Our Location

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is based on Impalila Island which lies at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers.  Technically in Namibia, the unique geograhic location means that the lodge is able to take full advantage of all that the Chobe area has to offer, with the added benefits of being on the Namibian side of the river.  The Ichobezi Safariboats operate on the Chobe River itself, but again are actually in Namibian waters, however we are always overlooking the Chobe National Park.

Geography

Impalila Island is the most Eastern tip of the Caprivi Strip which is the narrow strip of Namiba that lies between the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers.  This means that we are ideally placed to access Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and even Zimbabwe.

The nearest town is Kasane in Northern Botswana which is just across the Chobe River.  A 100km downstream is the mighty Victoria Falls which can be reached by road in 90 minutes to either Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The graceful Chobe River divides Namibia and Botswana and is characterised by abundant wildlife both within the river itself and on its banks. On the Botswana side of the Chobe River is the famous Chobe National Park, teeming with game that come down to drink at the waters edge. In this area guests can expect to see elephant, hippo, crocodile, buffalo, giraffe and numerous antelope.

On the other side of Impalila Island is the Zambezi River, which divides Zambia and Namibia.  This world famous river marks the start of 'real' Africa and is the lifeblood of both wildlife and local people living on its edge.  The territory here is characterised by faster flowing water and grassy vegetation and is home to some of the best Tiger fishing in the region.

Before these two giant rivers meet, and marking the start of Impalila Island, is the connecting Kasai Channel. Lush vegetation and tranquil, winding waters provide some of the most remarkable birding environments in the area.  It is also an immensely sought after fishing channel and fly fishing in these waters must be one of the most tranquil experiences.

Access

The most direct route to us is on the commercial Air Botswana flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana.  Just over two hours, it is a very easy, comfortable journey and we can arrange for clients to be collected from the airport and taken to Kasane Immigration on the banks of the Chobe River.

Alternatively, you can fly from Johannesburg to Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.  Again we easily arrange a 90 minute road transfer from these centres to the Kasane Immigration.

Once at Kasane Immigration, all clients will be met by our staff, assisted to exit out of Botswana and then taken by tender boat for the short trip across the Chobe River to Impalila Island where they will enter into Namibia at our local immigration office. Please be aware that these border crossings are a legal requirement but are very quick and easy and will only take about 30 minutes in total from collection to checking into the Ichobezi River Lodges.  Please also note that the walk to the immigration office on Impalila Island is up a dirt track so we advise clients to wear appropriate footwear. Once the customs formalities are over, our guides will then take you by tender boat to either Ichingo Chobe River Lodge or the Ichobezi Safariboats.

Impalila Island also has its own well-maintained gravel airstrip so private charters are able to land directly on the island.  The co-ordinates of the airstrip on Impalila Island are S17° 46` 48`` E025° 11` 23``. The reference is FBKE (Kasane 031 3.6nm).