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.

Firstly, we were abandoned at the airport, having paid for our airport transfer. After 2 hours, we had to pay taxi drivers to take us to the lodge. Our arrival was pleasant, the receptionist Beauty apologised and all seemed well. Other than her and Enoch, our canoe guide, everyone else’s attitude towards service was poor. Drinks orders were wrong, and I got eye rolls when I tried to correct them. Table mats and glasses were often dirty and food was served cold. On our second last day, I enquired about our airport transfer to ensure no issues would arise and Beaven not only lied on the phone about the initial mistake, but became incredibly hostile and patronising with me. Only when my finance got involved did he change his tone. Sufficed to say, we has to arrange our own airport transfer despite having prepaid for it. If you can, avoid this lodge all together. They leave a LOT to be desired.

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!

We've stayed at a few of the Gondwana lodges and this one was definitely the most friendly. Campsites were brilliant with really good facilities. Private raised area to sit with sink to wash up, table and ablutions. Staff facilities were right next to the campsite, with the space they have it could be a bit more spread out.

We stayed here for 1 night as a stopover before crossing into Botswana and found this hidden gem was perfectly located. Check in/out - easy check in/out although be aware that if you are not staying the camped area it is a bit of a walk from the parking to the rooms. We checked out in the evening so that we could leave early and this was done very efficiently. Rooms - nice tents on stilts with a great view over the river, spotted several animals and birds whilst sat outside. The fan also doubles up as a sort of ac/cooling unit which was very handy. Location - located off the main road a short fun drive and then it opens up to a stunning view over the river. Evening sundowner was a nice boat trip along the river, many interesting birds, crocodiles and elephants spotted along the way. Stunning sunsets with the river in the foreground. Service - service was good throughout, dinner was buffet style and the bar service was okay could do with a little bit of extra ooomph. All in all i would recommend as a short stop 1/2 nights max. nicely located at the end of the caprivi ***** and next to the border for Botswana.

The campsite unfortunately doesn't overlook the Chobe River but was still nicely appointed. Each campsite has it's own tent with table and chairs, a washing up area and a bathroom. Everything is well kept and clean. I was a little concerned with security coming around quite often to check that everything was okay as there are villages nearby. Also the cows are grazing on the plains so you are seeing Zebras and Impalas and then cows - you don't come all this way to see cows! Not much to do here so we only stayed 1 night instead of the intended 3