When it comes to wildlife, there’s no doubt that Africa boasts an embarrassment of riches, from the ‘Big Five’ to the multitudes of Wildebeest and Zebra navigating the Great Migration to the last remaining populations of Mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda.
But if Lion is the most feared amongst these, the mighty African elephant is surely one of the most revered. And for those really hankering for a truly unforgettable pachyderm experience, one of the best places to see these mighty giants in the wild is Botswana’s Chobe National Park.
Where is Chobe National Park?
Located in the north of Botswana along the Chobe River bordering Namibia, Chobe National Park is home to world’s largest remaining population of elephants (estimated to be around 100,000), making an elephant encounter here all but guaranteed.
How do I get there?
While Chobe is accessible by road and air, most visitors take the 90-minute flight from Botswana’s capital Maun to the international airport at nearby Kasane. Alternatively, both flights and road transfers are available from Livingstone in Zambia, with road transfers taking around 1 hour 30 minutes.
How can I see them?
Visitors to the Park have two main options to choose from – a traditional game drive in an open-sided 4W drive vehicle brings herds into easy reach as they drink and frolic at the water’s edge on the banks of the Chobe River. Alternatively, a boat trip along the river provides visitors with very a different perspective, as they glide past elephants wading in the water and swimming between islands, using their trunks as snorkels.
When should I go?
While elephants can be found in Chobe National Park throughout the year, the very best time to see them is during the dry season from late May through to the end of October when huge numbers congregate along the riverfront.
Where can I stay?
Dramatically perched on a hill above the Chobe River on the edge of the Park, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is the perfect base for your pachyderm adventure. The retreat’s fifteen luxurious suites represent the perfect blend of modern design and distinct traditional African finishes. Each one comes with a heavenly bed, a generous freestanding bath, and its own rain shower. Outside, guests can relax on their own expansive private terrace, just the spot to sip a cocktail, enjoy a romantic private dinner or simply soak up unparalleled panoramic views across islands and floodplains as far across as Namibia.
Nor does Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero disappoint in terms of other wildlife. As well as an abundance of elephants, the surrounding area is also home to a myriad of other animals including buffalo, bushbuck and Puku antelope, and more than 400 species of birds, while lion, leopard and rare wild dog roam the broad plains. Guests can also undertake a water safari cruise on the Chobe River in one of Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero’s specially adapted motorboats for a chance to spot fish eagles, long-neck herons and Nile crocodiles – and of course, elephants, all while exploring the river’s many tributaries.
What else is there do to at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero?
After a day spent on safari, the full-service spa, with its unique tree-top treatment room, is just the spot to indulge in a little pampering. Alternatively guests can relax in the Lodge’s split-level swimming pool, while more energetic travellers will love the gym replete with a treadmill, rowing machine, exercise bike and weights.
From the kitchen guests can also continue to enjoy the mouth-watering meals fusing African and Western cuisines for which Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero has long been famous, all served by friendly staff with personalised hospitality.
How much will it cost me?
Suites at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero are normally priced from USD650 per person twin share per night for 1 – 3 nights. However, guests can enjoy further savings thanks to Sanctuary Retreats’ extended stay offer and save up to 40% for stays of 4 or more nights at one or more of its camps and lodges, including Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero Camp, depending on the season of travel.
Stay 4 – 6 nights and save up to 30%.
Stay 7 or more nights and save up to 40%.
.jpg){kind=tracking}