Reviews of Muchenje Safari Lodge

"We saw a great deal at Muchenje on shared drives and a boat ride.

The accommodation was excellent and the camp has a stunning location and views.

We were disadvantaged by lack of communication which meant that we had no opportunity to open our bags and sort ourselves out between our arrival and the second day so that everything felt very hurried. Our biggest problem was the lack of private time. Everything is group oriented - all meals, activities and time in the lodge. We had no private conversation between the two of us at all and as the guides sit with their groups for all meals we felt obliged to make conversation.

A number of people make the same observation at the camp and things would be better if, say, couples/friends could sit without being expected to talk to their guides who, after all, they are spending 10 hours a day with.

The food was not as good as other camps." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana

"The view at Muchenje takes your breath away when you first see it. Standing in the main reception area, you are high up on the escarpment above Chobe river and the floodplain and can look down on a huge expanse of what (for us) was a sea of green after all the rain. The main room is huge, with lots of comfy sofas (to pick up the WiFi which is not available in the bedrooms) and a great curved bar in the middle of the room. We had a lovely welcome from Evelyn and her team who are wonderful. We arrived later than planned and missed lunch and she very kindly put together a plate of food for me before we headed out on a game drive.

Eating in the evening is communal at a long table, and once the menu has been announced by the staff, guests help themselves to a buffet and the food was good.

Our bedroom had a large very comfy bed with walk-in mosquito net. There were a lot of insects around and our net did have quite a few holes in it. It wasn't my favourite bedroom: the A/C was quite smelly (but we were grateful for it) and the dark furniture and deep shag-pile rug made it difficult to see where the insects were hiding. But it was comfortable with a great shower and a wonderful view from the front deck.

We did a game drive into the national park on our first afternoon which was our first experience of the vast flood plain and animals were very easy to see despite the vegetation. And masses of birds. On our second day we did an excellent full day with another couple - up at 5am and out at 5:30am for an early game drive stopping for great breakfast at Serondela (it was once a campsite where I had camped decades before), followed by a boat trip on the Chobe at 11am. This was a great idea because there were no other boats out at that time, and we had the river to ourselves. We had an excellent lunch on the boat and saw plenty of game on the bank and in the water - including elephants swimming across from the bank to the island. Sure enough when we came in at 2.30pm there were many more boats just setting off.

One thing to note in the Directions to the lodge: the sign to Muchenje Safari Lodge is actually quite difficult to see if you are coming from Kasane and we drove past it. After leaving the national park, turn immediately left onto the A334. After 5km, Muchenje shares a lay-by with Chobe Elephant Camp and their sign is easier to see just because of the way it's positioned. Turn right into the lay-by and Muchenje's entrance is just before Chobe Elephant Camp on your right." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe

"Great place, the A/C was much appreciated.

Food and staff very nice, game drives fun. saw lots of animals including following a leopard very close to our jeep and a new born elephant.

Also a pride of lions - stalking (and missing) their prey.

River cruise also very good and relaxed.

Long days but good." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana

"We were immediately made to feel welcome when we arrived. The manager and additional staff were present with a warm welcome and short chat about the lodge.

As we had only 2 nights we were very happy to be provided with lunch quickly and then straight out to Chobe! The staff and guide were excellent over the 2 nights. Tips was our guide and he was able to answer almost any question, and was clearly committed to ensure we enjoyed our stay to the maximum.

The lodge was very comfortable and the food and service top class. We were able to take a walking safari on our last morning, which was a pleasant change from driving. Importantly, as well, it was not oversold. It was sold as it was...a chance to be on your feet, get the opportunity to experience the flora more closely, while seeing some animals at a distance...

Most importantly we were lucky with the safari viewing...lions, leopards, tons of elephants. The boat trip was also well worth it, seeing some great birdlife, and seeing animals from a different perspective.

Overall a great experience!" See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana

"The staff and management did everything they could to welcome us and make us feel comfortable.Our chalet was lovely with extraordinary views. The fact that there are no phones in the chalets and a strict rule that guests are not to walk around after dark to and from the lodge, can be a little limiting but didn't affect us.

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

"What a spectacular location!

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

"The setting of Muchenje Safari Lodge is quite stunning perched high above the Chobe floodplain.

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

"This was a lovely lodge close to the Namibia boarder (Ngoma Bridge). We were welcomed by Kiddy on arrival who showed us around the main facilities and our room. A huge thunderstorm started shortly after arrival which was quite the scene over the Chobe River flood plains. The lodge is perched on the top edge of the ridge and as a result commands amazing views across the Chobe towards Namibia.

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

"Completely different type of game viewing from previous 2 camps. Game seen more in herds and large numbers.
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

"Pictures of Muchenje Lodge can't do justice to the fantastic views over the Chobe river to Namibia. From the wooden terrace of our very comfortable room we could see zebras and hippos below, and several times elephants came into the camp at night.

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