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
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Jun-2018, 37 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Muchenje Safari Lodge.
Lion
89% success
Leopard
50% success
Cheetah
0% success
Wild dog
25% success
Elephant
100% success
Giraffe
100% success
Zebra
100% success
Buffalo
97% success
Hippo
94% success
Sable antelope
53% success
Spotted Hyena
47% success
Wildebeest
44% success
Roan antelope
35% success
Eland
23% success
Brown Hyena
15% success
Sitatunga
9% success
Aardvark
3% success
Pangolin
3% success
Mr E
Oxfordshire
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 30 Sep 2013
"The overall impression is that the management and staff at the Lodge are poor communicators, e.g.
1 They failed to contact us at Victoria Falls to advise pick up time and transfer arrangements.
2 It depended on which member of staff you asked as to the arrangements for activities, in particular starting times
3 We were not told that an early morning walk would take place and we only found out after speaking to other guests. We then had to 'persuade' the management at the lodge that we could join the small group.
The location of the Lodge is over 50km from Kasane where the most interesting activity on the river took place. This is where I seemed to have taken more photographs than anywhere else on the trip. The variety of wildlife was amazing and on the river didn't see other boats with visitors.
The driving related activities all involved long drives, e.g. over 1 1/2 hours each way, from the lodge to Kasane in open vehicles. Warm clothes were certainly needed in the morning and evening. It didn't help that the vehicle brokedown on the way back (gearbox problems), which curtailed our game drive through the park, albeit just after seeing a leopard.
If the river activities at Kasane are included in the itinerary then I would not recommend staying so far from the town. This is also reinforced by the need to return to Kasane on the day of departure for flights. We spent disproportionate periods of time travelling between locations rather than enjoying the environment and wildlife." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
1 They failed to contact us at Victoria Falls to advise pick up time and transfer arrangements.
2 It depended on which member of staff you asked as to the arrangements for activities, in particular starting times
3 We were not told that an early morning walk would take place and we only found out after speaking to other guests. We then had to 'persuade' the management at the lodge that we could join the small group.
The location of the Lodge is over 50km from Kasane where the most interesting activity on the river took place. This is where I seemed to have taken more photographs than anywhere else on the trip. The variety of wildlife was amazing and on the river didn't see other boats with visitors.
The driving related activities all involved long drives, e.g. over 1 1/2 hours each way, from the lodge to Kasane in open vehicles. Warm clothes were certainly needed in the morning and evening. It didn't help that the vehicle brokedown on the way back (gearbox problems), which curtailed our game drive through the park, albeit just after seeing a leopard.
If the river activities at Kasane are included in the itinerary then I would not recommend staying so far from the town. This is also reinforced by the need to return to Kasane on the day of departure for flights. We spent disproportionate periods of time travelling between locations rather than enjoying the environment and wildlife." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Poor
Service:
Average
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Average
Mrs R
Daventry
"Super Muchenje!"
2 nights Arrived 16 Sep 2013
"Would gladly have gone home after two nights at Mazambala Island but Muchenje soon changed all that.
From the moment of arrival this was a wonderful experience and if we go back to Botswana we shall certainly return here
and stay three nights not two!
Excursions were good and guides made every effort to follow guests' interests. Will never forget the carmine bee-eaters on the sandbank!
Liked mealtimes where all sat together including managers and guides. All used Christian names which added to relaxed atmosphere.
Super location, facilities, staff, management, accommodation, atmosphere, activities............" See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
From the moment of arrival this was a wonderful experience and if we go back to Botswana we shall certainly return here
and stay three nights not two!
Excursions were good and guides made every effort to follow guests' interests. Will never forget the carmine bee-eaters on the sandbank!
Liked mealtimes where all sat together including managers and guides. All used Christian names which added to relaxed atmosphere.
Super location, facilities, staff, management, accommodation, atmosphere, activities............" See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr F & Ms C
Toronto
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
1 night Arrived 16 Sep 2013
"Sadly we only had one night here which limited the game drive opportunities.
The lodge itself located high on a hill was very different than the other locations we had stayed at and was a really nice change. Lots of bird life all around the lodge as well." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
The lodge itself located high on a hill was very different than the other locations we had stayed at and was a really nice change. Lots of bird life all around the lodge as well." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
J & L
Santa Monica
"One of our favorites"
3 nights Arrived 16 Sep 2013
"Simply spectacular. Every need was attended to, even air conditioning in the bungalow.
Muchenje strikes just the right balance between simplicity and luxury. The location, at the far end of Chobe, means you aren't competing with a dozen other jeeps for views of the animals. You have the western end practically to yourself." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana
Muchenje strikes just the right balance between simplicity and luxury. The location, at the far end of Chobe, means you aren't competing with a dozen other jeeps for views of the animals. You have the western end practically to yourself." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr M
Reading
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
3 nights Arrived 11 Sep 2013
"Whatever I say will not be enough!
