Overview
Chobe National Park in northern Botswana is renowned for its immense elephant herds, thrilling riverfront safaris, lush floodplains, and vibrant sunsets over the Chobe River. Whether you crave luxury, adventure, a family-friendly base, or a budget escape, Chobe’s lodges, camps, and guesthouses offer something for every traveler. Most accommodations are clustered along the Chobe Riverfront (near Kasane town), but exclusive lodges and mobile camps are found in the park’s interior and Savuti region.
1. Luxury Lodges & Upscale Safari Camps
Top-tier comfort, personalized service, prime locations, and exclusive safari experiences—these are the best stays for a special Chobe adventure:
- Chobe Game Lodge (inside park): The park’s only permanent lodge inside the boundaries; elegant riverfront suites, eco-credentials, renowned guiding (including all-female guide team), pool, spa, gourmet dining, river-view decks.
- Ngoma Safari Lodge (Chobe Forest Reserve): Luxurious suites with private plunge pools, panoramic river views, intimate atmosphere, community engagement, walking safaris, night drives.
- Muchenje Safari Lodge (Chobe Forest Reserve): Hilltop views, thatched chalets, full-day safaris, boat cruises, walking safaris, home-cooked meals, family-friendly.
- Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero (Kasane/riverfront): Ultra-luxury lodge, beautiful gardens, fine dining, spa, panoramic river vistas, infinity pool, child-minding services.
- Savute Safari Lodge (Savuti region): Overlooks a waterhole, great for dry-season predator action, stylish chalets, pool, walking safaris.
- Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge (Savuti): Secluded luxury, raised rooms with views, wellness treatments, fine cuisine, star-gazing deck.
2. Mid-Range Lodges, Boutique Stays & Classic Riverfront Camps
For those seeking comfort, authentic safari ambience, and great value, these camps and lodges are ideal:
- Chobe Safari Lodge (Kasane): Large, riverside, family-friendly, a favorite for boat cruises and game drives, restaurant, pool, spa, lively atmosphere.
- Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa (Kasane): Resort-style, riverfront, pool, golf, tennis, spa, wide choice of rooms.
- Chobe Bush Lodge (Kasane): Modern, boutique feel, excellent for couples and groups, access to Chobe Safari Lodge amenities.
- Kubu Lodge (Kasane): Riverside chalets in lush gardens, relaxed and quiet, eco-friendly.
- Jackalberry Chobe (Kazungula): Intimate lodge, walking safaris, birding, modern suites.
- The Old House (Kasane): Charming guesthouse, friendly, with boat and fishing safaris.
3. Eco-Lodges & Community-Run Camps
Eco-stays in Chobe prioritize sustainability, community engagement, and authentic local experiences:
- Ngoma Safari Lodge: Eco-architecture, solar power, works with Chobe Enclave community for jobs and tourism revenue.
- Muchenje Safari Lodge: Supports local schools, eco-friendly practices, community projects.
- Kubu Lodge: Riverbank eco-lodge with a commitment to conservation, wildlife rescue center nearby.
- Elephant Trail Guesthouse: Locally owned, cultural experiences, village visits.
4. Family & Group-Friendly Options
Perfect for families, multi-generational travelers, or larger groups—these lodges provide space, pools, activities, and kids’ amenities:
- Chobe Safari Lodge: Family rooms, pool, kids’ menus, flexible activities.
- Cresta Mowana: Large family suites, playground, childminding, riverside setting.
- Chobe Bush Lodge: Interconnecting rooms, family suites, group discounts.
- Muchenje Safari Lodge: Welcomes children, bush walks, village visits.
- Kubu Lodge: Cottages for families, riverside walks, safe gardens.
- The Old House: Friendly, relaxed, group/family rooms, boat safaris.
5. Budget-Friendly Camps, Guesthouses & Backpacker Hostels
For travelers seeking adventure and savings, Chobe has great options for every budget:
- Thebe River Safaris Lodge: Riverside camping, simple rooms, restaurant, pool, boat tours, and safaris—ideal for budget safaris.
- Elephant Trail Guesthouse: Hostel rooms and camping, communal kitchen, great for solo or budget travelers.
- Chobe River Lodge: Affordable rooms, camping, great river views, sociable atmosphere.
