Reviews of Muchenje Safari Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
175 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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"Brilliant introduction to safari"
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
"Muchenje - a lodge with an incredible view"
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
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.
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
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
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
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
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
Food was very enjoyable and all homemade. We enjoyed homemade soups each evening and lovely roasts such as fillet of beef and leg of lamb both excellent. This place has the feel of a house party, helped by the socialising with lodge staff and guides in the evening. It was great fun listening to their tales especially Ocean who was a great raconteur and Peter who told us about local life. But it was our personal guide, Synack who brought Africa to life for us. His knowledge of all things Botswanan was amazing.
We saw so much wildlife on all our activities but the best day was the full day which included a lovely boat trip on the Chobe river. We saw many Elephants by and in the river including a large one that swam across completely submerged except for using its trunk as a snorkel. Good sightings of Hippo and large Crocodiles, Beautiful birds, Water Monitors etc... etc... and had lunch on the boat in the company of Elephants.
We had surprises and new sightings each time we went out even if it was walking to dinner from our Bungalow when we saw Slender Mongoose, Small Spotted Genet and numerous colourful birds. All in all I think Muchenje is a great first place to stay before venturing into the Okavango Delta. We saw larger groups of animals here than we did in the Delta and some very special Antelope including Puku, Roan and Sable. Thanks to all at Muchenje for a memorable stay." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"A fabulous place!"
The managers Joy and Robert have been amazing hosts and Lips, our guide, we very knowledgeable. The activities have been very well organised and included early morning safaris, all day safaris, afternoon safaris and night safaris. During our game drives we have seen lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, jackals, buffalos, kudus, lechwes, honey badgers, mongooses, waterbucks, sable antelopes, impalas, monkeys, baboons, genets and lots of birds (amongst which bustards, cisticolas, cormorants, ducks, eagles, egrets, kingfishers, bee eaters, kingfishers, ground hornbills, storks, francolins, guineafowls, Egyptian geese, etc). The highlight of our stay has been the boat trip along the Chobe river where we saw elephants swimming across it. This was absolutely amazing! We followed them in the boat and it was like "swimming with the elephants"!.
During our river trip we also saw the loads of hippos, crocodiles and lizards, and we spent some time observing the elephants playing in the mud. They were so funny and entertaining! On our last night we found a lovely bottle of fizzy wine in our hut. Joy had found out that we had been celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary a few days before and she wanted to surprise us. So very nice of her!
We will always remember our stay at Muchenje lodge with great pleasure!" See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
You can't beat the setting of this lodge, which is up on a hill looking out at the Chobe River.
Overall I preferred staying in smaller camps but this was the exception." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
"Elephants and Marula fruit at Muchenje Lodge"
Our guide Kabela was a good driver and aside from the usual animals he found us sleeping elephants one morning and the rare Puku antelopes. He found Marula fruit (we were curious after drinking Amarula) and indulged my passion for Baobab trees.
One morning we requested a packed breakfast so that we could stay out until lunch and that was no problem for the staff.
We had elephants in camp on several days which was pretty exciting." See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe; 4n in Botswana
"Saw our only leopard here!"
The lodge managers, Joy & Robert, are overly talkative and join guests for most meals, which for us was a bit overpowering." See all these reviews: 5n in Rwanda; 3n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia; 2n in Namibia
"Excellent game viewing and quality lodge"
The game drives in Chobe were good (once in the riverside area) and although the guides don't have trackers they seem to be able to spot animals at long distance. Best encounter was with a lioness stalking impala. However, you need to be prepared for long drives (30-45 minutes) between the lodge and the main game viewing areas. We were told of plans to build a landing stage closer to the lodge.
The lodge itself was excellent for accomodation, meals, service and friendly staff. Great view from the lodge and chalets, overlooking the river plain. Communal dining was very enjoyable and food was very good - different every day. Little shop was well stocked and good value - great hippos!
Trip to nearby village was very illuminating and well worth the time, we visited a family home and the local school.
Overall, the quality of the lodge and food and the staff made up for the distance that has to be travelled to the river and main game viewing areas." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
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