‘Tourism is the best conservation’

The Chobe riverfront along the Botswana and Namibian border in the Chobe National Park comprises some prime real estate in Botswana. Although it is adjacent to Kasane, the area has been left undeveloped for the wildlife to roam free. The location offers stunning expansive views of the Chobe River. The famous Chobe sunsets – when the sun makes that dramatic changing of hues as it dips on the vast floodplains of the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers – are best viewed from the Chobe riverfront. There are incredible sights of the Chobe swimming elephants, hippos, herds of buffaloes, impalas, and a healthy population of birds.

Contrary to the Botswana side, the Namibian side of the Chobe River has villages and is not protected. It is a common sight to see Namibian fishermen in their mekoro fishing on the same river, something which is prohibited on the Botswana side. The animals too have learnt that the Botswana side is the safest and they do not stray far into the Namibian side. Elephants go for a drink and return to the Botswana side where they are protected.