Located in northern Botswana, Chobe National Park is a gem for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa. Choosing the right accommodation can elevate your safari experience, providing comfort, exceptional service, and strategic proximity to the abundant wildlife.
This article explores the best camps and lodges in Chobe National Park, each offering unique features that promise a memorable stay.
Chobe Game Lodge
Nestled on the banks of the Chobe River, Chobe Game Lodge offers spectacular views and direct access to the teeming wildlife of the park. The lodge offers 44 rooms, each with a private terrace overlooking the river. The lodge is well-known for its expansive deck with a swimming pool and a large tusk-shaped bar. The boardwalk and riverside boma create a unique space for dining and wildlife viewing.
The lodge is the only permanent lodge within the Chobe National Park boundaries and offers unique experiences such as river cruises and eco-friendly electric vehicle safaris. Their robust sustainability efforts have earned them an Ecotourism certification from Botswana Tourism.
Chobe Safari Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge is conveniently located in Kasane, adjacent to the Chobe National Park, known for its diverse and abundant wildlife.
Chobe Safari Lodge offers various types of accommodation to suit different needs and budgets. The options range from luxury family rooms and traditional thatched rondavels to river-facing suites and safari rooms. Each room is comfortable and equipped with air conditioning, as well as a variety of modern amenities.
The main lodge complex features a cocktail bar, a large swimming pool with a terrace, and a wildlife reference library. The restaurant at the lodge serves a variety of meals ranging from traditional African cuisine to European dishes. The Sedudu Bar, famous for its stunning sunsets, is an excellent place to relax after a day of safari adventures.
Owing to its location, guests at the lodge can enjoy a variety of activities. This includes game drives in the Chobe National Park, boat cruises on the Chobe River, and day trips to the mighty Victoria Falls. The lodge can also arrange fishing trips and scenic flights, giving guests an array of ways to experience the majesty of the region.
Muchenje Safari Lodge
Muchenje Safari Lodge is situated in the quieter, western side of Botswana’s Chobe National Park, offering a more secluded and private safari experience. The lodge sits atop an escarpment, providing guests with stunning views of the Chobe River and the seasonal flood plains.
It offers 11 thatched chalets, each with their private deck. The chalets are designed to accommodate two people, providing a cozy and intimate setting for couples or friends. Each unit features en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness.
The main lodge area features a dining area, bar, reception, and a small library. There’s also a swimming pool for guests to cool off during the hot afternoons. Additionally, Muchenje offers a lookout platform that’s perfect for spotting wildlife or enjoying the beautiful African sunsets.
Muchenje offers a variety of safari activities, including game drives, night drives, walking safaris, and boat cruises on the Chobe River. Additionally, they organize cultural visits to local communities, giving guests an opportunity to learn about the lifestyle and traditions of the people living around the area.
Savute Safari Lodge
Savute Safari Lodge is located in the dynamic ecosystem of Savute, a remote and wild corner of Chobe National Park. It’s situated along the dry Savute Channel, an area renowned for its unique geology and its rich and diverse wildlife.
The lodge consists of 12 local timber and thatch chalets on raised decks, each offering a combined bedroom and lounge area, and a private viewing deck. The ensuite facilities and exterior showers allow guests to immerse themselves in the surroundings, adding to the wild, authentic feel of the lodge.
The main building of the lodge houses the lounge, library, and cocktail bar, built around an aerial view of the savannah and watering hole. A plunge pool, al fresco dining area, and a large fireplace also form part of the communal area.
Guests can take part in thrilling game drives through the park, known for its intense predator encounters and abundance of wildlife. The area’s rich history can be explored through a trip to the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills – a small hilly outcrop which forms a prominent landmark in the otherwise flat landscape.
Chobe Elephant Camp
Located high on the edge of a rocky ridge overlooking the famous Chobe River, Chobe Elephant Camp offers a spectacular view over the floodplains. This unique vantage point allows for exceptional wildlife viewing, with an especially abundant elephant population.
Chobe Elephant Camp is made up of 12 rooms, all designed with a unique, rustic charm. The camp is built from sandbags, an eco-friendly building method that provides excellent insulation and matches the natural color palette of the surrounding environment. Each room features an en-suite bathroom and private veranda, with extensive views of the wilderness.
The main public area of the lodge includes a spacious open-plan main area with a lounge, dining area, bar, and pool. It is a comfortable place for relaxation between game viewing activities and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
The camp provides an array of activities including game drives, cultural tours, and visits to a working village. The lodge’s location allows for exceptional wildlife encounters, with both land-based safari drives and boat-based river cruises available.
