Thobolo's Bush Lodge

Thobolo's Bush Lodge is a genuine bush eco-lodge and campsite on the edge of the Barangwe Pan, roughly 108km from Kasane on the route toward Savuti, Linyanti and Maun — a well-placed stop for self-drive travellers linking Chobe with the Okavango/Moremi circuit. It bills itself as Botswana's first lodge built using one of the world's greenest building methods, and the site is now fully solar powered. It is unfenced, so wildlife moves through at night, and is run day-to-day by resident manager couple Danie and Ann-May Smit, under owner Mike Gunn.

Accommodation is 10 chalets: each has an open-plan layout with two en-suite bedrooms, air-conditioning, ceiling fans and screened windows, a tea/coffee station, free Wi-Fi, and an upstairs private viewing deck; 3 of the 10 are Family Chalets sleeping up to 6, with an extra double bed in place of the upstairs deck. Dinner and breakfast are included. The campsite has hot showers, toilets, a wash-up area, and its own pan-view deck with free Wi-Fi, on a self-catering basis.

The main draw is the elevated viewing deck and blind over the Barangwe Pan waterhole, with guests regularly reporting elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, lion and wild dog sightings at all hours — reviewers rate it among the best wildlife-watching spots in Botswana. On-site facilities: lounge, library, fully stocked bar (honesty bar at the campsite deck), swimming pool, boma, curio shop. Well positioned for self-drive game drives through Chobe, Savuti and Linyanti, though it does not run its own guided activity programme.

Rooms: 10 chalets (3 are Family Chalets sleeping up to 6); plus a well-established self-catering campsite. Facilities: lounge, library, fully stocked bar, swimming pool, boma, curio shop. Entire property solar powered.