Information
Easy access to the wild bounty of Chobe National Park allows guests at Kubu Lodge to revel in the joy of mud-slinging elephants, share in the thrill of stalking lions, and marvel at the vibrant abundance of birdlife. Whether you want the freedom of ‘Bed & Breakfast’, or the luxury of ‘Fully Inclusive’ with game drives and boat cruises included, Kubu Lodge has the flexibility to suit every need. Established in 1986, Kubu Lodge is proud to be the longest owner-run, owner-managed establishment in the Chobe – a testament to the deep passion and dedication the owners have for the area.
Rooms
The charm of Kubu Lodge is epitomised by its wood and thatch chalets. Built on raised, stilted decks, each chalet faces the massive fig and ebony trees that characterise the preserved riparian forest of this stretch of the Chobe River.
The rolling lawns are an open invitation to explore the riverfront with binoculars and perhaps find the elusive African Finfoot, or a playful otter family, along the river’s edge. Here strategically placed daybeds offer a meditative opportunity to sit and stay awhile – letting the rhythm of the Chobe wash over you.
With only eleven units, privacy and space are not compromised, whilst the spreading canopy of Flamboyant trees offers shade and colour to the garden atmosphere. Each chalet is fully en-suite (shower, flush toilet, hot water) with ceiling and standing fans, tea/coffee making facilities, charging facilities, safe, and hair-dryer. With a variety of configurations, Kubu Lodge can accommodate doubles, twins, triples and has one family unit that sleeps four.
Facilities
Kubu Lodge is known for its intimate hospitality, borne from years of being an owner-managed establishment. The ‘Home in the Heart of Africa’ moniker is made possible by the facilities that are on offer.
- Leathaba (seTswana for ‘sunrise’) Restaurant delivers fine, alfresco, dining where freshness and simplicity delivers a delightful fusion of traditional African cuisine with a European flair. The expansive dining deck overlooks the lodge grounds and Chobe River; marrying gourmet meals with spectacular views. For those special occasions, enjoy a starlit dinner, with hippos grazing the lawns below, at the romantic private ‘boma’.
- Morubisi (seTswana for ‘owl’) Bar and adjoining cocktail deck is the ideal place to sip your way through another spectacular African sunset, or to swop safari tales with fellow travelers in a convivial, relaxed atmosphere.
- Bushbuck Reading Lounge is located in a quiet corner of the property. A generous Africana library provides inspiration and fascination for the curious mind, or perhaps your competitive nature can be settled with a game of backgammon?
- The Pool is the ideal place to cool off between wildlife activities. Whether you like to swim laps or just ‘chill’ on a lounger, the setting above the riverbank is an idyllic place to soak up the sun and bush ambience.
- The Letototo (seTswana for ‘mongoose’) Trail meanders through the thirty-hectare property allowing nature lovers to enjoy the prolific birdlife, marvel at magnificent trees, and perhaps get close to Africa’s prettiest antelope – the Chobe Bushbuck.
- At Kubu Lodge we believe the most important connection is with Nature, but for the traveler who needs to ‘stay in touch’, free WiFi is available 24/7 at the reception lounge and adjoining garden.
- Kubu Campsite on the eastern side of the property is small and secluded, catering for a maximum of 22 campers only. With its own plunge-pool, barbecue and fire pits, ablution facilities, electrical outlets, and even wifi, it handles all the needs of the intrepid camper.
Activities
Chobe National Park has gained global recognition for its incredible wildlife and biodiversity. It sits at the epicentre of Africa’s last mega herd of elephants but is also home to every animal that populates a safari goer’s wish list – from Aardvark to Zebra. The aesthetic beauty of the Chobe waterfront and the proliferation of life on its verdant floodplains brings visitors from far and wide to witness the bounty. The national park is open year-round to the public and is accessed by vehicle and motorboat. Guests can opt to self-drive into the park (4×4 only), but Kubu Lodge offers professionally guided tours in specially adapted 4×4’s and motorboats – time and again these prove to deliver the best wildlife experiences possible.
Although wildlife is the prime reason for visiting Chobe, there are several other activities available:
- Day trips to Victoria Falls can be arranged. Only an hour’s drive away, inclusive of border crossings, it seems silly to come all this way and not take advantage of seeing one of our planet’s Seven Natural Wonders.
- A working crocodile farm sits right next door to Kubu Lodge. A tour of this generational business will give you a whole new perspective on the last of the living dinosaurs.
- CARACAL is a not-for-profit organisation involved in wildlife and community projects. Their wildlife rehabilitation and rescue centre is worth a visit if only to meet ‘Badgy’ the honeybadger and ‘Fungus’ the bushbaby! You can also address that snake phobia by meeting (and handling!) some of Africa’s meanest (and most timid) reptiles.
- Want to get a bird’s eye view of Chobe’s teeming floodplains? Scenic flights can be arranged out of Kasane airport.
- Want to get a taste of Kasane life? A ‘shopping trip’ into the town centre is one way to meet traders and get a feeling for the local community.
- A sundowner cruise aboard the ‘Finfoot’ is an ideal way to end any day. Apart from the myriad birds and occasional wildlife along the shore, the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers is less than two kilometres downstream – the only place in the world where four countries meet in one place and the site of Africa’s newest bridge.
