The Spirit of Chobe
Where the river gathers wildlife in their thousands and every day unfolds around the pulse of the wild.
At A Glance
Collection | Signature Safari Collection |
Journey Type | One Destination Safari |
Destination | Chobe National Park, Botswana |
Recommended Stay | 4–6 Nights |
Choose From | 2 Luxury Lodges |
Nearest Airport/Airstrip | Kasane International Airport (BBK) |
Wildlife Highlights | Large elephant herds, buffalo, lion, leopard, hippo, crocodile, puku and exceptional birdlife |
Ideal For |
|
Fully Customisable | Yes |
Why You'll Love This Safari
The Elephants of Chobe
Few places in Africa are as synonymous with elephants as Chobe. During the dry months, enormous herds gather around the river, creating some of the most spectacular elephant encounters in Southern Africa.
Wildlife Drawn to Water
The Chobe River is the lifeblood of the region. As the surrounding landscape dries, wildlife is drawn towards its permanent waters, creating an extraordinary concentration of animals along the riverfront.
Safari From Land and Water
Chobe gives you two distinctly different ways to experience wildlife. Game drives take you through the woodland and floodplains, while time on the river brings a completely different perspective as elephants, hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds gather along the banks.
A Landscape That Changes With the Seasons
Chobe is never quite the same twice. The dry season concentrates wildlife around the river, while the rains transform the landscape with fresh green growth, migratory birds and new life. The right time to visit depends on the experience you want.
More Than Just Elephants
While the scale of Chobe's elephant population is extraordinary, the destination supports an impressive variety of wildlife. Buffalo, lion, leopard, hippo, crocodile, puku, lechwe, sable, roan and hundreds of bird species all form part of the experience.
The Rhythm of the River
There is something particularly unhurried about a Chobe safari. Mornings begin with the first movement of wildlife, afternoons stretch into golden light and evenings settle along the river as the bush gradually quietens.
Lodges In Our Portfolio
The Spirit of Chobe is built around two carefully selected lodges, each offering a different way to experience this remarkable riverfront wilderness. Whether you prefer the intimacy of sleeping beneath canvas in the heart of the national park or the comfort of a riverside lodge with wildlife and the Chobe River at its doorstep, both properties have been chosen for their exceptional settings, access to outstanding wildlife and distinctly different safari experiences.
&Beyond Chobe Under Canvas
A deeply immersive Chobe experience beneath canvas, where just five tents place you close to the wilderness and the sounds of the bush. Days revolve around game drives, the Chobe River and some of Africa’s largest elephant herds, while evenings are spent around the fire beneath an open sky.
Best Suited For
Couples and honeymooners wanting an intimate safari
Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts
Travellers who want to feel genuinely immersed in nature
Those who prefer a small, intimate camp over a larger lodge
Guests looking for a more adventurous, traditional safari atmosphere
Lodge Atmosphere
Intimate • Immersive • Wild • Adventurous
_JPG.jpg)
Chobe Bakwena Lodge
Set beneath the riverine trees on the banks of the Chobe River, Chobe Bakwena is an intimate eco-lodge where wildlife, river life and local culture come together. Its river-view and elevated treetop chalets are surrounded by indigenous bush, creating a relaxed sense of being immersed in the landscape without sacrificing comfort. Days move between game drives and boat safaris, while village walks and bicycle excursions offer a chance to experience a more personal side of Botswana beyond the wilderness.
Best Suited For
Travellers who value intimate, personal hospitality
Guests interested in responsible and eco-conscious travel
Couples and honeymooners
Families looking for a relaxed safari experience
Travellers who want both wildlife and cultural experiences
Guests who enjoy combining game drives with river safaris
Lodge Atmosphere
Intimate • Eco-Conscious • Riverside • Authentic
Chobe Game Lodge
A classic riverside safari lodge with an enviable position inside Chobe National Park, combining excellent access to the park’s wildlife with the comfort and space of a full-service luxury lodge. Game drives and river cruises make the Chobe River the centre of the experience, while spacious rooms, dining areas, a pool and spa offer an easy place to unwind between adventures.
