Explore Chobe Riverfront: A Wildlife Paradise

After the intense, character-building adventures navigating the deep sands of Savuti, our journey through Chobe National Park took a welcome turn towards its glorious Chobe Riverfront. Also known as the Serondela area, this region in the northeast of the park offered a profound sense of relief and a spectacular change of scenery. Its main geographical features are lush floodplains and dense woodland… and most importantly, mercifully, not sand!

The Chobe River, which elegantly flows along the northeastern border of the park, is more than just a waterway; it’s a lifeline, acting as a major watering spot and magnetic draw for an incredible concentration of wildlife. It is particularly renowned for its immense breeding herds of African bush elephants, which come down to drink and bathe in astounding numbers, creating truly unforgettable spectacles. But it’s not just elephants that frequent these waters. We were thrilled to spot graceful families of Angolan giraffe, striking sable antelope, and powerful African buffalo all congregating along the riverbanks.

Upon our very first approach to the river, we were immediately graced by a truly rare and thrilling sight: a magnificent leopard having a drink at the water’s edge. Even more astonishing, three mischievous jackals were circling it in a seemingly provoking manner, perhaps hoping to snatch a quick meal or simply trying their luck at disturbing the formidable feline. (While I sadly couldn’t capture this exact moment in a photograph, the image is seared into our memories!). The abundance of wildlife around the riverfront is truly breathtaking. It was here, at Ihaha Camp, that we set up our next base, a perfect spot to take a much-needed reprieve from the relentless African sun. During these breaks at camp, we could simply sit and watch as all sorts of wildlife converged, creating panoramic views of nature’s spectacle. Indeed, one of my absolute favorite pictures from this entire trip was captured during one of these moments, showcasing the incredible convergence of animals along the riverfront.

A solitary baobab tree stands prominently against a pale sky, surrounded by sparse vegetation and dry earth. — A majestic baobab tree stands alone against the backdrop of Chobe National Park’s landscape.

View of the Chobe Riverfront with a tripod and camera set up, surrounded by bushes and long grass, while elephants are visible in the distance. — Todd’s vantage point overlooking elephants at the Chobe Riverfront, highlighting the area’s rich wildlife.

A white pickup truck with a rooftop tent set up in a campsite, surrounded by sparse vegetation and a fire pit nearby. — Setting up camp in Chobe National Park with a rooftop tent for an adventurous wildlife experience.

A vibrant landscape at the Chobe riverfront in Chobe National Park, showcasing large herds of antelope grazing near a river under a clear blue sky. — A vibrant gathering of wildlife along the Chobe River, illustrating the diverse ecosystem of Chobe National Park.

Our time in Chobe, encompassing both the rugged Savuti and the abundant Riverfront, was truly special, delivering some of our trip’s most profound wildlife encounters alongside some invaluable lessons learned in overland driving. The evenings at Ihaha Camp were a highlight in themselves, spent gathered around the braai, enjoying perfectly cooked steaks, chickens, and local sausages. And of course, the ever-present abundance of delicious South African wine always flowed freely, providing the perfect accompaniment to our bush dinners under the starlit sky. These moments of camaraderie and culinary delight, surrounded by the sounds of the wild, cemented our deep appreciation for this unique privilege and form of travel.

Leaving the tranquility and abundance of our riverside camp, we spent several more hours traversing the incredibly productive Chobe Riverfront, soaking in every last sight and sound. Each bend in the river offered a new tableau of life, from crocodiles basking lazily to hippos submerging and resurfacing with comical snorts. With our fill of Chobe’s magic, it was finally time to make our way directly east, crossing the border into Zimbabwe, where an even mightier natural wonder awaited us.

Next on our adventure: the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, a true natural marvel that straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia!

Previous <— This entry is part of a trip. Continue the story? —> Forward

Helpful Links

Mwandi View: For our first night heading towards the river, we stayed here and really liked it. We even caught up on some laundry.
Ihaha Camp: This is where we stayed for our final night in Chobe. This was a great camp right in the middle of the park.
Botswana Self-Drive Guide by Tracks4Africa
Botswana Map by Tracks4Africa
Ihaha Camp
Chobe Linyanti System
Kazungula Border Post (Botswana-Zimbabwe)
Botswana Tourism Organisation: Chobe National Park

Globechadder