Chobe Bakwena

Overview

et along a private stretch of the Chobe River, Chobe Bakwena Lodge is a small, owner-run retreat shaped by a deep connection to the land, the river and the communities around it.

Owners Adam and Jenny Young spent years managing camps and lodges across Botswana and running their own safari company before acquiring the land in 2000. What followed was a slow and thoughtful transformation. They planted indigenous riverine woodland around the property, creating the lush setting that surrounds the lodge today.

Their philosophy is simple: tread lightly upon the Earth without compromising on comfort or luxury. The lodge is thoughtfully managed with sustainability at its heart, from the use of locally sourced materials to the involvement of people from neighbouring villages. The result is a place that feels authentic, intimate and deeply rooted in its surroundings.

Chobe Bakwena has just 15 individual chalets, each designed to blend naturally into the landscape. The riverfront chalets look out across the Chobe River, where the sounds of wildlife provide a memorable soundtrack from dawn to dusk. Others sit elevated among the trees, offering a quieter perspective over the surrounding forest canopy.

For couples celebrating a special occasion, the secluded Honeymoon Suite offers added privacy. Families are also well catered for, with a spacious Family Room featuring twin beds in a separate second room.

Life at Chobe Bakwena naturally revolves around the river. Boat cruises reveal the wildlife that gathers along its banks, while game drives explore the surrounding wilderness. For a glimpse into life beyond the lodge, guided village walks can be enjoyed on foot or by bicycle, offering an opportunity to connect with the local community and see everyday life in the area.

The Chobe region is particularly renowned for its elephants, which gather in remarkable numbers along the river, especially during the dry months. From the water, guests can watch them coming down to drink, alongside hippos, crocodiles and an impressive variety of birdlife. A late-afternoon boat cruise is especially atmospheric, as the light softens across the river and wildlife begins to gather at the water’s edge.

Days are unhurried and shaped around the rhythm of the bush. A morning game drive can be followed by a leisurely lunch and time to relax during the heat of the day. Later, head out onto the river or join a village walk before returning to the lodge for dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Conservation and community are an integral part of the experience. Chobe Bakwena’s low-impact approach is woven throughout the property, while the village experiences provide a meaningful connection to the communities that form part of its story.

With its intimate scale and personal atmosphere, Chobe Bakwena is particularly well suited to travellers who prefer a quieter, more authentic safari experience over a larger, busier lodge. It is equally appealing for couples, families and travellers who value thoughtful, sustainable hospitality.

Located in Kasane in northern Botswana, the lodge is ideally positioned for exploring Chobe National Park and can be combined with Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta, or a wider journey through Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Kasane has its own airport, making access straightforward, while transfers and border crossings can be arranged as part of a multi-country itinerary.

The best time to visit depends on what you hope to experience. The dry months bring exceptional concentrations of wildlife to the Chobe River, while the green season transforms the landscape with lush vegetation and offers rewarding birding.

Tell us when you plan to travel, who you are travelling with and what you would most like to experience, and the Nziza team will create a thoughtfully tailored journey around your stay at Chobe Bakwena Lodge.