Sanctuary Retreats

With panoramic views across the Chobe River and beyond, Sanctuary’s Chobe Chilwero is a luxury riverside retreat with elegance in abundance. Meaning ‘place of high view’ in local Setswana, the lodge sits above the river and close to Africa’s largest elephant population.


Location

The lodge is situated on a hillside overlooking the Chobe River, just outside Chobe National Park.  Chobe is Botswana’s second largest national park and is home to hippo, lion, antelope and hippo. It also contains Africa’s largest concentration of elephants.

Rooms

There are 15 suites made from thatch and brick with front-facing private decks to enjoy the river views. Wooden-framed glass doors lead into the bedroom where double or twin beds await. Each room has a writing desk, air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Through the back of the space, a door leads to a private garden with an outdoor shower.

Communal Areas

The communal space is reached through the lodge’s pretty gardens where there is a lounge filled with leather and suede sofas, coffee tables and a warming fireplace. A separate library offering plenty of reading material and board games is the perfect spot for a quiet afternoon. Dine in the chic dining room with views stretching down the river or enjoy evening drinks on the veranda. There is also a split-level swimming pool to cool off in between activities. 

Activities

Take expertly guided game drives through the spawling plains, woodlands and riverine forests of Chobe National Park. Sundowner cruises are available along the Chobe where elephant, buffalo and antelope can be spotted enjoying the water. Try your hand at catch-and-release fishing or photography on specialized photographic cruises. Guests can also visit the local Dipetsana Women’s Bike Shop to meet locals and take a bike ride. Victoria Falls is a 90-minute drive from the lodge where a host of adrenalin-fuelled activity awaits.

Fully inclusive

Accommodation
Breakfast, lunch and evening meal
All house drinks (except premium imported brands and champagne)
Scheduled open vehicle game drives
Motorised boat safaris
Sundowner cruise
Laundry

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

  • Excellent
  • Good
  • Poor
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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.

Explore Chobe National Park & Savuti Properties

What People Say

★★★★★
  • The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…

    Chris Hutchens

    feefologo
  • We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!

    Amy Williams

    feefologo
  • Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...

    Margaret and Stephen

    feefologo
  • Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!

    Nick and Sarah

    feefologo
  • Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!

    David Glen

    feefologo
  • Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.

    Amit Roy

    feefologo
  • Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars

    Jessica Harvard

    feefologo
  • We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.

    Glen and Amanda Crawford

    feefologo
  • Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.

    Bob & Jen

    feefologo