(10 chalets) P Bag K31, Kasane; tel: 636001; fax: 36000/1 or 650223; email: much@info.bw
Matt and Lorna Smith built Muchenje (GPS: MUCHEN) in 1996, and have owned and run it ever since. To get there follow the signs from Ngoma towards Mabele and Savuti; Muchenje is about 3km along on your right.

The wooden chalets were refurbished in 2001 and all ten are comfortably furnished with twin beds surrounded by a walk-in mosquito net. Each has an en-suite shower and toilet, electric lights, and its own balcony overlooking Chobe's floodplain.

The lodge is perched on the escarpment overlooking the floodplain. It has a dining area, a bar, a small curio shop and a modest library, all under a high thatched roof. Above the dining room, on a second floor, is a game-viewing platform with a great view. Outside there's a swimming pool with loungers around it and an impressive view.

Activities include game drives into the national park – using an area which tends to be more private and less busy with vehicles than those from lodges around Kasane, as less traffic reaches this far west. Bush walks with armed guides are also offered in the Forest Reserve, as are birdwatching and fishing trips on the river. Alternatively, especially if you're staying for three nights or more, you can arrange an all-day activity. One good combination is a boat cruise along the Chobe in the morning, followed by a picnic lunch in the bush and then an afternoon game drive through the park back to the lodge.