Large herd of African elephants crossing the Chobe River at the Chobe Riverfront in Botswana under a blue sky.

    Large elephant herd crossing the Chobe River at the Chobe Riverfront in Chobe National Park, Botswana.

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    Chobe Riverfront

    Landmark

    The Chobe Riverfront is Botswana's premier river safari destination, renowned for hosting one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa. The combination of the Chobe River, open floodplains and riverine woodland creates exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography throughout the year.

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    Gallery

    Large herd of African elephants crossing the Chobe River at the Chobe Riverfront in Botswana under a blue sky.

    Large elephant herd crossing the Chobe River at the Chobe Riverfront in Chobe Na…

    Hippo with mouth open in the Chobe River as elephants stand on the riverbank at the Chobe Riverfront in Botswana.

    A hippo displays beside the Chobe River while elephants gather along the riverba…

    Cape buffalo wading through the Chobe River at sunset on the Chobe Riverfront in Botswana.

    Cape buffalo crossing the Chobe River at sunset along the Chobe Riverfront in Ch…

    Herd of African elephants drinking from the Chobe River with reflections in Chobe National Park, Botswana.

    Elephants and a calf drinking from the Chobe River along the Chobe Riverfront in…

    Herd of African elephants crossing the Chobe River at sunset in Chobe National Park, Botswana.

    Elephants crossing the Chobe River at sunset along the Chobe Riverfront, Botswan…

    Sunset over the Chobe River with safari boats moored along the Chobe Riverfront in Botswana.

    Sunset over the Chobe River at the Chobe Riverfront, Botswana, with safari boats…

    Herd of African elephants drinking from the Chobe River along the Chobe Riverfront in Botswana.

    Elephant herd drinking from the Chobe River at the Chobe Riverfront in Chobe Nat…

    Pod of hippopotamuses resting in the Chobe River, including one hippo with its mouth wide open, at the Chobe Riverfront in Botswana.

    Hippo pod resting in the Chobe River, with one bull displaying a wide-open mouth…

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Visitor Access

    0–5 min

    Elevation Gain

    5 m

    Best Light

    Sunrise
    Morning
    Golden Hour
    Sunset

    Low-angle light enhances wildlife along the riverbanks while calm water and evening skies create outstanding reflections across the Chobe River.

    Why This Light

    Reflections
    Low-Angle Relief
    Wide DR OK

    Season

    Seasonally Distinct

    Wildlife concentrations increase dramatically during the dry season as animals gather along the permanent Chobe River, creating some of Africa's finest game-viewing opportunities. The wet season transforms the surrounding woodland and floodplains with lush vegetation, abundant birdlife and changing river landscapes.

    Crowds

    Often Busy

    Restrictions

    Fee Common
    Drone Often Restricted

    The Chobe Riverfront is accessed via Chobe National Park and guided river cruises departing from Kasane. Photography is undertaken from game-drive vehicles, safari boats and designated visitor areas.

    Photography Notes

    The Chobe Riverfront is strongest during the first and last few hours of daylight when wildlife is most active and the river produces excellent reflections. Telephoto lenses are ideal for isolating elephants, birds and predators, while mid-range and wide-angle lenses work well from boats to capture environmental wildlife scenes and dramatic sunsets. River safaris provide unique eye-level perspectives that complement traditional game drives and are particularly rewarding for photographing elephants crossing the river and animals drinking along the shoreline.
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