Opened in late 2013, Chobe Bakwena is a small eco-lodge situated on the banks of the Chobe River, just outside Kasane and north of Chobe National Park and the Kasane Forest Reserve. It's well-placed for guests wanting to explore Chobe as well as nearby Impalila Island, Namibia, while also being within easy reach of Livingstone, Zambia.
Owner managed and run, Bakwena has a relaxed, congenial atmosphere. Hosts Adam and Jen go out of their way to make guests feel welcome, and are on hand throughout the day, from the moment you set off on your early morning game drive through to dinner, to see to your needs. There are just ten chalets at the lodge, ensuring a limited number of guests, and helping to create an intimate atmosphere.
Bakwena Lodge is situated adjacent to Chobe Northern Waterfront area, outside the National Park but within easy driving distance of the northern Sedudu Gate. There's good game-viewing to be had in this region, though you'll likely want to travel further into the interior of the park for the best sightings (the safari territories immediately around Kasane can see quite a lot of vehicle traffic during the safari season). Morning and afternoon game drives (typically 3 hours each) are the order of the day, but river safaris, guided walks (around the lodge or in nearby Lemosa Valley and the forest reserves), and fishing excursions are also available. The staff at Bakwena will arrange visits to Impalila Island in Namibia on the opposite bank of the Chobe River, where you can explore local villages and take a mokoro (canoe) excursion.
For those wanting to combine a short safari break with a visit to Victoria Falls, Bakwena is perfect, thanks to its easy-to-reach location (just 90 mins from Livingstone) and very reasonable rates.
Accommodation
Bakwena Lodge houses its guests in traditional African rondavels - ten in total, of which two are family units. All are situated under the shade of acacia trees on the banks of the Chobe River, overlooking the water and, on the opposite side of the bank, Impalila Island from their own private decks. Inside the rooms are furnished with large double beds and built-in day beds. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom which opens onto a private garden with outdoors shower.
Footpaths connect the rondavels to Bakwena Lodge's central hub, a large thatched structure on wooden decking, with pool, open-air restaurant, and a relaxed bar and lounge.
Dining
Meals are served around a shared dining table on the outdoor decks overlooking the river or under thatch in the open-air dining room. All ingredients are sourced locally and the menus overseen by owners Adam and Jen.
Facilities
Swimming Pool
Bar and lounge
Restaurant
Activities
Game drives
Bush walks
River boat safaris
Impalila Island tours
Child Policy
Chobe Bakwena Lodge accepts children of all ages and offers two family chalets. Children under the age of 8, however, are not allowed to take part in game-viewing activities for reasons of safety.
