Chobe Game Lodge holds a rather unique position in Botswana's safari landscape – it's the only permanent lodge actually located within Chobe National Park itself, right on the riverfront. This prime location means guests get first access to the park at dawn, beating the day-trippers and crowds that arrive later from Kasane.
The lodge has quite a bit of history behind it. Built back in 1972, it famously hosted Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's wedding in the mid-1970s, which rather cemented its reputation as something special. Since then, it's been substantially upgraded and now operates as a five-star property that's earned eco-tourism certification from the Botswana Tourism Board – one of only a handful of lodges to achieve this.
What really sets this place apart is its commitment to sustainable tourism. They've introduced electric-powered game drive vehicles and a full fleet of solar-electric safari boats, creating virtually silent safaris that dramatically enhance wildlife encounters on the famous Chobe River. It's genuinely impressive eco-innovation that doesn't compromise the guest experience one bit.
With forty-seven rooms accommodating up to ninety-four guests, it's definitely one of the larger lodges around, yet the team works hard to make everyone feel individually welcomed rather than just another guest number. The property sprawls along the riverbank under a canopy of mature trees, connected by a stunning 250-meter boardwalk that brings you right to where the action happens.
The wildlife viewing here is absolutely phenomenal, particularly during the dry season when massive elephant herds – we're talking hundreds at a time – congregate along the river to drink and bathe. The lodge is also just ninety minutes from Victoria Falls, making it perfect for combining two iconic African experiences in one trip.
