Tiger Fishing, Ichingo Chobe River Lodge, Chobe, Botswana

Situated at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers, Ichingo Lodge offers the discerning fisherman superb facilities boats and guides to ensure that you catch the fish of your dreams!

Stone lined sandy pathways lead to the eight well-appointed Meru-style safari tents with private balconies and en-suite facilities that include a large walk-in shower, vanity basin and flush WC. The tents are privately set and shaded by jackal berry trees with canvas walls incorporating gauze windows. Step out to your own private balcony to listen to the rapids, relax on your sumptuous bed and then head to the dining room or bar to share stories with others or soak in river views with a glass of African red wine.

This is also where you come to enjoy great food by local chefs. Quiches, soft homemade buns, salads chock full of fresh produce: it is all a real treat for the taste palette.

The communal guest areas are perched on wooden platforms raised on stilts above the water. The lounge, bar, library and dining areas are under thatch and open sided. Comfy couches and colorful chairs create a relaxed and homely atmosphere, dinner is enjoyed around the large square dining table and there is a secluded swimming pool on the water’s edge. Here, attention to detail is paramount.

From its unique geographic location that allows boat-access to over 100 kilometres of prime water on the famed Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, you can enjoy year ‘round fishing, including the thrill of landing the hard-fighting tiger fish.

Game viewing by boat is another unique experience, as wildlife is more tranquil in its aquatic habitat. Get close to hippos, crocodiles, big elephant families, buffaloes and many more. To feel even more grounded, sign up for a guided walking safari: together with a skilled team of guides, you will find new discoveries with every step. The smells of fresh grass and soil and sounds of animals all around you will open up your senses like never before. Sounds thrilling, doesn’t it?

Afterwards, you definitely deserve a relaxing sunset river cruise, accompanied by ice-cold sundowner drinks. With over 400 bird species, bird watching is great on every safari activity. (It is actually already great from your own private deck, all you need is a pair of binoculars) If desired, you can also contribute to the community development program which funds the administration and sponsorship of various school activities of the island’s tribal inhabitants. One thing is certain: you will leave this lodge with a collage of memories and an everlasting love for this region.

Special deals and reduced rates in Chobe National Park

Chobe.com has the pleasure to present you a fantastic range of special offers and reduced rates for a selection of fantastic Chobe lodges. All offers subject to availability.

Muchenje Lodge – stay 3 pay 2 (Exclusive Chobe.com special)

Muchenje Chobe lodge special offer

More time for less in Chobe: Muchenje Safari Lodge offers a pay 2 stay 3 specials. Valid between 1 December 2022 and 31 March 2023 and between 1 December 2023 and 31 December 2023.

Travelling to Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is accessible in a variety of ways. And although your destination will feel far from the modern world, the reserve is easily accessible by plane. Most people choose a scheduled flight to get to Chobe National Park. Travellers on a longer journey travelling by rental car also have easy access to Chobe National Park.

Getting to Chobe National Park by air

A few flight possibilities are available for those who want to fly to Chobe National Park. South African Airways offers flights to some airports in the vicinity of the reserve. From OR Tambo Johannesburg International Airport in South Arfrica it is possible to travel to Kasane Airport (BBK), Livingstone Airport (LVI) in Zambia and Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe. Another possibility is to travel from Botswana’s capital city Gabarone to Kaanse. From all airports it is possible to continue the journey to your Chobe safari lodge by road transfer. We recommend flying directly from Johannesburg to Kasane, as this is the nearest airport and is serviced daily. The road transfer from Kasanse Airport to your destination lodge depends on the accommodation location.

Get ready for takeoff: lodge hopping

The most exciting start of a Chobe safari, is by arriving at your lodge with a so called ‘lodge hop’. This is an air transfer made by means of a small aircraft. These short charter flights can be arranged from Kasane Airport, Livingstone Airport and Victoria Falls. Most lodges located in Chobe National Park have an aistrip close to the lodge. With a lodge hop, your safari adventure will have an unforgettable takeoff. Flights are very scenic, as small aircrafts stay at a low altitude. Look out of the small window for an overview of the wonderful Chobe National Park. Please note that lodge hops are not required for lodges located in Kasane or on the Chobe Waterfront.

Getting to Chobe National Park by road

Chobe National Park is accessible when travelling by (rental) vehicle. A 4×4 vehicle is required.

When to visit the Chobe National Park

We would love to provide a simple ‘this is the best time to visit’, but there is no such thing when it comes to Botswana. The Chobe National Park changes dramatically with the seasons, making it a year-round destination. Feel free to come at any time to experience the wonder.

Visiting Chobe National Park is more than just crossing the Big Five off your list. It is the complete package: broad skies, amazing sunsets, constantly changing colours, a warm African breeze (and even warmer African hospitality), lily padded waterways and – of course – some of the best game viewing imaginable. This combined, is what will make your trip truly memorable.

Chobe National Park and the seasons

We can definitely help you determine what is the best time for you to go. Botswana has both wet and dry seasons. In Chobe National Park, you will find a wider variety of bird species during wet season. When it comes to game migration: during dry season most animals stay around the riverside. When wet season begins, the interior pans (Savuti) provide amazing game sights. Although this is worth visiting all year round, April, May and November are particularly good times.

Wet.. or dry?

Most travelers pick the dry season for a safari in Chobe National Park, as ever-increasing water independent animals stay around the Chobe River. During the hot months – August, September and October – there is some sensational game viewing, if you can stand the heat… The rainy season is definitely worth considering, especially for birdwatching. During the wet season, most accommodations have less visitors, so you are in for a very personal experience. Also, child policies can be more flexible in this period. Nevertheless, all camps in the Chobe National Park feel personal, intimate and are small-scale.

Here’s a little bit about both seasons.

Dry season:

May to November

Ideal for a first time Africa trip

Nights in the Chobe are never below freezing and the days are seldom unbearably hot

Note that in November the weather is variable: rain or shine, hot or cold

Wet season:

Between December and April

January and February are the rainiest months

Spectacular skies can change within minutes from cloudy to sunny to cloudy again

Showers are usually short and heavy, but there are days when the sky remains grey

Waterproof clothing is necessary, but the rain doesn’t need to stop you from doing anything

Please note that in Africa the weather is harder to predict these days. But as long as you look at your trip as an holistic experience with all its aspects, you will fully enjoy it.

The lodge’s location is known for its high-quality fishing, but even if you are not much of an angler, a river safari will add dynamic and unforgettable snapshots to your previous globetrotting experiences. By spending time on the majestic rivers, you will be eye-to- eye with wildlife quenching their thirst and see them in the most placid, undisturbed way.