Tag: adventure

Fresh Look, More Luxury – Chobe Safari Lodge

Posted in fine-dining, Safari Stays, Sustainable Travel, Travel with PurposeTagged , , , , Leave a comment
Evening view of Chobe Safari Lodge from across the Chobe River, with warm lights reflecting on the water and a moored river safari boat to the right.

From September 2025, the ‘new’ Chobe Safari Lodge will reveal a full upgrade:

  • Explorer River Suites – Two gorgeous, two-bedroom duplex suites with spacious lounges and river-facing balconies, perfect for honeymooners or couples who want more space and privacy.
  • Luxury River Rooms – Fully refurbished and ready by late 2025.
  • Packages from 2 – 6 nights – With discounts for longer stays (The 2 and 3 night packages work out better than nightly rates).

Activities That Sell Themselves

Every stay includes a choice of incredible activities:

  • Boat Safari
  • Game Drive (morning or afternoon)
  • Fishing
  • Quadripoint Bridge Tour
  • Spa Treatment
  • Sundowner at Treetops


Guests can also upgrade to Enhanced Activities like photographic boat safaris, scenic flights, or even swap two included activities for a Victoria Falls excursion at no extra cost in some cases!

Dining Experiences Worth the Trip Alone

  • Riverside Restaurant – Live cooking stations, themed evenings, and Botswana’s first climate-controlled salad and dessert bars with Chobe River views.
  • Sedudu Outdoor Dining – Dinner under the stars, showcasing local flavours and traditions – a truly Botswana experience.
  • Cattle Post Steak House – Premium Botswana beef paired with a fantastic wine list.
  • High Tea at the Pavilion – Complimentary daily from 1hh30pm to 17h30pm.


More Than Just a Place to Sleep

  • Explorers Lounge – A treasure trove of Botswana history and travel stories.
  • Elephant Centre – Interactive displays celebrating Africa’s giants.
  • Bush Walk & Treetops Lookout – A guided nature trail ending in panoramic floodplain views.

Sustainability in Action

From freshly baked bread and pastries to pure, filtered water from their own bottling plant, Chobe Safari Lodge is reducing food miles and waste without compromising on quality.

Read more about how Chobe Safari Lodge is making a difference HERE.

Reasons to Book

  • All rates now include park fees and bed levy.
  • Multi-night packages offer better value than nightly rates – perfect for 2+ nights.
  • Secret Season ‘Pay 3, Stay 4’ special from Dec to Mar (excl. holiday season).


Chobe Safari Lodge has transformed into a true destination, not just a gateway to Chobe National Park. With upgraded rooms, more dining and activity choices, and an effortless booking process, it’s set to become one of Botswana’s must-stay properties.

Ready to experience the new Chobe Safari Lodge for yourself?
Secure your stay now and be among the first to enjoy the upgraded suites, expanded dining options, and unforgettable activities along the Chobe River. Whether it’s a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a luxury safari stopover, Chobe Safari Lodge is ready to welcome your guests with style.

Contact our team today to check availability and book your ideal package.
Email: info@thompsonsafrica.com
Tel: +27 31 275 3500

World Turtle Day: A Symbol of Purposeful Travel

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A baby loggerhead turtle crawling over rocky sand toward the ocean

Every year on May 23rd, World Turtle Day shines a spotlight on the plight of turtles and tortoises across the globe. This day, launched by the American Tortoise Rescue in 2000, is dedicated to raising awareness about these ancient creatures, their rapidly vanishing habitats, and the urgent need for conservation.

Southern Africa is home to several turtle species, including the endangered Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles, which nest along the pristine shores of KwaZulu-Natal. These majestic reptiles have traversed our oceans for over 100 million years, but today face unprecedented threats — from plastic pollution and coastal development to climate change and illegal trade.

Why World Turtle Day Matters

World Turtle Day isn’t just about turtles — it’s about protecting the delicate balance of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Turtles are keystone species: their survival affects everything from seagrass health to jellyfish populations. Their wellbeing is a mirror reflecting the overall health of our planet.

At Thompsons Africa, this aligns deeply with our ‘Travel with Purpose’ strategy. As custodians of unforgettable African experiences, we recognise our responsibility to protect the environment and wildlife that make this continent magical. We believe in travel that sustains, educates, and uplifts — and we actively support initiatives that preserve biodiversity and promote ethical wildlife tourism.

Our Commitment in Action

Whether it’s choosing eco-certified accommodation, promoting marine conservation tours, or guiding guests to tread gently in fragile habitats, we embed purpose in every itinerary. By raising awareness of endangered species like turtles, we invite our guests to become partners in protection, turning their journeys into opportunities for positive impact.

On this World Turtle Day, remember that every travel choice has a ripple effect. Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit not just stories, but thriving oceans, wild beaches, and turtles still gliding through them.

Our St Lucia Turtle Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent animals when they come onto the beach to lay their eggs (operates November to March annually).

Spend an evening with us searching for the enormous and extremely endangered Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles, when they come onto the beach to lay their eggs.  This unique and fascinating tour enters the reserve either in the afternoon or evening (depending on low tide). The tour departs from St Lucia and starts with a game drive through the Eastern Shores Game Reserve.  At Cape Vidal drive onto a pristine beach where the search for turtle begins, driving up the beach for 25 km to Leven Point.  From there is an opportunity to walk further up to the beach.  A light meal is served during the evening.  Once off the beach, game drive back to St Lucia using a spotlight searching for nocturnal animals.  Animals such as rhino, buffalo, leopard and many others may be seen.

Departs Daily on request from 16h30
Duration 6 – 7 Hours
(Operates Nov – Mar only)

YOUR EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Evening beach drive and walk
  • Leatherback and Loggerhead viewing
  • Evening game drive through Eastern Shores Game Reserve
  • Snacks and refreshments
Enquire

THOMPSONS AFRICA

20 The Boulevard
West End Business Park
Westville, KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa

Tel: +27 31 275 3500
Email: info@thompsonsafrica.com