Reviews of Muchenje Safari Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
171 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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"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
The food was plentiful and creative, though it was surprising that there wasn't much fish served. Vegetarian options were very good and clearly marked.
There are 3 areas in activities where we would suggest some improvements:
1) it would have been helpful to know what ALL the activities options were (dawn safari, afternoon safari, night safari, all day water safari followed by land safari, village visit, mokoro ride). Instead the Lodge seemed to plan how we would do the various options based on what was easiest or best for them or their guides.
In our case, we did the full day (11 hours: dawn safari, breakfast, water safair and land safari through Chobe Nat Park) because we thought it was the only way it could be done.
Instead it became clear that there were other options (doing a second water safari with lunch).
2) We had the lodge arrange a late afternoon mokoro trip for us which was great and peaceful. No one told us about that option and had we not read about it ourselves, we would have missed this experience. No one suggested that we bring money to tip the mokoro guide who was not part of the Lodge. (We wound up leaving the tip in an envelope for him at the Lodge.)
3) The Lodge needs a better, more hygenic bathroom option before and after the water safari as there are no bathrooms on the boat and the bathroom at the marina is terrible. We're aware that Muchenje management has been trying to get the government department to make the marina bathroom better. Muchenje did switch to using the satisfactory bathroom at the Chobe National Park entrance, 15 minutes from the water safari boat started and ended (and that was fine)." See all these reviews: 3n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Namibia
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
2 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
Rooms aren't big but are tastefully furnished, well equipped and take full advantage of the view.
Good food and welcoming hosts.
Elephants were regularly eating plants in the garden, even during the day.
The "whole day out" game viewing is a different approach to the other camps we stayed in, but works well.
A large herd of elephants passed within 2 feet of the boat when we we stopped for lunch on the edge of the riverbank." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
Our guide Rambo was excellent. We saw so many animals on our drives down by the river- took an incredible boat trip and got to see elephants up close swimming - playing and eating the grasses in the water while being docked right next to them having our lunch.
At day break Rambo tracked a male lion and lioness walking along a sandy path - a breathtaking sight in that light to be able to watch and trail them. There was an abundance of wildlife and Rambo loved sharing his knowledge about each species. An unforgettable time." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Great lodge just over the Ngoma Bridge"
The staff were all welcoming and friendly. Breakfasts and lunches were informal with group seating allowing to meet and interact with other guests. At dinner, the starter and dessert was brought out to you at the tables, with the main being self service. The food was tasty, with a variety of options to choose from at each mealtime.
We arranged to be out on game drives first thing in the mornings and in the afternoons, and also opted for the after breakfast boat trip on the waters near Sedudu Island (an hour away at Kasane). This included lunch on the boat. The afternoon game drive started from there, slowly wending our way back to the lodge by sunset. For all activities we were with a group of other guests (5 of us in the vehicle). Philly was our guide, who was very knowledgeable and good company. He and other members of staff invited us to watch the England vs France world cup match with them, which was god fun.
We enjoyed our stay." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
7 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
6 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
8 sightings
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
More game vehicles here than in Okavango Delta but we were expecting that and it wasn't a problem.
Beautiful view from Safari lodge.
Particularly nice swimming pool.
Lovely staff.
Communal dining and good food.
The owners were very present at the lodge and talked to the guests at mealtimes.
Again excellent guiding.
We watched lionesses stalking 2 warthogs though they didn't make a kill.
The vast herds of buffalo were particularly spectacular and elephants playing in the mud was also a memorable sight.
We went on a boat trip along the Chobe river which made for excellent wildlife viewing and was very relaxing.
Lodge owners arranged for Covid tests for children which were seamlessly added to the days programme and only took approx 20 mins and they took us back later in the day again without any major deviation so we could physically pick up the results.
The driver who took us to the crossing into Zimbabwe was very helpful and made sure we got in the correct queues etc." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
4 sightings
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
5 sightings
Hippo
2 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
5 sightings
"A beautiful lodge with excellent guiding"
There were only a few people staying when we were there, so we had a safari vehicle to ourselves for the morning and evening game drives. Our guide Rambo was brilliant; we saw lions, a leopard and a huge number of other animals and birds. A highlight of the trip was the boat ride from Kasane followed by a game drive; we were out from 10 am until 19.30 and ate our lunch on the boat with hundreds of elephants on the bank nearby. The walk from the lodge was also very enjoyable.
We were made very welcome by all the staff who could not have been more helpful and friendly. Vegetarian food was readily available and delicious. A private candle lit dinner was organised for us as it was a special wedding anniversary celebration. Overall, an excellent place to stay." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia; 3n in Botswana
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Roan antelope
5 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
10 sightings
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
Great guide.
Be prepared for the fact that a visit here is fairly full on if you want to do all of the activities, mainly because it is about 1hours drive to the place where you can go on the boat trips.
This in no way impacted on our enjoyment of the visit, but some might find it a lot to fit in." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
3 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
6 sightings
Hippo
4 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Roan antelope
2 sightings
Sitatunga
2 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
Experienced some excellent game viewing (lions attempting a kill; jackals scavenging on a recent lion kill; elephant, hippo and buffalo in abundance), although our guides were not as knowledgeable as at other camps visited. Food was good and buffet style so one could self-manage portions. Rooms were very comfortable and the showers were brilliant - an absolute delight on return from dusty game drives!
However, we felt the management focused too much on the 'hospitality' and not on the overall management at the lodge. Little effort seemed to be made to sort out the absence of wi-fi at the lodge until it returned on our last morning (thankfully to make our onward fight confirmations).
Also, the night drive was poorly organised; delayed until after dinner meaning it was curtailed, and unfair to expert the guide to drive, use the radio and operate the light at the same time - there should be a separate 'spotter' in the vehicle operating the spotlight." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana
Buffalo
10 sightings
Eland
5 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
10 sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
You have your own individual little lodge with lovely views and seating area to enjoy. Inside was spacious with a well appointed bathroom. Bed very comfortable with a mosquito net. Tea & coffee available. There was both a ceiling fan & air conditioning depending on what you prefer. A safe to keep your valuables. The staff were absolutely friendly and professional and always on hand to help. The swimming pool area was very inviting although quite cold.
The food was amazing, the evening meal was announced by the chef each night. Some of the lodge staff and guides joined us at each meal, it was a group event which meant you got to meet and enjoy the rest of the guests. The guide tours were well organised & our guide Philly was great, we had a lot of fun with him & he had a wealth of knowledge.
During dark you are unable to walk to your own lodge as potentially unsafe as wild animals are around the area. There were security guards who escorted you. They would also collect you in the morning at 05.30 for the morning safari tour. The only downside side we found was, if you were in your own lodge and decided you wanted to go back to the main lodge, you couldn't as there was no way of getting in touch with the main lodge or the security guards.
The water safari was excellent, watching the elephants swimming across the river was magical as we eat our lunch. The whole experience of the safari was excellent and we saw many animals and birds in their natural surrounding at close quarters. The one outstanding moment of our trip was seeing a leopard on two consecutive days which was rare, according to one of the guides who has been there for 16 years had never seen one before. We would definitely recommend." See all these reviews: 4n in South Africa; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Sable antelope
Multiple sightings
Sitatunga
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Sable antelope
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple 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.
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 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 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 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.
