visitors today keep enjoying easy day trips to the magnificent World Wonder in neighbouring Zimbabwe. This regional consolidation can only strengthen more with the enterprising construction of the new Kazungula Bridge into Zambia and further fortify with the introduction of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Area (KAZA) visa.

There are eight original rondavels at Chobe Safari Lodge.

Chobe Safari Lodge remains the ideal expedition base for forays into Botswana’s first national park. Founded in 1959, what started as six simple chalets now boasts 81 rooms combining convenience with quality. You can still book into one of the original 1960’s era rondavels. Each unit is modern on the inside but retains a traditional safari feel on the outside. They are also blessed with views over the enchanting Chobe River.

Newly revamped, the interiors of the rondavels have been modernised.

A hippo’s lifespan is typically 40–50 years. Maybe this one remembers older days on the Chobe River.

Stay at Chobe Safari Lodge

A true, trusted establishment in Kasane, Chobe Safari Lodge has helped travellers explore Chobe National Park for 60 years. Set up to overlook the charming Chobe riverfront, this lodge is the only one in town sharing a border with Chobe National Park. The Chobe Safari Lodge has been under its current ownership since 1989 – a coincidental anniversary of 20 years. The stylish Chobe Bush Lodge has since joined the Under One Botswana Sky collection, opening doors in 2015. Chobe Bush Lodge features more contemporary design and is a more intimate, modern stay. Riverine views are a short walk away and the quieter setting offers a more relaxed stay.

Also read: 5 Unusual Things to do in Chobe

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The Magic of Botswana Photo Contest Winners

admin — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 08:06:43 +0000

The Magic of Botswana photo contest celebrating Botswana as the ultimate safari destination has come to an end.

The Under One Botswana Sky team is happy to announce the worthy winners of The Magic of Botswana Photo Contest. It was not an easy task picking the winning photos as all the entries captured the true essence and magic of Botswana perfectly.

Here are the winning photos:

Third Place

Picture by Andrew Barton

Picture by Andrew Barton captured on safari at Chobe Safari Lodge. Andrew won a canvas print of this incredible picture.

Second Place

Picture by Mario Madl

Picture by Mario Madl while staying at Chobe Bush Lodge. Mario won two nights for 2 people sharing at one of our properties.

And the winning picture…

Picture by Jacques Hansel

This 1^st place photo was captured by the talented Jacques Hansel while on safari at Pom Pom Camp. Jacques won two nights at two different Under One Botswana Sky properties – four nights total for 2 people sharing.

Congratulations to the winners! The team will be in contact with you soon.

Thank you for all the awe-inspiring photo entries Under One Botswana Sky has received.

Have a look at all the entries here.

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A Little Getaway of Epic Proportions

admin — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 11:45:13 +0000

The best part about a quick Botswana getaway is that one moment you’re in Jo’burg, the next you’re tracking leopards through pristine wilderness.

The cryptic message crackled through the Land Rover’s radio. Andries, our driver and guide, turned to us with a grin. “Ingwe is the local name for leopard,” he beamed, “let’s go find it.” The next 15 minutes were spent ducking acacia thorns and holding on for dear life, as Andries went ‘off piste’ through the African bundu. It was a far cry from the frenetic streets of Jo’burg, where – we had to keep reminding ourselves – we had been sitting in a traffic jam only 4 hours earlier.

Leopards are notoriously difficult to lay eyes on. Yet we were in the Sabi Sands, one of the world’s most famous private game reserves, where these usually elusive cats tend to be a little more obliging. Despite knowing this, we were still completely shocked when Andries pulled up beside a large ant hill and casually pointed out a beautiful young Ingwe catching some late afternoon rays. It was a privilege to be in the company of such a magnificent animal, and much clicking of Nikons ensued. We then headed off to attend to some G&Ts. The Sabi Sands and its leopards weren’t done showing off, however, and before we were able to find a suitable sundowner spot, we came across an old, dominant male meditating under a tree.

We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the trip – a 4-day adventure that would see us flying with SA Airlink from Johannesburg to the Sabi Sands, up to Livingstone and Victoria Falls, and finally to Botswana’s incomparable Chobe National Park.

