Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a luxurious riverside retreat in the heart of the bush on the edge of Chobe National Park, home to the world's largest remaining population of elephants. Sitting above the Chobe River, the lodge offers unparalleled panoramic views across the islands and floodplains as far across as Namibia. This is an incredibly luxurious lodge with just 15 suites, as well as the only full spa on the Botswana safari circuit. Relax in the split-level swimming pool, unwind with a pampering session in the spa or enjoy the gourmet food that the lodge has become known for. Each of the 15 suites has two showers, one inside and one outside. The en-suite bathroom also has a large free-standing bath. After a day of game viewing, what better way to relax than with a cocktail? Or if the fancy takes you, why not have your gourmet dinner served right here under the African sky. The exclusive Pool Suite features a private plunge pool and private deck area.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Romantic
Location
River Rd Bordering Chobe National Park, Chobe National Park Botswana
This was the most fantastic game lodge that I have stayed at. The staff were incredible – always so cheerful and friendly, and couldn’t do enough for you, whether it was the manager or the person who walked you to and from your room. Wonderful to be greeted on arrival by the staff singing to you. Each time you arrived at the Lodge [from game drives as well as first arrival] you were always met by the staff and they always gave you a cool towel. I had an excellent room with all mod cons, including a free minibar with wine of my choice if it was not there. Room service snacks were available, so I often had lunch in my room while I did my photos after a game drive. My guide, Leonard, was exceptional. He took us out twice a day in the morning in the park and in the afternoon usually on the river. We saw so much game it was incredible. I think he has binocular eyes! They have a lovely pool so you can relax there between drives - while I was there Bushbucks, mongoose and baboons visited the pool. The whole experience of Chilwero was amazing, and I was made to feel important by every member of the staff. Would love to return!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:6 or 7 are close to the main lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In keeping with the other Sanctuary camps we visited, our room was a spacious free standing structure with an expansive deck. We even had a private sitting area behind the bed. The room was adorned with exceptional artwork. But one of the best things was being so close to Chobe National Park. Even on the short drive to the park entrance we encountered wildllife. Our guide, Cavin, was the best! As exciting as each game drive was, our favorite activity was the sundowner cruise on the Chobe River. We saw a herd of 40 or 50 elephants walking along the river bank as the sun set, it was truly awe inspiring. The common areas in the camp made it so special. The artwork, inviting lounges and deck/dining area was incredible. The first night after dinner a troup of native dancers came to entertain us with traditional costumes, music and dance. All of the food was delicious. One of the best things was having a made to order breakfast of eggs/omelettes for breakfast each morning. Everyone on the staff at Chobe Chilwero was truly exceptional!
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Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This lodge strives to give personal service. The rooms have everything you need for a 5 star stay. The staff are really well trained but they are so genuine and nice and want to give you the best service. The game drives were amazing although the big cats are few and far between. What makes this place so special is the river. We have travelled numerous countries for safaris but this place gives a great experience seeing the animals from the riverside. The lodge really mix up your experiences by both land and river safaris which are exceptional. We are well travelled but we found this lodge to be one of our best experiences. Take time to use the Spa, the treatments are reasonably priced but the experience is better than we have received in other worldwide location. Our guide Letts was one of the best we have ever experienced. This place deserves to be put at the top of locations to stay.
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Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent 3 nights at this camp. We came to see the elephants in the national park during the dry season but saw so much more. The camp is just outside the Park and situated on a rise overlooking the Chobe River - beautiful sunsets. The accommodation is excellent, very spacious and clean and especially on the hotter days, the air conditioning was greatly appreciated. The camp is very well run (Irvine the manager) and the staff superb, friendly and willing to do anything to make your stay memorable (special thanks to O.B. and Ismael in the restaurant and the house keepers Maria and Nankondo). Baboons have free rein through much of the day including many youngsters. The food was very good with several choices at each meal. Our guide for the game drives was Kux and he was a real joy to have. Very knowledgeable, and always smiling and joking. He was always able to find the animals (once stopping the Land Cruiser suddenly to view a monitor lizard on a tree that we only saw with great difficulty even when stopped. He was able to get great positions for viewing the animals including a lion pride with cubs, and the regular assortment of hippos, giraffes, kudus, impala etc. Of course we came to see elephants and there were hundreds of them in various herds going down to the river in the early day and going back up into the brush in the evening. The highlight of the visit was an afternoon spent on the river in Sanctuary's own pontoon boat having lunch and watching herds of elephants swimming across the river and crossing into Namibia for better foraging. Would highly recommend Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero especially during the dry season.
