Insika Lodge | Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
27 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025
We have 40 rooms along with Spa and Conference facilities and are developing our own jetty site on the river’s edge with two of our own sunset cruise boats. We started our build in August 2021. Our unique selling points are that we are 3.6km from the Falls, but not in town – we are near the park's gate along Parkway. Although we don’t have river frontage, (we are about 150m back off the river), we have developed a private water hole and salt lick beneath our horizon pool – so we get some lovely game coming through the front of our property which we have left open and pristine. We have a lovely open dining, bar and deck area – and have loads of space all throughout the property. 14 Signature rooms of 42m2 each and 26 Luxury rooms of 28m2 each complement our room – with ramps for easy access and 7 sets of interleading rooms for families (14 rooms total).
- Information
- Rooms
- Facilities
Your Stay
Reference No: 30231
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Your Rooms
Fast Facts
4 Stars
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 40
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Enjoying garden views, the air-con rooms have a king-size bed that can convert to twin beds, and an en-suite bath and shower. Bar fridges, tea and coffee-making facilities, and Wi-Fi is available. The rooms open onto patios with outdoor furniture.
Facing the stream or waterhole, the lovely room opens onto a veranda with outdoor seating. The air-con rooms are furnished with king-size beds and have en-suite showers and baths. Bar fridges, tea and coffee-making facilities, and Wi-Fi is available.
Property Facilities
Activity Desk, Bar, Internet Access (Complimentary), Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Fridge, Internet Access (Complimentary), Iron / Ironing Board, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Laundry Service (Available), Room Service
Activities on Site
Massages
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Art Galleries, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Golf, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, Natural History Tours, Quad Biking, Rhino Tracking, River Cruises, Safaris, Scenic Flights, Wildlife Tours, Wine Tasting
Muchenje Safari Lodge | Chobe River Front
29 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025
From high on the escarpment, Muchenje Safari Lodge overlooks a seasonal floodplain of the the Chobe River. From this peaceful spot within Chobe Forest Reserve, with Namibia's Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) in the distance and about 60km west of the bustling town of Kasane, this traditional lodge has the advantage of operating game drives in a relatively quiet area of the Chobe Riverfront.
Muchenje combines traditional style with a down-to-earth feel that is decidedly relaxing. The main communal area, positioned to maximise the view, is a solid, thatched, split-level building, with a series of canvas 'walls' that are usually rolled up to allow a through breeze. As well as a large central bar and plenty of comfortable seating, there's a sizeable dining table where meals are usually taken as a group. Upstairs on a mezzanine level is a small library with a few books and board games. Muchenje's gift shop is well-stocked with local arts and crafts as well as books on birds, wildlife, and the surrounding area.
A few steps lead down to the firepit, where pre- and post- dinner drinks are often taken when the weather is cooler: a great place to recant the day's events. Further down again is another small viewing deck, overlooking the floodplain, while tucked to the side of the main area is a good-sized swimming pool, complete with sunloungers
Muchenje's 11 comfortable chalets also make the most of the view. All are similar in design, solidly built with high thatched roofs and cream-painted walls. Although some are relatively closely together, they are interspersed by areas of bush that do quite a good job of ensuring privacy, albeit without always screening the whole neighbouring chalet from view.
Ten of the chalets have double or twin beds with a mosquito net, a wardrobe for storing luggage and clothing, a small lounge area with a couple of wooden chairs, a writing table, tea- and coffee-making station, minibar stocked with bottled water, electric safe, ceiling fan and air conditioning – a bonus in the hotter months. Sliding doors lead out to a wooden veranda where a small table and a couple of chairs catch the sun for most of the day. The en-suite bathrooms are quite small and simple but well-maintained, with a shower, flush toilet and his and hers washbasins.
The two-storey family chalet, sleeping four guests, has a double bed in the living area, two single beds in the 'loft' area above, and two bathrooms – one with a large bathtub.
Activities at Muchenje are varied and quite flexible. If you want to be woken at 5.30am for a nature walk or early-morning game drive, then that's exactly what you can do. But if you’d rather wake a little later (breakfast is usually served at around 8.30am) and relax by the pool all day, that's perfectly possible too. Options include half- and full-day 4WD safaris in the park; walks and night drives in the forest reserve; boat cruises on the Chobe River; and visits to the nearby Muchenje village.
