Header: Heavenly Honeymoons in the Chobe
Chobe National Park in northern Botswana does romance unfiltered. There is something magnificently bold and raw about the Chobe – the abundant landscapes where waterways and dusty savannas co-exist, with spectacular wildlife and an easy gateway to Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta. It’s the perfect honeymoon destination; a backdrop to making memories that last a lifetime.
A Wildlife Wonderland
Surely there is nothing more romantic than sitting on a houseboat listening to the harmony of nature as the day begins to fade and seeing a giant matriarch come down to the water to drink with her family? Chobe has been called an “Elephant Eden” and is home to +50 000 elephants and an abundance of wildlife.
The private reserves and concessions that surround the park create a vast protected area that links the region and makes for an open ecosystem where wildlife thrives. Botswana’s third-largest national park, Chobe is known for its exceptional biodiversity and is rated as one of the top game-viewing parks in Southern Africa.
Elephants… and More
Chobe is celebrated for its large elephant population but is also known for its predators – cheetah, wild dog, hyena, lion, and leopard. Zebra, buffalo, and a large variety of buck make their contribution to the beauty of the area and the food chain. The birdlife is also prolific in Chobe National Park, with over 450 native species, and Savute (a remote corner of the park) boasts some of the world’s largest flying birds.
A Sense of Place
The region’s contrasting landscapes are an attraction for travelers seeking variety as part of their African safari. Chobe National Park consists of four main areas: Savute (sometimes referred to as Savuti) in the south, Linyati in the north-west region, the Nogatsaa region/Ngwenzumba Pans in the central region, and the Chobe Riverfront that nudges up against the border with Namibia at the eastern end of the Caprivi Strip.
A Mighty River
Situated in the far north of the park, the Chobe Riverfront (also known as the Serondela area) runs along the length of the Chobe River. The Riverfront is famous for incredible sightings of large herds of elephant, buffalo and lion. Here, water-based safaris are a big attraction. There is something very special about game-viewing from the water, as you get to view and experience the animals from a completely different perspective.
A Water Safari
There are numerous options for honeymooners wanting something special and different to celebrate their nuptials. The Zambezi Queen Collection offers a number of unique Chobe River experiences. There’s the Zambezi Queen, a luxury floating hotel with 14 luxurious suites on offer with gorgeous viewing decks where you can watch the wild, wild world of nature as you pass by. The more intimate option is one of the Chobe Princess houseboats – where it feels like you have your very own houseboat to yourself. The food on board is delicious, prepared by skilled chefs using ingredients from local markets, and every moment is dedicated to making the most of the spectacular sights and sounds of the Chobe.
Inspired Experiences
Add the roar of a lion to your afternoon sundowners or watch the baby elephants roll in the mud as you eat breakfast. Moments like these are made to be treasured. While just relaxing on board is always an appealing option – there are activities on offer. Fishing is an option (particularly tiger tishing), as are land-based safaris. Guided walks are an incredible way to view wildlife from another vantage point – so make sure you take a good pair of walking shoes and your camera along.
Gateway to the Okavango & Vic Falls
Chobe is also the perfect launch pad for further adventures, such as the waterways of the Okavango Delta and the famous Victoria Falls. Botswana’s Chobe National Park links the Okavango Delta to other protected areas in north-eastern Botswana and helps to safeguard vital wildlife corridors. The UNESCO World Heritage site Victoria Falls is just a 90 minute drive away and makes for another popular add-on to your Chobe river safari.
Whatever you choose for your honeymoon, the Chobe comes with a few guarantees – incredible wildlife sightings, enormous African skies, homegrown hospitality and adventures, and stories you will talk about for many years to come.
| INFO BOX:What are you waiting for? • The Chobe has never been more accessible, with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines flying to South Africa and then a short hop to Botswana. • Peak season hits the Chobe and the Okavango in May, so book soon if you want to travel during this period. |
