Chobe National Park Wildlife: What Animals Will You See?

What Wildlife Lives in Chobe National Park?

Chobe National Park supports one of Africa’s most diverse and concentrated wildlife populations, anchored by the world’s largest elephant population (50,000+ in the ecosystem) and extending to lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, and over 450 bird species. The park’s four distinct ecosystems — the Chobe riverfront, Savuti marshes, Linyanti swamps, and Ngwezumba pans — each support different wildlife concentrations, making a multi-area Chobe itinerary one of Africa’s most varied safari experiences.

Chobe Wildlife by Area

Chobe Riverfront (Northern Chobe)

The 40-km Chobe riverfront is best known for its extraordinary elephant concentrations (see above), but also supports large herds of buffalo (500–1,000 animals), hippo pools in every bend of the river, Nile crocodile, lion prides that follow the elephant and buffalo herds, and leopard in the riparian forest. Puku — a rare antelope found only in this corner of Botswana — are regularly seen on the floodplains.

Savuti Marshes (Southern Chobe)

Savuti is one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife areas. The Savuti Channel — which mysteriously stops and starts flowing on multi-decade cycles — last began flowing again in 2008, refilling the Savuti Marsh. This attracts extraordinary wildlife concentrations:

• Lions: Savuti’s lions are famous for regularly hunting young elephants — a behaviour documented in National Geographic and BBC films. Large prides of 20–30 animals operate in the marsh area.
• Cheetah: The open grasslands around Savuti are excellent cheetah habitat. Chobe has one of Botswana’s most reliable cheetah populations.
• Wild dog: Packs regularly move through the Savuti area.
• Zebra migration: During the wet season, tens of thousands of zebra migrate through Savuti on their annual circuit — creating predator concentrations rivalling the Serengeti.

Linyanti (Western Chobe)

The Linyanti Swamps form the western boundary of Chobe and are exceptional for leopard, sitatunga, and reedbuck in the riparian vegetation. Several private concessions here (Wilderness Safaris, andBeyond) offer some of the most exclusive wildlife experiences in Botswana.

Birds of Chobe

With 450+ bird species, Chobe is one of southern Africa’s premier birding destinations. Key species include African fish eagle (heard constantly along the river), carmine bee-eater (spectacular colonies October–December), saddle-billed stork, African skimmer, and an exceptional variety of raptors including Pel’s fishing owl.

For a Chobe safari covering all ecosystems, enquire with African Safari Group about multi-area itineraries.