OVERVIEW:
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is owned and run by Sanctuary Retreats. This company’s portfolio is made up of deluxe safari lodges and expedition ships, all operating according to the motto, ‘Luxury, naturally.’ Chobe Chilwero is renowned for its superb service standards and holds a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence! Accommodation is booked on a full-board basis, including all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, two daily shared game-viewing activities, park fees, transfers between the lodge and Kasane Airport, and a laundry service. The lodge is open all year round.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
The lodge is accessed via 10 minutes’ road transfer from Kasane Airport. It’s situated just outside Chobe National Park, on a hillside overlooking the magical Chobe river!
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT CHOBE CHILWERO:
Guest accommodation consists of 15 suites, including one Pool Suite. Enclosed within structures made out of brick and thatch, all are positioned within the property’s well-kept grounds. At the front, under thatch, there’s a private deck with a couple of chairs and a small table. This is a lovely spot for relaxing and enjoying your views! Three steps lead up to wood-framed glass doors, which open into a very spacious bedroom. In here, you’ll find a double bed or twin beds, bedside stands, a writing desk and chair, an easy chair and reading lamp, and ample storage space. In-room amenities include air conditioning and a mini-bar fridge. The en-suite washroom is set up at the back of the suite, and it contains a flush toilet, twin washbasins, shower, and freestanding big bathtub. Another door leads out to a private garden, complete with outdoor shower. The Pool Suite is similarly appointed and boasts a private deck with plunge pool!
The main lodge building at Chobe Chilwero is approached from the guest suites through the property’s gorgeous gardens. It resembles a large bungalow in a rather colonial style. Entering through wide wood-framed glass doors, you’ll find the sumptuous lounge, featuring plush leather and suede seating, coffee and occasional tables, a cosy fireplace, and even a separate library area with reading material and a few board games. The dining room is also exquisite, with its chic tables and upright chairs arranged in readiness for delicious buffet breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas, and dinners. The views from this space are exceptionally good, stretching over the gardens all the way down to Chobe river. Chobe Chilwero has a veranda too, perfect for al fresco lounging and dining. A good range of craft items is available at the on-site curio shop, and the spa offers massages and other soothing treatments in a nicely secluded setting. Finally, there’s a split-level swimming pool, perfect for cooling off between activities!
**Parents hoping for childcare at this property should be aware that any staff looking after children, do not have formal childcare or safeguarding training.**
ACTIVITIES AT CHOBE CHILWERO:
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero provides an exciting assortment of activities. These include:
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Expertly guided game drives
- Drives take place during early morning and late afternoon. Chobe National Park is characterised by sprawling plains, beautiful broadleaf woodlands, riverine forest, and of course the Chobe river along with other water sources. The park is famous for its immense populations of elephant! However, there are plenty of other wildlife highlights here, such as lion, leopard, buffalo, spotted hyena, hippo, giraffe, blue wildebeest, zebra, and vervet monkey. And there are over 450 species of bird, including fish eagle, herons, and bee-eaters. -
Sundowner cruises
- The lodge owns several riverboats. While cruising down the Chobe river, you can look out for big game such as elephant and buffalo, and smaller species such as roan and sable antelopes, all quenching their thirst while you enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets on another safari day! -
Photographic safari cruises
- As well as the riverboats, Chobe Chilwero has a special safari boat that’s ideal for keen photographers. Both its upper and lower decks have 360 degrees swivel seats and amazing views over the river! -
Fishing excursions
- Fishing is offered on a catch-and-release basis. A maximum of three anglers is taken out on the boat and among the varieties of fish you might encounter are tigerfish and bream! Equipment is supplied and the recommended months for fishing are May through to August. -
Community tours
- Guests are invited to visit the local Dipetsana Women’s Bike Shop, which was set up by Sanctuary Retreats. Tours offer opportunities to meet the women, to tour the shop, and even to take a scenic bike ride! You can take a trip to the local animal rescue centre too. -
Victoria Falls tours
- The world’s largest waterfall is situated just 1 hour 30 minutes’ drive from the lodge. An expert guide will show you around the Falls while telling you all about the spectacular feature’s history. -
Kids safaris
- Chobe Chilwero offers lots of things for kids to do, such as walking safaris in the lodge grounds, treasure hunts, and lawn croquet!
*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.