Muchenje is a village in the Chobe District of northern Botswana, in the Chobe Enclave west of Chobe National Park. It is about 60 km from Kasane, mostly on tar road through the park, and the Ngoma Gate and the Namibia border at Ngoma are close by. The village has a Shell fuel station but no ATMs nearby, so draw cash first. Lorato Lodge and Camping is a green grass campsite in Muchenje, at $20 per person per night booked direct, and it is a separate business from the other Muchenje properties.
Key facts
- Where: Muchenje, Chobe District, Botswana. GPS -17.9498959, 24.6858888 (Lorato; plus code 3M2P+29 Muchenje).
- Kasane: about 60 km, mostly tar road through Chobe National Park. A lodge in the village quotes roughly 50 minutes from Kasane Airport (Expert Africa).
- Ngoma Gate: 6.8 km from Lorato (per Booking.com). Another Muchenje property gives 7.2 km in its own directions.
- Ngoma border: about 15 minutes by road from Lorato.
- Fuel and cash: Shell fuel station 1 km from Lorato. No ATMs nearby.
- Several businesses share the name: Lorato Lodge and Camping, Muchenje Campsite and Cottages, and Muchenje Safari Lodge are three separate businesses.
Where Muchenje is
Muchenje is in the Chobe District of northern Botswana. It is one of the villages of the Chobe Enclave, the strip of community land between Chobe National Park, the Chobe Forest Reserve and the Chobe River. Our Chobe Enclave guide covers the villages, the Basubiya culture and the community trust in more detail.
Muchenje sits at the Ngoma end of the Enclave. A landmark unveiled by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at the entrance to the Chobe Enclave is in Muchenje. Ngoma is the access gate on the park road, and the road that turns off after it leads to Mabele, Kavimba, Kachikau, Satau and Parakarungu.
Not Kavimba, not Gaborone. Some booking sites list Muchenje properties under Kavimba or Kasane. They are in Muchenje, Chobe District. Gaborone is the capital, far to the south, and has nothing to do with this village.
Getting to Muchenje from Ngoma and from Kasane
From the Ngoma border (Namibia)
After clearing the Botswana side of the Ngoma Bridge border post, Lorato is about 15 minutes by road. That is why many travellers stop here on the first night. Read the Ngoma border post guide for hours, fees and paperwork before you cross, and campsite near the Ngoma border for the arrival details.
From Kasane
Muchenje is about 60 km west of Kasane. The route runs from the park access gate on the Kasane side along the tar road through Chobe National Park to the Ngoma Gate, and then a short distance on to the village. Expert Africa, which describes a lodge in the village, quotes roughly 50 minutes from Kasane Airport, mostly on tarred road. We have not seen an official drive time for your own vehicle, so allow more if you stop for wildlife, and expect elephants on or near the road.
Because the road runs through the park, check the current park entry rules and fees with Botswana's park authorities before you go. We do not quote them here. Our Ngoma Gate day-drive guide covers the gate.
| From Muchenje to | Distance or time | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ngoma border post | About 15 minutes by road | Lorato |
| Ngoma Gate of Chobe National Park | 6.8 km (Lorato); 7.2 km (another Muchenje property) | Booking.com; TAB directions |
| Kasane | About 60 km, mostly tar road through the park | Lorato; Expert Africa |
| Shell fuel station | 1 km | Lorato |
What is in the village: fuel, cash and supplies
- Fuel: there is a Shell fuel station about 1 km from Lorato. Check opening hours and stock before you rely on it, and fill up in Kasane or Katima Mulilo if you are unsure.
- Cash: there are no ATMs nearby. Draw cash in Kasane or Katima Mulilo first. Pula is what you will need for most things on the Botswana side.
- Food and supplies: we could not verify the shops in the village from an official source, so check before you travel and do your main shopping in Kasane, where there is a supermarket. Lorato sells drinks only and does not serve food.
Our guide to taking meat and food into Botswana explains what you can carry across from Namibia, which matters if you shop in Katima Mulilo.
Places to stay in Muchenje
Three businesses with Muchenje in their name or address come up in searches. They are separate, and they suit different travellers.
| Place | What it is | Check before you book |
|---|---|---|
| Lorato Lodge and Camping | A camping area for about 40 people: 7 pitches with solar power points, 7 hire tents, drinks only | WhatsApp +267 7430 4407 or [email protected] |
| Muchenje Campsite and Cottages | A campsite with cottages. Its listing mentions a swimming pool and a sunset floodplain deck | Its own contact details, rates and what is included |
| Muchenje Safari Lodge (also written Muchenje Lodge) | A full-board safari lodge with chalets on an escarpment in the Chobe Forest Reserve | Its own rates, activities and age rules |
Muchenje Safari Lodge and Muchenje Lodge are one property: Expert Africa and Fleewinter use both names for the same lodge. Expert Africa describes it as a traditional, informal lodge with 11 chalets and one family chalet, on a full-board and activities basis. We do not quote its rates, because agents' figures differ.
