Chobe Safari Lodge

Chobe Safari Lodge sits directly on the banks of the Chobe River in Kasane, sharing a border with Chobe National Park — the only property in town to do so. It has genuine long-running history: established in 1959 by Charles Trevor and Ethnee Holmes à Court as the "Chobe River Hotel," beginning with just six simple chalets at 15 British shillings a night, in an era shaped by the legacy of the Cape to Cairo railway and Africa's trophy-hunting heyday. Renamed Chobe Safari Lodge in 1972 and marketed as "Botswana's year-round safari resort," the property has been under its current ownership since 1989 and celebrated 60 years of operation in the mid-2020s, with some of its original 1960s rondavels still in use today, modernised internally.

The lodge today spans 81 rooms across several categories: 32 Safari Rooms, 20 River Rooms (closest to the main complex, facing a secluded indigenous riverside garden, with light-filled open-plan en-suites, park-wilderness terrace views, and a bathtub), 8 Classic Rondavels (the lovingly restored originals, with Chobe River views, Wi-Fi, TV and air-conditioning), and 16 Family Rooms with two separate en-suite bedrooms for privacy, plus a 23-stand powered campsite. A smaller, boutique sister property, Chobe Bush Lodge, sits within walking distance and adds a further 4 family rooms. Signature activities include what the lodge markets as "Africa's best boat safari" on the Chobe River, game drives into the park, tiger fishing, village tours, scenic flights, day trips to Victoria Falls, and spa treatments, all set against what the lodge calls one of Kasane's best sunset viewpoints.

Chobe Safari Lodge holds a 4.1 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor from 1,792 reviews, ranked #1 of 8 hotels in Kasane by review volume. Reviewers consistently praise the riverfront location and views, the quality of the boat cruises and game drives, well-stocked dining, and friendly staff. Recurring criticism centres on service inconsistency (occasional missing amenities, room-type mix-ups against bookings), variable food quality across dishes, pricing relative to value, and game drives that can feel crowded at peak times.

AT A GLANCE - Location: Chobe River, Kasane, Botswana — borders Chobe National Park - Founded: 1959 (as Chobe River Hotel); renamed Chobe Safari Lodge in 1972; current ownership since 1989 - Accommodation: 81 rooms: 32 Safari Rooms, 20 River Rooms, 8 Classic Rondavels, 16 Family Rooms - Camping: 23-stand powered campsite with 3 ablution blocks - Sister Property: Chobe Bush Lodge (boutique, walking distance, +4 family rooms) - Activities: Chobe River boat safari, game drives, tiger fishing, village tours, scenic flights, Victoria Falls day trips, spa - Room Features: Wi-Fi, TV, air-conditioning (Classic Rondavels); en-suite bathtubs (River Rooms) - Access: 10 minutes from Kasane International Airport and the Chobe National Park entrance - Positioning: Large-scale riverfront resort — high review volume, broad price/room range - TripAdvisor Rating: 4.1 / 5 from 1,792 reviews — #1 of 8 hotels, Kasane