Rating: Deluxe
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a luxury safari lodge with 15 suites on the border of Chobe National Park in Northern Botswana. It sits in an elevated position in a secluded part of this wilderness area with lovely views over the bush and its resident wildlife.
The luxury suites are air conditioned and are equipped with large en-suite bathrooms with a bathtub and indoor and outdoor showers. Beds are fitted with mosquito nets, and rooms feature ceiling fans, hairdryer, minibar and safe. Three of the suites have an additional bedroom and are ideal for families, while the lavish pool suite has its own plunge pool. All have a private garden which can be used for al fresco relaxation and dining.
Activities here include game drives in open sided 4WD vehicles in Chobe National Park where you frequently see elephants, hippos, buffalos, antelope, lions and many other species. More unusal animals such as Sable Antelope are also seen in Chobe. The birdwatching here is superb too. Boat safaris are a highlight of any stay in Chobe and the sunsets over the river are spectacular. Fishing and a visit to Victoria Falls are available, to be paid for locally.
The food is a fusion of Western and African cuisine created to a high gourmet standard and all accompanied by vintage wines from the cellar.
Open: Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is open all year.
Location: The lodge borders Chobe National Park and is set on a hill above the Chobe River. The lodge is just a ten minute drive from Kasane International Airport.
Rooms: There are 15 air-conditioned guest suites, All have an en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower plus a separate outdoor shower. Rooms feature ceiling fans, a minibar, hairdyer and safe. Each has a private garden. Three of the suites have a second bedroom, making them ideal for families. The pool suite comes with a plunge pool and dining deck.
Activities: Twice daily game drives, motorised boat safaris and sundowner cruises on the Chobe River. You can visit the local village and the Dipetsana Women's Bike Shop, set up with funding from Santuary Retreats, and visit the Caracal animal rescue centre just 5kms from Chobe Chilwero. Catch and release fishing trips can be arranged, as can a guided tour of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, about a 90 minute drive away. These last two activities can be booked and paid for at the lodge.
Facilities: The lounge and dining room are linked to outdoor viewing decks. There is a spa offering a comprehensive range of services and treatments, with private treatment rooms, an indoor spa bath, hydrotherapy and a plunge pool. There is a split-level swimming pool, a library and curio shop.
Dining: A blend of African and Western cuisine is served. Meals are in the dining room or deck, but private meals can be arranged on request. Breakfast and lunch are buffets, while at dinner time there is an a la carte menu. Afternoon tea and snacks are also provided.
Children: The lodge accepts children of all ages, although children under five years are not allowed on activities unless sole vehicle use is requested. This is subject to management discretion.
Health: This is a malarial area.
Communication: There is a communications area with complimentary wifi access and a mobile signal.
Guests at Chobe Chilwero have the chance to visit the Caracal Biodiversity Centre 5kms away, which operates conservation and community projects, focusing on wildlife, the environment and education. The centre is run by volunteers without any government funding and guests are invited to donate US$10 towards it work and upkeep should they wish. Sanctuary Retreats, the owners of Chobe Chilwero, helped fund the Dipetsana Women's Bike Shop, providing incomes for local women as well as giving the community a useful means of transport.
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