After crossing the Zambezi (and border) at Kazungula, we checked into the awesome Chobe Bush Lodge, a relatively new extension of the venerable old Chobe Safari Lodge, which opened in 1959. Although set back a little from the river, the Bush Lodge offers great value, a chilled atmosphere, and is the perfect base from which to hop onto a boat cruise or game drive into the park. Kasane is also so close to Victoria Falls and Livingstone, that you could easily pop across there for a day trip.

The section of the Chobe river just upstream of the lodge might be as close to paradise as we’ve ever come. Sure, there are a few more boats on the water than there used to be, but you can understand why people from all over the world flock here. A boat trip up the river in the late afternoon has got to be one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles on the African continent. Elephants come down to the water’s edge in their hundreds, where they’re joined by huge herds of buffalo, giraffe, a multitude of antelope, crocs, hippos, and a staggering array of waterbirds. In July, when the water levels start dropping, herds of elephants often swim across the channels to feed on the lush islands. If you’re lucky enough to intercept one of these crossings, trust us, it’s a sight that will live with you forever.

Sitting in Kasane’s airport the next day, waiting to board our flight home – our 5th Airlink flight in four days – we tried to process everything that we had just experienced. Ordinarily we would’ve driven up to this part of the world in our trusty Landy, Andy, a journey that takes around two days each way. With the detour through the Sabi Sands, we’d have needed at least nine or ten days to see and do everything we’d just done. The magic of flying is how instantly it connects you to such diverse experiences. One moment you’re in Jo’burg, the next you’re tracking leopards through pristine wilderness. The next thing you know you’re floating down the Zambezi in a canoe, peering over the edge of Victoria Falls, or rafting the rapids in the gorge below. You could be sipping a G&T while watching a herd of elephants crossing the Chobe river at sunset, and be back in the office the next afternoon. Don’t worry, Andy, we’re not going to desert you just yet. But we’ll definitely be doing a few more of these epic little getaways in the years to come.

Read the full article here: Pass The Map

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24Hours in Kasane: Monkeys, Warthogs and Elephant-eating Dogs

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 12:36:01 +0000

Fly Airlink sent Anna-Belle from shesaid.co.za and me on a whirlwind 24-hour trip to Kasane, Botswana, as part of a campaign to promote Airlink’s flights around Southern Africa.

Kasane — which is approximately 90 minutes by plane from Joburg — is a tiny town whose main claim to fame is Chobe National Park. (Read my 2013 post about another whirlwind trip to Chobe.) We stayed at the Chobe Safari Lodge, which is just a few minutes outside the park on the banks of the Chobe River.

While it would have been nice to spend more time in Kasane, I did a surprising number of interesting things in the short time that I was there:

1) Took a nap in my beautiful room at the lodge, under the mosquito net.

Even though my room was air-conditioned and I never saw a single mosquito at the lodge, there is something romantic about sleeping under a mosquito net.

2) Walked around the grounds of the lodge, which was a mini safari unto itself.

Vervet monkeys frolicking on the grounds of the lodge. They’re very cute and fun to watch; just make sure you keep the door to your room closed or they will definitely come inside and help themselves to anything edible.

A baby banded mongoose. There were tons of these foraging for food around the hotel.

A warthog family grazing in front of the lodge. I love how they get down on their front elbows to forage in the grass. I also spotted a similar warthog family hanging out in a laundry alcove directly outside my door.

3) Watched an incredible sunset.

4) Took a dinner cruise.

Chobe Safari Lodge offers lovely evening dinner cruises on the river. The food was really good and the view of the stars from the top of the boat was incredible.

5) Went on a morning game drive.

In the morning we took a game drive into the park. One of my favorite scenes of the morning was this large herd of impala grazing under a tree in the early morning light.

This portion of Chobe National Park is packed with hundreds, even thousands, of elephants during the afternoon. (See my 2013 Chobe post for more on that.) But we actually saw very few elephants on our morning drive. Apparently the elephants tend to stay deep in the bush in the morning, and then head toward the river as the day wears on and the temperature rises. So if you visit Chobe, be sure to schedule at least one game drive in the afternoon. Anyway, we did glimpse a few elephants that morning, including this scared youngster who seemed to have become separated from his family.
And now, for the most amazing moment of the game drive. The next photo could be disturbing for some people so take heed.

