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How to get to Chobe National Park? This is a top question for both local and international travellers planning to visit this legendary safari location.
Lucky for you, this destination is the most accessible major safari destination in Botswana. These are the best ways you can reach Chobe National Park from different parts of the world as smoothly as possible.
Planning an African safari is both thrilling and daunting. If you are planning an African safari and wondering how to get to Chobe National Park, I say this: it is much easier than you think.
As someone who grew up in Botswana and has been to this destination, I can share the best ways to get there.
Moreover, having travelled internationally, I understand the questions and concerns that international visitors are likely to have, for example, safety in Botswana, so I will be keeping that in mind when giving some recommendations.
In this post, you are also going to learn about how to get to Chobe National Park from Victoria Falls, when to visit Chobe National Park, and more.
After reading this article, you will have the tools and knowledge to organise your trip to Chobe like a pro.
This post is all about how to get to Chobe National Park from around the world.
How To Get To Chobe National Park
Getting to Chobe National Park can be done by flight, car, overlanding trip, charter flight, or bus, depending on where you are travelling from.
I will go into detail below on the best routes for travellers from different parts of the world.
How to get to Chobe National Park: International Travellers
From the United States of America
If you are travelling from the US, you can reach Chobe National Park via South Africa, Johannesburg or Cape Town. Most travellers use OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg.
More importantly, there are direct flights, which makes your journey easier. To book flights, you can use Skyscanner or book directly with the airline of your choice.
On the other hand, if you start in Cape Town, you will still have to connect in Johannesburg, as there are no direct flights from there. Once in Kasane, you will have plenty of beautiful accommodation options.
In case you were wondering about the distance from Johannesburg to Chobe National Park, it is about 1,200 km. That will obviously depend on your route.
How to get to Chobe National Park from Johannesburg
As I mentioned above, there are direct flights from Johannesburg to Kasane. We can all agree that it is the easiest and most convenient way.
However, if you are feeling adventurous, you can drive to Kasane. The drive duration is around 14 hours.
Additionally, you can take a bus, which will take about 17 hours on the Francistown route.
From Europe
If you are pondering how to reach this iconic destination, the absolute best way I recommend is to take an international flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.
From Johannesburg, there are direct flights to Kasane, home to Chobe National Park. Once you are there, you can take a taxi from the airport to your accommodation.
Moreover, getting to Chobe National Park can be part of a safari package that covers multiple destinations within the country, which, by the way, is what most international travellers opt for.
How to get to Chobe National Park from Victoria Falls
Take a shuttle bus or drive. I swear this is the easiest and fastest option because it will only take you about an hour to travel between the two destinations.
On the other hand, if you want to take a flight, it’s a whole ordeal. You will have to fly to Johannesburg and back to Kasane.
From China
If you are travelling from China, Johannesburg is the best connecting city. So, fly from China to South Africa, then take a direct flight to Kasane.
You might be wondering about the route from Kasane to Chobe National Park now. Well, this legendary park is located within Kasane. It is roughly a 15-minute drive from the airport.
How to get to Chobe National Park from UK
As for Brits, the same route applies. Take a flight to South Africa, then a direct flight from Johannesburg to Kasane.
From my observation, Brits and other international travellers are all about safari packages, hence the British safari packages post.
I get it, some travellers reading this post might be looking to visit this national park only.
In that case, pick an all-inclusive accommodation. Kasane is a tourist town; the staff at your accommodation can organise all activities for you, including the famous river safari.
From Australia
There are no direct flights from Australia to Botswana, so you will have a connecting flight in Johannesburg, South Africa, and then from there you can easily take a direct flight to Kasane.
Alternatively, depending on your Botswana itinerary, you can fly to Maun and finish your journey in Chobe.
How to get from Livingstone to Chobe National Park
I guess that if you are in Livingstone, you are visiting Victoria Falls, so, as in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, driving or taking a shuttle bus is the quickest way to get to Chobe National Park.
The drive will take only around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
On the other hand, if you opt for a flight, it will take well over 20 hours because there are no direct flights. So you will be connecting in South Africa.
How to get to Chobe National Park: Locals
From Kasane
If you live in Kasane, Chobe National Park is only about 20 minutes away, depending on your location.
If you are taking a taxi, I highly recommend Sedudu Gate Chobe National Park, as it is closer to the central town and much more convenient.
Just a reminder: taxis are only for drop-off; you should have arranged your guide and safari vehicle in advance. Furthermore, if you are up for it, you can self-drive.
From Gaborone
Getting to Kasane from Gaborone is not tricky. All you have to do is take a flight from Gaborone to Kasane, via Maun.
Usually, you won’t have to disembark when you get to Maun. We have been asked to disembark once on my experience because the wait was over an hour.
Anyway, when you arrive at the airport, there will be taxis available to take you to your destination.
Another option is to drive there; the journey will take 12 hours, whereas the bus will take about 18 hours.
Now, there are a few questions that come up a lot from aspiring visitors. I have answered those questions below.
Where is Chobe National Park?
Well, it is located in the town of Kasane in northern Botswana. The fact that this park is located in a town makes it so accessible for all travellers.
Closest airport to Chobe National Park?
The closest airport is Kasane International Airport, only a 15-minute drive from the park.
Is Chobe National Park worth visiting?
Yes, it is absolutely worth visiting. It is even better if you can pair it with a visit to the Okavango Delta.
When to visit Chobe National Park?
The park is open all year round. For the best wildlife sightings, the best time to visit is during the dry season(May to September)
