Kaza Safari Lodge (formerly Impalila Island Lodge)

Situated among towering baobab trees, Kaza Safari Lodge (formerly Impalila Island Lodge) provides fishermen with opportunities to catch sizable tigerfish, bream and many other spices. Non-fishers can enjoy wildlife cruises and sightings of elephants, hippos and lions.

A Variety of Casting Opportunities

A choice of fishing in the Zambezi, Chobe, Kasai or Kwando rivers as well as the Mambova rapids, and backwaters of the floodplains make the fishing here opportunities hugely varied. Each river requires  fishermen to use different methods for catching tigerfish, presenting a fascinating learning curve for this remarkable species.

Motorised boats or mokoro (local dugout canoe) are the fishing platforms, and tigerfish are the focus. As Impalila Island Lodge, the property had a reputation as one of the most established lodges for big tigers on the upper Zambezi, and has been repeatedly visited by Malcolm Meintjes, author of “Tigerfish on the fly”. There are however opportunities to fish for many other species.

At least a dozen of these species such as tilapia, largemouth bream, catfish, haplochromis and African pike add another facet. The guides are very experienced, know the water well and their river craft is second to none. Fishing from a mokoro in the Mambova rapids with elephant on the banks is truly magical. The rapid sections are not unlike fishing the gorge sections of an Icelandic river, but these fish have big teeth!

a secluded & remote retreat

Two giant baobab trees embrace and protect the main lodge, which is built from wood and thatch and elevated on stilts for uninterrupted views over the river, its islands and floodplains.

Facilities include a sitting room, viewing decks, a dining area, swimming pool and a small reference library. 

The eight private en-suite chalets have a viewing deck offering privacy, tranquillity and ultimate relaxation. Kaza Safari Lodge one of the most secluded and remote of the Chobe destinations but close enough to offer guests the superb wildlife viewing on the Chobe River.  Among the wildlife regularly spotted are vast elephant herds, buffalo, lion, hippo, the rare Chobe bushbuck and puku. Elephant and hippo often cross the Chobe onto Impalila Island on which the loge is set. 

“In a little over 90 minutes I’d had three fish of a lifetime including a tigerfish of 16lbs. This proved to be an expedition which had exceeded my wildest expectations” J.C. – UK

a unique island

This unique island is situated at the meeting place of two mighty African rivers, the Chobe and Zambezi, and four countries, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. This is the only place in the world where four countries meet.

Impalila Island forms the north-eastern tip of Namibia and lies just 70km west of Victoria Falls. The surrounding area is an amazing mosaic of waterways, floodplains and bushveld. It is host to exceptional birdlife, game viewing and assorted vegetation – and in the waters outstanding fishing opportunities.