This elephant died the day before our game drive, most likely due to disease. We drove past it once, early on in the drive, and the elephant was surrounded by vultures. But later on the carcass was discovered by this pack of African wild dogs and we rushed back to see. I’ve never seen African wild dogs in the wild before and the sight was truly incredible. They looked and behaved so much like domesticated dogs, except, of course, for the fact that they were ripping into the flesh of a dead elephant and spraying blood everywhere.

6) Ate a local lunch.

After our game drive, Anna-Belle and I skipped the lodge’s breakfast buffet and went up the road to a local guesthouse/restaurant called the Old House. This was such a cute place and I would definitely recommend eating and staying there. The fish and chips were delicious and the fish came right from the river.

And then, alas, it was time to fly home. My only regret is that we didn’t have time to take a daytime river safari; I did that the last time I was in Kasane and I’ve never seen so many crocodiles and hippos. Otherwise, this was a fantastic little getaway.

Originally published on 2Summers.

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Championing the Chobe National Park

admin — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 10:21:48 +0000

The Chobe National Park is the third largest conservation area in Botswana, covering an enormous area of approximately 10,960km². The park has been divided into wildlife management areas without fencing, a concept that allows for conservation and the free roam of wildlife within these areas. This open environment allows visitors a more authentic wilderness experience, exploring the natural behaviour and movement of Botswana’s wildlife.

Here are our top 5 reasons why you should visit Chobe National Park:

1. The river

The park takes its name from the Chobe River that forms the northern boundary of Botswana. The influence of the river means that this is an area of natural abundance of both flora and fauna and the vegetation varies from lush floodplains in the north to scorched Savuti marshland in the south. The northern part of the Chobe is unique because it lies next to the Chobe River for almost 60km, allowing for second-to-none game viewing along the Chobe River drive.

2. The wildlife

Where there is water, there is wildlife. The Chobe National Park is teeming with wildlife and is renown for being one of the top wildlife reserves in the world. Large herds of buffalo and elephant gather at the water’s edge, raptors nest on the river banks and birds of all shapes and sizes dart up and down the river highways. With such an incredible wealth of species, Chobe is the ideal place to experience the African wilderness. Prepare your eyes for a visual feast of wildlife encounters, including even two antelope species rarely encountered elsewhere in Botswana – the puku and the Chobe bushbuck.

3. The predators

With such a melting pot of game in the area Chobe has attracted the presence of a significantly large lion population. The lions contend with other predators in the area such as hyena, leopard, African wild dog, civet and caracal.

4. The birds

Chobe is a haven for birding enthusiasts with striking colonies of carmine bee-eaters building their nests in the exposed sandy banks of the river. Water and migratory birds gather in their thousands near the water’s edge and the haunting call of the fish eagle can often be heard echoing over the river.

5. The activities

Chobe National Park offers an array of day and nighttime activities, including boat cruises, game drives, fishing, traditional village tours and day tours to the Victoria Falls.

Win a trip to Chobe Bush Lodge

There are almost too many reasons to visit Chobe National Park, and with that in mind we’d like to draw your attention to a competition Airlink is running in conjunction with Chobe Bush Lodge.

Chobe Bush lodge is located in Kasane directly on the border of Chobe National Park, where four African countries meet (Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia), making it an excellent gateway location to the area’s popular destinations; Chobe, Victoria Falls and Caprivi.

The best part about Chobe Bush Lodge is that this experience could be YOURS. Find out about our competition to win a weekend getaway for two to Chobe with flights provided by Airlink!

Originally published on the Africa Geographic blog.

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Jaini’s African Adventures | Chobe, Botswana

admin — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 12:58:48 +0000

The bus had stopped at the banks of a river and everyone, but I, hopped out. I glanced out of the window just in time to see some local Zambians putting our luggage, oh and there goes my dismantled wheelchair and the packed battery crate into a small boat. Dad climbed inside and said, “Okay Jaini, we have to cross the river to get to Botswana!”

“Okay,” I calmly responded. But in my head, here I was panicking as I hyper-analyzed how despite my in-depth research, I had somehow missed out the fact that I had to cross a river to get to my final destination.

