Chobe Chilwero in a Nutshell
Chobe Chilwero completes the Sanctuary Retreats portfolio of lodges in Botswana. It is a place to be pampered while enjoying the magnificent wildlife of the Chobe River ecosystem that supports the greatest remaining herds of elephants in Africa. While not being exactly INSIDE the Chobe National park, its location is about as close as you could be, as you overlook the Chobe River from high up on the Chobe “fault line,” just outside of the bustling tourist town of Kasane. What you get is a luxurious option to enjoy the Chobe River while being spoilt with amazing gourmet food, great views and the possibility to treat yourself to complimentary spa treatments. This is indeed a great place to end your safari!
Fast Facts
- 15 suites (3 are family suites with extra bedroom)
- Fabulous Chobe River views (from a distance, it is not on the river)
- Game drives, boat cruises on the Chobe River
- The place to see Chobe’s famous elephant herds
- Swimming elephants from the boat!
- Price range of USD595 – USD1175 pppn
- Access from Chobe International airport
- Air conditing
- Top level Spa facilities
Child Policy
Children of all ages are welcome and dedicated child activities available. Children aged 15 years or younger are required to share with a parent. The lodge can have 2 triple rooms per night. A private vehicle must be booked for children 5 years or younger and housekeepers are able to babysit children while parents go on activity (you pay a nominal fee for this).
How to Get There
Kasane international airport is a short drive away. Victoria Falls is also a 1-2 hour road transfer from Chobe Chilwero and many safaris can start or finish here.
Game Viewing and Activities
It is mostly about the elephants here but do expect the park to be quite busy due to its proximity to the tourist towns of Kasane, Victoria Falls Town and Livingstone in Zambia. Guest can enjoy game drives in the Chobe National park, but do not miss out on their boat cruises where you can get close to swimming elephants.
Fishing activities are also on offer.
Due to the proximity, Chobe Chilwero is a great base to visit the Victoria Falls and they offer guided day trips. Note that you will need to book this activity in advance, so do let us no upon making an enquiry).
Camp Environment
Sanctuary retreats are the owners here and are a well established safari company with properties all over Africa, built and run to high standards.The overall look of Chobe Chilwero is quite different from other remote “bush lodges.” This boutique, hotel-style” property, on the outskirts of a town, did not have to conform to strict building standards where everything is removable. Therefore, the structures are built from concrete and thatch and the grounds are gardened with green mowed lawns and beautiful mature native trees. Indeed, the whole property takes on the look of an old colonial homestead, which is quite charming. The concrete floors are polished and the thick brick walls and thatch keeps everything cool – just how things were built in the old-days before the arrival of air conditioning!
This camp is luxurious so the suites are fully air conditioned. Guests will find a range of other amenities to accompany the stunning views looking down to the Chobe floodplain below (the lodge IS NOT on the river, being set further back on the Chobe “fault line”):…..hairdryer, in-room safe, free-standing bath, mosquito nets and a mini-bar. As with all Sanctuary Retreats properties, there is a wifi connection in the rooms.
For honeymooners there is the romantic “Pool Suite” featuring a private plunge pool, a private deck for romantic dinners alone and special turn downs overnight. Needless to say, Chobe Chilwero is a good choice for honeymooners!
There are 3 family suites with extra bedrooms for kids.
The main area is expansive and open, taking in the views of the Chobe Floodplain in the distance. Again, there is a colonial feel in the living area with the large brick fireplaces and wooden windows. The decor is however, very modern and light coloured, meaning it does not fall in the trap of the many older lodge structures that are decorated in dim colours that become quite stuffy. Dining is a big part of your stay here, so the dining area comprises both an indoor and outdoor section with areas where food is prepared in front of you by the chef (even a pizza oven!). There is a fireside area for drinks and socialising and a beautiful swimming pool that sits in the magnificent grounds.
Chobe has had many tourists for many years so the grounds are full of fantastic habituated animals from warthogs to Chobe Bushbuck….its a fantastic place to sit and unwind.
Why we like it
This camp offers serious luxury and service with incredible game viewing, along side the experience and service offered by Sanctuary Retreats.
The views of the Chobe river floodplains from the lodge are fantastic. Stunning grounds with mature and magnificent shady trees make this a fantastic place for relaxing after a busy game viewing itinerary around Botswana.
This would be our high-end choice to enjoy the Chobe River.
Katia Haskins 
PO Box HA 74 HAK