Includes: meals, selected drinks, laundry (5 items per stay), activities, park fees, intermittent WiFi and Kasane airport/ Zambia or Zimbabwe border transfers (Transfers are only included when travellers arrive by flight at Kasane Airport) Excludes: premium and imported wines, all spirits, brandy & whiskey, visa fees if required & additional activities. Activities: game drives, boat cruise, village walk or cycle, full day trip to Zimbabwe (accounts for 2 activities) Unguided full day trip to Victoria Falls includes shared transportation to the Falls and local shopping market. Excludes guide, lunch, visa fees, park fees and Falls entrance fees. This activity substitutes two Chobe National Park activities.
Bakwena Lodge is situated near the Chobe National Park on the banks of the Chobe River near the village of Kazangula. The name Bakwena embraces the surrounding culture of Botswana, meaning ‘people of the crocodile’ and is also one of the largest tribes in Botswana. Bakwena Lodge features ten rondavel-style river view chalets (including one family unit), and five tree top chalets. The river view chalets sit at ground level with small, private decks in front surrounded by indigenous riverine bush, looking towards the Chobe River. The treetop chalets are elevated three metres above the ground on stilts, with large, private decks looking into the tree canopy. Both river view and treetop chalets offer twin or double beds, as well as an indoor and outdoor shower. The River view family chalet offers two bedrooms with a shared bathroom (with indoor and outdoor shower). The personal touch of owners can be felt from the hand-selected furniture to the food served at meal times where simple, African-fusion dishes, inspired by traditional Tswana cuisine are offered. The swimming pool and main area with its lounge, restaurant and Rain Tree bar overlooking the river offers guests a relaxed atmosphere to unwind in. Activities include game drives or river cruises in the Chobe National Park. The option to engage in a village tour or bicycle ride to the world’s only four nation border or village can be arranged with management on arrival. Guests have the option to exchange two Chobe National Park activities for an unguided full day Victoria Falls trip. You are transported (shared) in an air-conditioned mini bus to the entrance of the Falls. You will be collected and transported to the local markets and restaurants, before returning to the lodge. Please note lunch, all entry fees and park fees are excluded
Airstrip Transfer Time: 20 minutes (Transfers are only included when travellers arrive by flight at Kasane Airport)
Kasane This property is located in the small but thriving town of Kasane, where many bigger hotels are located along the Chobe River banks. Entry to Chobe National Park for game drives is via Sedudu Gate ten to fifteen minutes drive from town. For Chobe River cruises, boats depart directly from town. Although wildlife often passes through Kasane a typical bush experience is not on offer here. Instead you’ll get all the comforts of civilization with easy access to the bush.
Please note: A preference for a particular room types can be requested, and the lodge will do its best to accommodate your preference, however a particular room category cannot be guaranteed (except for family chalet bookings).
Self drive guests: Kindly be advised to arrive no later than 2pm. Ideally guests should arrive around 1pm in time for lunch, orientation and check into the rooms before the afternoon activity departs the lodge at 3pm.
Credit: Paul Karnstedt
Credit: Paul Karnstedt
Credit: Paul Karnstedt
Standard Chalet means the room is either a Treetop or a Riverine Chalet. Guests will find out on arrival which room type they have been allocated.
All ten of our Riverine Chalets are nestled in an indigenous riverine forest.
Wake up to the sound of a fish eagle and fall asleep to the comforting grunt of a hippo! Relax in the privacy of your own verandah and enjoy the beauty of Africa.
For guests requesting King Sized beds, we do have mattress converters to convert 2 x 3/4 Twin beds into a King.
Indoor & Outdoor Shower Ceiling Fan & Air Conditioner Plug Sockets next to the beds Hairdryer Mosquito Net Wifi International Adaptor (hired from reception)
Standard Chalet means the room is either a Treetop or a Riverine Chalet. Guests will find out on arrival which room type they have been allocated.
All five of our Treetop Chalets are elevated 3 meters on stilts above ground and wrapped in a Tree Canopy. Please be advised these rooms do not have a view of the River.
Lose yourself in a secret world of incandescent light and leaves remembering why a tree house was a childhood dream.
For guests requesting King Sized beds, we do have mattress converters to convert 2 x 3/4 Twin beds into a King.
Indoor & Outdoor Showers Ceiling Fan & Air Conditioner Plug Sockets beside the beds Hairdryer Mosquito Net Wifi International Adaptor (hired from reception)
The Bakwena honeymoon suite is an incentive to take romance to a new level and boldly claim ‘I do!’ Celebrate love in luxury with Chobe charm. Long live the King!
A stand alone bath and air conditioning ensure ultimate comfort. Breathe in the good life on your private deck or indulge in a siesta on the delight of a day bed to the heart beat of Africa.
1 x King Bed Lounge Area Stand Alone Bath Indoor Shower Outdoor Shower Ceiling Fan & Air Conditioner Hairdryer Mosquito Net Wifi International Adaptor (hired from reception) River View
Treat your loved ones to a spacious and secluded family room. Furnished in tasteful minimalism using natural fibers makes this space a refreshing change from the clutter of daily life. An opulent king bed welcomes you with twins in the second room. A shared bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower ensures no one is left wanting! Delicate hand sewn Madagascan lace floats through dappled morning light as the Chobe river rolls gently on. The deck is best enjoyed in silent reverie.
1 x Family Room (King Size Bed + 3/4 Size Twin Beds) Indoor & Outdoor Shower Ceiling Fan & Air Conditioner Plug Sockets next to the beds Hairdryer Mosquito Net Wifi International Adaptor (hired from reception)
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Bakwena is the proud owner of six game vehicles allowing extended drives to suit guests and the chance to linger longer at game sightings.
Early bird and sedate afternoon drives ensure every box is ticked. Experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the Chobe National Park provide an entertaining and educational addition to your safari
There are boat cruises then there are Chobe cruises. Exquisite and beyond comparison the Chobe river boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. Float past every creature on this continent great and small.
Time stands still, mirages of herds of elephant swimming and predators in slow motion. Salute the break of dawn with a strong brewed coffee or swirl gin and tonic at the pace of a setting sun.
Village Walkabout
In the words of Bakwena’s Adam Young “The cultural exchange is a means for us to break down a social barrier, transforming us into a ‘we’ based community.” Unlike the majority of developing countries Botswana has no slum areas. Integration rather than segregation is a way of life here just as human and wildlife conflict is reduced through day to day co-existence.
There is a tangible sense of integrity that sets this country apart. Through its government policies and conservation initiatives Botswana has raised the bar for fellow Africans.
Pedal Power
With 20 Cruiser bikes built for comfort Bakwena guests can safely enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of Africa. The sense of personal freedom and space is worth the effort, not to mention the excitement of seeing an elephant en route! Tours include the neighbouring village which can be guided or unguided on request.