Botswana issues travel advisory for Chobe National Park roads!

Chobe Road Conditions Update – April 2026

Road conditions in Chobe National Park remain challenging following the severe flooding reported earlier this year. Above-average rainfall across northern Botswana has delayed recovery, and several key routes—particularly the Mababe–Savuti Marsh Road—are still impassable. Alternatives such as the Sand Ridge Road and the Pimple Hill route are open but heavily degraded, with deep mud, standing water, and difficult driving conditions. While some sections have begun to dry out, “open” roads should not be mistaken for easy access, and self-drive travellers continue to require high-clearance 4x4 vehicles, recovery equipment, and preferably convoy support. At this stage, fly-in lodge access remains the most reliable option, and meaningful improvements to road conditions are only expected as the dry season progresses through May and June 2026. 

last update 22 January 2026 

The Botswana Ministry of Environment and Tourism, through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), has issued an important advisory regarding current road conditions in and around Chobe National Park following widespread heavy rainfall.

Recent downpours have resulted in deep standing water, muddy tracks, and severely degraded access routes, particularly in the Mababe, Savuti, Ghoha and Linyanti regions. Self-drive visitors are urged to plan routes carefully and strictly follow official guidance to ensure safety.

Mababe – Savuti Routes

• Marsh Road: Closed. Do not attempt to use this route under any circumstances.
• Sand Ridge Road: Open, but significantly affected by deep water puddles.
• Solo travel and single-vehicle convoys are strongly discouraged.

Savuti – Ghoha Routes

• Airstrip Route: Affected by deep water.
• Direct (Straight) Route: Also waterlogged but currently in better condition than the Airstrip Route.
• Pimple Hill Route: Recommended route.
• This track is narrower, less flooded, and requires extra caution. The route is available on Google Maps.

Access to Linyanti

• Ghoha – Linyanti Park Boundary Road: Closed due to high-risk conditions.
• Alternative access: Visitors should use the Savuti – Linyanti Road only.

Mababe Gate – Mababe Village / Moremi Access

• Upon exiting Mababe Gate, take the right-hand turn to join the Maun–Khwai Access Road.
• The Maun–Khwai Access Road is currently in poor condition; drivers should proceed with extreme caution.

Important safety notice for tourists

All visitors travelling in these remote areas must have 24-hour emergency communication, such as a satellite phone or equivalent device. Recovery services may be delayed due to road conditions and weather.

Travellers are advised to monitor official updates from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP and to adjust itineraries where necessary. Conditions may change rapidly depending on further rainfall.

About Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is one of Botswana's premier safari destinations and forms a critical part of the country’s northern conservation network, linking the Chobe Riverfront, Savuti, Linyanti and Nogatsaa regions. Renowned for its vast elephant population, diverse wildlife habitats and seasonal floodplains, the park attracts both guided and self-drive visitors year-round. During the rainy season, however, access routes within Chobe National Park can deteriorate rapidly, making up-to-date road condition information essential for safe travel planning. 

 

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