Reviews of Muchenje Safari Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
173 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Muchenje Safari Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Jun-2018, 39 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Muchenje Safari Lodge.
Lion
89% success
Leopard
53% success
Cheetah
0% success
Wild dog
24% success
Elephant
100% success
Giraffe
100% success
Zebra
100% success
Buffalo
97% success
Hippo
95% success
Sable antelope
56% success
Spotted Hyena
50% success
Wildebeest
45% success
Roan antelope
39% success
Eland
26% success
Brown Hyena
21% success
Sitatunga
9% success
Aardvark
3% success
Pangolin
3% success
Mrs F & Mrs G
Kent
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
3 nights Arrived 13 Sep 2014
"An excellent first place to start our safari in every way. Fantastic game viewing on the trip along the Chobe river - one of the highlights of our stay. Watching Elephants swim across the river in a line was wonderful.
Our 4x4 vehicle did breakdown on the way back to the lodge, in the dark but on a main road within the Chobe National Park. But a replacement was quickly sent. Relaxed and comfortable - but more like a small hotel than a traditional lodge. Key selling point is the wonderful view from the lodge across the Chobe Flood Plain - something which I never got tired at looking at.
Would thoroughly recommend this lodge as a FIRST stop for a safari tour - given its structure and the limitations in place because of the national park closure at 6.30. The visit to the school was a fabulous idea and I thoroughly recommend it. We took some pens and pencils for the children which appears to be the done thing. It gave a chance to see the real Botswana rather than the "safari" industry view we were receiving." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Our 4x4 vehicle did breakdown on the way back to the lodge, in the dark but on a main road within the Chobe National Park. But a replacement was quickly sent. Relaxed and comfortable - but more like a small hotel than a traditional lodge. Key selling point is the wonderful view from the lodge across the Chobe Flood Plain - something which I never got tired at looking at.
Would thoroughly recommend this lodge as a FIRST stop for a safari tour - given its structure and the limitations in place because of the national park closure at 6.30. The visit to the school was a fabulous idea and I thoroughly recommend it. We took some pens and pencils for the children which appears to be the done thing. It gave a chance to see the real Botswana rather than the "safari" industry view we were receiving." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Devin & Willow
USA
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
3 nights Arrived 8 Sep 2014
"The lodge is very well located on the bluff with excellent river valley views. The rooms are a little dated and could use some TLC, but they are nice, clean, and comfortable. Guide staff did a great job and we really enjoyed our excursions, great game viewing.
My only negative comment is that staff joined guests at the dinning tables and initiated conversation; thus limiting quiet time or friendly conversation with other guests." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 1n in South Africa
My only negative comment is that staff joined guests at the dinning tables and initiated conversation; thus limiting quiet time or friendly conversation with other guests." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 1n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Mrs & Mr O
California
"Enjoyable day on the river with Muchenje"
2 nights Arrived 26 Aug 2014
"Muchenje is a very nice lodge, with wonderful people around, but we felt too much time was spent traveling not only to get there and back through the Kasane Airport, but to get to the boat ride also based out of Kasane. Even driving into the park for safari was a lengthy drive, which unfortunately our guide took very slowly on the smooth paved roads, while driving relatively much faster on the rough rutted dirt roads, and they were very rough.
Our day on the river was wonderful. We had the boat to ourselves, though we'd been warned this would not be the case. Though there were many boats out, it was not as busy or commercial as I'd anticipated. Our guide was very attentive, zipping the boat here, there, anywhere, and everywhere so we could watch and/or photograph a wide variety of animals and birds. Eating our lunch in the boat was delightful, floating on the water with ellies nearby.
The most memorable animal was an adolescent male elephant, suffering the trauma of rejection by his family; it was time to make it on his own. Trumpeting, screaming, crying as he charged up and down the river, shaking his head and threatening anything that got in his way, including a group of 4-batchelor kudu who seemed surprised to find themselves running from an angry young elephant." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 14n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Our day on the river was wonderful. We had the boat to ourselves, though we'd been warned this would not be the case. Though there were many boats out, it was not as busy or commercial as I'd anticipated. Our guide was very attentive, zipping the boat here, there, anywhere, and everywhere so we could watch and/or photograph a wide variety of animals and birds. Eating our lunch in the boat was delightful, floating on the water with ellies nearby.