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Date of stay: September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From the moment we were picked up at Kasane by our guides, it was absolutely relaxing and we just did not have to do anything. A group of 10, we were thoroughly spoilt rotten and on top of it were treated to an amazing safari with knowledgeable and highly professional guides Chika and Bobby. The team led by Busi were attentive and no request was too small. Ishmael was a delight behind the bar or wherever he was assigned to. Will definitely be back
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was the third, and final, of our three stays in Sanctuary Retreat Camps (each for three nights) and this time we were in a Pool Suite with a private plunge pool; we had a dip every afternoon and it was ‘refreshing’ and wonderful. We did, however, ‘share’ the area from time to time with the many baboons; quite hilarious antics.
Our accommodation (no. 1) was excellent with a/c and fans, huge bathroom with a deep bath, and plenty of hanging/storage options. There was a terrace overlooking the pool and huge garden area with sun loungers and seating area. Fabulous. The only downside was the power to our Pavilion went out on our first night (no a/c, fans or lights) and it took some time the next day to fix.
As we had now moved on from the Okavango Delta to the Chobe River area, everything was more green and lush, and the gardens around the Pavilions reflected this. There was a lovely two-level general pool and a winding path from our Pavilion to the general area. Again, as this is not fenced, it is necessary to be escorted after sunset to/from the room/general area.
The general areas were large with lovely wooden floors and good dining and seating options. There was also the traditional Braai area.
We went out with Tim for one Jeep safari and two boat (one included an excellent lunch) trips and it was wonderful to see so much green around the River. So many elephants, water buffalo, hippos, water birds, etc., etc.
This was a lovely stay although we felt that the standard of service and staff friendliness, was less than we had experienced in the other two Sanctuary Lodges.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wonderful location of this luxury camp in an enclosed park nearby Chobe River and Chobe National park. My house was wonderful and equipped with all anenities needed. From my deck I watched and listened to the birds, watched the house impalas grazing and the monkeys playing games.
I was welcomed by Busi and her entire team by welcome song and dance. They all made me feel welcome and service was attentive, food superb. Chef Finjas took great pride in spoiling me and personally checked I was happy!
Activities include game drives in the National Park and my favorites were the boat drives on the river where we spotted hippo elephant buffalo and croc galore. There were lions and all other wildlife in the park. I highly recommen this camp to anyone seeking luxury accommodation in the bush! An amazing place!
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent 2 nights at Chobe Chilwero and had a lovely time. Our guide Chika was very knowledgeable, patient and hospitable. I'd definitely recommend him in the future to other guests. The lodge also had excellent service across the board - from the wait staff to Irvine, the manager. One unique aspect about this lodge is that they have boat safaris, which were truly amazing and provide a totally different perspective than game drives on land.
Finally, as it relates to COVID, they have protocols in place (staff is vaccinated, wear masks, areas are outdoors and ventilated) and we felt very safe.
I look forward to being able to visit again someday!
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Date of stay: November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We enjoyed our stay at this world class resort. Food, service, and safari we're excellent. It can say enough good things about our stay. The staff got us everything we needed. For example our door was working properly and with minutes the maintenance person fixed it at 20 hh.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are many things to love about Chilowero, not least the view of the park, the complimentary foot massage upon arrival, and the pizza oven.
However, what we loved the most was the attention to detail: leaving out port in the evenings, the personalised drinking bottles we received, and the blankets & hot water bottles for the morning game drives were just some of the lovely aspects of our stay here. Particular thanks to Malachy for making all this - and more - happen.
We were in very safe hands with our guide, Innocent, whose experience and insight was invaluable in helping us see all that Chobe had to offer. He had amazing knowledge of the area and the animals, and also made a great hot chocolate!
Thapelo was very kind and attentive both at the lodge and on our lunchtime river cruise: something that is characteristic of all the Sanctuary staff. Thank you for a wonderful stay.
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for your question.
At Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero our vehicles are 6 seats for guests as standard, affording each guest a ‘window’ seat.
We can install ‘middle’ seats to increase capacity to 7 in the back and can have an 8th person sit in the passenger’s seat next to the driver. We can provide this arrangement if you'd like your party to share one vehicle.
We are looking forward to welcoming you!
Kindest regards,
Sanctuary Retreats
Isle of Man, United Kingdom195 contributions76 helpful votes
Hi
The park has abundant wildlife. We saw large groups of impala plus lots of kudu, elephants, hippos, giraffe. Plus zebra, bush buck, hyena puku and Lora more
There are lovely views from the lodge over the flood plain and we could see elephant and hippos grazing, albeit from a distance.
Beautiful spot to stay
The normal expected toiletries are provided - shampoo, hand and bath gel, etc. - and replenished as needed. At all the camps we visited, insect repellent was provided. If you want to take some wipes vs. repellent spray, you'll save space and perhaps a little weight. I did not visit the camp store, so I can't help you with what might be available.
There are more places to choose from in the Chobe National Park area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
sanctuary chobe chilwero hotel chobe national park
LOCATION
BotswanaNorth-West DistrictChobe National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
15
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