A Passionate Rendezvous: Where the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers Meet

In the north-eastern corner of Namibia, a stunning scene unfolds as the sun begins to set. Here, where the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers meet, nature reveals its flair. The sky transforms into a canvas reminiscent of a Claude Monet masterpiece, with vibrant strokes of red, orange, pink and purple blending seamlessly as day gives way to night.

The Dance of the Rivers

The Chobe and Zambezi Rivers meet near Kazungula, in the farthest corner of the Zambezi Region.

When the Zambezi River overflows, it pushes water into the Chobe River, demonstrating a powerful and symbiotic relationship. High water levels result in the flow extending into Lake Liambezi, which then supplies the Linyanti River. The Linyanti merges with the Kwando River, eventually reaching the Okavango Delta in Botswana. This complex interplay can cause a backflow, altering the Zambezi’s direction.

As you sit on the deck at Chobe River Camp on the Namibian side of the Chobe River, you would try to grasp this phenomenon. The concept of upstream becoming downstream is initially baffling, but with the guidance of local experts, clarity emerges.

This year, however, backflow is not a hot topic due to a nationwide drought, even in the usually lush Zambezi Region. On the bright side, wildlife ventures closer to the lodge for water, providing exceptional game viewing opportunities. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with birds skimming along the water’s edge, looking for morsels to pick up. Everything is in tune, in perfect harmony and we are simply guests in this theatre of nature, eagerly watching it play out in front of us.

The River’s Silent Reassurance

Rivers possess an unexplainable pull and the Chobe River ranks high among them. As American country singer Rodney Atkins famously said: “The river don’t talk. The river don’t care where you’ve been, what you’ve done, why it is you’re standing there. It just rolls on by, whispering to your soul, ‘It’s gonna be alright.’”

This sentiment encapsulates the river’s silent, comforting presence.

Adventures Await at Chobe River Camp

The Chobe River, outlining the border between Botswana and Namibia and forming the upper boundary of the wildlife-rich Chobe National Park, offers numerous adventures. Water safaris, including half-day and sunset boat cruises, are a must. Exploring the waterways by mokoro, carefully handcrafted traditional canoe, carved from a single tree trunk, provides a unique perspective compared to the traditional game drive, bringing you face-to-face with hippos, crocodiles and perhaps even a swimming elephant.

The thrill of not knowing what lies around the next bend and the heart-stopping moment when the first elephant appears on the riverbank are unparalleled experiences.

The Chobe area is renowned for its high concentration of elephants, offering encounters with these larger than life mammals.

A walking safari allows access to areas unreachable by vehicles. Attentive explorers can learn to track game, identify plant species and uncover the fascinating lives of insects, birds and snakes in one of Africa’s most exclusive wildlife areas.

Additionally, this location is perfect for a quick visit to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Discovering Romance at Chobe River Camp

True to the standard of providing immersive accomodation options, Gondwana Collection Namibia’s Chobe River Camp allows one to experience the dance of nature and romance first hand!

From the balcony of the wooden chalets, you can spot tiny animals playing in the water, like a pair of spotted-necked otters, found nowhere else in Namibia.

Though not a typical romantic experience, the joining of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers has proven that romance exists in unexpected places.

Fascinating Facts

•The Chobe River is a tributary of the Zambezi, which forms the border between Botswana and Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
•The Zambezi River flows through six countries (Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique), spanning 2 700 kilometres.
•Zambia hosts the longest section of the Zambezi River, with the shortest in Botswana.
•The Zambezi is Africa’s fourth-longest river, after the Nile, Congo and Niger. It is the longest east-flowing river in Africa, emptying into the Indian Ocean.
•At Kazungula, a quadripoint is formed: the border of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

For those seeking adventure, tranquility and a touch of romance, the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers offer an unforgettable destination. The Chobe River Camp awaits, promising an enchanting experience where nature’s beauty and the river’s silent reassurance come together in perfect harmony.