Chobe Bakwena Lodge

Chobe Bakwena is a privately owned, fifteen-chalet lodge on the bank of the Chobe River, outside Chobe National Park and a short drive from the park gate. The owners, Jenny and Adam Young, acquired the land in 2000 and replanted it with indigenous riverine woodland; the lodge has operated on that replanted ground ever since.

Accommodation divides into two types. Ten riverine chalets sit at ground level in the riverine forest, facing the water. Five treetop chalets are raised three and a half metres and sit within the tree canopy. All chalets are air-conditioned and have both indoor and outdoor showers and a private shaded deck. The family chalet sleeps two adults and two children, with the option of a camp bed for a third child. The honeymoon chalet adds a separate lounge, a standalone bath, and a large outdoor deck.

Activities run in-house. Seven custom-built game-drive vehicles go out on morning and evening drives into the park, and full-day drives with a packed lunch are available. On the water, guides take guests on boat cruises along the Chobe — the dry season draws large elephant herds and lion prides to the river. A dedicated cruise runs downstream to the point where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe meet. Village tours are available by bicycle or on guided walks through the neighbouring community.

The swimming pool is filtered by plants and gravel rather than chlorine. The lodge uses natural oils and plant-based products on timber surfaces and biodegradable detergents throughout.