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Nestled on Impalila Island in Namibia, Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is a tented lodge surrounded by breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, birdlife and ideal fishing conditions.

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge features eight large air-conditioned Meru safari tents set on a secluded island beneath a riverine canopy on the banks of the Chobe River. Step out on to your own private balcony to listen to the rapids, relax on your sumptuous bed and then head to the dining room or bar for something delicious to eat or drink. Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is also perfect for families and welcomes children of all ages.

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge offers a 2 or 3 night itinerary which includes a variety of activities for you to experience during your stay. These include game viewing by boat along the banks of the Chobe National Park, an excursion through the beautiful Kasai Channel to see the mighty Zambezi River and a guided walk on Impalila Island to visit our famous ancient Baobab tree. Fishing for the legendary Tigerfish is also a great activity option.

Because of its unique geographic location, the game viewing and birdwatching in and around Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is second to none. Plus, you can get up close and personal with the wildlife as you glide towards them silently on the tender boats. The lodge’s location is particularly well known for its high quality fishing in over 100kms of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, where you can hook a tiger fish, bream and several other fresh water species.

The ultimate in comfort

Our large Meru safari tents at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge give you all the excitement of a safari adventure in Africa, coupled with the ultimate in comfort. Your large air-conditioned safari tent comes complete with a king-size bed, a dressing table, bedside lamps, chairs and an en-suite bathroom – everything you’d expect from a deluxe hotel. At the same time, because you’re in a tent you won’t lose that feeling of being in the thick of the African bush, as you listen to the sounds of the Chobe River flowing past you and the call of fish eagles in the distance.

Our safari tents are all air-conditioned, so you get welcome respite from the African heat which means you can truly relax and unwind. Our bathrooms have all been renovated with new floors, vanities, shower heads and taps so you don’t have to miss out on modern luxuries while you’re on safari.

Experience all the chobe has to offer

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge offers a variety of activities for you to experience during your stay which guests can select upon check-in. A vehicle based game drive in the Chobe National Park on the day of departure is also included in the itinerary.

Activities On Offer

Elephant Bay Guided Game Viewing is an evening tender boat activity into the Chobe National Park and Caprivi Wetland areas, to the aptly named Elephant Bay. This natural harbour is away from the very busy river sections and allows you to enjoy the magnificent Chobe Sunset with the possibility of watching elephants playing and swimming in the Chobe River.

Zambezi River Excursion is an absolute must. The Kasai Channel is a small, beautiful waterway that is filled with a huge variety of birds, the occasional hippo and wonderful views of the Caprivi floodplains. It meanders from the Chobe River, ending at the majestic Zambezi River which is an iconic African river.

Guided Fishing (catch and release basis) in over 100kms of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers for tiger fish, bream and several other fresh water species. The tiger fish is Africas great river sport fish and provides thrilling fun for those looking for an adrenaline surge. It is also a great excuse to spend a few hours peacefully on the waterways watching the birds, hippos and crocs at play. All fishing equipment (conventional and fly), bait and fishing licences are supplied.

Guided Walks on Impalila Island give you an insight into the life of local inhabitants, introduce you to the stark beauty of the area and amaze you with the enormity of the Baobab trees. The end point of the walk is to an ancient (over 2000 years old) Baobab tree which the more energetic can climb to see where Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe meet, and the great Chobe and Zambezi Rivers converge. You will then be driven by vehicle back to the lodge.

Guided Birding is a must for all enthusiasts as this region is home to over 400 species of birds (in the summer months) including some of those in the ‘lifer’ category. African Skimmers, Rock Pratincoles, African Finfoot, Pels Fishing Owl, African Pygmy Goose and Black Coucals being but a few. So grab your complimentary birding checklist and our incredibly knowledgeable guides will be happy to accompany you on a tender boat through the beautiful Kasai Channel, or on foot on through the lodge grounds and onto Impalila Island itself.

The Fishing

The legendary Tigerfish is well known for being one of the most thrilling challenges for any fly fisher. Renowned for their speed and strength, these ferocious predators never fail to put up a spectacular fight. But what exactly does it take to catch these powerful prey? We spoke to Jonathan Boulton from Mavungana Flyfishing, who shared some of the expert insights he’s learned over 25 years of fishing the waters of the great Chobe River region.

When is the best season for a Tigerfishing safari?

While it’s true that Tigerfish can be caught throughout the year, I’ve found that late May through September have the best conditions. The water is clear and starts to warm up just after winter. As water recedes back off the floodplains it causes baitfish to be drawn back into the main channel, providing the perfect hunting ground for Tigerfish.

Is there a preferred time of day to go Tigerfishing?

