Chobe River Camp

Had car trouble en route, and despite sending emails to the booking office explaining our delay, when we arrived after 6pm, one day late, our reservation had been cancelled. This was to be our first camp of 3 for the 9 days that we booked, and paid for in advance in the Gondwana group in Namibia, so extremely distressing. It took us about an hour to check in and we helped receptionist Beauty to re-arrange bookings to give us our 3 consecutive nights in one room. We also somehow misread the marketing material and were very surprised not to have a kitchen or at least a fridge as we generally do self catering. But a happy surprise was that the price included breakfast, which was a really nice spread with quality ingredients. We had the boma dinner one night, but felt the menu was very boarding school like and could be elevated for the experience. We also ate lunches and dessert at the restaurant which was of much better standard. The duty manager Bevan is a real people person and an absolute asset to the lodge. The area had a problem with no power for a day, and of course the wifi couldn't work with the tower down. Felt so sorry for the staff trying to assist Guests checking out. And also dealing with the elephants at night, who crossed the river into the camp. Despite all this the location is amazing, staff friendly. We finally felt we were on holiday and could destress, enjoying walking around the area and birding. The boat cruise is an absolute must. Our guide was Elphias, really went the extra mile for his group. The sightings from the water were very special and sunset was spectacular. So enjoyed all the photography, and the last sighting of elephants with babies crossing the river was absolutely memorable.

A beautiful setting on the banks of the Chobe river, overlooking the Chobe floodplains! The lodge needs some TLC, it is still quite barren in terms of plants, trees but there are efforts made! Gondwana is in the process of upgrading so I think once that is done, definitely a place to visit!