Rating: Mid-range Price from: £250 - £320 pp full board
Kaza Safari Lodge (formerly Impalila Island Lodge) is build on Impalila Island, and offers 8 luxury cottages with a peaceful and quiet location in an area abundant in both game and bird life. All cottages have en-suite bathrooms, ceiling fans and private decks where guests can relax in comfort and privacy. The lodge facilities include a lounge and dining area built beneath an ancient baobab tree, a bar, library, viewing decks and a shop. There is also a swimming pool, perfect for cooling off.
There are extensive water activities including game cruises along the Chobe River, gentle mokoro rides, motorboat rides and fishing. The island has several walks that guests can enjoy. A visit to local fishing village can also be arranged.
Although Impalila Island is in Namibian waters, transfers from Botswana are easily dealt with through a border 'tent' by the waterside near Lagoon Camp and you can fly to Impalila Island. There is an immigration post at Lianshulu Camp too.
Open: All year.
Location: The lodge is located on Impalila Island, at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. The island has its own landing strip, but in the rainy season (November to May), guests have to land at Kasane and transfer to Impalila Island by road.
Rooms: 8 en-suite chalets built from wood with thatched roofs, all with river views. All chalets have a wooden deck looking our over the river, ceiling fans, gauze screen doors and mosquito netting, a small safe and electricity.
Activities: Cruising on the Chobe River and Zambezi River, looking for big game and birdlife. Enjoy a sundowner cruise. Fishing is popular, especially for tigerfish and the lodge operates a catch and release policy. Explore walking trails on Impalila Island with your own guide or visit nearby villages and meet the local people. Other activities must be pre-arranged and include excursions to Victoria Falls, game drives in Chobe National Park and scenic flights.
Facilities: The main building is set on a raised deck around an ancient baobab tree and has a thatched roof. There is a dining area, lounge, bar, small reference library and curio shop. The lodge has an infinity pool and fire pit.
Dining: Meals are eaten at individual tables. The cuisine is described as al fresco fusion style.
Children: Children over the age of 6 years are welcome at the lodge. Children need to be kept under supervision at all times.
Health: This is a malarial area.
Communication: Mobile reception is possible.