Chobe Health and Safety

Considering its reputation as an untamed wilderness, the Chobe National Park is a remarkably safe destination - providing you stick to the rules and regulations set out by the park authorities and safari operators.

Health

Sunblock and a sunhat should be the first items in your bag - even in winter, the sun is harsh and unrelenting. Choose a shady spot under a tree for your afternoon siesta and drink plenty of water - either bring your own, or, easier and cheaper, drink the water from the lodges or campsites. The water provided by your lodge or guide will be safe to drink, having been drawn from clear natural sources and filtered.

Safety

More on people's minds is the threat posed by animals. All lodges and campsites are unfenced and wandering elephants during the day are commonplace. The golden rule is to stay within the camp or lodge and not to go too close to animals. At night curious hyena hover in the shadows and lions occasionally pass through - it is therefore vital to use a torch and ensure your tents doors are zipped up.

As for the smaller animals you are extremely unlikely to even see, let alone encounter, a snake or scorpion. Spiders are non-threatening and flies, at least in the dry season, are of little concern. The most serious danger, however, is posed by one of the smallest of animals: the malaria-carrying anopheles mosquito

Malaria is an ever-present threat in Chobe, but is far more prevalent during the mid to late rainy season (January to May). Prevention really is better than cure so consider a course of malaria prophylaxis; consult a specialist to get the most up-to-date information. In the late afternoon, evening and early mornings you should wear trousers and long-sleeved tops and apply insect repellent.

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