Chobe National Park (Botswana)
Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
Region
Africa - Indian Ocean Islands
Local Time
2026-10-05 02:24
73°F 22.5°C
Light breeze3.3 m/s
93 °F / 35 °C 67 °F / 20 °C
Port Chobe National Park cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Chobe National Park, Botswana. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.
| Day | Ship | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 July, 2026 Tuesday |  Zambezi Queen | ||
| 21 July, 2026 Tuesday | Zambezi Queen | ||
| 28 July, 2026 Tuesday | Zambezi Queen |
Chobe National Park is located in Botswana's northern part. The park is Botswana's most biologically diverse and has one of Africa's largest concentrations of game. It covers a total area of 11700 km2 (4500 mi2), ranking it the country's 3rd largest - after "Central Kalahari Game Reserve" and "Gemsbok National Park". Chobe was also the first national park of Botswana (established in 1967).
The park is divided in four areas.
(1) The northeastern part is Serondela (where the Chobe River is). In the lush food plains and dense woodlands live large groups of elephants, giraffes, cape buffaloes. This is also Botswana's only area where can be seen puku antelopes. Among the bird species are carmine bee eaters, ibis, storks, ducks. Due to its close proximity to Victoria Falls (Zambezi River, at the Zambia-Zimbabwe border) and Kasane, this is also the park's most visited section, Kasane is the region's largest town and the entrance to the park.
(2) The western part is the Savuti Marsh (former inland lake). The marsh is fed by the Savuti Channel. However, its flow is very variable. The last flow was in 2010, which reached the marsh for the first time since 1982. The landscape is marked by extensive savannahs and grasslands. On safaris are often spoted zebras, kudus, impalas, warthogs, elephants, lions, hyenas, rarely cheetahs.
(3) The northwestern part is the Linyanti Marsh. To the west is the Selinda Reserve. The landscape features lagoons, riverine and open woodlands, flood plains. Here can be seen large concentrations of lions and leopards, African wild dogs, sable antelopes, hippopotami, crocodiles, also large herds of elephants.
(4) The park's 4th section is located between the marshes Linyanti and Savuti. This area is hot and dry, and occupied mainly by grass woodland. This section is the best place to observe common elands.
Chobe National Park is best known worldwide for its enormous (Africa's largest) population of elephants (~50,000). Known as Kalahari (dessert) elephants, they feature short tusks and brittle ivory. During dry season (May through October), the elephants sojourn in the areas of Chobe River and Linyanti River (flowing through Angola and Namibia and into the Linyanti Swamp). On the next photo is the houseboat cruise ship Zambezi Queen on Chobe River.
Chobe National Park cruise terminal
Below is shown the Chobe National Park's map with all lodges and camping locations.
Next is the map of all Botswana National Parks and Reserves.
Chobe National Park is not a conventional cruise port with a terminal or walkable sightseeing district. Cruise visits are part of multi-day safari itineraries on the Chobe River or include transfers from a nearby lodge. Wildlife viewing is normally arranged by the cruise line or a local safari operator.
Overall practicality: Organized excursion recommended. Independent walking is unsuitable because of wildlife, border formalities, limited public transport and the need for boats or safari vehicles.
Getting Ashore and Around
- River vessels: Ships may anchor or moor on the Chobe River, with passengers using smaller tender or safari boats for wildlife activities and transfers.
- International border: Some vessels, including Zambezi Queen itineraries, operate in Namibian waters while visiting the Botswana side of the river. Transfers can involve formalities at both Botswana and Namibia immigration points near Kasane.
- Kasane: This small Botswana town is the principal gateway to the Chobe Riverfront. The national park entrance is approximately 10 km (6.2 mi) from central Kasane.
- Transport: There is no practical public transport for sightseeing inside the park. Game drives require a suitable safari vehicle, while river exploration requires an authorized boat and guide.
Follow the cruise operator's instructions carefully. Tender movements, immigration procedures and safari departures are normally coordinated as part of the itinerary.
Best Ways to Experience Chobe
Chobe River Wildlife Safari
A guided safari in a small boat is the most natural activity from a river cruise. Trips explore channels, islands and the Botswana riverbank, where passengers may see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo and numerous water birds.
Most outings last approximately 2–3 hours. The boats provide closer access to shallow waterways than the larger cruise vessel, but boarding may require steps and a steady transfer between boats. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Game Drive in Chobe National Park
A guided drive offers a different view of the Chobe Riverfront and a better chance of seeing animals away from the water. Typical drives use open safari vehicles and last around three hours, excluding transfers and entry procedures.
The ride can be dusty and bumpy. Morning and late-afternoon drives generally avoid the strongest midday heat, but the exact schedule will depend on the cruise itinerary. This activity should be booked through the ship or a recognized operator that coordinates transfers and park access.
Combined Boat Safari and Game Drive
When a full day is available, combining a river safari with a land-based game drive provides the broadest wildlife experience. Allow most of the day, usually with a meal or rest period between activities.
This option is realistic only when it fits the vessel's program. Passengers should not attempt to assemble separate tours with tight connections around tender movements or immigration formalities.
Village or Cultural Visit
Some river-cruise programs include a guided visit to a community on the Namibian side of the river. Access is normally by small boat and the timing is coordinated by the vessel. Treat this as an organized activity rather than an independent shore visit.
Is Independent Sightseeing Practical?
Independent exploration is very limited. Chobe is a wildlife destination rather than a place for casual walking, and passengers should never walk unaccompanied along the riverbank or into undeveloped areas. Elephants, hippos and other wild animals can occur close to settlements and lodges.
If the itinerary provides free time in Kasane, taxis may be used for short local journeys, but arrangements should be confirmed in advance and sufficient time allowed for the return. A self-guided walking tour is not recommended for this port.
Longer Excursions
Victoria Falls
Kasane is about 80 km (49.7 mi) by road from the Victoria Falls area, but the journey involves an international border crossing. A visit consumes most of a day and should be undertaken only when it is included in the cruise itinerary or arranged as a coordinated excursion. It is not a sensible independent side trip during a short Chobe call.
Practical Tips
- Carry the passport and any immigration documents specified by the cruise operator; activities may cross between Botswana and Namibia.
- Wear neutral-colored clothing, sun protection and secure footwear. Bring binoculars if available.
- Expect strong sun, heat and insects, particularly around the river. Follow current medical advice regarding mosquito protection.
- Keep hands and equipment inside safari vehicles and boats, and follow the guide's instructions around wildlife.
- Protect cameras and phones from spray and dust, preferably in a sealable bag.
- Do not plan independent activities around a tight departure. Allow extra time for tenders, wildlife delays and border procedures.