- Travelodge Kasane: Modern, clean, budget-friendly, close to supermarkets and activities.
- Chobe Backpackers: Dorm beds, camping, social vibe, tours, and overland traveler hub.
- Mwandi View: On the edge of Chobe, basic cabins, pool, self-catering facilities, popular with overlanders.
6. Self-Catering Cottages, Private Villas & Houseboats
Ideal for families, groups, or travelers wanting independence and privacy:
- Kubu Lodge Self-Catering: Cottages with kitchens, riverside braai areas.
- Mwandi View: Self-catering units, communal kitchen, scenic deck.
- Private Airbnb villas: Available in Kasane and along the Chobe River.
- Chobe Princess Houseboats: Luxurious houseboat suites, cruise along the river, all-inclusive, excellent for groups or special occasions.
- Zambezi Queen: High-end riverboat, fine dining, game viewing from deck, excellent for birders and photographers.
7. Public & Private Campsites
For overlanders, backpackers, or those who love sleeping under the stars:
- Chobe Safari Lodge Campsite: Shaded, secure, riverside, access to lodge amenities, book ahead.
- Thebe River Safaris Campsite: On the river, social, pool, camp bar.
- Mwandi View Campsite: Great views, communal firepit, hot showers.
- SKL Public Campsites (Ihaha, Savuti, Linyanti): Inside Chobe National Park, bookable through SKL Camps, basic but wild, game-rich locations.
- Wild Camping (with licensed operator): For deep wilderness camping with experienced guides.
Chobe Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | Eco/Ethical | Park Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chobe Game Lodge | Inside Park | Luxury Lodge | $500–$1,200 | River views, spa, all-female guides | Yes | Yes | Yes | Inside Park |
| Ngoma Safari Lodge | Chobe Forest Res. | Luxury Eco-Lodge | $600–$1,200 | Plunge pools, eco, panoramas | Yes | Yes | Yes | Private Gate |
| Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero | Kasane | Luxury Lodge | $600–$1,400 | Gourmet, spa, gardens, views | Yes | Yes | Some | Near Park |
| Muchenje Safari Lodge | Chobe Forest Res. | Lodge | $400–$900 | Full-day safaris, village visits | Yes | Yes | Yes | Near Park |
| Savute Safari Lodge | Savuti Region | Lodge | $700–$1,200 | Predator action, waterhole | Yes | Yes | Some | Inside Park |
| Chobe Safari Lodge | Kasane | Riverfront Lodge | $150–$350 | Pool, river cruises, activities | Yes | Yes | Some | Near Park |
| Cresta Mowana Resort & Spa | Kasane | Resort | $180–$400 | Golf, spa, family suites | Yes | Yes | Some | Near Park |
| Chobe Bush Lodge | Kasane | Boutique Lodge | $170–$350 | Modern, access to Safari Lodge | Yes | Yes | Some | Near Park |
| Kubu Lodge | Kasane | Eco-Lodge | $120–$250 | Gardens, riverside, family units | Yes | No | Yes | Near Park |
| Thebe River Safaris Lodge | Kasane | Budget Lodge | $60–$120 | Budget rooms/camping, pool | Yes | Yes | Some | Near Park |
| Chobe Backpackers | Kasane | Hostel/Campsite | $15–$50 | Dorms, camping, tours | Yes | Yes | Some | Near Park |
| Mwandi View | Edge of Park | Cabins/Campsite | $30–$90 | Self-catering, communal deck | Yes | Yes | Some | Edge of Park |
| SKL Public Campsites | Inside Park | Campsite | $15–$35 | Wild locations, game-rich | Yes | No | Some | Inside Park |
| Chobe Princess Houseboats | Chobe River | Houseboat | $400–$800 | Floating suites, all-inclusive | Yes | No | Some | On River |
*pppn = per person per night. Prices are estimates and vary by season.
Conclusion
Chobe National Park offers a safari stay for everyone—from romantic luxury lodges on the riverfront, exclusive bush camps, and family resorts to hostels, campsites, and even river houseboats. Wildlife is abundant year-round, but booking well ahead for the dry season (June–October) is essential for top picks. Whether you want to watch elephants cross the river from your suite, sleep under the stars on a wild campsite, or cruise the Chobe on a private boat, you’ll find your dream base for exploring Botswana’s safari gem.