Hosts brilliant. Views magnificent. Staff very friendly and helpful. Rooms fantastic. safaris top class. Guide Rambo - Top class. The only animals that we didn't t see we're rhinos and that was because there were not any in the park!
Baboon troop in the grounds, signs of elephants in the gardens overnight. What a stay. Our boys didn't want to leave" See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
Hosts brilliant. Views magnificent. Staff very friendly and helpful. Rooms fantastic. safaris top class. Guide Rambo - Top class. The only animals that we didn't t see we're rhinos and that was because there were not any in the park!
Baboon troop in the grounds, signs of elephants in the gardens overnight. What a stay. Our boys didn't want to leave" See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr Z & Ms D
Vancouver
"great"
2 nights Arrived 9 Sep 2013
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs V
Purley
"Brilliant introduction to safari"
4 nights Arrived 29 Aug 2013
"A warm welcome on our arrival. Joy and Rob really make every guest feel that they matter. Wonderful views from the main lodge and our room and every attention paid to guests comfort. The whole experience was really well but discreetly organised from seating compatible people together at dinner to managing different times and types of game drive.
We saw an amazing variety and quantity of animals and birds in only a few days. The guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic and took great pains to give the guests the best safari experiences Food ranged from good to excellent, there was a generous drinks policy and the atmosphere was (unsurprisingly!) relaxed. We felt as if we were being entertained by friends.
We also appreciated the opportunity to visit the local village and school where some of the lodge staff lived and had families. It gave a different dimension to the trip." See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana; 4n in South Africa; 2n in Zambia
We saw an amazing variety and quantity of animals and birds in only a few days. The guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic and took great pains to give the guests the best safari experiences Food ranged from good to excellent, there was a generous drinks policy and the atmosphere was (unsurprisingly!) relaxed. We felt as if we were being entertained by friends.
We also appreciated the opportunity to visit the local village and school where some of the lodge staff lived and had families. It gave a different dimension to the trip." See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana; 4n in South Africa; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mrs J
Atlanta
"Muchenje - a lodge with an incredible view"
2 nights Arrived 6 Aug 2013
"We had a lot of fun at Muchenje. Although the rooms felt small compared to our prior accommodations, they were nicely decorated, the views were incredible and the common areas of the lodge were very inviting. We spent more time in the common areas here than at the other lodges and enjoyed it very much.
Our guide (Ocean) took us on a night drive, a morning walking safari and the all-day safari that included the river safari. Our all day safari was the perfect finale for our trip as we saw so much wildlife on our final day and in incredible numbers. We witnessed several herds of elephants crossing over to the island and many, many crocodiles and hippos. On our drive back through Chobe National Park, we saw herds of cape buffalo, wildebeests and elephants; numerous giraffes, zebras, impalas, antelopes and even ostriches. There were a few areas in Chobe that were a bit crowded with other vehicles, but we left those behind rather quickly.
The staff at Muchenje was very friendly and we learned a lot about them and the area in our dinner conversations. Also, the walking safari was much different than I expected as we saw quite a bit of wildlife (zebras, warthogs, waterbucks and antelopes). And it was fun to be doing something active after five days on safari.
However, there was one significant miss for me. Our 35th wedding anniversary was on August 5th, our first night at Muchenje. This very special event was not acknowledged in any way. As wonderful as the safari was, this oversight was quite disappointing. Also, the ambiance of the camp could be enhanced by placing a natural material (such as a thatched screen) over the air/heating units." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Our guide (Ocean) took us on a night drive, a morning walking safari and the all-day safari that included the river safari. Our all day safari was the perfect finale for our trip as we saw so much wildlife on our final day and in incredible numbers. We witnessed several herds of elephants crossing over to the island and many, many crocodiles and hippos. On our drive back through Chobe National Park, we saw herds of cape buffalo, wildebeests and elephants; numerous giraffes, zebras, impalas, antelopes and even ostriches. There were a few areas in Chobe that were a bit crowded with other vehicles, but we left those behind rather quickly.
The staff at Muchenje was very friendly and we learned a lot about them and the area in our dinner conversations. Also, the walking safari was much different than I expected as we saw quite a bit of wildlife (zebras, warthogs, waterbucks and antelopes). And it was fun to be doing something active after five days on safari.
However, there was one significant miss for me. Our 35th wedding anniversary was on August 5th, our first night at Muchenje. This very special event was not acknowledged in any way. As wonderful as the safari was, this oversight was quite disappointing. Also, the ambiance of the camp could be enhanced by placing a natural material (such as a thatched screen) over the air/heating units." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Feedback Response
We were delighted to read that these guests had a very good time at Muchenje. We were however very disappointed that, despite our written requests on more than one occasion, the lodge didnt manage to organise any special gesture to mark these travellers 35th wedding anniversary.
