Tucked away in the serene landscapes of the Eastern Caprivi, away from the well-trodden Kasane riverfront, Chobe Savanna Lodge stands as a testament to an authentic safari experience. Operated by Desert & Delta Safaris, with over 40 years of dedication, an unmatched expertise in choosing pristine camp locations, and an unwavering commitment to genuine safari adventures, this lodge grants guests a unique vantage point to witness the diverse wildlife of Chobe National Park, particularly the impressive herds of elephants and buffalo come the dry season. This blend of idyllic location, seasoned management, and rich wildlife encounters distinctively positions Chobe Savanna Lodge in a league of its own
Awarded: Bronze
Location
Occupying a prime riverside position on the northern bank of the Chobe River, the lodge offers unrivaled views of the sprawling Puku Flats floodplains within the Chobe National Park. Its geographical location serves as an ideal launch pad for a variety of water-based activities. This location in the eastern Caprivi ensures guests experience solitude away from the bustling Kasane riverfront area. Access to the lodge is achieved via an hour-long motorized boat transfer from Kasane, enhancing its secluded appeal.
Rooms
The lodge boasts 13 thatched chalets, each constructed using classic timber-and-thatch roofing coupled with brick walls. These chalets, spaced generously along the Chobe river, offer an optimal balance of privacy and accessibility. The interior of each chalet showcases a harmonious blend of contemporary African themes with polished wood floors and animal skin rugs. An open-plan layout incorporates both a lounge and bedroom. Essential amenities, including air conditioning, multi plug adaptors, hairdryer, torch, and a well-stocked complementary mini-bar, ensure guest comfort. All chalets come equipped with private decks offering direct views across the Chobe National Park, making game viewing a relaxed affair. A special mention is warranted for the family chalet, which includes an additional twin bedroom designed primarily for children, with shared bathroom facilities.
Communal Areas
Central to the lodge’s design is the main area that houses a variety of communal facilities. This open-sided building stands out with its sweeping 270-degree vistas over the Chobe River. Within, guests can find comfort in the lounge that houses varied seating arrangements set before a fireplace, ideal for evening gatherings. An indoor dining area stands ready to serve delectable meals. Additionally, an outdoor dining setup by the riverbanks offers a more immersive dining experience. A fully stocked bar and a curio shop complement the lodge’s offerings. For those keen on unwinding, a swimming pool without depth markings awaits, and a spacious viewing deck offers more opportunities for game viewing.
Activities
Chobe Savanna Lodge takes pride in offering a multitude of activities, capitalizing on its proximity to the Chobe River. Among the highlights are motorized boat safaris, which provide close encounters with the diverse wildlife of the region, from mammals on the riverbanks to aquatic species within. Seasonal fishing trips cater to angling enthusiasts, promoting a catch-and-release policy for species such as tigerfish and bream. Guests can also opt for cultural excursions to nearby villages, providing insights into local traditions and lifestyles. Birdwatching safaris, specially curated for ornithology enthusiasts, offer an added layer of exploration. Guided nature walks, however, are currently not advised for guests given the absence of armed guides.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
During this period large concentrations of grazers can be found around the Savuti Marsh in time for calving season. This sheer number of young animals attracts large predator numbers from the surrounding areas. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species.
Like the rest of Botswana, Chobe & Savuti have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, Chobe and Savuti can offer great game viewing throughout the year. There is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
During this period large concentrations of grazers can be found around the Savuti Marsh in time for calving season. This sheer number of young animals attracts large predator numbers from the surrounding areas. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species.
Like the rest of Botswana, Chobe & Savuti have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, Chobe and Savuti can offer great game viewing throughout the year. There is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
During this period large concentrations of grazers can be found around the Savuti Marsh in time for calving season. This sheer number of young animals attracts large predator numbers from the surrounding areas. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species.
Like the rest of Botswana, Chobe & Savuti have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, Chobe and Savuti can offer great game viewing throughout the year. There is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Wildlife will begin to move closer to the riverfront as the clear skies dominate. The rains fade, and midday temperatures are more pleasant. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so it is advisable to pack some warm clothes.
Like the rest of Botswana, Chobe & Savuti have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, Chobe and Savuti can offer great game viewing throughout the year. There is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Wildlife will begin to move closer to the riverfront as the clear skies dominate. The rains fade, and midday temperatures are more pleasant. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so it is advisable to pack some warm clothes.
Like the rest of Botswana, Chobe & Savuti have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, Chobe and Savuti can offer great game viewing throughout the year. There is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with good game sightings becoming more likely. Midday temperatures are average around 25°C/77°F, the mornings can be surprisingly cool at around 11°C/52°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, Chobe & Savuti have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, Chobe and Savuti can offer great game viewing throughout the year. There is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with good game sightings becoming more likely. Midday temperatures are average around 25°C/77°F, the mornings can be surprisingly cool at around 11°C/52°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, Chobe & Savuti have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, Chobe and Savuti can offer great game viewing throughout the year. There is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate. Midday temperatures begin to rise and can at times be hot. Morning remain surprisingly cool.
Botswana has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from October through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. As Botswana is predominately a safari destination we would generally recommend visiting during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility.
Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
There are also two significant exceptions to the above rule of thumb; Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi which come into their own during the wet season as wildlife moves in to take advantage of the fresh, lush grass.
Temperatures can be very high in and around the wet season; when the sunlight is at its strongest, however nights can be cool to sub-freezing throughout the year. So, don’t forget to pack warm clothing!
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. Midday and night temperatures are climbing, with midday temperatures becoming hot, averaging 29°C/84°F in August and 33°C/91°F in September. Mornings remain surprisingly cool, so do pack something warm.
Like the rest of Botswana, Chobe & Savuti have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, Chobe and Savuti can offer great game viewing throughout the year. There is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Game viewing can be spectacular during October; however, temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with midday temperatures over 40°C/104°F not uncommon. We suggest early morning starts during this time to make the most of the cool temperatures!
Like the rest of Botswana, Chobe & Savuti have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, Chobe and Savuti can offer great game viewing throughout the year. There is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
The first rains arrive, usually in the form of sharp afternoon showers. The temperatures still however remain very hot, while the humidity adds a level of discomfort. Game viewing can still be great, but just be prepared for a little heat.
Like the rest of Botswana, Chobe & Savuti have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, Chobe and Savuti can offer great game viewing throughout the year. There is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
During this period large concentrations of grazers can be found around the Savuti Marsh in time for calving season. This sheer number of young animals attracts large predator numbers from the surrounding areas. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species.
Like the rest of Botswana, Chobe & Savuti have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, Chobe and Savuti can offer great game viewing throughout the year. There is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.