In a few minutes, I transferred onto the manual wheelchair that our Batswana tour company, Bushtrack Safaris, had so kindly provided us with. Then some local Zambian vendors, along with Dad and his friends helped lift me onto the boat. Once everyone had settled inside, we set sail to towards Botswana.

As I waited with anticipation for the next leg of our voyage, I recollected about how I ended up here…

A few months ago, Dad sent a Whatsapp message asking if we would like to go to the Victoria Falls over Christmas. Of course, as soon as I saw it, I could only reply with one word: “YES!!” Somehow, over the course of time, the plan evolved to spending two nights in Chobe, Botswana and then two nights in Livingstone, Zambia with my dad’s friend’s family.

Fast forward to a sunny December morning, four weeks ago, we were all up at 6AM completing all the last-minute packing before we headed to the airport at 9AM.

In 45 minutes, we were already at the airport (YAY! Nairobi sans traffic makes traveling by car so quick and easy). It was two days till Christmas and so the city was quiet. I had checked in everyone but myself (due to my wheelchair issues) so check-in was a breeze. The only thing that had to be sorted out was checking in my electronic wheelchair. It is always such a hassle, everywhere I travel, no matter the destination.

Checking in didn’t take too long; we headed to the Java House and grabbed a bite to eat. Soon after, we boarded the plane and at 12:30PM, we took off.

Three hours and an uneventful flight later, we landed at the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, formerly known as the Livingstone Airport in Livingstone, Zambia at 2:30PM local time. Since we were the only flight at that time, the immigration process was a breeze.

It was sweltering hot (I’m talking about 30 degrees Celsius) and humid in Livingstone. We walked out of the airport and immediately boarded an air-conditioned bus (#Blessed) provided by Bushtrack Safaris at 3:30PM and excitedly headed to Kazungula at the border of Zambia.

Once we got there, Dad and his friend went to deal with the customs, while we waited in the car. Then, everyone hopped off as we approached the mighty Zambezi River. Running for 2700 kilometers, the river flows through six African countries, starting in Zambia flowing through Angola, along the Namibian and Botswana border. It then leads to its most notable feature, the world-renown Victoria Falls, at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, before crossing through Mozambique to the Indian Ocean.

As we sailed along the river, I spotted a few hippos in the distance. Seeing the hippos I assumed that the river was not deep, however, the boat captain said that the 400 meters wide river was also 32 meters deep.

We crossed over to Botswana in a few minutes and there was another bus waiting for us on the riverbanks. While the others went through the immigration customs in the little town of Kazungula (Yes! The border town of Botswana is also called Kazungula), I waited in the bus. However, my dad’s friends were forced to return to Zambia as they were denied entry into Botswana.

We then drove towards the small town of Kasane, in the Chobe District to the Chobe Safari Lodge where we were staying for two nights. On the way there, Diva told me that they had to go through a foot and mouth disease test because the disease is very common in the country, where beef is a primary export. This test is essential for the Botswana officials because cows and buffalos, which they have in abundance, are the main carriers of the disease.

As we drove through Kasane, a small town of just 15,000 people, we spotted several elephant dung on the road whilst driving by several lodges. We then spotted a few elephants by the roadside. We hadn’t even reached the national park, but we had already started seeing some game.

In less than fifteen minutes, we arrived at the Chobe Safari Lodge. As soon as we stepped into the reception, we were welcomed with some refreshing fruit mocktails. Whereas Mom and Dad checked in, Diva and I being 21st-century globetrotters, quickly accessed the Wi-Fi to check in with friends and family.

The Chobe Safari Lodge is situated four kilometers (seven minutes) away from the Chobe National Park and is located literally on the Chobe River. The wooden structure of the lodge reminded me of the Kenyan lodges. Before we checked out the hotel, which was decorated with the traditional mokoros (traditional dug-out canoe used by the fishermen of the Okavango Delta) that were repurposed as both furniture, such as lounge chairs and wine racks, we headed straight to our rooms.

We had booked the Safari rooms that overlooked the Chobe River and were equipped with the luxuries of air-conditioning, TV and en-suite bath and shower facilities. With its own patio per room, two double beds filled out the room, whilst still giving me enough space to move around. The lodge also had river rooms that were simply larger and offered more privacy. In addition to that, the lodge also offered a few, Kenyan-style luxurious camping tents and the traditional thatched rondavels (African-style huts where visitors can stay in).

