Wild Dog Safari: Day-by-day

Set high on an escarpment within the Chobe Forest Reserve, Muchenje Safari Lodge overlooks a seasonal floodplain and the Chobe River, with Namibia's Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) in the distance. From this peaceful spot, about 50m west of the bustling town of Kasane, this traditional lodge has the advantage of operating game drives in a relatively quiet area of the Chobe Riverfront.

"It is in a great position with sweeping views, friendly staff and nice pool/room"

Mr R.fromMalmesbury

Arrived 6 Nov 2019, 1 night

Whilst the Chobe Riverfront as a whole is a busy area, Muchenje is in a relatively quiet location, and is one of our favourite lodges here. It won't be to everyone's taste and if you are looking for luxury, there are better options. However, for knowledgeable guiding, hospitable hosts, great views and a relaxed atmosphere all set within comfortable surroundings, Muchenje offers excellent value for money, and we're happy to recommend a stay here for a few nights. See our full report on Muchenje Safari Lodge

Perched on the banks of the Savuti Channel within Chobe National Park, Savute Safari Lodge offers a good location from which to explore the nearby Savuti Marshes. Comfortable without being luxurious, the camp enjoys views over the Savute Channel and its two pumped waterholes, which – especially during the dry season – attract vast numbers of elephant to drink in the afternoons and evenings.

"our guide, coco, was incredible, explaining the environment and the wildlife."

Mrs K.fromNice

Arrived 4 Nov 2019, 2 nights

Savute Safari Lodge has a down-to-earth feel and attracts an eclectic mix of guests who enjoy great hospitality, friendly staff and some excellent guiding, all in a top game-viewing region, particularly during the dry season. The lodge itself may not suit those wanting a more bushcamp feel, but the dining area overlooking the channel and nearby waterhole is a big plus. The region also offers a good contrast to the Okavango Delta, although a greater number of visitors than in the private reserves can make it feel less exclusive. See our full report on Savute Safari Lodge

Mention wild dogs and it’s not long before Lagoon Camp, in the vast private Kwando Reserve, comes into the frame. On the banks of the Kwando River – and at the heart of the action – the camp takes safaris seriously.

To maximise sightings, game drives through the riverine forest onto the open plains are led by both a guide and a tracker, while river trips on a double-decker boat give elevated views over the reeds.

Wildlife watching from camp is pretty good, too, with numerous vantage points. Start in the early hours from your bed, raised above the lounge area in front, or from a deck chair on your private veranda, before moving to the campfire for breakfast.

At lunchtime, keep watch from the dining table; in the afternoon from the free-form pool, the swing seat, or the cosy tree-level lounge.

Both chalets and central area are spacious and airy, their stretched canvas walls and open sides – or huge mesh windows – accentuating the openness of the environment.

"welcoming and professional"

CrooksfromBristol

Arrived 12 Feb 2022, 3 nights

Décor is generally muted and uncluttered; thatched roofs blend into the surroundings; and linking it all are expanses of wooden decking, gleaming in the sun. No wonder an air of comfort and relaxed efficiency prevails. See our full report on Lagoon Camp

In the north east of the public area of Moremi Game Reserve, Xakanaxa is a traditional-style camp located in one of the most beautiful areas of the Okavango Delta. The whole camp is shaded by Kigelia and leadwood trees overlooking the Xakanaxa Lagoon. The game viewing in this area has historically been very good.

Although we're always slightly hesitant about using camps within the national parks because of the number of self-drive vehicles around, and the restrictive park rules, Xakanaxa is an old favourite of ours and very well run. As long as you accept that there are likely to be more vehicles within the park than in one of the Okavango Delta’s private reserves, it is a great option for high densities of wildlife – particularly during the dry season. See our full report on Xakanaxa

Overlooking a significant waterhole within a private reserve of the Okavango Delta, Splash puts the "luxury" into safari. Within the treeline in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Splash Camp arises like a crescent-shaped oasis in the wilderness.

Right in front of this substantial camp, and visible from almost every angle – tented chalets, lounge, plunge pool, firepit – is an extensive waterhole that is a magnet for animals big and small, especially as the dry season progresses.

It’s an alluring prospect, a haven of luxury that retains an outdoors feel. Largely constructed of wood, with stretched canvas walls, the airy buildings are mellowed by thatched roofs. Their wide frontage makes the most of the aspect, while admitting plenty of light.

Bedrooms are smart and well appointed, with views from veranda and bed alike. Light-coloured sofas invite relaxation in the contemporary lounge. And in the open-sided dining area, ceiling fans rotate lazily above the long table while you tuck into substantial yet interesting meals.

"Two animal highlights here: our first cheetah & wild dogs pre-hunt ritual.."

Mr MfromStockport

Arrived 24 Nov 2021, 3 nights

You’ll explore this exclusive area by 4x4 – no more than six guests to a vehicle – with guides who are particularly experienced in tracking predators. In season, slip into a mokoro and glide almost silently along the shallow waterways or – towards the end of the year – take a motorboat to a nearby heronry: a particular bonus for birdwatchers and photographers. See our full report on Splash Camp