As with all of the guest feedback we receive, we immediately forwarded this response to the lodge and then went to them with a further request for an official reply and explanation on why our requests werent granted. The camp came back promptly and apologised sincerely to Mrs. Js party and in particular to her and her husband for this oversight they accepted full responsibility for this mistake.
Muchenje explained that prior to and during these travellers stay the usual guest liaison manager was away on sick leave and as a result the information was not conveyed to the camp correctly and no action was taken. The camp accepts that this incident was unacceptable and they have promised to improve on this aspect of the booking process in future. Expert Africa have also asked Muchenje to, in future, ensure that full checks are put in place, prior to guest arrival.
We are confident that Muchenje have taken this issue on board and will ensure this was a one-off. Its worth mentioning that incidents like this are very rare at Muchenje and the lodge is usually very good in making sure special requests are met as well as reasonably possible. For Expert Africas part its also worth stating that we will always confirm and then re-confirm with all lodges if any of our travellers have any special points of interest or requests (e.g. a special birthday, a honeymoon or a wedding anniversary etc).
Were sorry that on this occasion those requests werent realised.
As with all of the guest feedback we receive, we immediately forwarded this response to the lodge and then went to them with a further request for an official reply and explanation on why our requests werent granted. The camp came back promptly and apologised sincerely to Mrs. Js party and in particular to her and her husband for this oversight they accepted full responsibility for this mistake.
Muchenje explained that prior to and during these travellers stay the usual guest liaison manager was away on sick leave and as a result the information was not conveyed to the camp correctly and no action was taken. The camp accepts that this incident was unacceptable and they have promised to improve on this aspect of the booking process in future. Expert Africa have also asked Muchenje to, in future, ensure that full checks are put in place, prior to guest arrival.
We are confident that Muchenje have taken this issue on board and will ensure this was a one-off. Its worth mentioning that incidents like this are very rare at Muchenje and the lodge is usually very good in making sure special requests are met as well as reasonably possible. For Expert Africas part its also worth stating that we will always confirm and then re-confirm with all lodges if any of our travellers have any special points of interest or requests (e.g. a special birthday, a honeymoon or a wedding anniversary etc).
Were sorry that on this occasion those requests werent realised.
Mr&Mrs LARSSON
Paris
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
3 nights Arrived 2 Aug 2013
"Fantastic view over the Chobe river flood plain One of the best views of southern Africa: each chalet overlooks the Chobe flood plain, where from your private terrace you can see the wild animals in the distance: zebras, wildebeests, springboks, etc.
Although the owner does not permanently live on site, this lodge has a nice atmosphere with a very interesting and friendly management & staff.
The best activity on offer is the whole-day Chobe boat tour + game drive: top notch for game viewing. We also appreciated the formula with 'everything included' (even drinks).
They encourage you to go on the activities. Communal dining between two long tables, which after a drive or two with the other guests, you begin to mingle much more. We went on almost every morning and afternoon/evening drive; village visit to a family. No time for the walk.
Very friendly, guides were knowledgable and Nick was determined to find that leopard! He did.
Beware of the Botswana border disease control lady.
If you are bringing in baskets and wood decorations from outside Botswana, think twice about her warnings that they are subject to confiscation and/or fine. She is flogging her own and her friend's souvenirs, which are nice by the way. You can bring in your baskets and wood souvenirs, just be discreet in your revelations." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Although the owner does not permanently live on site, this lodge has a nice atmosphere with a very interesting and friendly management & staff.
The best activity on offer is the whole-day Chobe boat tour + game drive: top notch for game viewing. We also appreciated the formula with 'everything included' (even drinks).
They encourage you to go on the activities. Communal dining between two long tables, which after a drive or two with the other guests, you begin to mingle much more. We went on almost every morning and afternoon/evening drive; village visit to a family. No time for the walk.
Very friendly, guides were knowledgable and Nick was determined to find that leopard! He did.
Beware of the Botswana border disease control lady.
If you are bringing in baskets and wood decorations from outside Botswana, think twice about her warnings that they are subject to confiscation and/or fine. She is flogging her own and her friend's souvenirs, which are nice by the way. You can bring in your baskets and wood souvenirs, just be discreet in your revelations." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
B-C Family
USA
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 8 Jul 2013
"People were so wonderful. Enjoyed the shared tables with staff and guides. Ocean was a great, fun guide. The staff gave my son am unprompted birthday cake and performance.
Place is very nice, with a beautiful view over the river valley. The packed activities didn't leave much time to enjoy it enough.
We enjoyed us tremendously, but to mention areas of improvements: wifi was spotty, and the staff could have been more helpful with rearranging the car drop off (I assume they don't get many self drivers)." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
Place is very nice, with a beautiful view over the river valley. The packed activities didn't leave much time to enjoy it enough.
We enjoyed us tremendously, but to mention areas of improvements: wifi was spotty, and the staff could have been more helpful with rearranging the car drop off (I assume they don't get many self drivers)." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
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.
