Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero Lodge

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a luxurious riverside retreat in the heart of the bush on the edge of Chobe National Park, home to the world's largest remaining population of elephants.

Sitting above the Chobe River, the lodge offers unparalleled panoramic views across the islands and floodplains as far across as Namibia. This is an incredibly luxurious lodge with just 15 suites, as well as the only full spa on the Botswana safari circuit. Relax in the split-level swimming pool, unwind with a pampering session in the spa or enjoy the gourmet food that the lodge has become known for.

Luxury Safari Lodge
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is an ultra-luxurious riverside retreat, featuring all the facilities of a larger resort. The main area boasts fabulous views over the Chobe River which borders Chobe National Park to the north. As well as the elephants for which the park is famous. Guests can relax in the split-level swimming pool, unwind with a pampering session in the spa or enjoy the gourmet food that the lodge has become known for.

The Suites
The lodge offers 14 thatched suites with an en-suite bathroom featuring a large free-standing bath and a separate rain shower. After a day of game viewing, what better way to relax than in your own private garden with a cocktail? Or if the fancy takes you, why not have your gourmet dinner served right under the African sky on your private deck. Coffee stations and Wi-Fi are available in all rooms. Three of the new suites feature an extra bedroom which is perfect for families.

The Pool Suite
The newly built Pool Suite at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero features a private plunge pool and private deck area where guests can relax with a cocktail or enjoy private dinners for two under the stars.

Activities
Game Drives - Elephants feature largely on any activity at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, as the largest population left in Africa occupies this northern corner between Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Game drives in open-sided 4 x 4 vehicles bring these grey giants into easy reach as they drink and frolic at the water's edge in their boisterous herds. Thrilling game drives lead by qualified professional guides that bring you close to hippos, buffalos, puku, and other animals that gather on the banks of the Chobe River.

Sundowner Cruise - This is the best way to end a day of safari. Sipping on a cocktail while watching an African sunset over the still waters of the Chobe River from the comfort of one of the specially designed riverboats.

Photographic Safari Cruise - These safari boats can seat up to 18 guests and features a lower and upper deck, with 360-degree swivel seats. The upper deck offers a great vantage point of the Chobe River and wildlife while the lower deck boasts a bar area and the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a scrumptious river breakfast or lunch.

Kids safaris - Chobe Chilwero welcomes children of all ages making it the ideal choice for families. A fence surrounds the lodge's perimeter and a whole host of children's programs and activities are available to keep the young ones busy.

Fishing excursions - Guests will meet up with their guide at reception and drive through to the jetty for their fishing activity. The best time for fishing in the Chobe area is in winter, May, June, July, and August. Types of fish guests can expect to catch are Bream and Tiger Fish. All fishing is done on a catch and release basis.

Tour of Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) - Only an hour and a half drive from the spectacular Victoria Falls, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a great base from which to explore this great wonder of the world. The transfer time is approximately 1 ½ hours depending on border formalities. From here, the guide will escort guests around the Falls sharing some facts & history along the way. Sanctuary Retreats will supply raincoats during high water months when guests are likely to get wet from the spray of the Falls.

About Chobe National Park

When you visit the Chobe National Park, you will never forget the first glimpse of the dazzling, deep blue Chobe River, as it winds its way through sandy terrain, small towns, lush floodplains, dense forests of cathedral mopane trees, and endless broadleaf woodlands. The park is named after this majestic river that protects 10.700 km² of the northern Kalahari desert, providing ensuing wilderness and a game density that is steadily remarkable.

Famed for its massive elephant populations, big herds of buffalo (matched only by some large lion prides) and incredible birdlife, Chobe National Park will leave an everlasting memory. Where else can you find such an amazing riverfront, with bustling wildlife, undisturbed predators, heavenly landscapes and tranquil lodges? The most accessible area of the park is the Chobe Riverfront, this is also where you will find the largest concentration of wildlife. For a more predator-rich area: head off to Linyanti Marshes. Or nourish your soul in the remote Savuti area. Wherever you go in this park, wildlife encounters are plentiful and all of Chobe feels like true wilderness. It is a place that can be enjoyed by everyone: couples, families and seasoned Africa travellers.

We will explain more about the different areas below. But first, a little bit about the history of this special place.

The original inhabitants of Chobe were the Bushmen, followed by the – impressively named – Hambukushu, Bayei and Basubiya. In the 1850s, locals saw explorer David Livingstone passing through the area on his way to the Victoria Falls (a little over an hour away from Chobe National Park), and some big-game hunters seeking trophies and ivory. Luckily, for all the flora and fauna of this unique land, the area was first protected as a game reserve in 1961 and proclaimed as a national park in 1968.

Up to this day the game density remains exceptional. You will be forced to halt frequently because a parade of wildlife wants to pass by. Much better than stopping for a red light in traffic, right? Moderating the number of visitors to the park keeps it from feeling ‘too busy’, adding to the remote and exclusive Chobe safari experience.