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Best time to visit Chobe National Park

Botswana

The best months to visit Chobe National Park are May – Oct. Dry season, animals at the river.

Quick facts

💰 Currency BWP (Pula) USD widely accepted, cards at lodges
🗣 Language English / Setswana English is the official language
🕐 Timezone CAT (UTC+2) No DST
☀️ Best Months May – Oct Dry season, animals at the river
🎒 Daily Budget ~$50–80 USD Budget to mid-range
🛂 Visa Visa-free many 90 days for EU/UK/US/Aus/NZ

When to go

120,000 elephants, river boat safaris at dawn, lion prides on the floodplain, and Africa's greatest wildlife show, all from the gateway town of Kasane.

Health & Safety in Chobe National Park

  • Chobe is in a high malaria zone, so take prophylaxis (Malarone or doxycycline) and use repellent at dawn and dusk
  • Never approach elephants on foot. They are wild and can be aggressive, especially mothers with calves
  • Hippos and crocodiles are in the river, so do not swim. Hippos kill more people in Africa than any other large animal

For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Chobe National Park travel guide.

Timezone: CAT (UTC+2) (No DST)

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Chobe National Park?

The best months to visit Chobe National Park are May – Oct (Dry season, animals at the river), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Chobe National Park budget breakdown.

Find a travel companion for Chobe National Park

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See the full Chobe National Park guide