If you’re looking at going on safari in Chobe National Park in Botswana, one of the most important things to think about is where you will stay. There are lots of Chobe safari lodges and camps to choose from, both inside and outside the park, ranging from budget camps to luxury lodges.
Chobe is split into 4 main areas – the Chobe Riverfront, Savuti, Linyati and Nogatsaa. The main area that most people visit is the Chobe Riverfront, which is in the north east of the park, near to the town of Kasane and the Caprivi Strip in Namibia.
If you haven’t already, have a read of my full Chobe National Park guide here. In this I talk about the various regions in more detail, how to plan a safari, recommended safari companies and campsites inside and near to Chobe.
When it comes to Chobe safari lodges and hotels, they tend be geared to the luxury travellers. However there are some budget-friendly lodges in and around Kasane and outside the main gates. which I’ll mention below.
But on a positive note, Chobe National Park fees are quite reasonable (compared with Kenya & Tanzania park fees which are very expensive) so it kind of balances out a little.
So here are some suggestions for Chobe safari lodges for your visit to Chobe National Park!
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Chobe Safari Lodges – The Ultimate Guide
Chobe Safari Lodges – Riverfront Area (Inside the Park)
This is the most popular area to visit in Chobe National Park. It’s close to the borders with Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe and the town of Kasane, which makes it easily accessible, reasonably priced and busy!
In the Riverfront area inside the park, there are only a couple of lodges and some very lovely houseboats to choose from.
- Chobe Game Lodge: This was the first 5-star lodge inside Chobe National Park and the only permanent lodge in the Chobe Riverfront area. They also heavily invest in training women. 65% of their staff are women, his includes their all-female team of professionally qualified guides.
- Chobe Under Canvas: Luxury glamping camp. Prices start from around $650 – $1090 per person, per night.
- Zambezi Queen Collection: You can also stay on luxurious houseboats on the Chobe River – when it comes to Chobe safari lodges, this is definitely one of the more unique options! Rooms cost between $515 – $990 per person, per night, depending on the season, boat and type of room. With a minimum of 2 nights.
Chobe Safari Lodges – Kasane/Kazungula
There are lots of nice places to stay in and around Kasane which is only a few minutes drive from the Sedudu Gate. All hotels can arrange game drives and boat trips into the park.
I’ve listed accommodation roughly from cheapest to most expensive (based on the cost of the cheapest twin/double room I could find when looking). If the below accommodations don’t float your boat, you can see more Kasane accommodations here.
- Elephant Trail Guesthouse & Backpackers: This is a great option for the budget travellers! There’s a pool and dorm beds start from around $10 and private rooms from around $20 – which is a bargain for Botswana! A good place for solo travellers!
- Thebe River Safaris: Lively lodge with a popular bar. Close to the Chobe River. There are some views of the river from the pool area. They also have a campsite that works on a first come, first service basis – you can’t book for camping. This would also be pretty good for solo travellers, as plenty of people to chat to at the bar.
- The Old House: Lovely, intimate hotel on the river with an outdoor pool, garden and a restaurant.
- River View Lodge: I stayed here with one of my groups last year and it is one of my favourite Chobe safari lodges. A small and intimate, comfortable, yet reasonably priced lodge on the river with great food. Also has a swimming pool. A little way out of Kasane, near to the Kazungula border.
- Chobe Forest Camp: Located about 45 minutes from Kasane on the way to Nata. They have 3 luxury tents with self-catering facilities, as well as 9 campsites with private ablutions and a pool.
- Senyati Safari Camp: Situated in the Lesoma Valley, 20km from Kasane, Senyati is a self-catering camp with chalets and campsites. They also have a bar, but no restaurant. What makes this camp unique is that it has a waterhole that is frequented by elephants (and other animals) daily. They also have an elephant bunker so you can get really close to the animals.
- Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa: One of the most popular Chobe safari lodges, located directly on the river, with a pool and spa, as well as plenty of other facilities.
- Chobe Safari Lodge: One of the oldest and most popular lodges in Kasane, located on the river, just outside the park. They also have rooms at Chobe Bush Lodge next door. I often go past this during boat safaris and it looks very lovely!
- Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge & Campsite: Beautiful lodge close to Chobe Forest Camp (so around 45 minutes from the Sedudu Gate). They have a pool that overlooks an amazing waterhole.
- Chobe Bakwena Eco Lodge: Stylish luxury lodge offering beautiful chalets, an eco pool and river views.
- Jackalberry Chobe: Luxury, all-inclusive lodge with an infinity pool overlooking the river.
