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
89% success
50% success
0% success
25% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
97% success
94% success
53% success
47% success
44% success
35% success
23% success
15% success
9% success
3% success
3% success
"Muchenje - a beautiful lodge and location"
However, the food was average ( by English standards) and we would have preferred drinks ( beer and soft drinks) to be freely available to help ourselves to, as well as being served at the bar.
We were glad we had chosen to visit Chobe National Park from this location rather than the MUCH busier lodges nearer Kasane but the dpwn side was the drive to and from the entry point for each safari, especially cold in the open jeep at this time of year.
Chobe was great for the amount of animals we saw but we were disappointed not to see any of the big cats. We did however see a pack of 4 wild dogs but being the national park we could not follow them as they raced off to hunt.
The lodge packed in 3 safari drives a day as well as a short visit to a local tiny village and school. Worth doing for an insight into a completely different way of life with absolutely minimal possessions.
We had hoped to do a walking safari but the only guide qualified to do this was not available. The night drives were limited to the area near the lodge and were not very inspiring.
But the boat trip along the Chobe river was wonderful. Very relaxing and peaceful whenever the guides cut the engine which they did frequently. We saw many family groups of elephants , hippos and crocodiles on the banks as well as in the river, warthogs and mongoose, fish eagles, kingfishers and bee eater birds. Our guide was quite knowledgeable but not much fun, rather serious and we needed to ask lots of questions to find out more." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
At Expert Africa we excited to hear that wild dogs were spotted in this area of Chobe National Park as this is a rare sighting in these parts!
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
excellent guides (BG and JJ)
lots of game easy to see - a very good start to the trip to get us into the spirit" See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 4n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
"Wonderfuil small chobe lodge"
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
Transfers game drives everything went like clockwork.Staff all very knowledgeable and helpful." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
The welcome from Rod and Kathy and JJ was as warm as toast and they together with the guides could not do enough to make our stay enjoyable. The park is full of wildlife and the river is a never ennding source of facination. We particularly liked the all day river trip, so much so that we did it agian the nest day. We were also lucky enough to meet the parents of the owner who were on a visit. You can see the passion that they have for Africa and it was really interesting to hear from them some of the obstacles they had to overcome to get the Lodge operational.
The evening drive bceame a bit of a chase as it is necessary to be out of the park by 6.30 but of course this is down to the tourist as the driver would continually be asked to stop. This was recognised whilst we were there and some changes to timing may ensue. Finally I unfortunatly left my moblie phone behind in the safe when we left. A message was give to the driver who took us to the airport and by the time we got to Duba Plains several days later I had a reply that it had been found and would be with the Wilderness representative when we got to Maun airport. It was . How is that for service? In summary this is a splendid place to get the maximum from the Chobe area. I cannot see how you could be anything less than delighted." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Friendly, helpful staff - scenic location."
The night safari could be safer, the driver was also the spot light operator - other camps have a second person to operate the spot light." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Introduction to Botswana at Muchenje"
Good basic plain food.
Very knowledgeable guides" See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana; 7n in Zanzibar; 3n in Zambia
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
If there is a negative it is that the location means that for the trips into the Chobe park area it is necessary to make a road journey (variable length 10 -30 mins), however the Lodge's location at the western end of the sector is far better than to be in the Kasane sector where the masses of vehicles from the large hotels in that area reduce the sense of "being in the wild".
The Lodge has a fine view being on the top of an escarpment. The rooms are a bit cramped compared with some other locations but still contain all that is required and to a good standard." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia; 4n in Botswana
"Muchenje"
No longer owner managed (may have changed its feel) but wonderfully comfortable, good staff and great views. Food good.
Takes about 30min to reach game drives (although some animals within grounds such as zebra. Night drive limited but bushbaby seen. Some went on a walking safari but we didn't have time.
River trip and return safari amazing. Would strongly recommend to those only taking a 1 centre trip as scenes and wildlife amazing - big 4 plus everything else you could wish to see except cheetah. (No rhinos here).
Muchenje appears much more relaxed than Chobe safari lodge (although new lodge in Namibia looks wonderful.
Worth going for the vista from the rooms and sunsets alone.
In wet season guides (again first class) say that game is difficult to see. Also place where elephants are killed by lions - not for those who are squeamish - we saw 2 very young elephants killed." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 5n in Mozambique; 2n in Zambia
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.