Where the Chobe and Zambesi Rivers meet they form Impalila Island at the endof which four countries (Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe) jointogether. ICHINGO is on this island overlooking the Chobe River. The nearesttown is Kasane in Northern Botswana and the Victoria Falls are only some 80kilometers downstream..

ICHINGO is a luxury tented lodge accommodating a maximum of fourteen peoplein twin bedded large Meru tents, each with cupboards, tables, electriclights etc, its own private thatched en suite bathroom and balcony. Alltents overlook the river with the main lodge buildings being built over theriver and consisting of a lounge and bar with a separate dining room, allunder thatch and situated under large shady trees.

The Lodge offers a variety of activities.

Game viewing by boat into the Chobe National Park where huge herds ofelephants come down to drink together with an extensive array of other gamesuch as buffalo, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck, puku, lechwe, impala, baboons,etc. The evening boat trip, with quiet sundowners on the river surroundedby elephants is an unforgetable experience.

Bird watching is a year round pleasure with over 400 recorded species and acombination of waterbirds and good dry land birds on the island. It is anexcellent place to see all the summer migrants from September through toMarch.

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. This is subject to river conditions.

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.

However, fishing for Tigerfish and Bream in both the Chobe and Zambesi Riversis our real speciality. There is access to over 150 kilometres of rivers providing excellent fishing in what is undoubtedly the premier Tiger fishingwater in Africa. The Lodge is particularly renown for the quality of its guides and their success in landing Tigerfish, especially when fly-fishing.High quality tackle is available for guest use. We only use custom built glass fibre boats with 75hp motors to ensure access to all the available waters.

These waters encompass the slow flowing Chobe River with good bream and Barbel fishing. The back waters of the flood plains and the Kasai Chanel,which joins the Zamvbesi and Chobe rivers. Here we get six varieties of bream , African Pike and Tigerfish. The main Tigerfish areas are the ChobeRive , below the rapids in front of the Lodge and in the whole Zambesi ,above and below the rapids.

Best fly fishing time is when the water is clear and warm. This coincides with low water from August through to early November when the rains start.We do have a short mid-winter spell when the water comes off the floodplains as the water levels drop and relatively warm water flows back into the main streams. This is early to mid June, exact time dependant upon the height and duration of our floods.

Day trips to the Victoria Falls are popular as the road journey is only oneand a half hours. The splendour of these falls is well documented!

All activities are personalised and included in the base rate. Exceptions wouldbe day trips to the Falls which are undertaken by independent operators.

The Lodge collects its clients by boat from the Kasane immigration officefor the short ride across the river to the island.

Kasane is readily accessible from both South Africa as there are daily commercial flights with Air Botswana from Johannesburg to Kasane. Private charters regularlyfly directly onto the Island where there is an excellent 1400 metre all weather gravel airstrip. There are also daily commercial flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls from where we can organise a road transfer to Kasane. Journey time is 90 minutes for the 70 mile journey and cost is £20-£25 per person each way. There is also the option of air charter from Victoria Falls directly onto the island. Cost is £160.00 per five seater plane each way.

The lodge rates are £160 per person per night that is full board with house wines , beer and soft drinks. Based on a duration of more than 3 days.

ICHINGO CHOBE RIVER LODGE is a secluded and private lodge, managed by Ralph Oxenham and his wifewho are also the owners, offering the ideal venue to get away from it all, for families, couples or small groups who wish toexperience Africa at its finest and enjoy all that it has to offer.