Celebrate Botswana’s beauty

Chobe Bakwena Lodge is an eco-luxury retreat on the banks of the Chobe River, located in the friendly town of Kasane right next to Chobe National Park, ideally positioned for the place where Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana meet. This is the where you want to go to for a truly heart-warming Botswana safari. The lodge is an oasis with excellent food (you will never forget their home-made bread), comfortable rooms, cosy nooks and stunning views. But there is more: owners Jenny and Adam Young are truly committed to responsible tourism and sharing their ‘sanctuary’ – as they like to call it – in the purest possible way. Bakwena Lodge is the only lodge on the Chobe River that was constructed according to eco-principles, with locally sourced materials and without any harmful chemicals. When in your room, pay extra attention to the carefully hand-selected furniture, all sourced from local craftsmen and vintage stores. Even the curtains are fair trade; they come from Madagascar to create employment there, and are made from local cotton. Come here to immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy a natural safari in a responsible lodge, oozing with African authenticity.

Chobe Bakwena Lodge comprises fifteen rondavel style chalets; ten ‘River-View Chalets’ (which are all facing the Chobe River) and five ‘Treetop Chalets’ (which are elevated 3.5 meters above the ground with views of the Treetop canopy). Under the shady canopy of Acacia trees, each site has been selected for its river view and is surrounded by indigenous riverine bush. As mentioned before, the chalets are built according to both ecological and traditional African principles. The chalets boast a laid-back kind of luxury, which immediately unwinds your body and mind, especially after taking an outdoor shower under the African night sky: an absolute must-do. Each chalet has an interior bathroom opening on to an outside garden with an outside shower. Built-in daybeds offer ample opportunity to absorb the changing moods of the Chobe, take in an amazing sunset – with the biggest orange glowing ball you have ever seen – or peek at wildlife seeking refreshment in the river. Once settled in, the staff will be more than happy to guide you to the main area where you will find a lounge, restaurant – serving African fusion dishes inspired by traditional Setwana cuisine -, a Rain Tree Bar overlooking the river, and an inviting swimming pool where you can take a plunge. Also, don’t skip the gift shop, this is probably one of the most thoughtfully stocked in Chobe.

Activities at Chobe Bakwena Lodge

Chobe is home to Africa’s largest elephant population. Every day, these magnificent pachyderms migrate from their foraging grounds in the Teak forests to the mighty Chobe to quench their thirst. A game drive in the early morning offers the best opportunities to spot some of the sheer big cats (and don’t worry, you will get up without grumbling with so much natural beauty awaiting you), while an afternoon boat cruise is still one of the most serene ways to gaze at wildlife. Watch elephants romping and rolling in the water or hippos showing off their pink bellies. It is not only the wildlife that Bakwena offers: a guided bicycle tour or village walk offers you the chance to experience and understand the local customs and culture and take a little slice of village life back home with you. After all these activities, what could possibly be more satisfying than gathering around a crackling fire for a traditional ‘boma’ dinner? If you are lucky, they will serve traditional ‘pap & wors’: porridge and farmer’s sausage. With a full belly and a full glass of wine, you will realise there is nothing left to wish for.

Tripadvisor comments Chobe Bakwena Lodge

The lodging, food, safaris and most of all the hospitality of the staff were perfect and heartwarming to the last details. We loved every moment of auf stay and absolutely recomend this beautiful place.

aaalex2016 from Zurich, Switzerland

Just superior lodge: great food, very good service level, friendliness of staff, area surrounding the camp, safari guides, rooms... Absolutely recommend this lodge to all travellers that want to have a little luxury after safari tours.

austriantraveller891 from Austria