Perched on the edge of an escarpment overlooking the Chobe River, Chobe Elephant Camp enjoys fantastic views over the floodplains below. The lodge is built to resemble a traditional African farmstead in style, and the use of reclaimed or recycled materials helps it to blend into it’s location. Most notable is the use of sandbags of red Kalahari sand, which has been used to form the exterior of both the main lodge and the rooms, providing a traditional answer to the extremes of temperatures which come from differing seasons. The main area itself is cosy, with a simple open plan design between the lounge, dining area and bar, all of which is decorated ina traditional rustic style.

We like the boma area which leads out from the main area, where guests gather each evening to enjoy the warmth of the fire before heading to dinner. For the warmer summer days there is also a pool just off the main area, surrounded by deck chairs, and the deck in front of the pool looks down on a waterhole for passing wildlife.

There are 14 rooms (plus two family rooms), with a maximium of 36 guests in the lodge. Each room has been situated to make the most of the view – for us, this is a major reason to stay. Though simply decorated, each has indoor and outdoor showers and private verandas, and are a good size, with plenty of room to unpack and relax in.