Overview

Chobe Bush Lodge is a contemporary luxury safari lodge located on the international border between Botswana and Zambia, offering direct access to Chobe National Park's wildlife-rich floodplains and the Chobe River. Known for: combining modern design with authentic safari experiences, offering both land-based game drives and river cruises, and providing family-friendly accommodation with spacious suites. Best for: travelers seeking luxury comfort without remote camp logistics, families with children, and guests wanting guaranteed daily wildlife activities in Africa's highest elephant concentration area [1].

Accommodation & Rooms

The lodge comprises 42 rooms distributed across three blocks, with room categories including standard rooms, family suites, and premium river-view accommodations. Ground-floor rooms feature intimate porches with direct views of baboons, warthogs, and mongoose, while upper-floor rooms offer balconies overlooking the National Park. All rooms are spacious with stylish open-plan bathrooms featuring both bathtubs and separate showers—a notable comfort feature after intensive safari days [1].

Standard amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, television, and quality furnishings reflecting contemporary bush aesthetic. Family rooms feature two bedrooms with separate en-suite facilities, making them suitable for groups of four to six guests. Room design emphasizes natural light and wildlife viewing from accommodation, with the lodge's recent construction ensuring modern plumbing, electrical systems, and fixtures [1].

Dining & Cuisine

The lodge operates an à la carte restaurant with views over the bushveld, included in all accommodation rates. All-inclusive meal plans cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, eliminating the need for guests to budget separately for dining. The restaurant accommodates dietary preferences and offers wine selections for pairing with evening meals. Guests can also enjoy cocktails and refreshments on the outside deck, where morning coffee service and sunset views create memorable dining moments [1].

Bush dining experiences are available, allowing guests to take meals on viewing platforms overlooking the Chobe River or in scenic park locations during safari activities. The bar serves both local and international beverages, with premium drinks and alcohol available for purchase beyond the included all-inclusive rate [1].

Wildlife & Activities

Chobe National Park hosts Africa's largest elephant population, with herds regularly numbering in the hundreds visible from the lodge and during game drives. The park supports all Big Five species (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhinoceros), though rhinoceros sightings are less common than other species. Additional wildlife includes hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, warthog, baboon, and over 450 bird species [1].

The all-inclusive rate includes one game drive and one boat cruise per night. Game drives typically last 3-4 hours and depart during early morning and late afternoon hours when wildlife is most active. River cruises on the Chobe River provide close encounters with elephant herds drinking at the water's edge, hippo pods, and crocodiles, while offering excellent bird-watching opportunities. Additional activities available for separate payment include night game drives, guided bush walks, cultural visits to local Kasane settlements, and massage services at the lodge spa [1].

Location & How to Get There

Kasane is located at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers in northeastern Botswana. Chobe Bush Lodge sits within walking distance of the Chobe River frontage, with direct access across the road separating lodge grounds from water-based activities. The lodge is approximately 50 kilometers from Kasane town center, accessible via paved and gravel roads through Chobe National Park [1].

Access typically occurs via Kasane Airport (international flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Windhoek), followed by a road transfer of approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to the lodge. Alternative access includes overland routes from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), approximately 90 kilometers away, or from Livingstone, Zambia. The lodge arranges airport transfers and can organize charter flights from regional hubs. Guests driving independently should note that park entry permits are required and available at Chobe National Park gates [1].

Best Time to Visit

Peak wildlife viewing season extends from May through September during the dry season, when water sources concentrate wildlife along the Chobe River and elephant herds reach maximum visibility. Daytime temperatures range from 18-28°C (64-82°F) with cool mornings and evenings. This period offers the most reliable game drive experiences and comfortable safari conditions [1].

The green season from November through March brings lush vegetation and bird-watching opportunities, with higher rainfall supporting migratory bird arrivals. Temperatures during this period range from 22-35°C (72-95°F) with afternoon thunderstorms. Shoulder seasons (April and October) offer moderate conditions with fewer tourists and lower accommodation rates. Avoid December and January due to heat and rain intensity [1].

Conservation & Community

Chobe National Park operates under Botswana's Department of Wildlife and National Parks, with strict wildlife protection regulations. The lodge's inclusion of game drives and river cruises in all rates ensures guests contribute to park conservation through entry fees. Modern construction standards suggest the lodge incorporates environmental practices, though specific conservation certifications and community initiatives were not detailed in available sources [1].

Kasane town supports local communities through employment at the lodge and tourism-related services. Guests interested in cultural experiences can arrange visits to local settlements, supporting traditional communities while learning about regional history and contemporary Botswana life [1].

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