✕

Book Now

✕
STAY WITH US

Our Properties

Boarding one of our deluxe houseboats, you will be immersed in this extraordinary wilderness, whilst enjoying all the comforts of an exclusive floating boutique hotel.

LAND BASED RIVER SAFARI

Ichingo Lodge

Explore

A Birding Paradise

For passionate birders, Ichingo Chobe River Lodge offers an unparalleled bird watching experience in one of Africa’s most diverse and rewarding birding destinations. Situated on Impalila Island in the eastern Zambezi Region, Ichingo provides access to the Chobe River, Zambezi River, and the Kasai Channel – some of the most incredible birding habitats in Southern Africa.

With over 450 recorded species, including a mix of riverine, woodland, and floodplain birds, the Chobe region is a year-round paradise for birding enthusiasts and expert ornithologists alike. And with a dedicated guide and private boat for each tent, you have the freedom to tailor your birding safari, spending as long as you like at a sighting in absolute tranquillity.

Bucket-list species

Ichingo’s location offers access to an extraordinary range of habitats, from the papyrus-lined backwaters of the Kasai Channel to the vast floodplains and riverbanks of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. This diversity attracts a rich variety of species, from the sought-after African finfoot, often seen skulking along the water’s edge, to the iconic African fish eagle, whose haunting call echoes over the river

Pel’s fishing owl

One of the Chobe’s most sought-after birds, this elusive nocturnal owl favours quiet, wooded river channels. It is resident in the region and can be seen year-round, with dusk and early morning offering the best chance of a sighting.

African Fish Eagle

The unmistakable call of the African Fish Eagle is part of the soundtrack of the Chobe. A year-round resident, it is regularly seen perched above the river or sweeping down towards the water to feed.

African skimmer

One of the Chobe River’s signature birds, the African Skimmer flies low over the water, using its elongated lower bill to skim the surface for fish. Look for them around exposed sandbanks and quieter stretches of river, particularly during the drier months.

Slaty egret

A sought-after regional special, the Slaty Egret is closely associated with shallow wetlands and floodplains. Sightings depend on local water levels, making it an exciting species to look for as you explore the Chobe’s channels and wetlands.

White-backed night heron

Secretive and beautifully camouflaged, the White-backed Night Heron prefers shaded riverbanks and dense vegetation beside the water. It is resident in the region, but its crepuscular habits mean early mornings and late afternoons offer the best opportunities to spot it.

Coppery-tailed Coucal

A characteristic bird of the Chobe’s wetland vegetation, the Coppery-tailed Coucal is often easier to hear before it is seen. Look for it among reeds, papyrus and dense vegetation around the river and floodplains throughout the year.

Rock Pratincole

A seasonal Chobe highlight, Rock Pratincoles favour exposed rocks and rapids, where they can be remarkably well camouflaged against the stone. Their presence is closely linked to suitable river levels and exposed rocky habitat, making sightings particularly special.

Long-toed Lapwing

With its striking plumage and exceptionally long toes, this wetland specialist is at home on the Chobe’s floodplains, marshes and floating vegetation. It can be seen throughout the year wherever suitable shallow-water habitat is available.

African Pygmy Goose

One of Africa’s smallest and most colourful waterfowl, the African Pygmy Goose favours calm, vegetated waterways with floating water lilies. It is a Chobe resident, although sightings vary as water levels and aquatic vegetation change through the year.

African Finfoot

A prized sighting for keen birders, the African Finfoot slips quietly along secluded, vegetation-lined waterways. Resident in the region, it is best searched for in quieter channels, where exploring slowly by boat can provide an advantage.

Southern carmine bee-eater

Few sights are as spectacular as Southern Carmine Bee-eaters gathering along the Chobe. These seasonal visitors arrive in numbers during the warmer months, with breeding colonies bringing flashes of brilliant crimson to the riverbanks, particularly from around September onwards.

Birding at Your Own Pace

With a private guide and boat for every tent, birders at Ichingo enjoy the ultimate flexibility, whether you want to quietly drift through the backwaters for close-up photography or spend hours at a single sighting. Unlike larger group tours, your guide will work to your preferences, ensuring maximum time with the species that matter most to you.

For keen photographers, this means perfect positioning for the best light and angles, with no rush to move on before you’ve captured the shot. The low vantage point from the boat also allows for stunning reflections and an eye-level perspective of water birds. Enquire about booking our photographic boat, equipped with swivel seats and gimbals.

When is the best time to come to the Chobe River for Birding?

Summer (November – March) +

Peak migration season, with palaearctic and intra-African migrants arriving in full breeding plumage—ideal for ticking off rarities.

Autumn (April - May) +

Transition season with clear skies and lingering migrants, offering peaceful and rewarding sightings.

Winter (June - August) +

A great time for resident species, as lower water levels concentrate birds along the riverbanks.

Spring (September – October) +

Carmine bee-eater breeding season – one of the most spectacular birding spectacles in Africa.

The lodge’s serene riverside setting means you can continue birdwatching right from your private deck, where kingfishers, barbets, and sunbirds are regular visitors. After a day on the water, enjoy a sundowner while listening to the evening calls of wood owls and nightjars.

For birders looking to combine serious ornithology with expert guiding, photographic opportunities, and flexible, private excursions, Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is the ultimate accommodation choice.

Experiences

Book Online Enquire Now