Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is located on the south bank of the Impalila Island. The island is nestled on the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. Impalila Island forms the eastern most point of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, and therefore forms part of Namibia.

Flood plains at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge

Access to Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is best achieved via Kasane in Botswana. A short boat trip from the Kasane Immigration brings guests to the lodge. Kasane is accessed by means of a direct flight from Johannesburg, or by means of road and/or boat transfers from either Livingstone Airport in Zambia or Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe. The many camps of the Okavango Delta are also easily accessed from Kasane Airport, so can easily be added into your itinerary. The Victoria Falls is on 80 km downstream from Ichingo, and should definitely be included in your itinerary either before or after your stay at Ichingo.

Entrance to Ichingo Chobe River Lodge

The lodge itself was built about 15 years ago, and has proven to be a unique and beautiful base from which to explore the Chobe region. In addition to Ichingo Chobe River Lodge, the owners decided to enhance the guests Chobe safari experience even more by adding to the product two luxury houseboats (or safari boats), known as the Ichobezi Luxury Safari Boats. These boats provide guests the opportunity to explore the waters of this wilderness area from a completely new angle and together with Ichingo Chobe River Lodge, the two options make for an unforgettable Chobe experience.

Although the Ichingo Lodge and Ichobezi Safariboats can be booked in any order or combination, what has proven a very rewarding combination of the two, is to spend 1 night at Ichingo, and then embark on a 2 night Ichobezi Safari boat experience. This gives guests a great all round experience

The Ichingo Chobe River Lodge Experience

The lodge is owner-managed and therefore a high level of service and attention to detail is ensured. The accommodation at Ichingo is made up of en suite Meru safari tents, each positioned in a such a way to allow for maximum privacy and of each also having its own viewing decks that look out onto the Chobe river and surrounding green vegetation.

The main area of the lodge is geared to allow guests to relax and soak up the atmosphere. A lounge under thatch with comfortable couches, books and a table makes for a quiet retreat. The fully stocked bar and dining room area are also under thatch although open air and command of big green trees that characterize the riverine vegetation and of course the waters of the Chobe.

Tent interior at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge
Swimming pool at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge

Part of the Ichingo Experience is great cuisine, varying from fish to chicken or beef, although special dietry requirements are catered for, if the lodge is aware of your special needs 2 weeks before your arrival. A typical Southern African pastime of a braai (barbeque) is also sure to be on the culinary agenda!

The Ichingo Chobe River Lodge Safari Experience

The Chobe National Park (on the Botswana bank) is home to an abundance of African wildlife including species such as elephant, buffalo, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, and of course a healthy predator population including among others, lion and leopard. During the winter (dry) months (May to September) large herds of elephant and buffalo visit the banks of the Chobe River and make for breath taking African scenes. Included in the nightly rate, guests have the opportunity to enjoy guided activities including game viewing by boat, fishing, guided walks on the Impalila Island and birding. Guided game drives into the Chobe National Park (in Botswana) can also be arranged, but this is at an additional cost.

Crocodile, Chobe River
Fly fishing at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge

Ichingo is an ideal place to experience some top quality fishing. Species including tiger fish & bream make up the more commonly caught fish. A strict catch & release policy is upheld in the interest of conservation. For the more experienced fishermen, fly fishing is also offered in the area. The guides employed at the lodge have apart from good wildlife knowledge, a keen interest and level of competence in fishing, so guests can be assured of a great experience alround.

How the Community Benefits

Guests at Ichingo have the opportunity to make a voluntary donation of N$40 (which equates to approx. U$ 5), which is used in projects involving the local Khuta Tribal Community. Sponsorship is directed in different directions. Some has assisted in sports teams, school choirs, annual football & netball leagues, other sponsorship goes toward supplying running water & electricity to nearby villages. The lodge also makes the effort of supporting the local economy by purchasing fresh produce whenever possible from the local villages. Over the years, the involvement of guests in this and other donations, has resulted in a general and continual upliftment of the local population, and proves to be a rewarding experience for visitors to Ichingo Chobe River Lodge.

Rates for Ichingo Chobe River Lodge

* The rates are quoted in South African Rands (ZAR). Please see our currency convertor to view other rates of exchange

Jan - Mar 2017
U$ 226 per person per night sharing
U$ 294 single room supplement per night
U$ 113 per child under 12 yrs sharing with adults

Apr - Dec 2017
U$ 320 per person per night sharing
U$ 415 single room supplement per night
U$ 160 per child under 12 yrs sharing with adults

Rates Include
Full board Accommodation
All house wines and beers, soft drinks and water
All activities (including game viewing by boat, fishing, birding & guided walks).
All equipment hire (including fishing rods, lures, boats etc)
Dedicated guides and tender boats for each group
All water based transfers between Kasane river border post (immigration) and any of the Ichobezi River
Lodges, return
All fuel
All park fees, fishing licenses and tourism levies

Rates Exclude
Premium brand drinks
Visas if required
Voluntary Community Development Levy (R40 per person, per stay)
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