Reviews of Chobe River Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
59 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Chobe River Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Garden Lodge is outstanding"
An incredibly friendly feel, where nothing was too much trouble. Afternoon tea and cake was a nice touch, as was the free washing/ironing service - very handy at the end of a long trip.
Not too large which gave it a family feel. Outstanding lodge and ethos." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"An oasis of calm at Garden Lodge"
Trips on the Chobe River were great, there is a huge variety of birds. The highlights were the elephants coming down to drink in the morning and evening. One evening we were treated to 10 minutes of a leopard coming down from his tree and walking along the river bank. The two guides, Innocent and John, were very knowledgeable and knew just where to go to see the best of the animals and birds.
We were a bit disappointed by the safari in the park as there were nothing like the numbers of animals around that we had experienced in July five years ago. It had rained 2 weeks ago and the animals had dispersed, although they were drifting back as it hadn;t rained since.
We loved it here and would recommend it to anyone who wants to explore Chobe." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"3 lovely nights"
Every meal was a culinary treat - including afternoon tea in temperatures of 40C! Excellent inclusive trips ( although our relief driver learnt a bit about wildlife from us!!) Lovely and airy and relaxed." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Lovely friendly place to stay."
The staff are very genuinely friendly and seem to actually enjoy meeting and chatting with guests, rather than just passing pleasantries. The boat trips and game drives were excellent, we had never realised how much game there was here, compared with Namibia. Though it was a bit of a shock to see all the boats on the river from the large lodges. So pleased we were in the Garden Lodge, as it was small and intimate.
Our room was the smallest, but it was cosy and had everything we needed. A really good end to our trip.
Our hire car was collected from the lodge, which was very convenient and unexpected. A very good end to our adventure" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana
"Garden lodge heaven"
Maybe our favourite place." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 3n in Zambia; 2n in Botswana
"We had great fun here"
The large rooms had good views and were comfy and well equipped.
The staff were extremely helpful and friendly, providing a very personal service.
The food was variable and the dining area very cold.
Our boat trip was excellent and our day long game drive was very enjoyable.
The elephants and hippo in the garden were an added bonus.....if unplanned." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Garden Lodge is an Oasis"
Wonderful place to rest, relax and regroup!" See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 7n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa; 1n in Botswana
"The Garden Lodge - back to be pampered"
The private access to the river, is without any doubt a privilege for the guests. We were very fortunate in having a boat tour just for ourselves, which was excellent, as we were able to choose what to see. Seeing Chobe from inside-out is really different and unforgettable. The guiding was excellent." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana
"The Garden Lodge review"
The staff were very accommodating and were able to give us our room preferences. The staff were helpful particularly when confirming the collection of the hire car and the departure arrangements for the onward journey to Zambia.
Dining was again communal either at a very long table or at a smaller table with the staff and guides eating with the guests. Afternoon tea was served at the boma in the verdant garden prior to the afternoon activities.
This lodge caters for a mainly but not exclusively German-speaking clientele." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Friendly"
The atmosphere was friendly and informal, with guests sitting together with lodge staff members at a big table at meal times. Our room was pleasant, with a veranda overlooking the back garden.
The day activities consisted of a morning game drive and an afternoon river cruise. It has to be said that this area of Chobe National Park is very touristy, and neither of these activities felt like a wilderness experience. Nevertheless, we got some excellent sightings. And, most impressively, after we returned from a cruise, the lodge manager informed us that three male lions were relaxing at the roadside a few miles away. Without further ado, he personally drove a group of us to see them, and there they were in their full glory." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 7n in Zambia; 2n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Botswana
Holiday styles & special interests in Botswana
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Botswana.
Other lodges in Chobe National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Muchenje Safari Lodge
One of our favourites in the area, Muchenje is a small, welcoming lodge at the quieter, western end of the Chobe Riverfront.
Savute Safari Lodge
Savute Safari Lodge sits on the banks of the Savuti Channel within Chobe National Park, and offers access to excellent game viewing, especially during the dry season.
Savute Under Canvas
A mobile camp with the comforts of a semi-permanent tented camp, Savute Under Canvas offers guided game drives within the Savuti region of Chobe National Park.
Chobe Under Canvas
This is a typical location for Chobe under Canvas, a small, semi-permanent camp in the Chobe Riverfront area that offers good value for money and high standards of care.
Chobe Elephant Camp
Located in one of our favorite areas of Chobe National Park, Chobe Elephant Camp is a simple but well-appointed camp with a strong bush feel.
Chobe Safari Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge is a good value, hotel-style lodge in the heart of Kasane offering game drives, boat cruises and fishing trips.
Chobe Game Lodge
Chobe Game Lodge occupies an enviable riverfront location within Chobe National Park and boasts well-earned 'eco' credentials, as well as an excellent all-female guiding team.
Ngoma Safari Lodge
With sweeping views across the floodplains of the Chobe River, Ngoma offers superb food and flexible safari activities.
Chobe Chilwero
On the periphery of Chobe National Park, Chobe Chilwero offers luxurious surroundings and excellent food, which complement superb game viewing on game drives and boat trips.
Camp Kuzuma
Camp Kuzuma sits in the Kazuma Forest Reserve and is an excellent place to see elephant in particular. Away from the busier riverfront area of Chobe National Park this camp offers a luxurious base form which to explore this less visited region of northern Botswana.
Savute Elephant Lodge
Savute Elephant Lodge is a luxurious camp on the banks of the now flowing Savuti Channel. This is a classic big-game area, although its location within Chobe National Park does limit the activities which are possible here.
Elephant Valley Lodge
Elephant Valley Lodge is a lovely camp in a beautiful setting – sit in its hide and watch the wildlife come to drink at the waterhole. Activities focus on boating and drives in Chobe which - although very busy, and a long drive from the lodge – is very rich in wildlife.
