Ichingo Chobe River Lodge by Mantis

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge sits on Impalila Island in Namibia's Zambezi Region, at the point where the Chobe and Zambezi rivers meet. Eight large Meru safari tents are set along the Chobe bank under the shade of tall riparian trees, each air-conditioned and fitted with a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, and a private balcony facing the water. One family tent adjoins a standard tent, giving children their own sleeping space while keeping them within arm's reach.

The lodge runs water-based game drives by tender boat — quiet enough to draw close to elephant and buffalo moving along the Chobe shoreline without disturbing them. Game viewing is strongest from March to November. The Chobe holds over four hundred and fifty bird species; migrants arrive from September and push the count higher through the wet season into March.

Fishing is central to what brings people here. More than one hundred kilometres of river hold tiger fish, bream, and other freshwater species. Catch-and-release is available alongside conventional fishing. Photographic safaris go out on custom-built boats with individual swivel seats, designed to give six passengers unobstructed angles on approaching animals.

On land, a guided bicycle tour covers either six or twenty kilometres of Impalila Island, and a guided village visit introduces guests to the Subiya community — their farming practices, traditions, and the daily life of the island.

The open-air thatched bar and dining area overlooks the river, with a pool alongside. A complimentary airport shuttle connects guests on arrival.