- Camp Kuzuma: Luxury all-inclusive lodge south of Kasane in the Kazuma Forest Reserve with a waterhole.
- Chobe Marina Lodge: Located on the banks of the Chobe River, offering luxurious accommodation and panoramic views of the river. I’ve often passed this hotel whilst on river safaris and it does look beautiful!
- Chobe Chilwero Lodge: A luxurious riverside retreat on the edge of Chobe National Park. Part of the Sanctuary Retreats collection. They have 14 suites and 1 exclusive suite with it’s own plunge pool. Near to the river, but not directly on it.
Chobe Safari Lodges – Ngoma Gate
The Ngoma Gate is the gate to use when coming from the Caprivi Strip in Namibia. This area lies between the Riverfront and Linyati and there are several camps and lodges around this area. There are also a couple of other options on the Namibia side of the border.
- Muchenje Campsite & Cottages: Self-catering cottages and campsites situated outside the park, about 7.2 km from the Ngoma gate. Communal sundowner terrace and a pool.
- Chobe Elephant Camp: This is a lovely lodge overlooking the Chobe River. They have a lovely pool overlooking the African plains. They can organise visits to the Sibuya tribe who live in the area.
- Muchenje Safari Lodge: Located in the quieter Chobe Forest Reserve they have a gorgeous pool and private cottages with stunning views over Chobe National Park. They also offer walking safaris, mokoro rides and community visits to the nearby village of Mabele.
- Mwandi View: Well-priced lodge on the Chobe River, 18km from the Ngoma Gate. They have elevated tents and campsites. If you don’t want to cook, they have a restaurant! Mwandi View is a good half way stop between the Chobe Riverfront and Savuti.
- Ngoma Safari Lodge: Another gorgeous intimate lodge in the Chobe Forest Reserve, perched up high with incredible views over the park. They also offer night safaris, walking safaris and cultural visits.
Chobe Safari Lodges – Mababe Gate
The Mababe Gate is the gate you would use if coming from Maun. This area lies between Okavango Delta, Khwai/Moremi and Savuti, so is great if you want to combine these areas.
The ones listed below are very close to the gate, however there are a few other options a little further away.
- Mababe River Lodge & Campsite: Family run lodge and campsite on the Khwai River with a lovely infinity pool. 9km from the Mababe Gate and about an hour from Khwai & Moremi.
- Nokanyana: Luxury camp on the Khwai River with a pool and beautiful rooms. This is also a child-friendly lodge for kids over the age of 6. It’s accessible by road and air.
Chobe Safari Lodges – Savuti & Linyati
The Savuti and Linyati areas are quite remote, and the lodges are pretty luxurious, and therefore, pretty expensive. I’m talking upwards of $650 per person, per night (and that’s in low season, plus the transfer fees on top). If you want to travel to this area on a ‘relative’ budget, camping is your best option.
- Camp Savuti: An intimate, tented camp in the Savuti Marsh. Each luxury tent features en-suite facilities and outdoor showers, with balconies so guests can observe the wildlife gathering at the nearby channel. Small on-site splash pool.
- Savute Safari Lodge:
- Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge: A beautiful lodge on the banks of the Savute Channel. They have a deck and pool overlooking the river. They have a year-round outdoor pool, a viewing hide for wildlife observation, a spa for relaxation, and a traditional boma where you can immerse yourselves in local culture through traditional songs and dances.
- Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge: A stunning lodge with a pool perched on a rocky hills, overlooking the surrounding wilderness. Rooms are luxurious glamping tents.
- Camp Linyati: Nestled in the serene and secluded northwestern corner of Chobe National Park. Owned by the same people as Camp Savuti and a similar set up.
- African Bush Camps: They own a few luxury properties in the Linyati Wildlife Reserve including Linyati Expeditions, Linyati Ebony and Linyati Bush Camp.
- Wilderness: They own several of the best and most luxurious camps in this region, including Linyati Tented Camp, King’s Pool Camp and Wilderness DumaTau (with prices for the latter starting at $2,220 per night).
Chobe Safari Lodges – Ngotsaa
The Ngotsaa area of the park is one of the least visited parts of the park making it a great place to get away from the busy Riverfront! There aren’t many places to stay and I could only find one lodge in this area and no public campsites either.
- Ngotsaa Pans Chobe Lodge: Luxury lodge with 10 double/twin and 2 family tented rooms. The lodge has a spa, library, small pool and a boma with a campfire under the stars.
These are just a selection of some of the lodges on offer in and around Chobe National Park!
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I hope this blog post helps to give you some help in choosing your Chobe safari lodges. Any more suggestions? Leave them in the comments below!
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