Chobe Day Trip

IT'S A KIND OF MAGIC

An interesting phenomenon is occurring on the Chobe this year.  The river level is rising at unprecedented rates in comparison to the last 10 years.  It’s amazing to watch as areas normally untouched by the river are being enveloped by the inescapable floods.  The result has been a frenzy of new activity in these zones, especially by Chobe’s myriad of bird life.  There is visible excitement amongst the Kingfishers that are feasting on the fingerlings colonizing these new waters.  The Bee-Eaters never tire in their chase for juicy prey resulting from the late surge in the insect population.

This year we are also experiencing very heavy late rains, that swoop in from Zambia to the north and concentrate along the river.  A hugely diverse array of mammal species are now making appearances in the Chobe waterfront area.  Guides who have worked this area for decades are saying that this is a result of drier weather further inland and the sweet smells of new growth by the river.  With the herbivores come the predators.  Lions and leopards are being sighted daily.  It is unusual that sightings of these cats are better from the river, but the usual charm of the Chobe boat cruise has now been even more enhanced by the high possibilities of viewing these creatures in amongst

elephants and buffalo along Watercart, an area famous for its year round concentrations of plains game.  Guests on game drives are experiencing different rewards.  They are being taken a little further inland away from the waters’ edge and are being greeted by herds of zebra, wildebeest, eland and sometimes even the elusive Sable. 

The Wild Dogs are also back and they have new pups.  The pack’s numbers have swelled to 17 and their hunting success rate has been greatly enhanced by the unparalleled concentrations of game along the river front.  Every day there is something new, every day a new adventure for those who are privileged to visit this beautiful piece of Africa.

This truly is a special time to be in Chobe!

Text by Luke Brown, African Odyssey and Into Africa