After lounging around, we headed for dinner at around 8PM, we went for dinner. The reception led to the lounge beside the Sedudu Bar. Just next to the lounge, was the open-air buffet-style restaurant overlooking the Chobe River. Below the restaurant was the pool deck, which then lead to a jetty that headed straight down to the river.

It was still humid at night so eating dinner under the open cover was lovely. However, as vegetarians we did not have many food options to choose from.

After a lackluster dining experience, we sat at the Sedudu Bar, where I ordered the Springbok shooter, composed of half crème de menthe and half Amarula, popular in South Africa. It was both tasting delicious and looked appealing. YUM!

And so that was the end of the first day of my southern African adventure.

The next day, we woke up at 5:30AM, to get to the car, an open land cruiser (provided by the lodge), by 6AM. In less than seven minutes, we had arrived at the Sedudu gate of Chobe National Park. Established in 1968, covering approximately 11,700 square kilometers, the park consists of four main areas: the Chobe Riverfront, the Ngwezumba pans, Savuti and Linyanti marsh areas. The most popular area is the riverfront, where most of the game is viewed.

The Chobe Riverfront park area has three routes that park entrants can access: the River Bank Route, the Upper Route and the Nogatshaa Route. Our driver chose the River Bank Route, where we followed the road along the length of the Chobe River. As soon as we drove in, in a few minutes, we spotted a few baboons, impalas and a pair of jackal cubs.

I noticed the whole park was flourishing with plenty of lush, green foliage. The guide explained that the rains had arrived, so all life had bloomed in the park. This also meant that most animals had recently given birth to their offsprings. Since the park was not fenced, most of the game had moved away from the usually crowded river area, as food was available everywhere in abundance. However, as if to answer my main worry, he said that that this is a great time to see elephants as they converge by the river.

We saw several elephants just by the car on the road, and some down by the river. As we drove along, we also spotted a monitor lizard. I had never seen one that huge. We also spotted some hippos and crocodiles in the ponds by the river.

After driving by the river for two hours or so, we stopped for a rest break at a designated “Stretch Point”. The driver and guide laid out a spread of tea, coffee, and rusks on the car bonnet. I was ravenous and so glad that Mom had packed a few snacks, too.

We then were back at the lodge by 9AM, and we headed straight for breakfast. I was famished and couldn’t wait to indulge in the fresh fruit, eggs, waffles and the assortment of bread laid out in the buffet.

Stuffed to the core, we all headed back to the rooms and showered. Then emerging at 11AM, we headed over to the gift shop at the reception. After a few minutes just browsing, we walked over to the Waterfront Mall, literally just two minutes down the road. But it was so hot and humid, that those two minutes felt excruciatingly long because of the scorching heat.

The mall, that really was a tiny shopping center, had one supermarket, Choppies, and a few small shops including a forex bureau, a boutique, and a few clothing stores. We walked into Choppies to buy a few more snacks. The South African chain supermarket was crowded as it was just one of the three supermarkets in this tiny town.
After buying a few snacks, sodas and the Wellington’s Sweet Chilli Sauce (a to-die-for condiment that we have fallen in love since discovering it in South Africa, a few years ago), we headed back to the lodge walking, along the smooth, pothole-less road. There were barely any cars around Kasane.

Right outside the lodge was a Crafts Centre. We stepped inside for two reasons. One, air-conditioning. Two, to look for some Batswana souvenirs. The center sold a wide array of pots and baskets, bead, ceramic and stone jewelry and we admired some beautiful wooden carvings, however most of the items there were somewhat similar to what we get from the Kenyan Masaai markets. This led us back to the gift shop, where we picked up a fridge magnet (you can never have too many) and these beautiful bracelets.

And we headed straight to the room to relax till the next activity.

Originally published on Jaini’s Diaries.

The post Jaini’s African Adventures | Chobe, Botswana appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

Chobe National Park

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 12:54:32 +0000

I had always wanted to get to the great game parks of Botswana which include the Kalahari, Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park but the only legitimately easy, albeit expensive way to get there was flying from Johannesburg. From Livingstone, Zambia however, it is only an hour drive or so and a day trip will run you $135 and that’s a steal for what you get! I jumped on the opportunity I didn’t think I would have this trip and Chobe National Park and its unreal stock of elephants and beautiful waterways didn’t disappoint.

