Chobe River Botswana

The Chobe River marks the boundaries of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It flows down along the north-eastern border of Chobe National Park, Botswana. The River first runs unswervingly south, then at Diyei, (former capital of the Bayei people), it is caught by a rift, drops out onto a swamp and then turns north through Lake Liambezi, finally turning east and passing Kasane before joining the Zambezi at Kazungula. They flow briefly together before spilling over the deep cascade at Victoria Falls.
The Chobe twists and turns through swamps of wide reed and papyrus beds, forming hidden lagoons, which sometimes fill with water lilies. Its south bank interchanges from unwrap flood plains dotted with pans to thick woodlands. Across the river from Botswana lies the Caprivi Strip – and there the scene of grazing cattle contrasts sharply with the scenes of wild animals in the Chobe National Park.
Like the Okavango and Zambezi, the Chobe’s course is affected by fault lines, which are extensions of East Africa’s Great Rift Valley. These three mighty rivers carry more water than all other rivers in Southern Africa. The river hosts Africa’s famous bee-eater and several rare wildlife.
Chobe Accommodation
There are many lodges on the river with wonderful views of the mighty river which is so full now that many decks and braai areas on the riverside are under water. Some of them include Chobe Marina Lodge, Savuti Safari Lodge, Chobe Game Lodge, Kwando Lebala Camp, Chobe Chilwero, Kings Pool Camp, Zarafa Camp, etc.
ACTIVITIES
1.River Cruises – River cruises can be done in a big cruise boat or smaller speed boats. Most of the lodges have their own boats. Day trips to Chobe can be done from the Victoria Falls. Hotels and backpackers in Livingstone (Zambia) or Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe) can organize this for visitors. These river cruises are led by expert guides throughout the day and offer wonderful experiences and somewhat unique ways of viewing the game. At dry season in particular, the wildlife congregate in their thousands at the waters edge to quench their thirst.
2. 4X4 Excursions – Chobe National Park contains an enormous variety of wildlife, some of it completely unique to the park. 4X4 adventures are a fun way to explore the Chobe and you can even take night drives through private concession areas if you want to experience something a bit more unique.
3. Bird Watching – Are you a curious bird watcher who just loves their chirping in their habitats or simply watch them? If yes, then a Bird watching in Chobe is what you should not miss. The Chobe River attracts many species of birds throughout the year. Over 400 species of Chobe River birds have been recorded. The birds are a mixture of inland and water birds, as well as resident and migrant birds. It is an excellent spot to spot migrant water birds from September through to March. This is when water and food are abundant in Chobe. Ardent birders can not miss sight of Owls, Kingfishers, Hornbills, Vultures, Fish Eagle, Robins, Ducks, Doves and Geese.