Chobe

Bakwena Lodge

Q: How much does it cost to stay at Bakwena Lodge?

Stays at Bakwena Lodge start from around US$650 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025

We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!

Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

Bakwena Lodge

About Bakwena Lodge

Down-to-earth hospitality at this smart eco lodge on the banks of the Chobe River.

Chobe Bakwena Lodge is smartly engineered with several energy-saving and bush-wise adaptations, including a brood of resident chickens who serve as pest patrol. Though located on the banks of the Chobe River, with bush buck frequently wandering through, this is decidedly not a remote bush camp. It sits in a residential area, between the towns of Kasane and Kasangula, a twenty-five minute drive from the Chobe Park entrance. Still, you can capitalize on the exceptional wildlife experience offered in the Chobe (one of the best places to view elephant in the world), while experiencing the warmth and openness of Botswana's people through village tours and guided bike tours.

Chobe , Botswana

From $650 per person/per night

Safari

15 Rooms

Open Map

Property details

The property

A high-ceiling thatched main area is decorated in soft green and cream tones with a few bright splashes. You'll find a spacious sundeck with river-front position. Pull up to the well-stocked bar or sink into one of the many cushioned chairs. Take your drink around the campfire area that peers just over the bank to the reed-filled riverbank. There's plenty of shade and natural ambiance here in the riverine forest where meals are mostly served alfresco.

The rooms

Take your pick: riverfront or tree-top view - each has its merits. Riverfront rooms are spacious enough for two, with double glass doors leading out to a lovely shady deck area. They have thatched roofs, are stylishly furnished and possess an indoor and outdoor shower. Tree-top rooms are much the same, but sit three meters off the ground. Further accommodation choices include a family room (which sleeps four) or the honeymoon suite (just two). Both are extremely private with spacious balconies. The honeymoon suite has the added luxury of air-conditioning, two day beds for lounging and a King sized bed - oh, and a freestanding tub.

Activities

Twice-daily excursions into the Chobe will keep you busy, just be prepared for the hour-long round trip to and from the park's gate. Once you're there, a feast of game viewing awaits you - especially along the river's edge. Boat cruises make for a lovely morning or afternoon activity - take them as easygoing river drifts or equally rewarding game viewing opportunities. Village tours here are well established and you'll feel less like a gawking tourist than a welcomed visitor during these authentic interactions.

Why we love it

The eco-pool! In keeping with their eco-friendly ethos, it's chlorine-free and filtered by plants.

Insiders Tip

It's a tough call between a tree-top suite to enjoy the birdsong and the breeze, or a river-view suite for a lovely view and hippo-grunting soundtrack.

Something to think about

A short drive from the gate, Bakwena, like most lodges, has access to the park but is not located inside the park. Also worth noting: although there is wifi, it's pretty spotty and unreliable.

Trips

Chobe Tours & Trips

Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch

Botswana + Zambia

A classic journey through Botswana

12 nights from $9.1K per person

Khwai Okavango Delta Central Okavango

Botswana + Zimbabwe

Elephant encounters & desert adventures in Botswana

10 nights from $7.1K per person

Central Kalahari Okavango Delta Chobe National Park

Zimbabwe + Botswana

Falls, Rivers and Deltas

8 nights from $5.8K per person

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe Chobe National Park Okavango Delta

Zambia + Botswana

A complete journey from Vic falls through Botswana

10 nights from $8.6K per person

Victoria Falls in Zambia (Livingstone) Chobe National Park Okavango Delta

South Africa + Botswana + Zimbabwe

The Ultimate Southern Africa trip

10 nights from $8.3K per person

Cape Town Okavango Delta Chobe National Park

Design a Custom Trip

Plan your stay

How to book Bakwena Lodge

How do I book Bakwena Lodge?

Bakwena Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Botswana trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Botswana trips featuring Bakwena Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our Botswana specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Bakwena Lodge?

Stays at Bakwena Lodge start from around $650 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Botswana

Chobe National Park

A place for unrivalled elephant sightings in Botswana and serene boat cruises along the mighty Chobe River.