Reviews of Chobe River Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
59 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Chobe River Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Chobe River Lodge review"
A great place to start the trip. Close to the airport, quiet and our rooms opened out onto the garden and river which had warthogs and other animals grazing on it. Nice big well appointed, cool rooms and a small pool outside to cool down.
Staff were lovely and attentive but the food was probably the highlight of this place - great breakfast and a choice of two menu options at dinner, both cooked beautifully.
Boat tour started at the bottom of the garden and whilst the river was busy with other tourist we did get to see swimming elephants" See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana
Eland
5 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
6 sightings
"Chobe River Lodge review"
Whilst we did not meet the hippos fellow visitors had seen on previous evenings, we did meet visiting waterhogs and baboons. The central communal area and dining table was well designed and a big plus for meeting other visitors and sharing experiences.
The manageress was extremely helpful, especially in assisting us with the return of our car hire to Kasane Airport.
The guided game drives to Chobe National Park were as good as we experienced during our entire 3 weeks. The guide went out of his way to provide the best possible viewings and his knowledge and ability to convey it was informative and enjoyable.
The evening river cruise was different but equally enoyable." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
"Chobe River Lodge review"
Would love to return here too!!!" See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
3 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Zebra
10 sightings
"Garden Lodge review"
We enjoyed the meals and the flexibility on timing them with scheduled activities.
We greatly enjoyed both the river cruise and game drive that were coordinated by the lodge." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
2 sightings
Elephant
8 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Hippo
7 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"Garden Lodge review"
Unfortunately noisy at night with alarms going off nearby overnight, not a problem with ear plugs though." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 1n in Botswana
"A lovely surprise"
We had thought it would be a convenient stop over, which it was, but it proved to be much more. The manager (whose name I have unforgivably forgotten) was so welcoming, the staff friendly and helpful, the food was the best we had during our entire holiday, there was wildlife in the garden (warthogs, banded mongeese and a hippo) though was perfectly safe.
We had an amazing game drive, arranged by the lodge with a great guide (Tifo) and saw a large pride of lions (including the cutest cubs) feasting. We would have stayed for longer if we had only known how great this place is and would recommend it to anyone (though young children would need to be monitored at all times due to the wildlife)." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Hippo
1 sighting
Lion
10 sightings
"Garden Lodge review"
We has a very nice room with a sunny patio outside and went on a relaxing boat trip on the lovely Chobe River and had sundowners. Access to the river was from the jetty at the end of the lovely garden.
Evening meal was good and in the morning we had a game drive before breakfast back at the lodge. The lodge had some fantastic large pictures and other nice unusual decor." See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana
"Small and friendly Garden Lodge"
Both guides I had were extremely knowledgeable, able to spot the tiniest kingfisher in the reeds on the glorious sunset boat trip, or work hard to find that elusive leopard on the game drive.
We all ate together in the evening, joined by the two managers, which was a great end to the day, and again, lovely for a solo traveller.
Highly recommend." See all these reviews: 3n in Botswana
Buffalo
3 sightings
Elephant
5 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Hippo
4 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Garden Lodge review"
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Garden Lodge"
Over that time the Kasane area has grown enormously with more and more visitors and hotels so it was a great surprise to find this excellent small hotel operation together with its own land and river safari facilities.
It has the advantage of being "family run" with the owners keen to discuss all aspects of your stay and excursion planning." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia; 2n in Botswana; 1n in South Africa
Buffalo
2 sightings
Elephant
2 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
2 sightings
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 at the quieter, western end of the Chobe Riverfront.
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.
Closed for refurbishment 5 Jan - 28 March 2026
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.
