Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a quiet retreat away from the buzz of safari activities, this new space at our lodge is a fascinating addition.
A Journey Through History
Step inside, and you feel like you've stumbled into a secret archive...
The Explorers Lounge isn't just a cosy corner to unwind. It's a thoughtfully curated space that reveals the history of travel and exploration in this part of Africa. Here, you can leaf through one of the country's largest collections of Botswana-related travel documents, maps, and memorabilia, all carefully displayed to spark curiosity and conversation.
There are curated and labelled shelves of books, each one revealing a different chapter of Botswana's story. For example, there are short profiles on Bessie Head, one of the country's most influential writers; David Livingstone, whose travels through the region opened it up to the wider Western world; and Seretse Khama, Botswana's first president. But perhaps the most powerful display is the one dedicated to the Three Chiefs — the early leaders who safeguarded Botswana's independence from colonial ambitions.
But it's more than a Library
What makes the Explorers Lounge stand out is its sense of purpose. This isn't simply about nostalgia; it's about enriching the minds of travellers by connecting them to Botswana's heritage.
Of course, the Explorers Lounge isn't just about national history. This space also tells the story of the lodge itself. You'll find fascinating display cases featuring artefacts from its early days, including memorabilia from when the Prince of the Netherlands visited, and the autobiography of the lodge's first owner.
Why does the Explorers Lounge matter?
This living project will evolve, with more exhibits added, and it is being treated as a breathing bridge between past and present.
After long days filled with game drives and boat trips, the lounge offers a slower, more reflective experience. Reading about the explorers and journeys of the past makes your own safari feel like you're part of an unfolding story, which all of our guests are!
It encourages one to see your own travels here as part of a much longer narrative — one that began with the first explorers, chiefs, and visionaries who shaped this country.
Guests can explore the collection at their own pace or dive deeper with the help of the lodge's passionate Guest Experience Memory Makers, who all receive ongoing training in the history of the lodge, but also bring their own unique Batswanan stories and experiences to the space, so guests can learn even more about the culture that isn't published in books...
There is so much to do at The Chobe Safari Lodge
The Explorers Lounge is just one part of the lodge's broader commitment to offering more than a safari. From the Elephant Centre (opening soon!) to the Bush Walk and Treetops Lookout, and even a spa for those in need of a bit of pampering, The Chobe Safari Lodge has woven together experiences that nourish the mind, body, and spirit.
Safaris are not only about what you see in the wild, but also about understanding the deeper context of the land you're standing on.