On our most recent visit, in July 2017, we opted for a full-day boat cruise and game drive in Chobe National Park, followed by a night drive, with an early drive into the park the next morning. As the boat trip begins in Kasane, this is incorporated into a full-day activity, with a game drive through the park, followed by time on the river, and culminating in another game drive back to Muchenje – though one of these drives is likely to be on the tar road. Note that all vehicles must leave the park before nightfall, so in the winter months afternoon game drives return to camp by around 6.30pm.
Our full-day trip was great, though quite a long day. During the boat cruise, we approached close to various islands that were teeming with wildlife, from huge numbers of elephant to hippos, crocodiles and antelope such as tsessebe and impala, and plenty of Cape buffalo. After lunch on board, we drove back to Muchenje through the park, where we spent some time watching a pride of lions that was feasting on a large male giraffe.
The highlight of our early-morning drive into the park, when we also saw hyena and elephant, was watching around 200 buffalo crossing the Chobe River. What a great way to end our safari!
The lodge has now built a new jetty closer and is being used as part of a new morning boat activity, which begins with a drive of around an hour through the park and then a gentle boat trip on the flood plains of the Chobe river. This boat trip will be flood dependent and we expect it to be possible from around February to September, but please ask us for details.
Although walks and night drives are not permitted within Chobe National Park, both are possible in the private forest reserve around Muchenje are possible. During our night drive, lasting around an hour, we were lucky enough to glimpse a hyena, three small-spotted genets and a wildcat.
On a previous visit, our guide led us on a walk to a perfect viewing spot to observe a herd of elephants making their way up the ravine below us – completely unaware of our presence. And not long after, a herd of buffalo followed suit!
Although Muchenje is at the quieter western end of the Chobe Riverfront, the area to the east is very busy. Full-day excursions from Muchenje that incorporate the boat trip tend to spend some time in this busier eastern side, whereas morning or afternoon game drives typically stick to the western side of the park, where you are less likely to see other vehicles.
Travellers arriving at Muchenje from the more exclusive and remote private reserves of the Okavango Delta or Linyanti region of northern Botswana may be disappointed by the number of other visitors they see, although probably simultaneously cheered by the density of animals, particularly during the drier months between around June and October. Hence we often recommend Muchenje as a place to ease into your trip, at the beginning of your itinerary, rather than one to round it off.
Rates are fully inclusive of meals, drinks and safari activities.
- Information
- Rooms
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Your Rooms
1x Double Room
Fast Facts
4 Stars
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, Dutch, English
No. Rooms: 12
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
2 Beds which can be made up as a Twin or Kingsize , with en-suite bathroom, housing a large walk-in shower, double wash basins, WC. Each room has their own incredible double aspect views of the Chobe River, with private veranda.
Open room, housing a master bedroom, with an upper mezzanine deck that can accommodate two. Walk-in shower with double wash basins, along with a separate bathroom with a bath with bi-fold doors which open out to a private veranda with amazing views.
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Heater, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Boating, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Mokoro Excursion, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Helicopter Rides
After breakfast the drive will leave from Muchenje and drive to the Jetty on the Eastern side of the park. Our small private boat will depart at approximately 11.30 and spend 2,5 hours exploring the river. The guides know where the elephants prefer to congregate, drink and cross to Sedudu island, so they are making their way to those areas, but on the way they will explore the banks, trees and pools to show the guests the other wonderful wildlife that frequent the Chobe River. Once the boat finds a suitable crossing or drinking area, the boat rests and the guests enjoy a delicious picnic whilst witnessing the elephants gathering on the banks. Watching these magnificent animals drinking as the boat gently drifts in the currents is something awe inspiring.
The activity returns to the vehicles later and enjoys a slow drive through the park along the river back to the quieter western banks.
Although the full day out is long and dusty, the guests have an amazing opportunity to break the usual safari cycle and get to enjoy a more holistic experience within this amazing region.
Muchenje is a 5 minutes drive from the Ngoma Gate of the Chobe National Park. Game Drives use this gate to enter and explore the Western side of the Chobe River. The drives explore the river road and woodland areas that are adjacent to the river, which host a myriad of species. The Chobe flood plains provide an important food source for thousands of animals during the winter (June - November) and witnessing this prolific wildlife is a safari goers dream!
Along with the immense diversity of species of plains game, is an impressive number of predators that also rely on this prolific game activity. Game Drives along the Chobe are rarely uneventful, and during our winter months is a wildlife extravaganza!
