May 22 2023
6 Chobe Wildlife Surprises
Chobe wildlife sightings will leave you spellbound.

Each day, you’ll head out on a tender boat from the lodge to get up close and personal with some of Africa’s most incredible and diverse Chobe wildlife – from hundreds of elephants to zebra, huge herds of wildebeest, ample lazy crocs and more. Plus, you’ll keep your eyes peeled for the birdlife and try your hand at hooking a mighty Tiger Fish.
Here are 6 spectacular wildlife surprises in the Chobe region:
1. The best Tiger fishing in Africa
Of course fishing takes the number one spot on our list! Cast your line for some of the best fishing Africa has to offer. Hook a legendary Tiger Fish, or one of the many bream species, African pike, tilapia, catfish or upper Zambezi yellowfish as you explore mile upon mile of the Chobe River.
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is the ultimate choice for a fishing safari in the Chobe region. With a personal guide by your side, and your own private boat, you’ll head out each day and explore the Chobe River and her narrower waterways and channels, chasing down the best fishing spots.
Another special fishing aspect here in our little corner of the world? We offer excellent fishing safaris all year round – from the annual floods in March to the feeding frenzies in the winter months. All that will change is the techniques you’ll use to reel in your catch of the day.
Plus, you need not bring a thing. Our all-inclusive safaris include highly knowledgeable guides (born and bred locals),your own private boat – per tent, conventional equipment, tackle and bait, and well-stocked cooler’s. Fishing is strictly catch-and-release only.
Read related content: The best times for a Chobe fishing safari

2. Spot a lifer!
Birds of a feather flock together – and the birds you’ll see in the Chobe region are simply extraordinary. Keep your binoculars handy for spotting over 450 diverse species, a glittering experience as the birds paint the sky in swathes of colour. You can spot African skimmers, rock pratincoles and the African finfoot, as well as pied kingfishers and the striking carmine bee-eater.
You won’t ever forget your first sighting of the majestic African fish eagle, either. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness the eagle trying to catch her evening dinner – swooping down in one graceful arc to snatch an unsuspecting fish from under the water’s surface.

3. The animals come to you
Gliding over the calm waters of the Chobe River and its smaller channels, you’ll enjoy the advantage of game-watching without disturbing the wildlife. One of the advantages of water-based game viewing – whether by tender boat or on a larger boat as used by our sister houseboats – is that you’ll enjoy sightings of the animals right in front of you as they come to the water to drink.
Did you know? Each tent at our lodge comes complete with its own tender boat and guide, so you can choose how to tailor your itinerary.

4. More elephants than you can count
Did you know that the Chobe National Park in Botswana boasts one of the densest elephant populations on the African continent? Some experts say there are over 50,000 elephants in the park, while others list the numbers as much higher, somewhere in the realm of 120,000 individuals.
No matter how many there are, rest assured you’ll spot plenty. Watch as they gather at the water’s edge and the little ones submerge themselves in the deep and playfully squirt water around – it’s trunks of fun! Or watch whole herds swim across the river right in front of you.
Ask your guide if you can access Elephant Bay (the first port of call for any guests onboard the Zambezi Queen). It’s a popular grazing area for elephant, buffalo and several antelope species, making it a sensational spot for game-viewing.

5. Camouflaged crocs will surprise you
What is it about crocodiles that makes them so fascinating? Just don’t let your fascination get the better of you – or worry you, for that matter. You can safely view these intriguing species on your Chobe River safari if you exercise common sense. Your guide will point out sleepy crocs both in the water and lazing half-submerged at the river’s edge, and you’ll be amazed at how well-camouflaged they are!
It goes without saying: do not swim in the river.

6. Buffalo during the dry season
Come the dry season, up to 1,000 buffalo descend on the floodplains of the Chobe River. They are a lion’s favourite prey, so if you’re fortunate, you might even witness the king of the jungle stalking these herds.
Read related content: 10 reasons to get hooked on a winter fishing safari
Contact us today to experience the wildlife for yourself. View our special offers here.