Make sure you are booking the right place. Lorato Lodge and Camping is a separate business from the other Muchenje properties. Check the name, our WhatsApp number (+267 7430 4407) and our email ([email protected]) when you book, and if you are paying a deposit, check who is taking it.
If you are still weighing up where to camp around Chobe, see camping in Kasane and Kazungula compared and Chobe National Park campsites: inside or outside.
Lorato in Muchenje: what we are and are not
What we are: a camping area in Muchenje, Chobe District. It is a green grass campsite with 7 pitches, each with solar power points (we are off-grid), clean ablutions with hot water, and 7 hire tents sleeping 2 at $55 a night including the camping fee. Booking direct is $20 per person per night, children aged 0 to 12 pay half price, a pitch takes at most 6 people and 3 vehicles, check-in is at any time and check-out is by 11:00. Quiet hours are 22:00 to 07:00. We are open all year.
What we are not: we are not a lodge, we do not serve meals, and we are not on the river. We do not have an ATM. We are not Muchenje Campsite and Cottages or Muchenje Safari Lodge, and we are not part of either business.
Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and arrival time, or use the booking form on our home page. Our booking guide covers the deposit, payment and cancellation, and tent hire near Chobe covers the hire tents.
Day trips from Muchenje
- Ngoma Gate and the Chobe riverfront: the gate is under 10 km away. See a self-drive day on the Chobe riverfront.
- Chobe National Park: the Chobe riverfront is the main attraction, and Lorato is outside the park. Check park fees and booking rules with the authorities before you go.
- Savuti: a longer drive that needs planning, fuel and a booking. Read Kasane to Savuti before you set off.
- Victoria Falls: reached via the Kazungula border. See Chobe to Victoria Falls.
- Village walks, canoe trips and birding: Lorato refers travellers to local guides. See local guides and help planning your trip.
Planning the whole trip? Start at self-drive camping at Chobe.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Muchenje in Botswana?
Muchenje is a village in the Chobe District of northern Botswana, in the Chobe Enclave on the western side of Chobe National Park, close to the Ngoma Gate and the Namibia border at Ngoma.
How far is Muchenje from Kasane?
About 60 km, mostly on tar road through Chobe National Park. A lodge in the village quotes roughly 50 minutes from Kasane Airport. Allow extra time for wildlife on the road.
How far is Muchenje from the Ngoma border?
Lorato is about 15 minutes by road from the Ngoma border post on the Botswana side.
Is there fuel in Muchenje?
There is a Shell fuel station about 1 km from Lorato. Check its hours and stock, and fill up in Kasane or Katima Mulilo if you are not sure.
Are there ATMs in Muchenje?
There are no ATMs nearby. Draw cash in Kasane or Katima Mulilo before you arrive.
Where can I camp in Muchenje?
Lorato Lodge and Camping is a green grass campsite in Muchenje with 7 pitches and solar power points. Another business, Muchenje Campsite and Cottages, also lists camping in the village.
Are Muchenje Safari Lodge and Muchenje Lodge the same place?
Yes. Expert Africa and Fleewinter use both names for the same lodge, a full-board safari lodge in the Chobe Forest Reserve.
Is Lorato the same business as the other Muchenje properties?
No. Lorato Lodge and Camping is a separate business from Muchenje Campsite and Cottages and Muchenje Safari Lodge. Check the name, WhatsApp number (+267 7430 4407) and email ([email protected]) when you book.
How much is camping in Muchenje?
At Lorato it is $20 per person per night booked direct, children aged 0 to 12 pay half price, and a hire tent is $55 a night including the camping fee. We do not quote other properties' rates.
Is Muchenje in Kavimba or Gaborone?
No. Muchenje is in the Chobe District. Some booking sites list it under Kavimba or Kasane. Gaborone is the capital, far to the south.
More guides for your route
Sources
Checked 23 October 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you travel.
- Expert Africa: Muchenje Safari Lodge in detail (location, 50 minutes from Kasane Airport, chalets)
- Fleewinter: Muchenje Lodge (same property, western edge of Chobe National Park)
- TAB Travel guide: Muchenje Campsite and Cottages (directions, 60 km park road, 7.2 km from Ngoma Gate)
- Africa-Press: JICA landmark at the entrance of the Chobe Enclave in Muchenje
- Ecology and Society (2023): Chobe Enclave
- Booking.com: Lorato listing (distance to Ngoma Gate)