BOTSWANA - Chobe Game Lodge, Chobe National Park
Chobe Game Lodge is built on the banks of the Chobe River, within the Chobe National Park. The lodge is about 12 miles upstream from the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. This was the first lodge built in the Chobe National Park and has been refurbished many times. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton chose this lodge for their romantic private wedding ceremony.
ACCOMMODATION:
The lodge has 48 rooms. The architecture is Moorish in style, featuring high arches, barrel vault ceilings and tiled floors. All rooms are tastefully furnished with Rhodesian teak furniture, African carvings and paintings, and all have full en-suite facilities and ceiling fans. There are also 4 luxury suites, each with its own private swimming pool and secluded terrace.
The main pool terrace overlooks the Chobe River and is frequently visited by a family of warthogs.
The lodge also has a curio shop, wildlife reference library and Tshwene bar with a full sized Victorian pool table. There is a dining area with wide windows overlooking the river. An open boma built under magnificent mahogany trees is ideal for dining under the African skies with entertainment provided by local musicians and dancers.
ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE:
Chobe National Park is renowned for the largest concentration of elephant in Africa. During the dry winter months massive herds congregate along the fertile plains of the Chobe River. Guest will also commonly see large herds of buffalo. Also regularly seen are hippo and crocodile, lion, and many species of antelope, including puku, red lechwe, roan and sable antelope. Cheetah are often encoutered out on the open plains of the park.
The dry woodland areas are home to myriads of birds.
Chobe Game Lodge guides use open 4x4 vehicles for game viewing. Sunset cruises on the Mosi-oa-Tunya river boat are memorable. River safaris are also conducted on small, highly manoeuverable boats piloted by expert local boatmen.
Walking safaris in the Kasane forests with knowledgeale armed guides are also available here.
Day excursions to the Falls are an option too, since the Victoria Falls is only a 90 minute drive from here.