Elephant Valley Lodge, Botswana

During our Botswana holiday we took a short but wonderful break at Elephant Valley Lodge, a classic tented safari camp near Chobe National Park.On December 26–27, 2025, my family and I — traveling together with a lovely family from Denmark — stayed for one night and enjoyed a memorable wildlife experience.

Getting There

Our journey began at Jollyboys Backpackers in Livingstone, Zambia, where we set off early for the border crossing into Botswana.The highlight of this short trip was driving across the impressive Kazungula Bridge — a modern engineering marvel and a symbol of regional cooperation.

Kazungula Bridge

Opened in May 2021, this 923-meter cable-stayed bridge spans the mighty Zambezi River and connects Zambia and Botswana at a unique four-country corner where Zimbabwe and Namibia also meet.Before the bridge existed, travelers had to rely on slow ferries to cross the river, which often caused long delays. The new bridge has transformed regional trade and tourism, making border formalities smoother and safer.

After the quick passport checks on both sides, we continued through Botswana’s Kasane Forest Reserve. By the time we reached Elephant Valley Lodge in the Lesoma Valley, we already felt completely immersed in the wild.

Our Tented Home

Each family had its own Meru-style safari tent, set beneath shady trees.The tents are spacious and well equipped with comfortable beds, an en-suite bathroom, and a private deck where you can listen to birds and distant animal calls.

It felt private yet close to the central lodge, which overlooks a waterhole where elephants and antelope often come to drink. Waking up to the sounds of nature is an experience I’ll always remember.

Food & Drinks

One of the highlights of our stay was the all-inclusive meals and drinks.Dinner under the stars, a hearty breakfast, and refreshing drinks during activities made the stay easy and relaxing.The food was tasty and plentiful — perfect after a day of travel and game drives. It felt wonderful to simply sit back and enjoy, with everything taken care of.

View of the Chobe River

Safari & Wildlife

Although we only stayed one night, we managed to fit in both an afternoon and a morning game drive.Watching elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and countless birds in their natural habitat was magical. The lodge’s own waterhole added an extra touch — even while relaxing at camp, we could keep spotting animals quietly coming to drink.

What We Loved — and One Small Downside

Loved:

• Peaceful setting and warm, attentive staff

• Excellent food and included drinks

• The chance to share the adventure with another traveling family

• The lodge’s waterhole, bringing wildlife right to our doorstep

Downside:

• The only minor inconvenience is the 20–30 minute drive to Chobe National Park for game drives. It’s not a deal-breaker, but worth knowing if your time is limited.

Final Thoughts

Our brief stay at Elephant Valley Lodge was a perfect safari stopover — comfortable, welcoming, and rich with wildlife. Whether you are traveling as a couple, with friends, or like us with family and new friends from Denmark, it’s a great choice for a taste of the Botswana bush.

For a longer safari I’d recommend two nights or more, but even one night left us with wonderful memories of Chobe’s wildlife and the calm of the Lesoma Valley.Crossing the Kazungula Bridge and waking up to elephants drinking at sunrise are moments I’ll treasure for years to come.