The most memorable animal was an adolescent male elephant, suffering the trauma of rejection by his family; it was time to make it on his own. Trumpeting, screaming, crying as he charged up and down the river, shaking his head and threatening anything that got in his way, including a group of 4-batchelor kudu who seemed surprised to find themselves running from an angry young elephant." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 14n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Canada
"Muchenji Safari Lodge"
3 nights Arrived 10 Jun 2014
"The rooms at Muchenje were very comfortable and clean. A mosquito netting was placed around our bed by the staff before we went to bed. The managers - Gee and Cathie, were always available to answer any questions and our guides , Nick and Rambo were quite knowledgeable when out on our treks. The meals were delicious and eating with the guides was a great way to learn more about the area. There are rest areas and seating on large wooden platforms from which the enormous flood plain can be viewed. There is a small pool where we have seen pictures of an elephant who sometimes comes for a drink. Very exciting.
The game drives were into the Chobe National Park where we went on early morning drives (6:30!) which was the best time to see the animals out and about and around the water areas. After returning from our morning treks, we would have a lovely lunch and then a rest period and then out again for a late afternoon drive, returning to the lodge by 7:00 pm. On way back in the late afternoon we would stop by one of the water areas for a sundowner - snacks and drinks. Our three days there was very enjoyable and we would certainly recommend this lodge." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
The game drives were into the Chobe National Park where we went on early morning drives (6:30!) which was the best time to see the animals out and about and around the water areas. After returning from our morning treks, we would have a lovely lunch and then a rest period and then out again for a late afternoon drive, returning to the lodge by 7:00 pm. On way back in the late afternoon we would stop by one of the water areas for a sundowner - snacks and drinks. Our three days there was very enjoyable and we would certainly recommend this lodge." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Caldicot
"Three nights at Muchenje Safari Lodge"
3 nights Arrived 6 Jun 2014
"Beautifully situated.
We were especially impressed with the all day safari which included a boat trip on the river. We wish we could have stayed much longer." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia; 2n in Namibia; 1n in South Africa
We were especially impressed with the all day safari which included a boat trip on the river. We wish we could have stayed much longer." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia; 2n in Namibia; 1n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Ms B & Mr L
Australia
"Muchenje safari lodge"
3 nights Arrived 26 May 2014
"Overall this was probably our favourite place to stay fort he whole trip.
Although the accommodation was as not as grand as elsewhere, the cabins were very comfortable, with a small sitting area, good shower and outside area, with wonderful views. The main area where we ate was excellent with lots of comfortable places to sit with wi fi and outside viewing areas of the river and water hole. The staff were really fantastic. Everyone made you feel so welcome.
The food and wine were excellent. You eat at a communal table which worked fine, and the guided activities were taken with the same guide and other guests so by the end of 3 days you really felt as if you knew everyone very well. The managers would greet each trip as we returned with genuine interest in what we had seen and experienced. The wildlife experience was fantastic with lions each day, great river trip with elephants and lions, lots of zebra and giraffe, Kudu, impala etc.
We even met 3 elephants on the path to our cabin one night - decided they had right of way and beat a hasty retreat back to the main reception. As usual the night drives were disappointing, but one day we will see something interesting at night - it does not matter where we are int he world have never had any luck with night drives.
When we go again which I am sure we will, will plan for 4 nights so we can have a day of relaxation at the lodge as has one oft he top 10 for me views in the world over the chobe river." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
Although the accommodation was as not as grand as elsewhere, the cabins were very comfortable, with a small sitting area, good shower and outside area, with wonderful views. The main area where we ate was excellent with lots of comfortable places to sit with wi fi and outside viewing areas of the river and water hole. The staff were really fantastic. Everyone made you feel so welcome.
The food and wine were excellent. You eat at a communal table which worked fine, and the guided activities were taken with the same guide and other guests so by the end of 3 days you really felt as if you knew everyone very well. The managers would greet each trip as we returned with genuine interest in what we had seen and experienced. The wildlife experience was fantastic with lions each day, great river trip with elephants and lions, lots of zebra and giraffe, Kudu, impala etc.
We even met 3 elephants on the path to our cabin one night - decided they had right of way and beat a hasty retreat back to the main reception. As usual the night drives were disappointing, but one day we will see something interesting at night - it does not matter where we are int he world have never had any luck with night drives.
