Chobe Game Lodge — Botswana’s Original Luxury Safari Lodge

What Is Chobe Game Lodge?

Chobe Game Lodge is one of Africa’s most historic and celebrated luxury safari lodges, situated on the banks of the Chobe River in Kasane, northern Botswana — directly within Chobe National Park, home to the world’s largest elephant population. As the only permanent lodge operating inside the national park itself, Chobe Game Lodge occupies an extraordinary position: guests step directly from their rooms onto the riverbank and into one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles.

The lodge holds a unique place in safari history. It was here that Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor honeymooned — twice — and where the image of the quintessential African river lodge was defined. Today it operates as one of Kasane’s premier properties, combining heritage character with modern luxury and an exceptional wildlife programme on the Chobe River and surrounding floodplains.

Where Is Chobe Game Lodge?

Chobe Game Lodge is situated on the Chobe River in Kasane, Botswana’s northeastern corner — where four countries meet: Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia. This makes it one of the most strategically placed lodges in southern Africa for multi-country itineraries.

Getting to Chobe Game Lodge:

• Kasane Airport: the lodge is minutes from Kasane Airport; scheduled flights from Johannesburg (approximately 1.5 hours) and Maun on Airlink and other carriers
• Victoria Falls connection: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) is approximately 75 kilometres away — about 1.5 hours by road including border crossing; many guests combine Chobe with a Victoria Falls stop
• From Maun: approximately 45 minutes by scheduled flight; ideal for guests combining Chobe with the Okavango Delta

What Does Chobe Game Lodge Offer?

• 47 rooms and suites — the lodge’s rooms are positioned along the Chobe River; river-view rooms overlook the floodplains and Namibia’s Caprivi Strip across the water
• Boat safaris on the Chobe River — the lodge’s signature experience; exclusive boat drives on the river at dawn and dusk, where elephant herds swim across, hippo pods surface, crocodile bask, and an extraordinary diversity of waterbirds fills the channels
• Open-vehicle game drives on the Chobe floodplains; the reserve’s road network accesses dense elephant concentrations and lion territory
• Cycling safaris — a unique offering at Chobe; guided bicycle safaris through the national park (operated under specific conditions)
• Sundowner cruises — the Chobe River at sunset is one of Africa’s most spectacular photographic environments

What Wildlife Can You See at Chobe Game Lodge?

Chobe National Park holds Africa’s largest elephant population — estimates range from 50,000 to 130,000 animals, with concentrations that must be seen to be believed during the dry season. From Chobe Game Lodge’s position on the river, wildlife encounters are extraordinary:

• Elephant — herds of hundreds gather on the floodplains daily during dry season; elephant crossing the Chobe River is a signature experience
• Hippo — enormous pods in the river; constant vocalisations throughout the day
• Nile crocodile — large individuals basking on sandbanks throughout the year
• Buffalo — large herds on the riverfront and plains
• Lion — multiple prides follow the elephant herds on the floodplains
• Leopard — present in the riverine forest; less frequently seen than at Sabi Sands
• Puku — a Chobe speciality; this attractive antelope is at its most abundant in the riverfront grasslands
• Birds: 450+ species; the Chobe Riverfront is one of Africa’s premier birding destinations

How Much Does Chobe Game Lodge Cost?

Chobe Game Lodge is positioned as a premier Kasane property — luxury facilities, exclusive national park position, and comprehensive activity programme at upper-mid to luxury pricing. Approximate rates per person sharing, fully inclusive:

• Low/green season: from USD 600–800 per person per night
• Shoulder season: from USD 800–1,100 per person per night
• Peak season (June–September): from USD 1,100–1,600 per person per night

Rates include accommodation, all meals, twice-daily activities (boat and game drive), most beverages, and park fees.

How Does Chobe Game Lodge Compare to Smaller Chobe Lodges?

• Scale: at 47 rooms Chobe Game Lodge is larger than most Botswana lodges; the boat safaris are exclusive to lodge guests on dedicated boats
• Heritage: the Burton-Taylor connection and history as Botswana’s original luxury lodge give it a character no newer property can match
• Location advantage: only lodge inside the national park; all other Kasane lodges are on the park boundary
• Best for: history-conscious travellers, photography enthusiasts (the boat position is unparalleled), and guests combining Chobe with Victoria Falls

Plan Your Chobe Game Lodge Safari

African Safari Group designs Chobe itineraries incorporating Chobe Game Lodge as part of classic Botswana circuits — Chobe Riverfront combined with the Okavango Delta or Victoria Falls — and as part of broader southern Africa journeys.

Enquire Now to plan your Chobe Game Lodge safari.