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
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"Great base to explore Chobe"
Wildlife is very concentrated in this area and the lodge offers various different activities, so you won't be disappointed with what you see. We were lucky enough to see an African Wild dog pack make a kill on our first drive here.
Thatched chalets were clean and well appointed with a deck that has great views." See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Nice, Intimate Chobe Safari Lodge"
Mixed opinions on the guides. Neither Great but not bad. They did keep us out of harms way and showed us lots of elephants, giraffes, cape buffaloes hippos and African Crocs. Lion tracks were abundant but not the cats themselves.
We were not terribly impressed with the buffet offered by the lodge. It was standard fare and nothing to write home about. The location for Chobe was mixed. Its private from other lodges but a bit of a drive daily to the Chobe park for game viewing." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Muchenje Safari Lodge- A Wonderful Stay"
Robert and Joy run this lodge with passion, enthusiasm and attention to detail. They interact with all guests and everyone is made to feel welcome. The organisation of activities runs like clockwork and Joy's ability to notice when a particular grouping of guests may not be successful and to make arrangements accordingly, was very much appreciated.
The full day activity of river cruise and game drive is a winner. The only downside being that we wished it had been longer! We also loved the early morning bush walk , the local night drive and the sun-downer drive into Chobe. The quantity and quality of wildlife in this area is outstanding.
Our room was spacious, tastefully decorated,had a veranda with a great view and an excellent shower in the bathroom. The communal areas are well equipped with comfortable seating and lots of interesting books.The pool is set in pretty gardens and there are a number of seating areas as well as a fire pit. Staff join guests for communal meals which makes for great conversation. The food is plentiful and delicious.
We found the staff at Muchenje to be particularly engaged, friendly and highly competent. This was probably the best run lodge of our trip. We would highly recommend it for a stay." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 7n in Botswana
"Much game at Muchenje"
On our one full day, we enjoyed an early morning drive followed by breakfast, and then a full day trip which included a cruise down the Chobe River in the lodge's boat, lunch beside elephants enjoying the water, and a drive back through the park, the highlight of which was observing a pride of some 13 lions, lionesses and cubs as they communicated with one other and interacted with a herd of buffalo! Bee, our guide, was excellent, e.g. using the actions of other animals to spot lions and a leopard.
Chobe National Park offers a huge variety of game and we were richly rewarded with great sightings each time we went out. As we were the only two guests on our second night, Robert and Joy joined us for a dinner beside the pool, where we were later joined by some elephants coming in to drink.
Overall, Muchenje offers the lot - superb location, excellent facilities, delicious food, knowledgeable and confident staff and a rich variety of game." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"Good but hard going!"
The area was dry and the tracks for most part very hard and bumpy which does not make for very comfortable safari drives; in fact at times not a pleasant experience.
This is probably just due to the time of year and unfortunate timing on our part" See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 8n in Zambia
"Homely welcome at Muchenje Safari Lodge"
The activities were well-organised and explained with plenty of options including a full day trip to the Eastern side of Chobe Park, a boat trip on the Chobe river in the lodges own small boat, a picnic lunch and a game drive back through the park to the Western entrance at Ngoma. This was great day out with lots of varied activity including great viewing of elephants, hippopotamus, buffalo and crocodiles along the Chobe river. It's a tiring day but well worth it.
Morning game drives leave early (at 5.30) after a wake up at 5 am and tea (or coffee) and toast at 5.15 to make the most of the early morning light at the park before returning to the lodge for a full breakfast at 9.30.
On return from the afternoon game drives or trips Shadow, the barman made welcome drinks and a great range of tasty, home-made snacks were available on the bar.
Dining is communal style at a big table and some of the staff, guides and management join guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner and to chat about the days events. When we stayed there were only a few other guests at the lodge but even if it was full there would be plenty of room in the communal area and around the pool, viewing platform and fire-pit to relax. We tended to go to bed early because of the early starts.
The lodge has a very attractive design with three open sides. The chalet bedrooms have thatched roofs and are good-looking with views through the trees over the Chobe River flood plain below. The rooms are attractively decorated - we had a huge king size bed and were surprised to find quiet and effective air-conditioning. Elephants were wandering around the grounds at night but there are always security staff present to assist you to your chalet and scare away the wildlife if required.
We would recommend this very friendly place located outside the main park." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"We love Muchenje!"
Well-designed and perfectly located rooms (we had no. 3), with small verandah for morning tea and enjoying the view. Public areas were many and varied, all overlooking the flood plain. Lovely pool, small waterhole, great views.
Activities were included and apparently unlimited. The full day excursion was probably a bit long, but really enjoyable and well-guided. Delicious meals served buffet style at communal tables, hosted by managers and guides.
We were very sorry to leave." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 5n in Zimbabwe; 4n in Botswana
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
Would recommend this lodge." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 3n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Lovely lodge, fantastic river trip."
"Wonderful views at Muchenje Lodge"
The staff and service were excellent and the guided 4WD trips were fun and exciting.
The food was excellent and sociable as we ate together at the end of the day." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 7n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia; 2n in South Africa
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.
