Botswana is one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations, particularly Chobe National Park which is a classic big game country where huge herds of elephants and buffalo thrive. Chobe also offers incredible encounters with the other members of the Big 5 and rare animal species such as wild dogs and cheetah. It is also a top choice for bird watchers, boasting over 400 species of migrant and resident birds.
Specializing in photographic safaris is the Pangolin Chobe Hotel, which nestles one a few hundred meters from the main gate into the park and overlooks the Chobe River and Namibia’s Caprivi floodplains. Being two vital water sources for Chobe’s wildlife, it’s likely to see wildlife from the comfort of your own room.
Being a popular safari destination, it is crucial to get to the park early to avoid the long queues that often result in visitors missing out on some incredible early morning wildlife sightings. With boats docked on the river, Pangolin Chobe Hotel is generally one of the first to enter the park, ensuring that guests get the most of their time.
The lodge offers its guests the best of both worlds – a land and water based safari in state of the art boats and safari vehicles. The Pangolin photo boat hosts 8 guests in 360 degree rotational seats and game vehicles that offer eight guests window seats and bean bag mounts for their cameras. Both activities run over a three to four hour period and include your photographic equipment. During your stay, the hotel equips you with a Canon DSLR camera, a telephoto lens, qualified photographic guide, memory cards and a photo tuition class which will help you capture breathtaking imagery.
The hotel itself boasts fourteen spacious rooms that are fitted with comfortable twin or double beds, en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, in-room safes, tea and coffee making stations and a private balcony with breathtaking views.
The hotel facilities include a lounge and dining area, bar, fire pit, swimming pool and deck with views across the Chobe River and Caprivi floodplains. There is also a gallery where guests can admire photos taken by the guides and other top wildlife photographers. There is also an editing suite for post production sessions.
