NAMIBIA: Impalila Island

Impalila Island, Namibia is a unique and beautiful island located at the convergence of two mighty African rivers, the Zambezi and the Chobe. It is also the only place in the world where four countries are joined at one point. Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana converge here in a mosaic of waterways, bushveld and floodplains.

Impalila has fantastic game viewing, with vast elephant herds, buffalo, lion, hippo, the rare Chobe bushbuck and puku. Fishing in the Chobe waterways is outstanding, and the Chobe River cruises reward guests with stunning big game viewing. The local Lozi people of Impalila Island traditionally use the mokoro on the rivers, and guests are able to explore the rivers and backwaters around Impalila Island in this traditional way. Gliding silently in a mokoro provides a unique opportunity to relax while birdwatching and searching for the big game that uses these waterways as lifelines. Being propelled effortlessly on an ancient craft of the rivers is an experience that is sublimely African and unforgettable. When the water is low, guests can travel by mokoro down the Mambova rapids and stop off to explore one of the smaller wild islands in the Zambezi.

THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT IMPALILA ISLAND is November when the days are generally hot and sunny. It is just before the rains, so the bushveld is low and game viewing is spectacular. The waterways are also lower than other times of the year, making the mokoro excursions much more enjoyable and the animal concentrations are higher around the watering holes. November is also a prime time for birding, as migrating flocks are in the area and the nests are easier to spot.

THE HIDDEN GEM of Impalila Island is the Impalila Island Lodge, the only accommodation on the island. This luxury lodge has an open-air lounge, dining area, bar and a pool to cool off in during the hot afternoons. Guest chalets are stylishly African, with en-suite bathrooms.