ICRL Factsheet 2017
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I C H I N G O CHOBE RIVER LODGE Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is the perfect platform to experience all that the Chobe has to offer with the added benefits of being on the Namibian side of the river. Quieter, more secluded and personalized the lodge is ideal for families, couples or groups who wish to enjoy the very best of an African river safari. Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is a luxury tented lodge set beneath a riverine canopy on the banks of the Chobe River. Accommodation is eight large air-conditioned Meru safari tents, each beautifully turned out with its own private balcony overlooking the Chobe rapids and an en-suite bathroom. There is also one Family tent available which is a main tent with a connecting smaller children’s tent to offer parents peace of mind. The family tent is two tents next to each other, about 2 meters apart. Each tent has its own bathroom. 1 tent with a double / twin bed 1 tent with 2 bunk beds (4 singles) designed for children under the age of 12 years The family tent has 2 sets of bunk beds (4 beds in total) and is designed for children up to the age of 12 sharing with adults. The rates are less 50% per child per night. If children over the age of 12 are wanting to utilise this tent then full rates will apply. The main Lodge buildings were built to provide real comfort and include a relaxing lounge, a welcoming bar and a separate open-air dining room. The large trees and flowing waters promote a secluded, personalized and serene environment in which to completely unwind and enjoy the sights and sounds of a true river experience. Location The Ichingo Chobe River Lodge operates from Impalila Island at the very Eastern tip of the Caprivi in Namibia, where the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers come together. This unique geographic location makes it an ideal destination for those wanting to visit the Chobe or Victoria Falls region. The nearest town is Kasane in Northern Botswana and the Victoria Falls are only 100 kilometers downstream. We collect all our guests from the Kasane Immigration office (closes at 16h30) which is situated on the Chobe River, Kasane, Botswana at a pre-designated time and would then take you by tender boat via Namibian Immigration post (closes at 17h00) on Impalila Island to our lodge - there is no extra cost for the tender boat transfer from the Kasane Immigration (Chobe River) to our lodge. Our Check-In time is 14h00 and our Check-Out time is 09h30. Access There are several ways in which to access the Ichingo Chobe River Lodge but all guests must come through the Kasane Immigration border post (Botswana) on the Chobe River: Johannesburg (OR Tambo International) to Kasane Airport, Botswana SA Airlink and Air Botswana fly to Kasane. A road transfer from Kasane Airport to Kasane Immigration Office which is situated on the Chobe River can be arranged. Johannesburg (OR Tambo International) to Livingstone Airport, Zambia British Airways and SAA fly to Livingstone. A road transfer from Livingstone Airport to Kasane Immigration can be arranged. Johannesburg (OR Tambo International) to Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe British Airways and SAA fly to Victoria Falls. A road transfer from Victoria Falls Airport to Kasane Immigration can be arranged. Self-Drive Parking can be arranged for your vehicles near the Kasane Immigration office. I C H I N G O CHOBE RIVER LODGE Set Programmes Ichingo Chobe River Lodge offers clients a 2 or 3 night stay with a number of activities to choose from during their time with us. Completely water based, all of our activities use smaller tender boats with knowledgeable guides and Ichingo is the ideal lodge in which to get out and explore the area including the incredible wildlife of the Chobe National Park, the extraordinary birdlife of the Caprivi wetland areas, or even to see the iconic Zambezi River which is a short, beautiful boat ride away. 2 Night Programme – A choice of THREE activities will be available to clients. You will select the activities you are interested in participating in upon check-in at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge. A vehicle based game drive in the Chobe National Park on the day of departure is also included in the programme. 