Namibian Safari Lodges : Ichingo Chobe River Lodge

LOCATION
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is situated on the eastern tip of the Caprivi where two major rivers (Chobe & Zambesi) and four countries (Namibia, Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe) meet, opposite the Botswana town of Kasane. The Lodge opened in 1993 as the first lodge on Impalila Island. The name Impalila means 'the end' and is due to the island being at the very end of the flood plain. The island is formed by two rivers meeting, with a natural channel cutting it off from the flood plain. The shape of the island is somewhat triangular and hence the name of the lodge 'Ichingo' which means spearhead.

ACTIVITIES
Fly-In, Safari Lodge, Wildlife, Game Drives, Safari, Walking /Hiking, Canoeing, Fishing, Photography, Birding, Permanent Tented Camp, Day Excursions

ATTRACTIONS
This is a true tented cap offering a real Africa experience. It is essentially a water lodge, where each party of visitors is allocated a guide with boat and undertake those activities which appeal to them. On offer are game-viewing, fishing, birdwatching, guided walks, etc. (All mentioned in detail in the Activities section below). This is an all year round Lodge with the game-viewing being best from August to November (when the rains start). The fishing is all year round with the bream fishing being best from early July through to November.

FACILITIES
The Lodge is owned and managed by Dawn & Ralph Oxenham and is a small personal lodge where all clients are made to feel at home and given direct attention from one of four excellent and experienced guides. The Camp uses large double Meru tents, with thatched en-suite bathrooms, each overlooking toe Chobe River rapids. The spacious lounge, bar and dining areas, all under thatch, are built out over the river and provide leisurely relaxation, with gourmet meals our speciality. Guided walks on the island offer an insight into traditional communal village life as well as an opportunity to enjoy the natural environment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The activities are varied and include:- Game-viewing by boat into the Chobe National Park, where huge herds of elephants come down to drink, together with an extensive array of other game such as buffalo, kudu, waterbuck, puku, lechwe, impala, baboons, etc. Fishing for Tigerfish and Bream in both the Chobe and Zambesi Rivers. There is access to over 100 kms of rivers providing excellent fishing in what is undoubtedly the premier Tiger fishing water in Africa. The Lodge is particularly renowned for the quality of its guides and their success in landing Tigerfish, especially when fly-fishing. Bird-watching is a year round pleasure with over 400 recorded species and a combination of water birds and good dry land birds on the island. It is an excellent place to see all the summer migrants from September through to March. Excursions by Mekoro (dugout canoe) into the small islands which exist in the Chobe River and form part of the rapid system. The experienced polers are also knowledgeable in all the various bird species to be found during the trip. White water canoeing in the rapids is an exhilirating experience. Guided walks on the island are very interesting as there is a varied ecology and the villages offer an insight into traditional African life. From the top of an ancient Baobab tree one can view the meeting place of the four countries. Day trips to the Victoria Falls are popular as the road journey is only one and a half hours. The spendour of these falls is well documented! Day trips can also be arranged into the Chobe National Park where a picnic lunch in the bush is always an experience.

CHILDREN POLICY
Toddlers (0 - 3 years) welcome
Children (4 - 12 years) welcome
Children over 12 welcome