Absolutely. We call it the Golden Hour, just before and after sunset and sunrise. Tigerfish are opportunists and hunt using the element of surprise in low light. Tigerfish can hunt their prey far more effectively in the low light.

What else do you take into consideration before planning a trip?

At Mavungana Flyfishing, we only book trips during a new moon. Tigerfish struggle to hunt in complete darkness, so when there’s no light from the moon they’re less likely to catch any prey. In the morning when the sun starts to rise, they’re ravenous and readily attack anything that looks like prey.

Where are some of the best places to go Tigerfishing in the Chobe River region?

It depends on the season, but there are a few hot spots I’ve discovered over the years. In May and June, when the water levels are high, the main Zambezi is a very active area for Tigerfish. I often head upstream for Golden Pond and Jojo’s Village. Alternatively, in August, the water levels in the Kasai Channel get very low, and the mini Barbel run begins. Barbel hunt in packs and prey on baitfish hiding beneath the papyrus reeds. The Tigerfish take the opportunity to follow the run and feast on all the leftovers in the Barbels’ wake. At the same time, water levels just south of Impalila Island can be very low, and Tigerfish can concentrate around rapids south of Ichingo Chobe River Lodge where the Kasai and Chobe Rivers meet.

What equipment do you recommend for the best catch? Any particular tips?

I feel that fly fishing is far more effective than conventional heavy fishing gear. A fly is much lighter and moves more naturally in the water. In fact, I’ve found that fishing with a fly is three times more successful than a conventional line.

I recommend you use the following equipment which is available from Mavungana Flyfishing’s online shop or any other reputable fly fishing supplier:

• 8 or 9 quality fast-action rods with matching reels
• Tropically rated DI7 or shooting head fly line
• 20lb to 25lb straight mono leader
• Thin piano wire trace material
• An assortment of Mavungana custom-tied Tiger clousers and bait fish flies

What kind of boats do you use?

You want a lot of deck space to move around freely when you hook the Tigerfish. Ichingo Chobe River Lodge‘s boats have space for two anglers on each boat, and plenty of storage room to keep your gear and other belongings out of the way.

Is there anything special that guests should bring?

It can get quite cold on the boat, especially in the morning and after sunset. Wear a warm fleece, long pants and a woollen hat with lighter clothes underneath for when the day gets hotter. Don’t forget sunscreen, a sunhat and comfortable shoes. Most importantly, you’ll need a good pair of polarised sunglasses. They don’t just protect your eyes from the sun, but also from any sharp hooks that might swing your way. We also recommend clear safety glasses for after dark, and a finger minder/lappie to keep the line from the vicious pull of the tigerfish.

Lastly, what’s one of the most amazing things you’ve seen on your Tigerfishing expeditions?

What always impresses me is just how savage these fish are. I once landed a Tigerfish that was cut clean in half by one of its own kind driven into a feeding frenzy. They’re not known as the most voracious freshwater fish for nothing.

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is located on secluded Impalila Island, making it the perfect base to launch your unforgettable Tigerfishing adventure. All rods, flies, lures, lines, leaders, reels and other fishing equipment are included with every fishing safari package. Stay in one of eight air-conditioned Meru safari tents, dine on world-class African-inspired cuisine, and spot a myriad wildlife and birds on the river banks from your private deck.

Combination Tours

Staying with the Zambezi Queen Collection will be the highlight of your trip to Africa, whether you stay on one of our four houseboats or at our tented Ichingo Chobe River Lodge.

But even then, the call to experience more of Africa is simply too strong for some. If you’re an adventurer at heart, you can easily combine a stay with the Zambezi Queen Collection with a visit to nearby Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Our suggested combination package includes a stay at the award-winning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge which offers guests an unforgettable experience. The sunset-facing lodge has endless views of African bush stretching to the horizon, including a waterhole frequented by elephant, buffalo, kudu and other wildlife, as well as a rich variety of birds.

Accommodation 

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has three different room types to choose from – the Lodge Standard Room, the Lodge Waterhole Facing Room and the Lodge Waterhole Facing Suites. All rooms are spacious and light, with glass sliding doors opening on to private balconies with unrivalled views of the bushveld at sunset.

Activities

Experience the Big 5 up close on a morning or afternoon game drive, or alternatively join a night drive where you can see some elusive nocturnal animals before returning for dinner. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is located only 4 kilometres from the town of Victoria Falls, a quick complimentary road transfer allows you to browse the bustling town and then set off on an activity of your choice. Enjoy white water rafting on the Zambezi River – or a more sedate sundowner cruise – or get close to nature with a Victoria Falls rainforest tour. The choice is yours.

Whether you’re on a romantic honeymoon, a family break or an adventure getaway, a combination stay allows you to experience everything this vibrant part of Africa has to offer.