I left Fawlty Towers with my Dutch friend at 7am for the hour drive and ferry across to Botswana. From there it was another 10km or so to Kasane and the Chobe Safari Lodge. The Lodge was the base for the Safari which included breakfast, lunch and drinks plus a 3 hour boat cruise safari and a 3 hour game drive in a nice safari mobile Land Cruiser which can comfortably seat 10.

There were 8 people all together in my vehicle and we combined with another car of a large bilingual German family living in Zambia. The other people in my car were a South African family with two very smart and adorable children and two Italian Nationals living in Mozambique. Everyone was very nice and we shared a nice lunch together at the lodge between the morning cruise and the afternoon game drive.

The morning cruise was probably my favorite part. First, I love boat trips. Second, the relaxed atmosphere and amazing scenery made the boat trip really fun. We got up close and personal with a medium sized alligator as you can see although I am convinced he was full size because he was massive. We saw a ton of hippos and cool birds, although bird watching is not really my thing but the South African kids’ enthusiasm made it better.

Finally, we got some great views of a family of elephants drinking and washing at the river’s edge. This was really cool to see from the water because you really got to see how they work to get their water and to make sure the baby is cool, washed and gets enough water. They work as a unit.

But perhaps most surprisingly to me and a nice little added bonus was that we got an unexpected landing on the Caprivi Strip in Namibia. After some light pestering of the tour guide I convinced him to land us in Namibia, albeit illegally, but there was nobody around to see. So I was in Namibia which I had originally planned to save until next trip to do with Angola and I still will because there is a ton in Namibia I want to do but it was a nice little surprise to land on the Caprivi Strip as you don’t realize how far the arm of Namibia extends eastward.

After lunch we headed out on our game drive that lasted about 3 hours. If you’ve ever been on safari before, you’ll know this is about the perfect amount of time for a drive because you will see a lot of animals and you won’t get bored. I had always heard good things about Chobe National Park and what I found out id that they have more elephants in Chobe than I think any other park-they have more than 50,000 and I think I saw every one of them!

There were so many elephants that at one point you didn’t even pay attention to them. However, the beautiful landscapes with waterway backdrops gave Chobe an amazing look and made it very unique from the other big African Parks I’ve done safaris at. Some of the views of the elephants and gazelles, along with warthogs and monkeys across the Chobe Savannah were breathtaking. The light and vast landscapes made it very memorable to see.

We also had some cool run-ins with elephants along the truck path as they are very protective and we were charged and elephant roared at several times. Elephant roared at is my term for the noise elephants make when they’re pissed off at you and the flail their ears out and mount a charge. These elephants are absolutely massive and wild and you never know what they’re going to do so it’s a little worrisome. But alas, they never do make contact with the car; it’s generally just a threat to let you know not to mess with them.

Aside from thousands (literally) of elephants we only saw one other big 5 member and that was one solitary female lion who was resting in the shade of the hot afternoon. She was just chilling as we snapped pictures but it was nice to find a lion as they are always cool to see whether they are prowling or just resting.

Aside from that, we saw several warthog families, antelopes, waterbucks, lizards, birds, monkeys, baboons, giraffes and even a really cool dung beetle (above) but we didn’t see the remaining big 5 members (buffaloes, leopards or rhinos-which Chobe has none of) or even any wildebeests or zebras which normally you see a million of in the other parks I’ve been to. However, I will remember Chobe for the vast amounts of elephants and the great landscapes that are relatively unique to this part of Africa. It is much drier up by the equator in the great parks of Kenya and Tanzania which leads to the great migration each year but here it is lush and wet and there is plenty of water.

Chobe National Park lies within Botswana on the intersection of four countries; Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana and is a great place to see elephants and some great African vistas. If you head up to Victoria Falls or to Livingstone to see the Falls, definitely take a side trip an hour away to Chobe. My only advice would be to get multiple entry visas to both Zambia and Zimbabwe, depending on which way you enter from and leave.

Originally published on the Lee Abbamonte blog.

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