Even if you have witnessed a thousand elephants, there is nothing like seeing them on foot. Morning walks within the Forest Reserve is wonderfully rewarding. in the early mornings, before the African heat arrives, the guides explore the river frontage and open pans within easy reach of the lodge.
An opportunity to be totally aware of what is around you and the great African outdoors.
As we have to leave the Chobe National Park at sunset, we therefore offer fascinating drives after dinner each night. Leaving the lodge at about 9pm the drives venture onto the river road in front of the lodge. Without fences between the park and forest reserve, there is the full array of species to find. But for the hour or so that the night drive is out, the smaller nocturnal animals are often enjoyed - such as porcupine, genet, civet etc.
On a 3 night stay we are able to invite our guests to visit the local village of Muchenje. Here they are introduced to Esther a local granny, who looks after her grandchildren at her homestead. A wonderful opportunity to be introduced to the real heart of Botswana, the rural community that support this peaceful and beautiful country. Esther like many women, look after the children, whilst her children work away from home. Her humble home is an authentically Motswanan, where you are welcome to see what duties are being seen to on the day you visit. Maybe the clay bricks for the new room are drying in the sun, or the older girls are doing the laundry.
The drive then stops off at the local Mabele Primary School (at break time) to visit the inaugural Pack for a Purpose project. Supporting 160 children is a big job, but Muchenje has been proud of its association and important role that it has been dedicated to for the decades that we have been operational.
Available when the flood waters arrive on the Western Floodplains - usually April - December. The mokoro trips depart from infront of Muchenje and explore the shallow channels and plains. A wonderful Botswana expereience, especially if only visiting the Chobe Region and not continuing onto the Okavango
A private and excluisive activity that is vailable for guests during their stay - particularly wonderful if you are staying a many nights and want to arrange the pace of your stay to for a slightly leisurely day - or if you arrive later at Muchenje and still want to explore the area before dinner.
Muchenje
Muchenje Safari Lodge invites their guests to enjoy wholesome healthy home cooked food. Tasty, healthy meals with the freshest ingredients available are enjoyed at Muchenje. To complement the safari experience a hearty breakfast after the early morning game drive. A light but tasty lunch during the course of the day and a delicious dinner on the deck under the African skies!
During a full day out in the Chobe National Park the kitchen prepares a delicious picnic - an unparalleled experience whilst watching hundreds of animals coming to the river to bathe & drink.
Most dietary requirements happily accommodated.
Kwara | Okavango Delta
31 Jul 2025 - 4 Aug 2025
Rebuilt and upgraded in 2019, Kwara caters exclusively for adults from its island base within the pristine Okavango Delta. With guides whose focus is firmly on the big predators, Kwara is in a perfect area of the Okavango. In this private reserve, wildlife – both predators and prey – can be prolific. To maximise the chances of big-cat sightings, every 4WD excursion is led by a guide and tracker, and the guides are in constant contact by radio.
Rather more serene, both mokoros and a double-decker boat are on hand for effortless exploration of the lily-strewn waterways, perhaps combined with a guided walk. Equally, with seasonal floodplains and a permanent lagoon in front of the island-based camp, and mature trees affording superb bird cover, it’s tempting to let the wildlife come to you.
In the huge “tented rooms”, beds, sofas, verandas, even baths are carefully sited to make the most of the views. If you fancy company, a short stroll brings you to a thatched, open-sided structure complete with lounge, dining table, library, bar and curio shop. Colonial-style furniture combines effortlessly with simple stretched-canvas walls to give a contemporary-chic feel – designed for adults only.
There are proper pools – complete with bars and sunloungers – at each end of camp, and a firepit down by the lagoon. And arguably of greatest importance, all share that captivating outlook.
Conservation Safari Company recommends Kwara as one of the prime game viewing concessions in the Okavango Delta region, while offering both land and water activities. The camp is stylish, luxurious and relatively good vlaue considering its high levels of hospitality.
Rates include all meals, local drinks and safari activities.
- Information
- Rooms
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
Your Stay
Reference No: KS031226
4 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Your Rooms
Fast Facts
Camp
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 9
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Kwara Guest Tent
9 canvas tents each have a spacious deck overlooking the lagoon, an ensuite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers and a gorgeous bath – all of which have views out to the floodplains. There is a ceiling fan in the room and mosquito nets around the beds.
