Four Countries Photographic Safari

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge by Mantis | Impalila Island

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge Kennedy welcome

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.

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.

Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Restaurants

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.

Credit: Cabin Fever Cpt

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Credit: Cabin Fever Cpt

Property Facilities

Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Internet Access (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Vegetarian

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Safe, Shower

Available Services

Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours

Activities Nearby

Animal Encounters, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cultural Tours, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Helicopter Rides, River Cruises, Safaris, Wildlife Tours

Cycle Through the Heart of Impalila Island. Swap four wheels for two and explore the hidden gems of Impalila Island on a guided bicycle tour. Whether you’re up for an exhilarating 20 km adventure or a more leisurely 6 km scenic ride, this unique experience takes you beyond the river and into the heart of island life.

Pedal along winding dirt paths that lead you through ancient baobab forests, past local villages, and to one of the most remarkable geographical landmarks in the world – the only quadripoint, where four countries meet: Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the rich history and traditions of the island’s communities, offering a rare glimpse into daily life in this remote and beautiful corner of Africa.

Credit: Cabin Fever CPT

Situated in the heart of the Chobe region with access to river frontage of the Chobe National Park, we also offer water-based game drives by tender boat, allowing you to experience the enormous diversity and concentration of wildlife up even closer.

Game viewing on the Chobe River is at its most exceptional from March to November when the weather is drier and the animals are more mobile as they search for food and water. Summer and spring also offer unique opportunities though, as you watch the landscape burst into life after the first rains of the season. Catch sight of huge herds of elephant as they swim across the water, as well as buffalo, lion, crocodile, lechwe, puku, giraffe, zebra, sable, kudu and the occasional leopard as they gather to quench their thirst at watering holes. Besides animal life, you’ll also see a huge variety of birdlife and plant life as you listen to the sounds of a hippo grunting and breathe in the sweet smell of African grass.

The Chobe is known as a photographer's paradise and for good reason. The soft early morning light and the sunsets at dusk, combined with striking animal behaviour, make for dramatic and unusual photo opportunities. Before your game viewing excursion, remember to apply sunscreen and wear a hat, as temperatures can reach over 40 degrees centigrade. You should also bring along a jacket for the chillier temperatures in the early mornings and evenings.

Enjoy the ultimate in game viewing safari decadence as you sip on a drink and cruise along the river in one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.

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Credit: Cabin Fever Cpt

No trip to the Chobe is complete without trying your hand at a fishing safari where if you’re lucky, you may even catch a tiger fish. One of the greatest fighting fish in the world, the tiger fish is the most sought after prize of these waters and is known for its ferocious spirit. It's not all about tiger fish though. You may also hook one of the many bream species, African pike, tilapia, catfish or upper Zambezi yellowfish as you explore over 100 kms of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, as well as the winding Kasai Channel and thrilling Chobe and Mambova rapids.

We offer both conventional equipment as well as flyfishing equipment for our fishing safaris, because we know that the area is renowned worldwide for its flyfishing. We supply rods, flies, lures, lines, leaders and reels and all equipment is included in our rate.

Because of our unique location, we offer excellent fishing safaris all year round – from the annual floods starting in March to the feeding frenzies in the winter months. Our highly knowledgeable guides, the tackle and bait we supply as well as well stocked cooler boxes make fishing in Africa an experience to remember. Land an eight pounder or more and earn bragging rights for years to come, as you enjoy a fishing trip that's second to none.

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Credit: Cabin Fever Cpt

With over 450 species, a mix of terrains and a dramatic African backdrop, the Chobe River is the perfect setting for a highly rewarding birdwatching safari. Birding season starts in September, when the first migrants arrive, boosting the bird population sometimes by 20% compared to the winter months. From December through to March birdlife on the Chobe is extremely busy and the colourful breeding plumage on display is an extraordinary sight.

Experienced birders and even eager amateurs will delight in spotting distinct birds such as African skimmers, rock pratincoles and the African finfoot, either through their binoculars or with the naked eye. Having access to your own knowledgeable guide and tender boat lets you spend many hours on your birding safari also viewing cattle egrets, fish eagles, open-billed storks, lesser-striped swallows, pied kingfishers and the striking carmine bee-eater. The slow drift of the tender boat means that you won’t disturb the peaceful silence and can also get up close to the birds and observe their fascinating behaviour.

