Anglers could not wish for more at Island View Lodge, birders too.

It all began like this; your hosts at Island View Lodge, owners Mike & Stephanie Cavanagh, together with their son Garth and daughters Claire & Cindy, always were avid anglers. The family spent at least three weeks annually fishing various spots on either the Zambezi or Okavango Rivers. One particular favourite was to camp on the banks of a channel off the main Zambezi itself, overlooking Kalimbeza Island, between Katima Mulilo and Schuckmannsburg in the Eastern Caprivi, on property leased from the local and traditional authorities by a retired policeman and his wife. The latter enjoyed a bush life, living happily in very basic accommodation. Cavanagh Snr oft remarked to his host then that, were they ever to move away, he would be keen to take on the property. And that happened in 2001.

7 years on, it’s quite remarkable what the Cavanagh family have achieved in realising their dream at this magical location in Namibia’s awesome wetlands. Island View now boasts ten chalets, providing accommodation for 26 guests. Some are en-suite, others sharing first rate ablution facilities; the chalets are all serviced daily, each has an overhead fan and full 220v power, whilst most have fully equipped kitchens & freezers. The camping grounds provide 5 individual sites, with space for 18 more guests. Each campsite has braii and power point facilities; there are ladies and gents ablution blocks and also a communal field kitchen. A most popular drawcard at Island View is the wide variety of choice on the catering side; all guests can opt for bed & breakfast, full board, or rather self cater or chosse to combine self catering with some delicious meals as offered and prepared by their hosts. Moreover, ice, firewood and a basic supply of provisions are available to all. There is a busy, well-stocked bar, the ‘Weigh-In’, which is source of much lively evening trade and good humoured banter. Copious tree shade comes from numerous Acacia, Natal Mahogany and Terminalia species, whilst far-reaching scenic views abound. The gardens are well established and carfully tended, whilst there is a swimming pool too; indeed that vision has been realised. 

Importantly, Island View’s fleet of 8 craft - each capable of each carrying up to four anglers with a guide - have access to the Zambezi’s entire 140 kilometre journey between the Wenela Rapids near Katima Mulilo and the Mombovo Rapids at Impalila Island to the east. Many local spots, including Tiger Alley, False Mwandi, Mwandi, Golden Pond and Jo-Jos are all renowned for their exciting fishing, with Bream in excess of 3, 5 kg and Tiger Fish over 8 kg landed. Tiger Fish, nine different species of Bream, Sharptooth Catfish and African Pike all provide plentiful sport. Island View’s policy is to return all Tiger Fish back to the water, whilst allowing only a limited number of Bream to be removed for immediate consumption only. Four experienced guides - Garth Cavanagh, David, Kennedy and Cletus - will gladly impart their specialist knowledge of local river conditions, the best locations, the wisest choice of tackle and bait, while all are keen fly fishermen too. The ‘Tackle Box’ at the Lodge carries a wide range of angling necessities for guests.

Whilst as many as two thirds of visitors are keen anglers, the astonishing variety of birdlife hereabouts - with some 450 species recorded - attracts increasing numbers of guests too. Likely spots, seasonally dependent, should include Shalow’s Turaco, Shelley’s Sunbird, African Finfoot, Coppery-Tailed Coucal, Lesser Jacana, Rufous-Bellied Heron, Slaty Egret, White-Backed Night Heron, Giant, Woodland and Grey-Headed Kingfishers, Swamp and Tropical Boubous, African Skimmers, Carmine Bee-eaters along with the thrilling, yet plaintive call of the African Fish Eagle. Host Mike, or the well-informed Cletus, act as birding gurus for guests. 

Apart from the birding and fishing, Island View makes a relaxing and central base from which to explore the Caprivi, and even further afield. Mike & Stephanie organise all manner of different activities, trips & transfers, including visits to the Chobe National Park in Botswana and the incredible Victoria Falls on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides. Something indeed for everyone at Island View, a fact endorsed by one extraordinary statistic: just seven years after opening, 88% of all lodge guests already choose to return. Enough said.

INFO BOX

DIRECTIONS: By Road - Guests travelling from Katima Mulilo, or Zambia, should take the B8 tar road, direction Ngoma to the South. After 12 kms, turn left at the Island View sign onto the D3508 district gravel road. Drive a further 17 kms and then turn left at a second Island View sign. This track will lead you directly to the Lodge, after 1, 8 kms. Visitors from the Ngoma Border Post (Botswana, South Africa & Zimbabwe) simply drive north along the B8 black top, turning right onto the D3508 12 kms before Katima Mulilo.

By Air - There are scheduled, regular air services to Katima Mulilo (Air Namibia), to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe (South African Airways & British Airways), to Livingstone in Zambia (SAA, BA & Nationwide) and to Kasane in Botswana (with Air Botswana). The Lodge offers guests inexpensive transfers to & from all these airports.

Accommodation: 10 Chalets with 220v power, most en-suite and with fully equipped kitchen and freezers too. 5 individual Camping Sites, all with power and braai facilities. There is a communal field kitchen plus separate ladies and gent’s ablution blocks. The choice of Self-Catering, B&B, Half Board and Full Board is available to all guests, who can even mix all four options during their stay!

Rates: Self-Catering Chalet accommodation is N$195.00 per person per night, whilst Camping costs N$60.00 p.p.p.n. Full board and other options on request.

Activities: Angling (140 kms along the Upper Zambezi between Katima and the Mambova Rapids), Bird Watching, Boating, River Cruises and even Sandbank barbeques.

Contact Details:

Island View Lodge, PO Box 2025 Ngwese, Namibia.

Tel: +264 66 252801 ◊ Fax: +264 66 252573

E-Mail: tiger@islandvl.com ◊ Website: www.islandvl.com

Copyright © Neil and Brenda Digby-Clarke. May 2008. All rights reserved.