Botswana's first five-star lodge, and still the only permanent accommodation inside Chobe National Park itself — on the banks of a river carrying the densest elephant population on Earth.
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Overview
A Pioneer, Since 1972
Chobe Game Lodge opened in 1972 as Botswana's first five-star lodge and remains the only property built inside Chobe National Park's boundary, right on the banks of the Chobe River.
The Moorish-inspired architecture — high arches, barrel-vaulted ceilings, arched walkways and palm-shaded courtyards — gives the lodge a sense of grandeur that has drawn royalty and celebrities for over fifty years, including the wedding of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in 1975. In 2014, Chobe Game Lodge introduced the first solar-powered boats and electric safari vehicles in the region, and its guiding team is entirely female — one of the only all-women teams of its kind in Africa. The Chobe River itself supports the world's densest population of Kalahari elephants, alongside significant herds of buffalo and zebra.
An Ecotourism-Certified icon. Recently refurbished throughout, Chobe Game Lodge holds an Ecotourism Certification and remains part of the original wave of Botswana safari lodges that helped define the country's high-value, low-impact tourism model.
44
Rooms & Suites
1972
Lodge Established
100%
Female Guiding Team
1
Only Lodge Inside the Park
Rooms
Every Room, River-Facing
All 44 rooms and suites are en-suite, air-conditioned and fitted with a private terrace facing the Chobe River — with four suites adding their own infinity plunge pool.
River-Facing Room — Private Terrace
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River-Facing RoomsEvery room includes fans and air conditioning, a mini bar and a private terrace with views straight onto the Chobe River.
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Four Luxury SuitesThe lodge's four most luxurious suites each add a private infinity plunge pool facing the river, along with a separate lounge.
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A Spa & GymA full spa menu and a gym round out the lodge's facilities, alongside two complimentary bars and multiple dining spots.
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Solar Boats & Electric VehiclesSince 2014, Chobe Game Lodge has run solar-powered river boats and electric 4x4 safari vehicles for a quieter, lower-impact safari.
Experiences
Elephants, By Land and River
Being the only lodge inside the National Park means game drives can begin at first light, well before vehicles queue at the gate.
Sunrise
Early Game Drives
Electric 4x4 vehicles depart directly from the lodge at first light, giving guests the earliest access to the park's wildlife each day.
On the River
Solar-Powered Boat Cruises
Silent, solar-powered boats cruise the Chobe River morning and afternoon, ideal for photographing elephants, hippos and prolific birdlife.
Wellness
Spa & Gym
A full spa treatment menu and an air-conditioned gym for guests seeking downtime between activities.
Sundowners
Evening River Cruise
A sunset cruise on the Chobe River, timed for golden hour as elephants and buffalo gather to drink.
Culture
The Chobe Angels
An all-female guiding team leads every game drive and river cruise, sharing a distinctly local perspective on the park.
History
Nostalgic Grandeur
A tour of the lodge's Moorish-inspired architecture and its history, including its famous connection to Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.
Dining
A Boma, A Boardwalk
Meals move between several venues, from the open walled buffet area to a boma on the riverbank and a boardwalk with wide views over the water.
01The open-walled buffet dining area
02The boma, a traditional open-air fire pit on the riverbank
03The boardwalk, for meals with broad river views
04Afternoon high tea in the lounge
The Boma — Riverside Fire Pit
Location
Inside Chobe National Park
Chobe Game Lodge sits directly within Chobe National Park, roughly 100km west of Victoria Falls, on the banks of a river renowned for its concentration of elephants.
The only permanent lodge built inside Chobe National Park's boundary, on the shore of the Chobe River.
Chobe River supports the world's densest population of Kalahari elephants, alongside large herds of buffalo and zebra.
Predator populations here include lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah, all regularly sighted.
Roughly 100km from Victoria Falls, making it a natural pairing with a Zambia or Zimbabwe extension.
Fly
Scheduled flights connect Kasane International Airport, a short transfer from the lodge.
Transfer
A brief drive from Kasane brings guests directly into the National Park and to the lodge gates.
Combine
Chobe Game Lodge pairs naturally with a Victoria Falls extension, roughly 100km to the east.
A Living Icon
Over Fifty Years of Grandeur
From its Moorish arches to its all-female guiding team, Chobe Game Lodge has spent more than five decades proving that history and innovation can share the same address.