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access, Library, Pool, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Boating, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Helicopter Scenic Flights, High Tea, Mokoro Excursion, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Big 5, Boat Cruises, Boating, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Helicopter Rides, Mokoro Excursion, River Cruises, Scenic Flights, Walks (Guided)
Game drives are undertaken in custom designed Toyota game viewing vehicles seating up to four guests at a time in 3 rows of 3 seats. Guests are guided by a two person team of professional guide and tracker - a special feature of the Kwando Safaris wildlife experience. The two person team enables the guide to communicate points of interest and the complex interrelations that exist throughout the natural world, while the tracker ensures no sightings or tracks are missed.
The evening/night drives are a Kwando Safaris speciality. The drive starts in the late afternoon as the sun’s rays are dipping to the west and the day’s heat is declining. After a leisurely pause for the traditional sundowner, and as the African day is transformed into a soft colourful evening canvas, the night drive begins. The mystery unfolds as the creatures of the night, especially the predators, are revealed by spotlight, often unexpectedly.
The traditional dug out canoe is surely the definitive Okavango Delta experience. The complete stillness of an early morning, disturbed only by the sound of the water dripping from the ‘ngashe’ (wooden pole used to move the canoe), and the eerie call of the fish eagle echoing across the water, is a sublime experience. The mokoro was designed to move across areas with low water levels by the indigenous peoples who inhabited the Delta and who explored the waterways and floodplains in search of food. Today, these same mokoro provide an opportunity to glide through this varied and unique habitat using the traditional skills handed down through the generations
The boat experience is a soothing tonic, a contrast to the vigorous efforts of searching for mammals from a vehicle or on foot. Sit back and while away the hours, stopping to gaze at a multitude of spectacular birds and bathing elephant and enjoy the vistas of the river systems. However, don’t be surprised should the peace be shattered by the snort of a territorial hippo warning the boat of his presence! Double-decker boats are used to provide a better vantage point and offer a wonderful position to enjoy the waterways and their varied inhabitants.
Species that are targeted by sports fisherman are several tilapia (bream) species (including the olive bream or nembwe, red breasted tilapia, purple faced largemouth and three spot tilapia), sharp tooth catfish, African pike and the mighty Tiger fish.
The Okavango is recognised as an excellent fishing destination for both fly fishing and traditional spin fishing. It is a seasonal activity as government regulations do not allow fishing during January and February.
Walking in Africa's wild areas is the only way to truly appreciate the natural environment. While game viewing from a vehicle allows one to see more animals as you traverse much greater distances and get much closer to animals safely, there is nothing as awe inspiring and humbling as observing wild animals on foot. Many smaller species of plants and insects, tracks and signs are all easily missed when in a vehicle. The slow pace of the walk and interpretative skills of your guide will open your eyes to a new and fascinating world.
Game walks are not hikes; they are slow comfortable strolls meant to provide you with a chance to experience the wilderness at a natural pace. Any walk can be combined with a game drive or mokoro and the length of walk can be adjusted to suit your personal desires or level of fitness.
Helicopter Horizons Scenic Flights are a totally personalised experience that is the quintessential
African safari, showcasing the very best of Kwando Safaris’ untamed wilderness in vibrant detail from a unique perspective that should be number one on every guest’s bucket list.
We use the helicopter to get guests deep into the Delta exposing permanent waterways, palm islands and lagoons, with sweeping views of floodplains and incredible game sightings. Doors are removed for unrestricted views which offers great photographic opportunities & guests are provided with headsets for constant communications with our very knowledgeable pilots, making sure that they have a guided and informed experience.
• All flights are private and guests are guaranteed a window seat
• Helicopter pads are moments away from camp
• Doors off for unrestricted views, perfect for photography
• Guests provided with headsets for a truly guided experience
• Safety and respect for wildlife is a priority – this will be highlighted in each briefing
• Any experience can be scheduled around camp activities or to suit guest preference
The Godikwe heronry begins to flourish from October / November months and becomes home to Yellow-billed storks, Marabou storks, Sacred ibises, Black-crowned night herons, African darters, Reed cormorants and egrets of all sizes who start their frantic phase of nest-building.
The sights, sounds and colours are remarkable! Water birds are a vital indicator of the health of a riverine ecosystem, and this heronry is a critical base for the laying, hatching and raising of thousands of birds in the Okavango Delta over the next few months.
Dining in the bush is the quintessential safari experience, an authentic and irresistible aspect of African bush culture. Enjoy the unique splendour of bush dining while staying at any of the Kwando camps.