2023.6.29 
Africa, Botswana 
African elephants, Kasane, safari, sunset, Chobe National Park, Botswana 
840 view The African elephant, the largest land animal.
These zoo superstars are decreasing in number each year due to poaching for ivory and the impact of habitat destruction.
It is not widely known, but African elephants are also designated as an endangered species.
However, in Botswana, a landlocked country in southern Africa, there is a national park with the world's highest density of African elephants.
Chobe National Park, a paradise of water and greenery
Botswana may not be very familiar to Japanese people, but for Westerners, it is a safari mecca akin to East Africa.Among the many attractions such as the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta, and the Kalahari Desert spanning three countries, Chobe National Park is indispensable!
It is a national park boasting the world's highest density of African elephants, and its distinctive feature is the varied landscapes, including lush forests and arid areas spread across the Chobe River.
Therefore, in addition to the usual vehicle safaris, you can participate in animal observation activities such as boat safaris and walking safaris, tailored to your preferences.
Moreover, the town of Kasane, which serves as the safari base, is lined with numerous luxury hotels.
Animal observation based from luxury hotels
When going on a safari in East Africa, it's common to spend several nights traveling from the base town and to drive for hours, but Botswana safaris are reassuring even for those concerned about their stamina!This is because you can base yourself at a hotel and choose activities like a walking safari in the morning and a boat safari in the evening.
In some cases, the boat departure point is within the hotel, allowing you to relax until just before departure.
Sometimes, animals even come to visit the hotel!
I relaxed at the hotel lounge with a pool and then joined the evening boat safari.
A diverse array of animals gathering at the water source
The boat departed in the early evening while it was still light.A wide variety of animals, including hippos, buffaloes, wildebeests, crocodiles, and impalas, gathered by the water's edge.
As I looked around in all directions, African elephants, which had been only a few earlier, began to gather.
And before I knew it, there were over an estimated 100 massive elephants right in front of me!
A world that truly lived up to the phrase 'boasting the world's highest population density' unfolded before me.
These numerous elephants were each leisurely living their lives, drinking water and playing in the mud.
And the highlight was the sunset over the Chobe River!
The sunset, brilliantly illuminating the water's surface and slowly descending, brought peace to my heart.
Looking back, I could observe herds of buffaloes and wildebeests dyed in orange, as well as hippo families, making for a wonderful twilight.
Writer
Mamo
Information site 'Let's Travel with Zoo!' / Instagram / Twitter
A traveler who goes to meet animals around the world. Had a dream of seeing African elephants in the savannah since childhood and participated in the first safari in Tanzania as a university student. Became passionate about traveling to observe animals, visiting over 100 national parks, zoos, and animal-related facilities. Also experienced in traveling around the world and has conquered all 47 prefectures of Japan.