Hotel in Kasane, Botswana
Chobe Game Lodge
Botswana's first luxury safari lodge, set on the banks of the Chobe River within Chobe National Park. The only permanent lodge inside the park, offering front-row seats to massive elephant herds.
Chobe Game Lodge holds the distinction of being Botswana's first safari lodge, established in the 1960s and famously associated with the 1975 remarriage of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton on the banks of the Chobe River. The lodge is the only permanent commercial accommodation located inside Chobe National Park, positioned on the Chobe River within one of Africa's greatest elephant populations. Its history and exclusive position within the park make it one of Botswana's most iconic properties.
The lodge was extensively renovated to its current five-star standard and accommodates guests across 40 spacious rooms and four suites, all finished with locally crafted hardwood furniture, leather accents, and panoramic views of the river and floodplain. Each room features a private terrace facing the waterway. Suites include a separate living room, private plunge pool, and expanded outdoor space. The architecture draws from colonial safari aesthetics interpreted through a contemporary lens.
Dining is served in the main restaurant overlooking the river, where guests regularly watch elephant and buffalo herds at the water's edge during meals. The menu emphasises fresh local produce and game meat. A cocktail bar and wine cellar service the evening program, and the lodge's elevated terrace is used for sundowner setups.
Since 2019, Chobe Game Lodge has been certified as Africa's first carbon-neutral safari lodge, a distinction supported by solar power, waste reduction programmes, and active involvement in Chobe's wildlife corridor conservation initiatives. Activities include twice-daily game drives within the park — the lodge's guides benefit from years of accumulated knowledge of specific animal movements — and afternoon Chobe River boat safaris that bring guests within metres of hippo pods and swimming elephants. The spa, gym, and riverside pool complete the property's amenities.
Amenities
- Riverside pool
- Spa
- Game drives
- River cruises
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Wi-Fi
- Gym
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +267 625 0340
Location
Chobe National Park, Kasane, Botswana
-17.8333, 25.1500 — View on map
Highlights
- Botswana's first safari lodge and the only permanent lodge inside Chobe National Park
- 40 rooms and four suites with direct Chobe River views from private terraces
- Africa's first certified carbon-neutral safari lodge, powered significantly by solar energy
- Game drives and river cruises within the park — the largest elephant population density in Africa
- Historic property associated with the 1975 remarriage of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
Tips
- Request a suite or upper-floor room for the most expansive river panoramas — front-row elephant sightings from a private terrace are common.
- Afternoon river cruises often produce the most spectacular elephant encounters as herds swim across the river en masse; book these in advance.
- Being inside the national park means no fences — wildlife can roam freely through the grounds; follow staff guidance about moving around at night.
- The lodge's carbon-neutral credentials and conservation programmes make it a strong choice for sustainability-conscious travellers.
- Fishing (catch and release) on the Chobe River can be arranged through the lodge; tigerfish, bream, and catfish are common catches.
FAQ
Is Chobe Game Lodge inside the national park?
Yes. Chobe Game Lodge is the only permanent commercial lodge located within the boundaries of Chobe National Park. This means the surrounding environment is unfenced and game is free to move through the property grounds at any time.
What makes Chobe Game Lodge environmentally notable?
The lodge was certified as Africa's first carbon-neutral safari lodge, with certification backed by solar power generation, waste management programmes, and conservation contributions within Chobe National Park.
What activities does the lodge offer?
Activities include morning and afternoon game drives in open vehicles within Chobe National Park, Chobe River afternoon boat safaris, fishing excursions, spa treatments, and guided bird walks. Transfers to Kasane Airport are available for arriving and departing guests.
How far is the lodge from Kasane Airport?
Kasane Airport is approximately 5 kilometres from the lodge boundary. Transfer arrangements are handled directly by the lodge. The airport serves domestic and regional routes, including connections through Johannesburg.
Accessibility
The lodge is built to five-star resort standards with lift access between floors and paved pathways throughout the main areas. Accessible rooms are available and can be requested at the time of booking. Game vehicle transfers involve stepping into open safari vehicles; guests with significant mobility limitations should discuss requirements with the lodge team before arrival.
When to visit
June to October is peak season for wildlife viewing in Chobe National Park. The dry season concentrates wildlife along the river, and the elephant gatherings along the Chobe River are at their most spectacular from July to September.