The Garden Lodge on the Chobe River Botswana Africa
Experiencing the breathtaking beauty and relaxation of The Garden Lodge while visiting Botswana was one of the highlights of my trip. The lodge is tailored towards creating a truly magical experience for a limited number of guests. You won’t find never ending hallways of doors and floor after floor of rooms. Eight rooms with twenty-two beds allows The Garden Lodge to pamper is guests and give specialized treatment to each visitor. Add to that it’s situation upon the Chobe River, and you can’t find a better place to get away and experience the natural beauty of Botswana.
We were picked up by one of the lodge guides, Innocent, from the Kasane airport. Greeting us with a smile and grabbing our luggage, he started our trip off right! I was so excited when I discovered we would be riding in a “safari” jeep. I’ve always envisioned that as a being a part of a safari experience.
Upon arriving at the lodge, we were greeted and filled out some paperwork with passport information. Our bags were taken to our room, and we followed soon after that with our skeleton room key and carved wooden keychain. The room fit so beautifully with the theme of the hotel. Not overstated, but so classic and clean with a rustic feel. Definitely a place where you can kick back and find relaxation and contentment.
We were staying at The Garden Lodge with one of their packages so our meals were included with our room. The meals were served and all the guest ate together at a dining table. I was honestly a little unsure of how comfortable or uncomfortable it would be to eat with strangers, but it was a delight. Some of the staff ate with the guests, and there were three other parties of guests who were staying the same time we were. An Australian couple, an uncle and nephew from Peru, and another family from Zambia were all visiting. Meal times were a great time to learn about the lives and areas of other countries. The staff were also great in encouraging conversation and sharing stories and tales about the lodge and Africa.
The grounds are beautiful, the food delicious, and the safaris unforgettable, but another huge benefit of The Garden Lodge is the staff. They were all so friendly and helpful. Creating a safe and welcoming environment is an area where The Garden Lodge excels. I know I’ll be returning to Botswana again, hopefully with my family this time, and staying again at The Garden Lodge will be a must do on my list.
what a fabulous adventure! how would you feel taking your kids to Africa? I’m wondering if we should leave ours behind (Ghana)
I would definitely take my kids when they get a bit older. I’m not sure about what the environment/safety is like in Ghana, so can’t really give input on what to expect when visiting there. Each country and even areas in the country are vastly different in socioeconomic situations and safety. One of the big things about traveling to Africa were the vaccinations I had to get, as well as the malaria meds I had to take while on safari. That’s definitely something to keep in mind when considering bringing your kids. However, the exposure to a different culture, the awareness of true poverty, and the viewing of a unique wilderness, all make me want to return and share the experience with my kids.
Yes, I think for sure we will take our boys, debating on the girls. For some reason I’m worried about them being kidnapped there?!?
I think it really depends on the area. I’m always concerned about my kids’ safety while traveling. Even theme parks in the US have the threat of child abduction. Your parents can probably ask some church friends about tips or information.
What an amazing adventure! I would love to visit these places. Definitely on my “bucket list”
Hope you can visit Africa Annette! It’s such a unique and beautiful experience.
Hope you can visit Africa Annette! It’s such a unique and beautiful experience.
Chobe ranks up there for me as one of the best places I’ve ever visited. I love that everyone ate at the same table…get to know people! Beautiful shots!
Thank you Corinne! I really want to return to Chobe again. I’d also like to visit Etosha. Have you been there? Eating at the same table was such a nice experience. I loved meeting people from other countries and discussing current events and travel experiences with them.
Amazing photos! Looks like a great place to stay!
It was such a nice getaway hotel! You’ll have to try and visit sometime Angela.
Its great to hear that you enjoyed my country ( Botswana). Its encouraging and helps us do better.