Ichingo Chobe River Lodge
Chobe Delta, Namibia
Perched on the banks of the Chobe River, Ichingo Chobe River Lodge gives anglers direct access to one of Africa’s premier fisheries, where Tigerfish and a variety of bream species thrive. Between explosive strikes and powerful runs, you’ll fish untamed waters surrounded by hippos, elephants, and pristine wilderness that make every cast unforgettable.
Accommodation
Riverside Lodge
Season
June – September
Species
Tigerfish, Bream, Catfish, Yellowfish
Style
Spinning, Bait-casting, Fly-fishing
ACCESS TO OVER 100KM OF PRIME TIGERFISH WATER
Highlights:
- Vast Navigable Waters: From the Chobe to the Zambezi and the interconnected channels in between, anglers have access to over 100 km of prime water, ideal for both fly and spin fishing.
- The Lodge: Nestled on Impalila Island, this secluded, tented lodge offers an intimate riverside experience with top-tier hospitality and direct access to both the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers.
- Tigerfish: The area is famous for its tigers, especially during peak season, when the they aggressively strike lures/flies and provide adrenaline-pumping battles.
- Incredible Wildlife & Safaris: Beyond fishing, guests can enjoy unforgettable safari experiences with close-up views of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife along the riverbanks and in nearby Chobe National Park
6 DAY PACKAGE
$2,300 per angler
- Five nights accommodation at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge.
- All meals, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, local beer and wine
- Four days guided, fishing, game-viewing, & birding.
- Transfers to and from Kasane International Airport.
Fishing in the Chobe region, particularly at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, offers some of the most rewarding and varied freshwater angling experiences in Southern Africa. This area is renowned for its thriving populations of tigerfish. The river system spans over 100 kilometers of navigable water, with access to deep channels, sandbanks, backwaters, and floodplains—each offering different conditions and fish behavior depending on the season. While tigerfish are the main attraction, anglers can also target species like African pike, nembwe, thinface largemouth, and various species of catfish. Fly fishing, spinning, and trolling are all productive methods, with peak tigerfishing typically occurring from June to September when water clarity and baitfish activity align perfectly.
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is strategically located on Impalila Island at the meeting point of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, giving anglers unmatched access to this world-class fishery. The lodge specializes in personalized fishing safaris, offering experienced guides, custom-built aluminum fishing boats, and top-quality tackle for both fly and conventional anglers. What sets Ichingo apart is its flexibility—the guides tailor each outing to the guest’s preference, whether it’s targeting trophy tigerfish on the fly, casting spinners in the eddies, or exploring quieter backwaters for bream species.
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge, located on Namibia’s Impalila Island, offers a secluded and immersive safari experience along the Chobe River. The lodge features eight spacious Meru-style safari tents, each equipped with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and private balconies overlooking the river . The tents are spaced apart to ensure privacy and tranquility, allowing guests to relax to the sounds of the surrounding wilderness. The main lodge area includes an open-air lounge and dining space under a thatched roof, complemented by a swimming pool and bar area that provide panoramic views of the river.
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is situated on Impalila Island, at the eastern tip of Namibia’s Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip). This unique location lies at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, where Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe meet. The lodge is nestled within a lush riverine forest, offering a secluded and tranquil setting with direct access to some of Africa’s most biodiverse waterways.
How to get there:
The most convenient way to reach Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is by flying into Kasane International Airport (BBK) in Botswana, which is approximately 4 kilometers from the town of Kasane . From the airport, guests are transferred to the Kasane Immigration Office, located on the banks of the Chobe River. After clearing Botswana immigration, a short boat ride across the river takes guests to the Namibian side, where they complete Namibian border formalities before proceeding to the lodge. The lodge provides assistance with all transfers and border procedures to ensure a seamless journey.
Day 1 – Arrival
Arrive at Kasane International Airport and transfer by boat to Ichingo Chobe River Lodge. Check in, relax, and enjoy a welcome drink with optional short activity.
Day 2 – Fishing & Game Viewing
Morning and afternoon fishing on the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, with excellent game viewing opportunities from the boat throughout the day.
Day 3 – Fishing & Game Viewing
Full day of guided fishing, exploring different stretches of river and enjoying sightings of elephants, hippos, buffalo, and abundant birdlife.
Day 4 – Fishing & Game Viewing
Continue fishing in new areas with your private guide, with wildlife viewing woven into the river experience.
Day 5 – Fishing & Game Viewing
Final day of morning and afternoon fishing combined with river-based game viewing, taking in the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.
Day 6 – Departure
Breakfast at the lodge, followed by boat transfer back to Kasane Airport for your onward journey.
Rates per angler:
6 Days / 5 Nights = $2300.00 per angler (based on double occupancy)
*SADC resident = R26,400.00 per angler (based on double occupancy)
What’s Included:
- Accommodation
- All meals, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, local beer and wine
- Guided water-based game viewing and birding
- Guided water-based fishing (all fishing is strictly catch and release)
- Guided (non-professional) water-based photographic safari
- Guided cultural tour of a local village
- Guided walks on Impalila Island
- Road transfers to and from Kasane International Airport and Kasane Immigration Office located on the Botswana side of the Chobe River
- Boat transfers between Kasane Immigration Office and Namibia Immigration Office located on the Namibian side of the Chobe River
What’s Not Included:
- Air tickets & visas
- Premium alcoholic beverages (such as sparkling wine, spirits & dessert wines) and gratuities (discretionary)
- Additional transfers to/from Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia or any of the nearby Kasane lodges
- A land-based 4×4 game drive in Botswana’s Chobe National Park
- Fly-fishing gear
GALLERY
Frequently Asked Questions:
What makes Ichingo Chobe River Lodge unique for anglers?
Ichingo is located on Impalila Island at the meeting point of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, giving anglers quick access to multiple fishing environments. This location is world-renowned for Tigerfish, along with a variety of bream species that thrive in the channels and backwaters.
What fishing experiences can I expect at the lodge?
The lodge offers guided fishing excursions on customized fishing boats designed for the river system. Anglers can target Tigerfish using spinning, trolling, or fly fishing techniques, while also having the chance to pursue African Pike, Three-spot, Nembwe, and Thinface Bream in the quieter lagoons and reed-lined channels.
When is the best time to fish for Tigerfish at Ichingo?
Tigerfish fishing is productive throughout much of the year, but the peak season runs from June to October when the water levels drop and baitfish are concentrated. During this period, the fish are aggressive, making it the prime window for hooking into trophy Tigerfish that can exceed 20 pounds.
What kind of accommodation and amenities does the lodge provide?
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is a tented safari lodge offering large Meru-style tents with en-suite bathrooms, private decks overlooking the river, and a relaxed island atmosphere. Anglers enjoy hearty meals, a riverside bar, and the balance of wilderness immersion with modern comfort.
How do I get to Ichingo Chobe River Lodge?
Most visitors fly into Kasane International Airport in Botswana, which is just a short boat transfer away. The lodge arranges transfers, and being located at the crossroads of four countries—Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—makes it easy to combine a fishing trip with a safari in Chobe National Park or a visit to Victoria Falls.