THE ACCOMMODATION

Impalila Island Lodge is an 8-chalet, 16-bedded luxury lodge with much to offer discerning clients. It also offers an excellent cuisine

The eastern tip of the island comprises the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers - from the air an amazing mosaic of waterways, floodplains and bushveld - on the ground with its range of vegetation, the promise of exceptional birdlife, game viewing and superb fishing.

Impalila lies at the very tip of the Caprviv Strip in Namibia, but it is also close enough to offer guests a wonderful experience at the Chobe national Park - that is game viewing by boat.

FLYFISHING

The Zambezi is truly a world-class river when it comes to flyfishing for tiger fish. Until relatively recently this superb freshwater gamefish was only considered capable of being caught by artificial lure anglers, but over the last ten years, with the development of more modern tactics, it is now more commonly frequented by flyfishers who reap a bounty of tiger fish (Hydrocynus vittatus) up to 18 lbs. though a more common catch is for tigers between 2 - 7 lbs.

It is not only many miles of the Zambezi that can be accessed from Impalila Island Lodge, but also the Chobe River, the Kasai Channel and the Mambova Rapids as well.

The tiger fish, also known as the striped water dog, is famed for its aggression. It is one of the hardest hitters of a fly in freshwater and has electric speed. It's ability to throw itself clear of the water in an attempt to escape also makes landing these fish a feat. One in ten, the old-timers said. Sometimes it seems that way. It certainly is a challenge for most flyfishers on their first outing.

It is a fish of striking appearance with black striped flanks and vivid orange-tipped fins. Not least of all are the fearsome fangs. Because of its fighting ability it is regarded as being a "must" on the list of many serious flyfishers.

In addition there are numerous other species that can be caught around Impalila Island. The monster of the region is undoubtedly the Sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) which can grow to 30 lb. and more, but the prettiest and more sought-after of the many "bream" species is the beautiful and striking nembwe - Olive bream - Serranchromis robustus. These are all caught on fly at certain times of the year.

FLYFISHING PACKAGES

This section of the Upper Zambezi is regarded by many as one of the more exceptional areas of the river. While we welcome your enquiry to plan your own trip, in 2009 Impalila Island Lodge is venue to a number of flyfishing Tiger Quests with Malcolm Meintjes well-known author angler who has also developed the 'wireless technique" for tiger fish which has been incredibly successful over the last few years.. For more information on joining a Quest of arranging your own, please click here

DIRECT ENQUIRIES

Please email us for more information on accommodation and rates