3 Night Programme - A choice of FIVE activities will be available to clients. You will select the activities you are interested in participating in upon check-in at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge. A vehicle based game drive in the Chobe National Park on the day of departure is also included in the programme. Activities on offer South Channel Excursion by tender boat. This wonderful 3 hour activity allows you to enter the channel on the southern side of Sedudu Island. Rich in wildlife, it offers clients the opportunity to experience enormous numbers of elephant, antelope, buffalo, hippos and other game in a very concentrated area. Elephant Bay Guided Game Viewing is an evening tender boat activity into the Chobe National Park and Caprivi Wetland areas, to the aptly named Elephant Bay. This natural harbour is away from the very busy river sections and allows you to enjoy the magnificent Chobe Sunset with the possibility of watching elephants playing and swimming in the Chobe River. Zambezi River Excursion is an absolute must. The Kasai Channel is a small, beautiful waterway that is filled with a huge variety of birds, the occasional hippo and wonderful views of the Caprivi floodplains. It meanders from the Chobe River, ending up at the majestic Zambezi River which is an iconic African river. Guided Fishing (catch and release basis) in over 100kms of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers for Tiger Fish, Bream and several other fresh water species. The Tiger fish is Africas great river sport fish and provides thrilling fun for those looking for a bit of an adrenaline surge. It is also a great excuse to spend a few hours peacefully on the waterways watching the birds, hippos and crocs at play. All fishing equipment (conventional and fly), bait and fishing licences are supplied. Guided Walks on Impalila Island give you an insight into the life of local inhabitants, introduce you to the stark beauty of the area and amaze you with the enormity of the Baobab trees. The end point of the walk is to an ancient (over 2000 years old) Baobab tree which the more energetic can climb to see where Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe meet, and the great Chobe and Zambezi Rivers converge. You will then be driven by vehicle back to the lodge. *All fishing on the Chobe and Zambezi River with the Zambezi Queen Collection is done strictly on a catch and release basis. I C H I N G O CHOBE RIVER LODGE Included in the rate: · Accommodation · All meals – Special dietary requirements/allergies can be catered for with prior notice. Unfortunately we are not able to cater for Halaal and Kosher guests due to the remote location. · All soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, beer and wine · Spirits (eg gin, whiskey etc) on selected activities. · All activities specified within the 2 or 3 night itineraries · Road transfers to and from Kasane International Airport and Kasane Immigration Office on arrival and departure · All fuel · 15% Namibian VAT · 1% Namibian Tourism Levy · Boat transfers between Kasane Immigration Office in Botswana and Namibia Immigration Office Excluded from the rate: · Airfares · Road transfers from any other centres other than Kasane Airport. · Visa costs (if applicable) · Travel insurance – guest must take out applicable and relevant travel insurance prior to travel · Evacuation cover – often covered under travel insurance · Alcoholic beverages such as gin, rum, brandy, whiskey, dessert wines and sparkling wines not included on specific activities · Curio purchases from Ichingo Chobe River Lodge or the local villages · Gratuities for staff ADD ON ACTIVITIES If clients would like to do any additional activities over and above those included in their stay we would be happy to accommodate them in their own private tender boat, accompanied by an experienced guide. These will be charged for as follows: 3 Hour Fishing Activity USD 150.00 per person (min 2 pax) South Channel Game Viewing Activity USD 120.00 per person (min 4 pax) Zambezi River / Kasai Channel Activity USD 80.00 per person (min 2 pax) 3 Hour Photographic Safari Activity USD 150.00 per person (min 4 pax) Full Day Tour to Victoria Falls USD 300.00 per person (min 2 pax) Cultural Village Tour on Impalila Island USD 25.00 per person (min 2 pax) I C H I N G O CHOBE RIVER LODGE Arrival & departure procedure Once guests arrive at Kasane Immigration Office, a Zambezi Queen Collection staff member will help with their luggage as well as formalities at passport control as guests exit Botswana A Zambezi Queen Collection staff member will then transfer guests by motorised boat to the Namibian Immigration Office, where they'll get their passport stamped. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen as there is a short walk to the immigration office Both Kasane and Namibian immigration offices open at 07h30 and close at 16h30 daily Should guests know beforehand that they'll arrive at KIO before 13h00 on the day of their arrival, please notify our reservations office 48 hours before arrival Collection is from 13h00 on day of arrival Drop off is from 8h30 on day of departure The GPS co-ordinates are S 17° 46' 48” / E 025° 11' 23” To Katima Mulilo Airport ZAMBIA ICHINGO C H O B E R I V E R L O D G E Impalila Island NAMIBIA Immigration Zambe To Livings zi Riv Chobe Riv tone Boarding point & KIO er er LEGUVA angula CHENKU Kasane az K Sedudu Kasane Airport T o Victoria F Puku Island Flats alls Kasane Airport - Botswana +-15 minutes (5km) from KIO Victoria Falls Airport - Zimbabwe +- 90 minutes (105km) from KIO Livingstone Airport - Zambia +- 120 minutes (85km) from KIO BOTSWANA Katima Mulilo Airport - Namibia +- 2 ½ hours (140km) from KIO KIO = Kasane Immigration Office (next to ZQ boarding point) KIO is 15km from Kazungula Border.