Muchenje Safari Lodge

ACCOMMODATION

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.

AREA & ACTIVITIES

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.

Families

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.