The Chobe Riverfront at a glance
The Riverfront is the stretch of the national park that runs along the Chobe, and Kasane is the central access to it. From the town it is only a short drive to Sedudu Gate, which lies about 6 km west of Kasane and about 10 minutes away by car. Measured from other points in town it can be up to 10 km, so check which starting point a distance uses.
Two trips make the most of it. A Chobe safari follows the tracks beside the water, and a Chobe river cruise shows the same banks from a boat. Most visitors do both in one day: a drive in the morning, a boat in the afternoon.
Serondela, Ihaha and the other places on the river
Names you will see on maps and in trip plans.
Serondela
Serondela is a picnic site on the Riverfront today. It was once a sawmill settlement inside what became the park, and the residents were removed as the park developed. Check at the gate whether a visit is possible on your day.
Ihaha
Ihaha is a campsite right on the Riverfront. In the dry season it looks over a hippo pool. The state of individual tracks and sites can change, so confirm them before a trip.
Sedudu
Sedudu is the Riverfront gate near Kasane. The island of the same name in the river was ruled to belong to Botswana by the International Court of Justice on 13 December 1999, in the dispute between Botswana and Namibia.
Our pick: the riverfront by boat and 4x4
One day with a river cruise and a game drive along the water.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Chobe Riverfront safaris and river cruises
Game drives, river cruises and day trips along the Chobe, with live prices and availability.
The gates of Chobe National Park
Four gates matter for visitors. Only two sit on the Riverfront.
| Gate | Where | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Sedudu | Riverfront, about 6 km west of Kasane | Most game drives and the usual start |
| Ngoma | Riverfront, near the Namibia border | Transit and the border crossing, handled separately |
| Ghoha | Northern access to Savuti | Trips to Savuti |
| Mababe | Southern access to Savuti | Arrivals from the Maun side |
For most visitors, Sedudu is the gate to use. There is no separate fifth gate called Goha: Ghoha is the northern Savuti gate.
Ngoma: park gate, transit road and border
These are three different things. The Ngoma park gate is one end of the Riverfront. The transit route between Sedudu and Ngoma has been open for 24-hour transit since 1 April 2025. That is transit only: it does not allow a free-planned night drive, and regular safari hours stay as they are.
The border crossing into Namibia at Ngoma is a separate matter. Ngoma is an entry point to Namibia with visa on arrival. Typical border hours are 7:00 to 18:00 at Ngoma and 6:00 to 20:00 at the Kazungula road crossing to Zimbabwe. Use these as planning values, not guarantees, and read our page on the Caprivi Strip before crossing.
Fees and payment on the Riverfront
The tariff in force dates from 1 April 2022.
Entry per person
A non-resident private visitor pays 270 BWP per person per day. Clients of Botswana tour operators pay 190 BWP. Both are in Botswana pula, and the fees apply per day in the park.
Vehicles
A foreign-registered private vehicle under 3,500 kg costs 115 BWP per day. A commercial vehicle of the same size is 250 BWP.
Possible increase
An increase was announced in 2026; check the current rate before you go. On guided tours, the booking page should say whether park fees are included.
Paying at the gate
Bring Pula in cash for the gate. Card payment at the gate is not guaranteed.
Do not count on an online reservation system for park entry in 2026. Our park fees page has the full table.
Visiting from Victoria Falls or Livingstone
The Riverfront is the part of Chobe that day visitors reach.
Victoria Falls is roughly 80 to 95 km from Kasane, depending on where you start, plus the border. Visitors from there go to the Riverfront, which is why most day trips stay on this stretch. Our sister guide describes the Chobe day trip from Victoria Falls, and the page on Chobe day trips covers the border and the times.
Chobe Riverfront: frequently asked questions
How far is the Chobe Riverfront from Kasane?
Sedudu Gate is about 6 km west of Kasane, roughly 10 minutes by car. From other points in town it can be up to 10 km, so the figure depends on the starting point.
Which gate do I use for the Riverfront?
Sedudu is the usual gate for most visitors. Ngoma is the other Riverfront gate, and Ghoha and Mababe serve Savuti.
What does it cost to enter the Riverfront?
A non-resident private visitor pays 270 BWP per person per day, and clients of Botswana tour operators 190 BWP, in the tariff valid from 1 April 2022. Check the current rate before you go.
Can I drive through the park at night?
Night driving is allowed only in set exceptions. The Sedudu to Ngoma road is open for 24-hour transit since 1 April 2025, but that is not permission for a night safari.
Is there a picnic site on the Riverfront?
Yes. Serondela is a picnic site on the Riverfront. Check at the gate whether a visit is possible on your day.