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is located at the edge of Chobe National Park, the second-largest national park in Botswana. The lodge sits atop a hill, providing panoramic views of the Chobe River and floodplain, a location that offers incredible game viewing opportunities.
Accommodation: The lodge has 15 guest cottages, each with its private garden where guests can savor the exceptional views. The design is a luxurious modern take on the traditional African theme, and each cottage comes with an ensuite bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers, and a private terrace.
Facilities: Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero boasts a full-service spa, a split-level swimming pool, and a gourmet restaurant, which sets it apart from other lodges in the area. The main public area includes a lounge and dining room, which are linked to outdoor viewing patios.
Activities: As it’s situated close to Chobe National Park, guests have the chance to enjoy thrilling guided game drives in open-sided 4×4 vehicles that bring them close to the wildlife in the park. Sundowner cruises on the Chobe River are also offered, providing an opportunity to view wildlife from a different perspective.
Chobe Bush Lodge
Chobe Bush Lodge is situated in Kasane on the border of Chobe National Park and close to the meeting point of four African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. It’s also near the mighty Chobe River, which allows easy access for game viewing and river cruises.
The lodge consists of 38 spacious luxury en-suite rooms, each one elegantly furnished with an open-plan bathroom featuring both bath and shower. Four large exclusive family rooms are available with two separate bedrooms, each with its own en-suite facilities.
The lodge offers a cocktail bar, restaurant, and a swimming pool with a deck. The main dining area serves a variety of meals inspired by African and international cuisines. The lodge also offers well-appointed meeting facilities, making it an ideal choice for conferences and other events.
The main attraction at Chobe Bush Lodge is the game drives and boat cruises through Chobe National Park. Other activities include private boat hire, fishing trips, day trips to Victoria Falls, scenic flights, and cross-border transfers.
Chobe River Camp
Chobe River Camp is situated on the banks of the Chobe River near the village of Ngoma, which borders Botswana’s Chobe National Park. The camp offers a quiet, secluded experience with stunning views of the flood plains.
The camp features 20 tented guest rooms, made of a combination of canvas, wood, and thatch, which offer a rustic yet comfortable setting. The tents are elevated on stilts to provide an unobstructed view of the Chobe River and to catch the refreshing river breeze. Each tent offers twin or double beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private decks.
The main lodge houses the dining area, lounge, bar, and a small curio shop. A swimming pool is available for guests to cool off during the hot afternoons. The outdoor boma area is perfect for dining under the African stars and sharing stories around the fire.
Chobe River Camp offers a variety of activities, including game drives into Chobe National Park, boat cruises on the Chobe River, bird watching, nature walks, and cultural village visits. The area is known for its high concentration of elephants and diverse bird life.
Kubu Lodge
Kubu Lodge is located on the banks of the Chobe River, just outside the town of Kasane and close to the entrance of Chobe National Park in Botswana. The lodge’s location provides easy access to the park and the stunning scenery of the Chobe River.
Kubu Lodge has 11 thatched chalets spread out across the lodge’s tranquil and lush gardens. Each chalet offers privacy, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas overlooking the river. The chalets are comfortably furnished and blend in with the lodge’s natural surroundings.
The main lodge houses a dining room, bar, and lounge area, as well as a small curio shop. The swimming pool and sun deck offer a relaxing space for guests to enjoy the outdoors. The restaurant provides a range of cuisines and can cater to dietary requirements with prior notice.
The lodge provides a variety of activities for guests, including game drives in Chobe National Park, boat cruises on the Chobe River, bird watching, and fishing. Day trips to Victoria Falls and cultural tours of local communities can also be arranged.
Ngoma Safari Lodge
Ngoma Safari Lodge is located in the Chobe Forest Reserve, which borders the western edge of Chobe National Park in Botswana. The lodge is nestled high up with a view overlooking the magnificent Chobe River, providing stunning panoramic views.
The lodge consists of eight private suites, each with indoor and outdoor showers, and a private outdoor living area offering incredible views of the Chobe River. Each suite is designed with an emphasis on space, peace, and luxury.
The central guest area of the lodge features a lounge, dining room, bar area, and a swimming pool. The dining and bar area are set on a deck with stunning views over the floodplains. There’s also a well-stocked curio shop for guests looking for souvenirs.
The location allows for game drives and night drives within the Chobe Forest Reserve, guided walks, and bird watching. Additionally, the lodge offers boat cruises on the Chobe River, providing excellent game viewing and bird watching opportunities.