CHOBE NATIONAL PARK FAQ`S
The Kasane International Airport is a stone’s throw away from Chobe National Park. Most visitors will fly into Johannesburg or Tambo International and then take a smaller plane to Kasane.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?There are options to rent a car at the airport and some taxis. There are also options for taxis and shuttles.
How do I get around by public transportation in Gisenyi?There are not many options for public transport in Kasane, many of the destinations in the area are located within a mile of each other. There are buses that travel between major towns and cities in Botswana. Seabelo is a long-distance bus company that offers regular services from Kasane, Maun, and Gaborone.
How do I call or hail a taxi?There are many taxis found in the city, mostly run by the Kasane taxi organization label. You can also call and order a taxi or have your accommodations do this for you.
Should I rent a car to visit Chobe National Park?Renting a car is a good idea when visiting the national park. Chobe International Park is accessible by rental car, a 4x4 vehicle is required. The road conditions in the park greatly depend upon the season and the amount of rainfall. Renting your own car allows you to move at your own pace throughout Botswana’s vast and varied landscapes, the country boasts the ultimate wilderness adventure. There are 4WD campers available that boast folding rooftop tents and have full kitchens.
Is Chobe National Park a walking destination?The park is best explored by vehicle. There are no trails and hiking is not permitted throughout the park. However, visitors can take guided walking safari tours that allow them to explore the wilderness and wildlife on foot.
Can I take a boat ride in Chobe National Park?A trip in a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) to skim across the waters. There are options for boat safaris on the Chobe River, sunset being one of the best times to enjoy this and when the beautiful waters turn to liquid gold. This is a great opportunity to spot wildlife with elephants, cape buffalo, and colossal Nile crocodiles that call the river home. The upper Okavango Delta can be best explored by houseboat, they depart from the panhandle region (Shakawe) and are ideal activities for groups of families and friends.
Is Chobe National Park a dangerous destination, is there anything I should be aware of?Chobe National Park is considered a very safe destination to visit. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets, and tourist attractions. At night stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers.
What are some popular areas for shopping?There is a gift shop at the Chobe Safari Lodge that offers maps, field guides to birds and plants, T-shirts, carvings, and other souvenirs. Chobe National Park is not a shopping destination.
What is the language spoken in Chobe National Park?The official language spoken in Chobe National Park is English (along with French and Kinyarwanda) which is widely spoken, especially in the service industry, it is taught in schools and used in government, business, and the media. Many people speak fluent English, especially in hotels and restaurants. We recommend getting a good English/Botswana guidebook and learning the basic questions like please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.
What is the best time to visit Chobe National Park? The best time to visit Chobe National Park is during the dry season from May to November. The months of April, May, and November are particularly good times to visit the park. Botswana is a year-round destination and there are dramatic changes in the park every season. The country features a wet and dry season, during the dry season most of the animals tend to stick around the riverside. The wet season is when the interior pans (Savuti) provide some amazing game sights. The months of August, September, and October are extremely hot, however, these months provide some sensational game-viewing opportunities. What is the currency in Chobe National Park? Can I pay in US dollars?The currency of the Chobe National Park is the Botswana dollar or pula, although US dollars are widely accepted. You should either exchange your US dollars for Botswana dollars and be sure to keep cash on hand when arriving in Botswana. Cash is preferred, there are ATMs found at the airport and locations in the city, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred.
What is the food like?When it comes to food and dining in Chobe National Park visitors will not be disappointed. Diners will receive five-star dining experiences in Chobe, they will be pampered when it comes to food. The food here is excellent, it is delicious and gourmet. Visitors can expect to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their accommodations, as well as snacks, coffee, tea, fresh pastries, desserts, and more.
What is the nightlife like?There are limited options for nightlife in Chobe National Park. Catch a sunset, maybe take a cruise along the river or simply camp out under the stars.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?In case of an emergency dial 997, for the fire department dial 998, 997 for an ambulance, and 999 for the police.
Hospitals:Kasane tel. 267-625-0333