Impalila Island Lodge, Namibia

Overview

The Zambezi River has long been regarded as one of the finest freshwater fishing destinations on the planet, and for good reason. However, complicated logistics, lengthy travel time and the associated costs have often discouraged anglers from visiting one of Africa’s finest waterways and the superb fishing it offers. Well at Impalila Island Lodge this is certainly not the case. Quality fishing for the mighty Tigerfish under the watchful eye of your FlyCastaway host and experienced local guides is not only a quick and easy commercial flight away from Johannesburg, Impalila also offers it’s guests luxury accommodation, fine dining, along with a host of other exciting activities including game viewing inside the world renowned Chobe National Park at an extremely affordable price.

Impalila itself is nestled close to the junction of four countries - Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe - and is situated near the meeting place of the mighty Zambezi and Chobe Rivers. This location provide anglers with a huge range of fishing options, including the highly productive Zambezi River, Kasai Channel, the Mambova Rapids, the Chobe as well as stretch of private stretch of Zambezi River which is part of the lodges concession. Thanks to its location and the fact that Impalila Island falls under Namibia, there is no hassle, time wasting & extra costs associated with clearing customs and stamping passports on each occasion when fishing the highly productive Kasai Channel.

Guests are accommodated in eight luxury en-suite chalets. Each of which is elevated within lush riverine forest, offering superb views over either the Mambova rapids or quiet backwaters of the Zambezi River. The chalets are luxuriously appointed with en-suite bathrooms and a choice of either king-sized, double bed or twin beds, equipped with an overhead fan, hairdryer, mosquito nets and private deck. The main complex facilities include an infinity swimming pool, bar, curio shop, reference library, lounge and dining area - all built under the canopy of an ancient baobab tree.

The Fishing

The fishing on the Zambezi River in this area is certainly something not to be missed. Our main focus lies between the period of June and Sept, when the receding floodwater drains from the floodplains back into the main channel. Millions of small baitfish are at the same time forced into the deeper water. For this reason trophy size Tigerfish can be found hunting on or close to the surface, gorging themselves on the helpless baitfish that are now easily available to them. As far as the fish itself, Tigerfish have long been regarded as the ultimate freshwater species to target on fly. Their line wrenching strikes, blistering speed and spectacular jumps make it unquestionably one of the most exciting species one can tangle with. The section of the Zambezi also contains a host of bream species which anglers can target, including the highly prized Nembwe.

Although the lodge is extremely flexible, anglers are generally up early in the morning to fish this hugely productive low light period. After a quick cup of coffee and something light to eat you’ll head out onto the water to fish. Depending on the distance to area the guides suggest fishing one may come back to lodge for brunch/lunch or one may take a take along a hearty lunch pack and cooler box. There is no fixed schedule, with the following day’s fishing being discussed and planned the evening before between the anglers and the FlyCastaway host. The majority of the fishing is done on the drift, tied up or on anchor from one of the lodge’s tender boats, each of which is driven by an experienced local guide. No wading is permitted due to the presence of hippos and crocodiles.

Details

Cost:  
•    5 nights/4 days fishing – USD$2000 pps ex Kasane
•    7 nighs/6 days fishing – USD$ 2750 pps ex Kasane

Single supplements: Available on request

Max pax: Lodge can accommodate 16 guests

Inclusions:
•    Seven or five nights at Impalila Island Lodge
•    Six or four full days guided fishing with experienced local guides
•    All meals (gourmet) & luxury accommodation.
•    Boats and fuel (2 anglers per boat & 25l of fuel per day)
•    R2800 worth of Stealth or Airflo fly fishing tackle ordered through FlyCastaway if booking for 7 nights or R2000 worth of Stealth or Airflo fly fishing tackle ordered through FlyCastaway if booking for 5 nights.
•    FlyCastaway Upper Zambezi Fly Selection (valued at R1300)

Exclusions:
•    International flights to Kasane (+/- R2500.00 from O.R.Tambo Int JHB,RSA)
•    Visa’s if required (please check with your travel agent prior to travelling)
•    Transfer from Kasane airport to Botswana border post is 14US$ pp each way
•    Transfers
•    All drinks (beers & cider are +/-R24 per unit)
•    Gratuities
•    Personal expenses
•    Game drives in Chobe

Location:
S 17° 46 ' 500" E 025 ° 11'345"
Impalila Island Lodge is situated in Namibia on an island at the confluence of the mighty Zambezi and Chobe Rivers, at the meeting place of four countries (Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia & Botswana).

Getting there:
There are four commercial flights into Kasane, Botswana per week from O.R. Tambo International in JHB, RSA on board Air Botswana. The flight takes 2 hours 20 minutes.
A transfer will be waiting for you at the airport in Kasane and will take you to the Botswana border post so you can stamp into Botswana (10 mins). Upon clearing customs you will be transferred by boat to Impalila Island customs and then onto the lodge (30 mins). Please ensure your arrival and departure times coincide with border post hours.

Target Species: Tigerfish, Nembwe & a host of other bream species.

Fishing Season: June - Sept

Boats: 16 ft Osprey’s & 60hp Yamaha 2 strokes

Other Activities:
•    Chobe game cruises
•    Bird Watching
•    Guided Walks
•    Game drives (in Chobe National Park) can be arranged

Pre Trip

Time Difference: GMT+2

Flight Times:
•    Johannesburg, South Africa – 2 hours 20 minutes

Visa Requirements:
All visitors require a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Visas are not required for South African visitors however all guests should confirm their visa requirements with their travel agent prior travelling.

Medical & Health Requirements:
Mandatory medical insurance. There is Malaria in the area so guests are expected to contact their physician before travelling. We suggest all guests bring along Peaceful Sleep or Tabard mosquito repellent which is to be placed on the exposed part of their person in the mornings and evenings. Long lightweight shirts and pants are suggested and work well in prevention of mosquito bites.

Currency:
The Namibian Dollar is the official currency; however US dollars & ZAR are the preferred currency for all payments at the lodge. All major credit cards are accepted at the lodge. Forex should be arranged prior to travelling if paying in cash.

Language:
All staff members and guides are fluent in English.

Communication:
There is cellular reception at the lodge for guests who have international roaming.

Tackle and Kit:
Single-handed 9ft, 8wt or 9wt outfits with matching full sinking (DI7) and sink tip lines (300 grain). A comprehensive tackle and gear list along with an order form (should you wish to purchase your tackle through us) is issued after your booking has been confirmed. Included in the rate is R2800 worth of Stealth and Airflo tackle which can be ordered on the order form. Each angler is entitled to a complimentary FlyCastaway Upper Zambezi Fly Selection worth R1300. These need to be collected or shipped to your address of choice. The lodge will also carry limited stock of suitable flies and other terminal tackle, should you run out.

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