Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting There & Away
From central Kasane, the Northern Gate is about 6km to the southwest. Unlike all other
national parks operated by the DWNP, you do not need a campsite reservation to enter,
though you will be expected to leave the park prior to closing if you do not have one. All
tracks along the riverfront require a 4WD vehicle, and you will not be admitted into the
park without one.
You can either exit the park via the Northern Gate by backtracking along the river or
via the Ngoma Bridge Gate near the Namibian border. If you exit via Ngoma, you can re-
turn to Kasane via the Chobe transit route. (If you're simply bypassing Chobe en route to/
from Namibia, you do not have to pay park fees to travel on this road.) Be advised that
elephants frequently cross this road, so keep your speed down and do not drive at night.
CHOBE RIVERFRONT (DE)CONGESTION
Chobe is one of few national parks in Botswana where you may enter as a day tripper without a confirmed lodge
or campsite reservation. Before you celebrate, read on.
Chobe Riverfront's proliferation of lodges and the park's proximity to Kasane and its numerous hotels and
lodges means that safari trails (more specifically the main trail along the riverbank) can become overwhelmed by
vehicles. Perhaps in response to complaints from exclusive lodges within the park, the park and local authorities
have instituted a controversial system aimed at reducing the number of vehicles during peak times. Under the
strategy, tour operators are allowed to visit the park from dawn until 9am and from 2.30pm to sunset. Self-drivers
and day trippers are left with the wholly unappealing hours of 9am to 2.30pm. That, at least, is the official posi-
tion.
However, when we visited (self-driving) during a particularly busy period in late June 2012, we were allowed
in at 3pm and allowed to stay until sunset. Confused? The park rangers openly acknowledged that the deconges-
tion strategy is in a state of flux, and that they weren't enforcing the restrictions until further notice.
Our advice is to turn up at the Chobe Riverfront (Sedudu) gate of the park almost immediately after you arrive
in Kasane to enable you to plan your visit. And unless you're in a convoy of vehicles, it's always worth trying to
discuss the situation with the rangers at the gate if at first they refuse you entry.
Nogatsaa/Tchinga Area
The Nogatsaa/Tchinga area may lack the overwhelming numbers of animals found along
the riverfront or in Savuti, but it still supports herds of buffaloes and elephants as well as