Sit patiently and absorb the beauty around you and soon you’ll be rewarded with a unique sighting that you’ll want to photograph. Because you’ll have access to the Chobe National Park and the Caprivi wetlands, you’ll get exposure to a wide variety of species you may have never seen before. The distinct sounds of the call of an African fish eagle mingling with the grunt of hippos will stay with you long after your Chobe River birdwatching safari is over.

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Credit: Cabin Fever Cpt

Uninterrupted access to wild animals. Absolute silence. Golden light. The Chobe River is an unforgettable photographic safari destination, and one of the wildlife photographers’ hotspots in Africa. To help you capture that perfect moment, our custom-designed photographic safari boats are available on request and cater for 6 clients in individual photographic seats. The boat contains custom-designed swivel chairs that give you greater stability and 360-degree views for a wider range of subject matter. Every seat is equipped with a mounting for resting SLR cameras of all types and you’ll get your own experienced safari guide who’ll help you find that perfect shot.

Bring your own photographic equipment as we don’t supply this - the optimal lens to bring is an 80 - 400mm zoom. Because this is a water-based safari, you'll be able to take unique shots in a safe environment, being able to view the animals in the Chobe National Park surrounded by that magical golden light Africa is renowned for. Tea and coffee will be offered in the morning during the winter months and soft drinks, local beers and wines will be served in the afternoon. Light snacks are also served during your excursion, providing you with a photographic experience that's also about pure comfort.

Departure times are early morning and late afternoon and the safari takes three hours. Please let us know at the time of booking your holiday if you’d like to use our customised photographic safari boat. Capture your stay with breathtaking photos of the unique African landscape and the wild animals that surround you.

Discover Subiya Culture on Impalila Island
Step into the rich traditions of the Subiya people with a guided village visit on Impalila Island, a unique opportunity to connect with a community deeply rooted in the Chobe region.

Guests are warmly welcomed into the village, where families proudly share their way of life, from ancestral farming practices to the symbolism of their traditional attire and beadwork. With advance notice given simply as a courtesy, villagers may choose to dress in their finest and express their heritage through song, dance, and storytelling - all expressions of pride.

Wander beneath ancient baobab trees, browse beautifully handcrafted curios, and learn how generations have lived in harmony with the river and land. It’s a respectful cultural encounter, led by the community, and offered in the spirit of sharing and celebration.

Credit: Francisco María Galeazzi

Credit: Andrew Morgan

Credit: Cabin Fever CPT

Your Stay

2 Nights

Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Fast Facts

3 Stars

Lodge

Spoken Languages: English

No. Rooms: 8

Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Fishing, Flora, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine

Your Stay

2 Nights

Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Stanley Safari Lodge | Victoria Falls (Zambia)

Set on a hill bordering the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and overlooking unspoilt bush, Stanley Safari Lodge is only 3km from the Victoria Falls. The views are splendid: the spray of the Falls in the distance, the mighty Zambezi river and on top of that yet another beautiful African sunset. From either our main garden, our infinity pool or from the privacy of your room, views are unmatched.

The open-sided Main House has been designed with space and views in mind and has a truly African feel. Enjoy sundowners in the African style lounge, a 3 course dinner in the dining room or spend some quiet time in the library or upper deck discovering the secrets of Africa.

Rooms
Facilities

The closed colonial Livingstone Suite with private plunge pool is built in a different style as the rest of the lodge. It is entirely closed, with doors and windows, has a covered terrace with plunge pool and a shower, bath, washbasin and toilet. This suite is available in double, twin, single or triple (extra bed) configuration. This suite has also a lounge with fire place.

The closed colonial Stanley family Suite with private plunge pool has the same style and feel as the Livingstone Suite. As it is a Family Suite, it has a smaller children’s bedroom with twin beds, shower, washbasin and toilet. The master bedroom has double or twin beds, double shower, bath, washbasin and toilet. The lounge which is between both rooms has a fire place, while the covered terrace has its plunge pool.