Chobe Game Lodge Travel Review

Great outdoors Jan/Feb 1988

Chobe National Park has an aura of the Africa of old. Vast, endless landscapes, open plains, baobabs and ancient woodland dominate the panorama. You can feel the very essence of unspoilt wilderness permeate the soul.

The elephant population, estimated to number in excess of 30,000, is the largest single concentration in Africa surviving within the confines of a proclaimed National Park. Other major species such as lion, square lipped rhino, wild dog, sable and roan antelope are well represented, and out on the open plains of Savuti and Mababe wildebeest, zebra and buffalo concentrate in huge herds.

The red lechwe and the puka antelope co-exist on the floodplain and marshland, and in fact Chobe is the southern limit of range for these two species of buck. Within the riverine thickets, the nocturnal leopard and the rare Chobe bushbuck are often encountered, and the birdlife is both prolific and spectacular, with over 450 species recorded.

Chobe National park covers 11,700 square kilometers of true wilderness, and the Chobe Game Lodge is Southern Africa’s most exclusive safari resort. Situated in the remote northern extremity of the Park, the Lodge offers 5 star luxury and comfort for your sojourn in the wilds. All 45 en suite rooms are air conditioned and tastefully furnished, and overlook the perennial Chobe River and Caprivi floodplain. For the connoisseur of luxury, there are also 4 private suites, each with their very own swimming pool.

Facilities within the Lodge include a well stocked curio shop, a swimming pool and a conference centre. Wildlife films and slide shows are arranged on a regular basis so that visitors will obtain an understanding of the ecological systems existing within Chobe, and of the threats to these fragile systems. The cuisine is superb, with more than a hint of African flavor, and matches that of the finest resorts in the world. In keeping with the environment, the atmosphere is informal and relaxed.

Safari activities are as exciting as they are diverse, and can even be tailored to suit individual requirements. Game drives are conducted in open 4 wheel drive vehicles, normally early morning and late afternoon, under the leadership of experienced Motswanian guides. For the more adventurous, all day safaris, with pack lunches, can be arranged, so that the visitor may explore the wilderness areas of Noghatsau and Ngwezumba pools.

The scheduled evening cruise on the Chobe River should not be missed, and provides spectacular sunsets against a backdrop that is purest Africa - the Africa of your dreams. Another Chobe ‘must’ is the all day fly-in safari to the Okavango Delta, which includes an unforgettable flight across the vastness of Northern Botswana, mokoro (dug out canoe) exploration of the waterways, and lunch at a select Delta camp.

Lastly, the Chobe River is renowned for its fishing, and the fighting ‘tiger’ provides a memorable experience for the dedicated angler. Boats and equipment are both available.

Access to Chobe is either by private direct air charter, or via Victoria Falls. Various packages in association with resorts in the Okavango Delta, Moremi and Mashatu Game Reserves and Zimbabwe can be arranged on request.