Best Suited For
Travellers wanting a classic luxury safari lodge
Couples looking for comfort and romance
First-time safari travellers
Guests who enjoy combining wildlife with resort-style comforts
Travellers wanting easy access to both game drives and river safaris
Those combining Chobe with Victoria Falls
Lodge Atmosphere
Classic • Elegant • Riverside • Relaxed
Sample Itinerary
Recommended Stay: 4 Nights | 5 Days
We believe a minimum of four nights is the ideal way to experience Chobe. It gives you time to explore the national park from both land and water, follow wildlife as conditions change and experience the remarkable concentration of elephants, buffalo and other wildlife along the Chobe River.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Kasane International Airport. From there, you'll be transferred to your chosen lodge.
After checking into your room or tent and settling in, enjoy lunch at the lodge before setting off on your first afternoon game drive.
As the afternoon light settles over Chobe, pause for sundowners in the bush before returning to the lodge for an evening of dining.
Inclusions: Airport transfer, lunch, afternoon game drive or river safari, sundowners, dinner.
Days 2-4
Each day begins before sunrise as you head into Chobe in search of elephants, buffalo, predators and the many other species that move through the park, with a stop for freshly brewed coffee and light refreshments in the bush.
Following your morning safari, enjoy breakfast before spending time at leisure, making the most of the lodge's facilities.
Depending on the conditions and your chosen lodge, spend one of your afternoons on the Chobe River, where elephants gather along the banks and hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds bring the river to life.
Lunch is served at the lodge before another afternoon game drive or river safari, ending with sundowners as the day draws to a close and an unforgettable dining experience awaits.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, lunch, afternoon game drive or river safari, sundowners, dinner.
Day 5: Departure
Set out on one final morning game drive, pausing for coffee and refreshments in the bush before enjoying breakfast and checking out.
You'll then transfer to Kasane International Airport, bringing your Chobe safari to a close.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, lunch, airport transfer.
The All Out Safaris Perspective
Chobe is one of those destinations where the landscape dictates the safari.
The river is the constant. In the dry season, it draws huge numbers of elephants, buffalo and other wildlife towards its banks. From the water, you see the same landscape differently: elephants crossing the river, hippos surfacing beside the boat and birds moving through the floodplains.
What we love most about Chobe is that it doesn't need to manufacture a sense of wilderness. You simply spend time beside the river and let the wildlife come to you.
Questions about this safari
Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors to Botswana?
Yes. Chobe is an excellent introduction to Botswana, particularly for travellers who want classic game viewing combined with the chance to explore the Chobe River by boat. Its easy access from Kasane Airport also makes it straightforward to include in a first Botswana itinerary.
Which Chobe lodge should I choose?
That depends on your travel style, budget and priorities. &Beyond Chobe Under Canvas is the more intimate, immersive choice and is particularly suited to couples, photographers and adventurous travellers. Chobe Game Lodge offers more space and traditional lodge comfort, making it a better fit for families or travellers who prefer a more established lodge experience. If you're unsure which is right for you, we'll recommend the option that best matches your travel style and preferences.
When is the best time to visit Chobe?
The dry season from June to October is generally best for concentrated wildlife viewing, particularly around the river. The wetter months bring greener scenery, excellent birding and a different character to the landscape.
Can I do a boat safari in Chobe?
Yes and we recommend it. The river offers a completely different perspective, with opportunities to see elephants or lion coming to drink, hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife alongside the game viewing from land.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Chobe is famous for its enormous elephant herds, but you can also encounter buffalo, lion, leopard, hippo, crocodile, puku, sable, roan and an exceptional variety of birdlife. As always in the bush, sightings are never guaranteed.
How do I book this safari?
Simply complete the enquiry form below. We'll then hop on a consultation call to discuss and prepare a personalised safari proposal with recommended accommodation, itinerary options and pricing for you to review.
Similar Safaris
If The Spirit of Chobe feels like the safari you've been dreaming of, we'd love to help you start planning your journey.
Once we've received your contact request, Josh will set up a consultation call or video meeting to get to know you better.