A stay with the Zambezi Queen Collection of properties includes:

• Accommodation
• All meals
• All soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, local beer and wine throughout your stay
• Water-based game viewing and bird watching on tender boats
• A land-based cultural tour of a local village
• A land-based game drive in the Chobe National Park on your day of departure (time permitting)
• Tiger and bream fishing in season (tiger fishing is strictly catch and release)
• Road transfers to and from Kasane Airport and Kasane Immigration Office located on the Botswana side of the Chobe river
• Boat transfers between Kasane Immigration Office in Botswana and Namibia Immigration Office
• 15% VAT and 1% Tourism Levy

A stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge includes:

• Accommodation
• Breakfast daily
• Complimentary shuttle service to Victoria Falls town and rainforest
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• 15% VAT and 2% Government Levy

Other Activities

ZIMBABWE BIG 5

No visit to Southern Africa is complete without experiencing its abundant wildlife, which differs from region to region. Within this part of Africa, Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park are two areas not to be missed.

Hwange Bush Camp

A stay at Hwange Bush Camp will allow you to come in close contact with the Big 5 (Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard) in their natural habitat. The camp’s highly knowledgeable and experienced rangers add another dimension to your experience, and you’ll learn an incredible amount about these animals during guided activities.

Accommodation and Main Area

Nestled under a canopy of trees, Hwange Bush Camp offers authentic accommodation in spacious and tastefully decorated twin bedded Meru tents, each with private en-suite facilities including flush toilets and a bush shower with hot water being made available on request. The shady lounge and dining area which is the focal point of the camp is tastefully decorated with rustic hints of old world colonial charm.

Dining

The camp’s kitchen is dedicated to preparing a delicious dining experience, all cooked on a wood burning stove. From fresh breads and incredible main dishes through to delicate filo parcels and chocolate eclair desserts. With advance notification, their qualified chefs are happy to cater to guests dietary requirements.

Activities 

Experience the Big 5 up close on a morning or afternoon game drive, or alternatively on a guided walk before returning to camp where a three-course dinner awaits. End your day sharing stories around the campfire and enjoy some unforgettable stargazing under a vast African sky.

A stay at Hwange Bush Camp ties in perfectly with a stay on board one of the Chobe Princess houseboats or Ichingo Chobe River Lodge within the Zambezi Queen Collection.

A stay with the Zambezi Queen Collection of properties includes:

• Accommodation
• All meals
• All soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, local beer and wine throughout your stay
• Water-based game viewing and bird watching on tender boats
• A land-based cultural tour of a local village
• A land-based game drive in the Chobe National Park on your day of departure (time permitting)
• Tiger and bream fishing in season (tiger fishing is strictly catch and release)
• Road transfers to and from Kasane Airport and Kasane Immigration Office located on the Botswana side of the Chobe river
• Boat transfers between Kasane Immigration Office in Botswana and Namibia Immigration Office
• 15% VAT and 1% Tourism Levy

A stay at Hwange Bush Camp includes:

• Accommodation
• All meals
• All soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, local beer and wine throughout your stay
• Guided game drives and walks
• Laundry
• Emergency medical evacuation
• 15% VAT

SEASON

LOW SEASON: December - Februar

HIGH SEASON: March - November

RATES

Rates are per person sharing. Departs for 2 nights or for a 3 night stay 

LOW SEASON: December to Februar 

aprox. USD 324 per person per night (sharing)

HIGH SEASON: March to November

aprox. USD 350 per person per night (sharing)

A choice of activities at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge are included in the rate, as well as a vehicle-based game drive in the Chobe National Park on the day of departure. The activities on offer can be viewed here which guests can select upon check-in.

Our rates vary throughout the 2019 season, so please take this into consideration when planning your stay.

For further information regarding our rates, itineraries, child policy, activities, payment information and other important details, please select your applicable travel date below.

Rates are per person sharing per night on a double occupancy basis

A Community Development Levy (aprox. USD 6.70 per person per night) applies to all reservations. This is excluded from the rates and will reflect as a separate line item on your invoice. The funds collected will supplement our community projects and initiatives run by the Zambezi Queen Collection to assist with education, health care, sanitation and basic community services.

