Relaxation on the riverfront

Over the Chobe River, a flock of birds parachutes down. Hippos loll in the water and crocodiles scuttle, dragging their bellies. As you return from your river cruise, you gaze at these wildlife scenes, while dinner is served under a star-studded sky - it doesn’t require much effort to let tranquillity come over you at this charming guesthouse. Located in the hub of Kasane (northern Botswana) on the banks of the Chobe River, shines a small and personal gem: The Garden Lodge. Surrounded by peaceful birdlife-riddled gardens that gently slope down to the river, it is easy to spend a relaxing couple of days here. Managers Emily and Mark will make sure you are well looked-after and they never miss an opportunity to go that extra mile (or spoil you with homemade pastries). It is a small lodge, but with a big window of opportunities to discover the area. Simply sit in the garden, watch the perky little warthogs trotting around, sip some African wine and start anticipating the next morning game drive. Life can be very uncomplicated here.

Unlike many accommodation options in the Chobe National Park area (some counting over a hundred beds), Chobe River Lodge has just eight rooms: four double and four family rooms, sleeping approximately 22 guests in total. Each room has en-suite facilities and a private veranda overlooking the Chobe River. Furnished in teak and wicker to blend in with the natural surrounds, all furniture comes from Botswana or neighbouring countries. The thatched main lodge area includes an upstairs lounge area overlooking the garden and downstairs dining room where you can either sit indoors or outside by the swimming pool. Three meals are served daily, usually at a communal table, and there is a boma for starlit evenings.

Activities at Chobe River Lodge (available at an additional cost)

At Chobe River Lodge, owners Gabi and Phil came up with an interesting rule: if you don’t see any elephants on your game drive or boat cruise, they will pay for your drinks that day. Luckily for you – well, for your safari experience at least - Chobe is known for its high density of elephant families. The park, with its estimated 140,000 elephants, huge herds of buffalo, and almost daily sightings of lions, is a photographer’s dream. The day starts with an early coffee or tea served in your room, before you venture out for the morning game drive. With wildlife dependent on the river for water, traditionally, early morning game drives and late afternoon boat cruises are the safari routine here. However, it is all about flexibility. Do not hesitate to share your wishes with the staff, since they will do everything to suit your requirements. And why not take advantage of your vicinity to Victoria Falls? A visit is only an hour and a half away and a great chance to see this spectacular World Heritage Site. There is so much to see, you would almost forget that simply being in the lodge and sampling delicious home-cooked food, sharing amazing stories with the other guests and spotting animals peeking right back at you truly make this place a little piece of paradise.

Tripadvisor comments Chobe River Lodge

This small family run lodge is the ideal place to find peace after long days exploring the Chobe National Park, the Victoria Falls and exchanging wild life stories with the other guests. The service is warm and personal, the food excellent, the location convenient. The guides are very knowledgeable and helped us spot a leopard!

palink

Charming lodge in decor and in service. Warm and considerate hosting by Emily and Mark. The lodge itself was very clean and beautiful. We had an upstairs loft room under the eves, which was huge, comfortable and inspiring in decor. The service was quiet warm and friendly with excellent food. Nice location in the town-- far enough out to be quiet yet close to everything. We would definitely come back.

Erik B