Game viewing on the Chobe River is most exceptional from March to November when the weather is drier and the animals are more mobile as they search for food and water. Winter offers particularly dramatic sightings, while the spring and autumn shoulder seasons also provide excellent game-viewing opportunities. Summer brings the rains, transforming the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of life with unique wildlife and birdwatching experiences.

Each day, you’ll venture out by tender boat to observe large herds of elephants, buffalo, lions, crocodiles, zebras, and more, all drawn to the water. Our guides maintain a respectful distance, monitoring animal behaviour and repositioning the boat as needed to avoid intruding on their space. You'll also encounter a vast array of birdlife and plant life.

No trip to the Chobe is complete without trying your hand at fishing. As our guest, you'll have the chance to experience some of the best fishing Africa offers.

Fishing on the Chobe River is not just about the catch; it's about the adventure. Hooking a Tiger fish, one of Africa's most sought-after species, is an experience that anglers dream of. Known for their strength and speed, Tiger fish provide an exciting challenge that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
On the Zambezi Queen and Chobe Princess, a limited number of guests can go fishing each morning, ensuring a peaceful and exclusive experience. At Ichingo, you benefit from having your own guide and boat, allowing you to choose how long you spend on the water fishing, making it a truly personalised adventure.

Our fishing safaris are conducted on a catch-and-release basis to ensure the sustainability of the fish populations. Our knowledgeable guides are dedicated to safely and effectively returning the fish to the water, allowing them to live for years to come.

Our rates include all the conventional fishing gear you’ll need, such as rods, lures, lines and reels. For fly fishing, we recommend bringing your gear, as personal preferences can vary greatly, and we do not provide fly fishing equipment. This ensures you have a tailored experience that is suited to your needs.

With over 450 species, diverse terrains and a stunning African backdrop, the Chobe River offers the perfect setting for a highly rewarding bird-watching safari. The birding season begins in September when the arrival of migratory birds boosts the population by up to 20% compared to the winter months.

The prime time for birding is early morning before breakfast, as various species leave their roosts and venture into the National Park to begin their day. Whether you’re a guest on the Zambezi Queen or one of the three Chobe Princesses, you'll have access to a knowledgeable guide and tender boat, ensuring a rewarding birding experience.

At the tented Ichingo Chobe River Lodge, you benefit from your own dedicated guide and boat, allowing you to explore the vast network of back channels and the Kasai Channel at your own pace, sitting quietly and observing as long as you wish.

Throughout your birding safari, you'll spot a wide array of birds, such as African skimmers, rock pratincoles, African finfoots, cattle egrets, fish eagles, open-billed storks, lesser-striped swallows, pied kingfishers and the striking Southern carmine bee-eater.

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.

Travel by tender boat to a local Namibian village on the floodplains of the East Caprivi. Meet the elders and locals of the Subiya tribe and gain a deeper understanding of life in this 100-year-old village. Learn about their daily challenges, farming practices and traditions.

At the end of the tour, enjoy a vibrant display of traditional dancing and singing, and join in the fun if you wish!

Pick up a woven basket, beaded jewellery, or a carved wooden animal as a memento from your trip. Sales of these crafts empower the village inhabitants by providing them with a source of income.
If you wish to bring gifts for the village children, consider school stationery, books or clothing – these items are always highly appreciated.