Why Does the Chobe River Have So Many Elephants?

No safari experience compares to seeing elephants, except perhaps when they are seen from the water. A Chobe river cruise drifts past herds gathering along the riverbank daily. Why indeed does this river draw so much wildlife to it. The answer lies in the river itself,.

WHY DO SO MANY ELEPHANTS GATHER ALONG THE CHOBE?

The Kavango-Zambezi region holds roughly over 225,000 elephants, Africa’s largest savanna population. Chobe’s permanent river becomes the main water source each dry season. Herds travel long distances just to reach its banks. That reliable water draws elephants in numbers rarely seen elsewhere.

WHAT MAKES A RIVER CRUISE THE BEST WAY TO VIEW WILDLIFE?

Boats drift quietly and rarely disturb animals along the riverbank. Guests view elephants, as well as hippos and crocodiles, from a safe, stable platform. Sunsets add an extra special flare, as the river cruises often see herds down to drink at golden hour. That vantage point reveals behavior a vehicle safari usually cannot match due to the floodwaters.

WHAT OTHER WILDLIFE DO GUESTS SEE ON THE CHOBE?

Hippos surface constantly along the river’s calmer channels. Cape buffalo herds graze the floodplain in the early morning. Fish eagles and kingfishers hunt visibly from riverside perches. A single cruise often produces sightings across plenty of species for a keen eyed naturalist.

WHY CHOOSE A CHOBE RIVER CRUISE SAFARI?

You see wildlife gather at the water without waiting in a vehicle. You get closer to elephants than most land routes safely allow. Sunset light over the floodplain adds drama a game drive rarely offers. That combination makes the Chobe one of Africa’s most rewarding river routes.

CAN YOU DO A TRADITIONAL SAFARI ALONG WITH THE CHOBE?

There is an absolute possibility to do a traditional safari along with your river cruise. Select luxury river cruises offer safari either as a part of the journey, or as an extension. CARTE ATLAS can also ensure a safari all your own can occur if you would rather explore the continent outside of the planned itinerary.

WHAT COUNTRIES & EXPERIENCES COULD BE A PART OF A CHOBE RIVER CRUISE?

A Chobe River Cruise will likely take you to the country of South Africa for arrival and departure. The country is a gateway for safaris as well as Winery & Vineyard Tours. The luxury train, Rovos Rails, as well as the iconic Kruger National Park all reside in this country. The Chobe river cruise is the border between Botswana and Namibia with perhaps both countries becoming part of your plans. The wonder that is Victoria Falls lies not far from the river, which could add Zimbabwe as well as Zambia into your list of countries explored. The plains of the Serengeti located in Kenya and Tanzania, while further away, are still a possibility with a traditional safari. And an excursion into Rwanda to enjoy Gorilla Trekking and enjoy these majestic apes in their natural habitat can quickly become a part of the journey as well.

From one grand and major adventure, to a multiple journeys surrounded by a staple icon, your journey to the continent of Africa can begin with a simple yet striking view of watching elephants graze along the river Chobe.

THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION:

The answer is that the Chobe is a dry-season lifeline for one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, drawing herds to its banks daily. With river cruises usually from March to November, there is ample opportunity to view wildlife. We hope you enjoy the benefits of travel on your next trip and the many more to come!

PLAN YOUR CHOBE RIVER CRUISE WITH CARTE ATLAS

Curious what a travel advisor adds to a wildlife-focused trip like this? Read “Why Should You Use a Travel Advisor” for the full picture. Ready to see the Chobe River elephants up close? Schedule your complimentary consultation and let’s start planning your eternal memory of Africa.