Chobe Marina Lodge is close to both Kasane Town and Chobe National Park. This safari-themed hotel is enveloped in lush landscaped gardens and is a laid-back place right on the riverfront. The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of Chobe National Park. Eventually it ends up joining the Zambezi River and crashes down as the Victoria Falls.
Animals that check into the lodge (grounds, not rooms) include, warthog, monkeys and mongooses. Animals that check into the National Park include (among many, many other creatures) leopard, lion, hyena, elephant, giraffe et al. And here's your chance to see them all. The longer you stay the better.
The lodge features several communal areas with river views and a riverside restaurant for formal meals and a more chilled out family restaurant. Plus there's that bar with it's sunset views over the Chobe River. Priceless.
This is the type of river you don’t want to fall in to. It’s positively teeming with creatures that might think you’re lunch. Crocodiles and hippos tend to hang out a lot. You’re best off rather taking a cruise. Better still, take a sundowner cruise.
And fish too. If you fancy it. The river supports over 90 species. Tiger fish are one of them. A freshwater beauty and one of the top game fish in the world.
You really will see all creatures great and small as the Chobe attracts an unbelievable density of game, including huge herds of elephant (which can often be seen crossing the river) and buffalo, as well as countless hippos and crocodiles. The birdlife is extraordinary too, particularly in the wetter summer months. The wide banks and lush grass also attract shy and rare antelope such as red lechwe and puku.
All this plus, plus, plus... you're right by Botswana's first and, most biologically diverse, national park. Chobe National Park.
Go on a game drive. Take your time and you'll have a good chance of seeing a pile of major species like giraffe, elephant, zebra, impala, tsessebe, roan, sable, wildebeest, kudu, buffalo, waterbuck, warthog, and the predators that hunt them, including lion, hyena, jackal, bat-eared fox and possibly even cheetah and wild dog.
And everything is convenient. Boats, safari jeeps, they're right there waiting for you.
Or, forget all the above and trundle on down to the on-site health and beauty spa. Relaxation after a day under the African sun. There's nothing wrong with that.