When we go again which I am sure we will, will plan for 4 nights so we can have a day of relaxation at the lodge as has one oft he top 10 for me views in the world over the chobe river." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs C
Wokingham
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 3 Apr 2014
"Into Botswana for the second time. We had been in Namibia for 2 weeks and seen only about 20 Elephants (not that they are the only way of assessing a holiday!). As we crossed Ngoma Bridge into Botswana we saw around 100 in the river, and as we left the Botswana border post a procession of Ellies walked cross the road in front of us.
Muchenje occupies a stunning position looking across the river flood plain - I don't think we have ever seen anything so spectacular.
The managers made us feel very welcome and indeed all of the staff were very helpful and friendly. The room was very nice and the food was excellent.
We missed the elephants that had walked past our bungalow in the night (a shame) but we were walked to and fro in darkness by the lodge's security staff. We went on an afternoon game drives then the next day on an all-day boat trip and game drive which was very rewarding - but perhaps too long and a bit uncomfortable. We didn't count them , but we must have seen over 2,000 ellies in a day and a herd of 1,000+ buffaloes. The sheer quantity was staggering when compared to time spent in Namibia. The highlight was probably lunch on the river trip with ellies palying in the water just a few feet away.
Simply Wonderful - wished we had stayed there longer." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Muchenje occupies a stunning position looking across the river flood plain - I don't think we have ever seen anything so spectacular.
The managers made us feel very welcome and indeed all of the staff were very helpful and friendly. The room was very nice and the food was excellent.
We missed the elephants that had walked past our bungalow in the night (a shame) but we were walked to and fro in darkness by the lodge's security staff. We went on an afternoon game drives then the next day on an all-day boat trip and game drive which was very rewarding - but perhaps too long and a bit uncomfortable. We didn't count them , but we must have seen over 2,000 ellies in a day and a herd of 1,000+ buffaloes. The sheer quantity was staggering when compared to time spent in Namibia. The highlight was probably lunch on the river trip with ellies palying in the water just a few feet away.
Simply Wonderful - wished we had stayed there longer." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mr D
Ontario
"Short but sweet"
2 nights Arrived 7 Dec 2013
"I stayed at Muchenje Safari Lodge for 2 days in early December. This place is gorgeous and even more luxurious than I thought it would be. Air con in the rooms? Vehicles that pull right into the lodge so you don't get wet? Wow.
The guides were excellent and the food was amazing and the service great. The only thing that was not totally perfect was that the husband and wife management team was a little too involved for my liking, spending every moment with us - I would have preferred a little more solitude. But I didn't tell them that, so I can hardly fault them for being super friendly.
Maybe it's because there were only 3 of us at the lodge - almost a private safari! And of course the game viewing in December is a little challenging as the bush is very thick, in this areas in particular. Nonetheless, we still saw a pride of lions and a sable antelope, as well as loads of elephants, hippos, giraffes, etc. And given that we had limited time, they arranged a full day safari, including a river safari for us one day, which was excellent, including lunch in our boat beside a huge herd of elephants." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
The guides were excellent and the food was amazing and the service great. The only thing that was not totally perfect was that the husband and wife management team was a little too involved for my liking, spending every moment with us - I would have preferred a little more solitude. But I didn't tell them that, so I can hardly fault them for being super friendly.
Maybe it's because there were only 3 of us at the lodge - almost a private safari! And of course the game viewing in December is a little challenging as the bush is very thick, in this areas in particular. Nonetheless, we still saw a pride of lions and a sable antelope, as well as loads of elephants, hippos, giraffes, etc. And given that we had limited time, they arranged a full day safari, including a river safari for us one day, which was excellent, including lunch in our boat beside a huge herd of elephants." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs A
MillwoodNY
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
1 night Arrived 4 Nov 2013
"Our day started with a boat tour near Kasane. It was terrific. Then the drive to the lodge and an great game drive. Another the next morning. We say an awful lot in a short visit."
See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr B Dorset
UK
"Great"
3 nights Arrived 1 Nov 2013
"Enjoyed our stay but, as with all parks sometimes frustrating having to stay on roads.
Exciting being chased by two very aggressive lions but we are still here to tell the tale. They did get to within 4 metres as we were speeding away in the Toyota." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana
Exciting being chased by two very aggressive lions but we are still here to tell the tale. They did get to within 4 metres as we were speeding away in the Toyota." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
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.
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 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.
