Chobe Safari Lodge: Our full report
Chobe Safari Lodge is a large, international style lodge/hotel, situated in the town of Kasane in north east Botswana.
As one of the first lodges built in Kasane, it has a prime spot immediately next to the Chobe National Park, overlooking the wide Chobe River.Set in well tended and pretty gardens are the lodge's 46 safari rooms, 22 river rooms and 8 rondavels. The safari rooms are the newest addition to the lodge and have air-conditioning, TV, en-suite bathroom and private patios leading onto an expansive lawn out towards the river. The river rooms are in a wing attached to the main lodge with a corridor downstairs, or an upstairs viewing deck. They have similar facilities to the safari rooms, but some have two twin bedrooms and so are suitable for small family groups. The thatched rondavels were some of the first rooms built at Chobe Safari Lodge and are well positioned by the river. The rondavels have recently been remodelled and they now include air-conditioning and a modern en suite bathroom. The lodge also has a campsite with power points, three bathroom blocks and a bar overlooking the river.
Chobe Safari Lodge's main complex is a large thatched building which houses the reception, a large restaurant, a cocktail bar, curio shop, small salon and an activity booking office. Nearby is a large pool surrounded by loungers and a patio area with tables and chairs overlooking the river.
Activities from Chobe Safari Lodge include morning and afternoon game drives along the riverfront area of the national park, boat cruises on the Chobe River and fishing trips. Day trips to see the Victoria Falls can also be arranged. This area of Chobe National Park can be very busy with visitors, especially during the dry season, so don't expect exclusivity. However, the prolific wildlife is generally very used to high numbers of vehicles, and so many of the individual animals are relaxed, which often allows for great photo opportunities.
Our view
Although large and fairly impersonal, Chobe Safari Lodge offers good value accommodation in a prime position overlooking the Chobe River. Its facilities are well designed, clean and comfortable, and the staff are usually friendly and accommodating. It's a great option for travellers self-driving through the Caprivi Strip into Namibia, or for those on a budget. It can be used as a base from which to see the national park, although this area of Chobe can be exceedingly busy with other visitors, especially when game densities are high during the late dry season.
Botswana expert
Geographics
- Location
- Chobe National Park, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- Expert Africa would recommend at least a 2-night stay at Chobe Safari Lodge to give you time for a morning game drive in the park and an afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River.
- Directions
- Chobe Safari Lodge can easily be reached on a self-drive safari passing through Kasane. If you arrive at the nearby Kasane Airport a complimentary transfer to the lodge can be arranged if booked in advance.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Families with children of all ages are welcome at Chobe Safari Lodge.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Helicopter
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- 0
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.
Chobe River Lodge
Overlooking the Chobe River, the intimate Chobe River Lodge is a haven of tranquillity away from the bustle of Kasane.
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 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 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 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.
