Reviews of Chobe Game Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
11 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Chobe Game Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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67% success
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"Great introduction to Botswana"
Friendly staff at the lodge.
Enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, one of an all-female guiding team.
Just the right length of game drive and boat safari.
Best elephant, buffalo and hippo sightings of our trip. Several sightings of lions and brown hyenas, too. And good birding in lodge grounds and throughout Chobe NP.
Full-body massage at the lodge was excellent." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
Brown Hyena
Multiple sightings
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
"Beautiful river setting"
The early morning boat drive, at the end of June, is really a bird watching one. It's very cold in the mornings, so whether you are doing a land drive or a boat one, many of the animals are not moving to the river. On our one afternoon game drive, we saw many animals, especially elephants on their way to and from the river.
On our journeys from the River View lodge to Chobe Game Lodge and back to the airport, both about 11am, we also saw animals, especially elephants on the move. From the point of view of animal sightings, I don't think that we really gained much by actually having accommodation in the reserve. A benefit that we did gain was being able to see animals from the Lodge's viewing platform, next to the river, but animals were at a distance. On game drives ,we did see animals clearly.
Our chalet accommodation was clean and well- maintained with everything we needed for our stay. Half our meals were buffet style eaten by the river. The one evening meal we had in the restaurant was disappointing,. The Lodge management decides which meals are buffet style by the river, so there is no choice about this.
Before our stay, we read a lot about the fact that all guides are female. We think it's great that women are having this opportunity. We stayed for two nights and think that is a sufficient amount of time to experience this lodge We had two jeep game drives and three boat trips, each at a different time of day. We also has some good wild-life sights on our transfers by jeep." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Fancy accomodation and guaranteed animals"
It was a nice change to have a bit of luxury after sleeping in the tented rooms but I wouldn't do this lodge exclusively as it does feel a little too close to civilization." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana
"MY BOTSWANA: CHOBE GAME LODGE"
The Lodge was very suitably placed for game drives and river cruises, both of which I enjoyed. The land between the Lodge and the River Chobe was imaginatively used but I think the Lodge had missed the point of being a GAME Lodge and was veering towards being a modern up-market hotel that did not quite fit the title of GAME Lodge; although I noted that Families seemed pleased with the Lodge's services. Perhaps a minor detail but I did get fed up with every member of staff I passed asking me how I was, I found it intrusive.
I did wonder also about the roll of the Lodge's lady hosts: on my second evening the gentleman who had shared our table the previous evening asked my host to have dinner with himself and two other visitors (excluding myself) which my host did with apologies to me. During their dinner there was a lot of 'selfy' photos taken with close contact between the gentleman and the host and I cannot but question why, also are these 'displays' now acceptable to Botswana culture or are they just for European and American visitors.
The other questionable was why did the waiter decide to accompany me from the dining room as if I had asked him to - I was only able to get him to leave me when I stopped walking and firmly said 'Goodnight'.
At times whilst in the Lodge I felt uncomfortable with a lack of freedom and felt that the staff were ever watchful of me.- perhaps as a single female I stood out like a sore thumb.
It is debatable whether I would choose to stay at the Lodge again, perhaps I would find the tented camps more suitable." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana
"Chobe Game Lodge"
Despite trying to accommodate our youngest child, it was clear there was little experience with this, and we felt constantly 'on guard' that we would disrupt their expectations. There was no child menu - and very few vegetarian options at meal times (we all had pasta and red sauce for our final meal). My oldest daughter fell at the pool and cut and bruised herself pretty badly but several staff just stood around until we asked for some help.
However, despite the somewhat stiff ambience, there were a few staff who stood out as excellent, including our guide." See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Chobe Game Lodge"
The food and dining staff were very helpful. We did not like driving on the road (as is necessary in a game park) as there were far too many jeeps all at the same place. After the three bush camps this was definately an anticlimax. I would not return to Chobe Game Lodge." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Chobe Game Lodge"
"Elephants galore!"
Lodge is a true all-inclusive, even personal laundry service is free. Furnishings are slightly worn and the rooms a bit dated, so not ultra-posh, but still a great experience.
The schedule is busy. On arrival day we had a sunset river cruise. Subsequent days had a pre-dawn game drive, a mid-day cruise, and a late afternoon drive, each lasting over two hours. We tended to stay with the same small group of people, who shared our arrival and departure date--the drives and cruises have a maximum of 12 guests in each group.
The game guides are all women, but I think we had the best. "RB" was friendly and a real pro, both on land and water. Several times she was the one who located leopards or lions and radioed the other guides." See all these reviews: 4n in South Africa; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Fantastic stay at Chobe Game Lodge"
There are morning and afternoon/evening drives, as well as a river cruise in the afternoon, and you are obviously free to participate as often or as little as you choose. Meals are generally buffet-style, with attentive waiter service, and a wide range of tasty food available. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and warthogs roam around outside your door! We saw scores of elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo, jackals, hippos, crocodiles, and more. Huge thanks to Bee, Vincent, Mytie, BK and everyone at the Lodge!
Transfers arranged through Expert Africa were hassle-free, and the exceptionally helpful Chloe was on hand to answer any questions whilst booking and prior to the trip. We would not hesitate to recommend Chobe Game Lodge and will certainly be booking our next trip to this part of the world through Expert Africa." See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana
"Chobe Game Lodge review"
Except there was a problem with our transfer from Kasane airport to the lodge; luckily it was pointed out to us that the drive to Chobe Game Lodge was NOT possible in a two wheel drive vehicle, before we attempted it, and we feel that Expert Africa should have arranged a transfer from Kasane airport to the lodge.
Luckily, Connie, one of the lodge guides, happened to be picking up another couple at the airport and gave us a lift; otherwise, we would potentially have had a major problem." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
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.
Muchenje Safari Lodge
One of our favourites in the area, Muchenje is a small, welcoming lodge outside the less busy western end of the Chobe Riverfront area.
Chobe Princesses
The Chobe Princess houseboats offer a memorable way to explore the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers in Namibia's Caprivi. Perfect for a couple or for a group of family or friends.
Garden Lodge
Overlooking the Chobe River, the intimate Garden 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.
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.
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.
Zambezi Queen
The Zambezi Queen offers luxurious two- and three-night cruises along the game-rich Chobe River, including game viewing by small boat and 4WD as well as catch-and-release fishing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
