The Chobe River is a graceful river, slow flowing with extensive flood plains and backwaters giving excellent habitat to a range of bream species. Below the lodge however it break up through a set of islands and rapids which offer exceptional fly fishing waters for tigerfish.
The
Zambezi is one of the great rivers of Africa and is home
to one of the worlds greatest water game fish. These
tigerfish grow up to 20 pounds with 10 to 15 pounds being
a good fish. They are incredible fighters and attract
anglers from all around the world.
Where the Chobe and the Zambezi Rivers meet they form Impalila Island at the end of which countries (Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe) join together. The nearest town is Kasasne in Northern Botswana and the Victoria Falls are only some 80 kilometers downstream.
The luxury tented lodge is located on Impalila Island which lies at the confluence of the Zambezi River and the Chobe River. One river runs south of the island and the other to the north. Anglers have access to more than 100 miles of excellent fishing waters.
The
lodge can accommodate a maximum of fourteen people in
twin bedded large Meru tents, each with cupboards,
tables, electric lights, and its own private thatched en
suite bathroom. All tents overlook the river with their
own private balcony. The lodge is built overlooking the
river and consisting of a lounge and a bar with a
separate dining room, all under thatch and situated under
large shady trees.
The lodge offers a variety of activities: Game viewing by boat into the Chobe National Park where the huge herds of elephants come down to drink together with an extensive array of other game such as buffalo, kudu, waterbuck, puku, lechwe, impala, baboons. The evening trip, with quiet sundowners on the river surrounded by elephants is an unforgettable experience.
Fishing is in
what is undoubtedly the premier Tiger fishing water 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. Guests are allocated a guide and
boat for their stay are free to undertake those
activities which suit them personally.
Bird watching is a year round pleasure with over 400 recorded species and a combination of waterbrids and good dry land birds on the island. It is an excellent place to see all the summer migrants from September through to March.
Excursion
by Mekoro (dugout canoe) into the small islands which
exist in the Chobe River and form part of the rapid
system. The experienced pollers are also knowledgeable in
all the various bird species to be found during the trip.
White water canoeing in the rapids is an exhilarating
experience.
Guided walks on the island are very interesting as there is a varied ecology and the village 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.
Day trip to Victoria Falls are popular as the road journey is only one and half hours. The splendor of these falls is well documented!
The lodge collects its clients by boat from the northern Botswana town of Kasane for the short ride across the river to the island. Kasane is readily accessible by road from the south Africa, Zimbawe, and Namibia. Regular daily road transfers take place from the Victoria Falls airport or village to Kasane. Private charters regularly fly directly onto the island where there is an excellent 1400 meters all weather gravel airstrip.
2003 Rate
- American Plan accommodations and fishing: $200.00 per person per night, double occupancy.
- Single angler ad $30.00 per night.
- Children under 12 half price.
- Round trip ground transfer from Victoria Falls to Kasane: $100.00 per person
- Round trip charter flight from Victoria Falls to Kasane: $275.00, Max. 4 people
- Victoria Falls excursion: $150.00 per person
