Muchenje Safari Lodge
Muchenje is a comfortable lodge with sweeping views of the Chobe River floodplains, just outside the western edge of Chobe National Park in northern Botswana.
Muchenje is a great option if you want to game drive in northern Chobe. The northern Chobe River section of Chobe National Park is very busy with tourists, especially on the eastern side near the town of Kasane, and we like Muchenje because it is located on the much quieter western side of the park.
Muchenje is also a well-run and friendly lodge which has always offered a warm welcome and fun atmosphere, and in Botswana terms it offers excellent value for money. Activities are varied as walks and night drives are possible in the local Chobe Forest Reserve, in addition to the standard day game drives and boat cruises inside Chobe National Park. Muchenje is not a luxury lodge but the accommodation is very comfortable and the setting is stunning with fantastic views. It is a great place to start a ‘4 star’ Botswana safari.
Rooms
Muchenje has 11 thatched chalets all set along a ridge facing out over the Chobe floodplains below. Each chalet has plumbed en suite facilities (with toilet and shower), air conditioning, ceiling fan and a small furnished verandah with commanding views. There is one family chalet which has a double room downstairs and an open-plan mezzanine level upstairs with twin bedding, and two bathrooms, one of which has a bath. The chalets are linked to the main areas by stone pathways through the bush.
Central Areas
The main thatch roofed reception areas are open plan and consist of a number of lounge areas, bar and dining room with an upstairs deck offering wonderful views. Several other decks give the chance of more privacy if desired. The lodge swimming pool takes full advantage of the fantastic scenery and provides a tranquil setting for relaxation during the heat of the day.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for charging – Yes
Swimming pool – Yes
Habitat & Wildlife
The Chobe covers an area of 11,000 sq. kms and its habitats range from the floodplains of the Chobe River to sand ridges, dry lake beds, scrub bush, riverine thickets and mopane forest.
The birdlife along the Chobe River is prolific – kingfishers, bee-eaters, the majestic fish eagle, martial eagle, ducks, egrets, plovers, herons, cranes, storks, geese, woodpeckers, shrikes, thrushes, buntings, chats and owls are just a few of the many species found here. However, Chobe is most famous for its large animal herds, particularly elephant and buffalo which are drawn to the Chobe River in large numbers, especially during the dry season. In the river, hippo laze all day and crocodiles sun themselves on the banks. Amongst the 16 antelope species present in Chobe, kudu are common, and the near endemic puku can also be seen. The Chobe bushbuck is a sub-species of bushbuck found only here. Giraffe, lion, leopard, waterbuck, tsessebe, roan and sable antelope, lechwe, impala, warthog, wild dog, spotted hyaena, baboon and vervet monkeys are among the other animals to be seen.
Activities
The main activities from Muchenje are game drives in Chobe National Park and boat cruises on the Chobe River. Game drives access the park via the western Ngoma Gate (a 15 minute game drive from the lodge) and usually spend time in the less congested western section of the Park where you can game view without seeing too many other vehicles). Boat excursions are usually taken as part of a half day or full day trip into the park, with lunch either on board a boat or on the banks of the river.
However, being situated outside of the National Park, Muchenje can offer a number of different safari activities which would otherwise not be available. Besides the usual game drives and boat cruises, Muchenje offer walking safaris and night drives which should be taken advantage of, as both can be very interesting. Also, sitting and watching the floodlit water hole below the main lodge can be rewarding, especially in the early evenings before dinner.
Seasons
Muchenje is open all year round, but game viewing is best during the dry season, especially from June to early November.
Muchenje is a very good lodge for families, though there is a lower age limit of eight years old (some flexibility can be offered in shoulder and low seasons). There is a great pool and activities are varied. The family chalet is very suitable for families who all wish to stay in the same room, though please note the stairs to the mezzanine level are quite steep! The lodge has a communal and relaxed feel and is not too stilted which means families can relax too.
Muchenje has committed to reducing its plastic usage with a Reverse Osmosis filtration system for drinking water and they refill water bottles during game drive rather than issuing new ones. Recycled paper bags are used for packed lunches, there are no plastic bags in the curio shop or plastic straws at the bar.
Muchenje have partnered with Pack for a Purpose and through donations from guests have helped hundreds of children through the Mabele Primary school. Other local initiatives include the daily collection of lodge food waste by a local pig-farmer, Motswana baskets being made available for sale during the community visit, the purchasing of a minibus with a private donor for Mabele Primary School to carry the children to and from school and supporting cultural celebrations in the community.
Local projects that are supported by Muchenje include the Mabele Primary School project, the Kachikau Primary School’s Special Unit for Disabled Learners for mentally and physically challenged children and the Adult Orphan Project where clothing and supplies are given to elderly and needy adults.