A minimum 2 night stay is required. An exception to this is a 1 night stay in combination with a Chobe Princess or Zambezi Queen houseboat

Single supplement is an additional 30% on the per person sharing rate

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge reserves the right to limit the number of single room rates per trip

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge reserves the right to amend the published rates without notice

Available dates are subject to change at management discretion

Included

• Accommodation
• All meals
• All soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, and local beer & wine throughout your stay
• Water-based game viewing and bird watching on tender boats
• A land-based cultural tour of a local village
• Tiger & bream fishing in season (tiger fishing is strictly catch and release)
• A vehicle based game drive in the Chobe National Park on the day of departure (minimum 2 night stay)
• All fishing equipment (conventional and fly), fuel, bait and fishing licences
• Road transfers to and from Kasane Airport and Kasane Immigration Office located on the Botswana side of the Chobe river
• Boat transfers between Kasane Immigration Office in Botswana and Namibia Immigration Office*
• 15% Namibian VAT
• 1% Namibian Tourism Levy

Not Included

• Air tickets are excluded from the rate but can be booked through our in-house travel agent
• Shared or private transfers from Victoria Falls International Airport, Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, formerly Livingstone Airport, and Katima Mulilo Airport can be arranged at an additional cost
• Premium beverages (spirits, sparkling wine and dessert wine)
• Visa costs, gratuities and curio shop purchases
• Travel insurance is a requirement for all guests staying at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge and must be purchased prior to travel
• Evacuation cover 

SPECIAL OFFER FOR FFTC MEMBERS

 5 % discount

Transfer Details

Weather, Seasons & Time Zones

The Time Zone is GMT / UTC +2.

There is no best or worst time to visit the Chobe area, because every month offers visitors something special. However, if you’re looking for a pure wildlife experience, the drier winter months from May to October see greater concentrations of game along the banks of the Chobe River. The summer months from November to April see the birdlife explode with the addition of the summer migrants to the area. If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you’ll be excited to know that we have excellent fishing through the summer and winter – it’s just that the techniques we use change.

How To Get There

The properties that make up the Zambezi Queen Collection are based on the Namibian side of the Chobe River. Here’s information on how to reach them:

By Car:

If you’re on a self-drive safari, secure parking can be arranged for your vehicles next to the Kasane Immigration Office. The GPS co-ordinates are S 17° 48′ 12.618” / E 25° 8′ 54.44”. Please advise at time of booking whether you require secure parking.

By Air:

There are four main access points by air:

• Kasane International Airport, Botswana (BBK) is about 15 minutes drive/transfer from Kasane Immigration Office
• Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe (VFA) is about 1 ½ hours drive/transfer from Kasane Immigration Office
• Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, formerly Livingstone Airport, Zambia (LVI) is about 2 hours drive/transfer from Kasane Immigration Office
• Katima Mulilo Airport, Namibia (MPA) is about 2 ½ hours drive/transfer from Kasane Immigration Office
• Flights depart daily from South Africa to Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe and weekly from Namibia. Flight costs are excluded from the rate but can be booked through our in-house travel agent.

Transfers

Road transfers to and from Kasane International Airport as well as to and from the Kasane Immigration Office are included in our rate. You can also choose shared or private road transfers at an additional cost from Victoria Falls International Airport, Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, formerly Livingstone Airport, and Katima Mulilo Airport.

Arrival & Departure Procedure

• On arrival, your first priority is to make sure you get your passport stamped at the airport
• You’ll then be met by a representative at the airport who will help with your luggage and transfer you to the Kasane Immigration Office (KIO) in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Once you arrive at KIO, a Zambezi Queen Collection staff member will meet you and help with your luggage as well as formalities at passport control as you exit Botswana
• A Zambezi Queen Collection staff member will then transfer you by motorised boat to the Namibian Immigration Office, where you’ll get your passport stamped. Please wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen as there is a short walk to the immigration office
• Both Kasane and Namibian immigration offices open at 07h30 and close at 16h30 daily
• When arriving at the Kasane and Namibian Immigration Offices guests needs to fill in the required immigration forms to gain access and departure permission from the relevant authorities. This process can take between 45 to 60 minutes to complete and needs to be considered in terms of timing and pre-planning when coming to stay on one of the houseboats or at the lodge.
• Should you know beforehand that you will arrive at KIO before 13h00 on the day of your arrival, please notify our reservations office 48 hours before you arrive
• Collection is from 13h00 on day of arrival
• Drop off is from 9h30 on day of departure
• Arrival & Departure Times
• Check-in is between 13h00 and 16h00
• Kasane Immigration Office closes at 16h30 and guests are advised to arrive no later than 16h00
• Guests arriving before 13h00 on day of arrival can make use of the facilities at our nearby lounge in Kasane until check-in at 13h00
• Check-out is from 09h30 on day of departure to ensure guests get to the Kasane Immigration Office by 10h00
• Kasane Immigration Office opens at 07h30
• Guests departing after 10h30 can make use of the facilities at our nearby lounge in Kasane

We help you to plan your trip - just contact us! We appreciate to help you to make your dreams about a real adventure trip to Africa comes true.