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The park is divided into four
noticeably different eco systems: Serondela with its
lush plains and dense forests in the Chobe River
area in the extreme north-east; the Savuti Marsh in
the west about fifty kilometres north of Mababe
gate; the Linyanti Swamps in the north-west and the
hot dry hinterland in between. The
Chobe National Park, is the second largest national
park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square kilometres,
has one of the greatest concentrations of game found
on the African continent. Its uniqueness in the
abundance of wildlife and the true African nature of
the region, offers a safari experience of a
lifetime. A foremost feature of
Chobe National Park is its elephant population. The
Chobe elephant comprise part of what is probably the
largest surviving continuous elephant population.
This population covers most of northern Botswana
plus northwestern Zimbabwe. The Botswana's elephant
population is currently estimated at around 120,000.
The Chobe elephant are migratory, making seasonal
movements of up to 200 kilometres from the Chobe and
Linyanti rivers, where they concentrate in the dry
season, to the pans in the southeast of the park, to
which they disperse in the rains. The elephants, in
this area have the distinction of being the largest
in body size of all living elephants though the
ivory is brittle and you will not see many huge
tuskers among these rangy monsters.
Public camping grounds are situated within Chobe at
Ihaha, Savuti and Linyanti with toilet and shower
facilities available. Each of these camping grounds
has its own unique character and a visit to each is
recommended - however, it is once again stressed
that a four-wheel drive vehicle is essential.
Often described as one of, if not
the best, wildlife-viewing area in Africa today.
Savuti boasts one of the highest concentrations of
wildlife left on the African continent. Animals are
present during all seasons, and at certain times of
the year their numbers can be staggering.
In the furthest corner of Chobe
National Park lies the forgotten paradise of
Linyanti. Secluded and uncrowded, this short strip
of swampy river frontage is reminiscent of the
Okavango's permanent waterways with papyrus-lined
lagoons, reed-beds and a towering canopy of trees.
Game viewing is at its best during the dry season,
when the majority of natural pans have dried up, and
it is wise to avoid the Chobe River front during the
heavy rains from January to March. |
