Ntwala Island Lodge, where serenity, nature and style delightfully and seamlessly unite.

You’ll discover Ntwala Island Lodge in practically the most easterly enclave of Namibia, sitting amidst a tiny island at the Mambova Rapids on the mighty Zambezi River itself. And what a discovery! As you disembark from one of Ntwala’s own boats, you’ll stroll towards the Lodge’s main complex and reception area along a fascinating, floating walkway; here pure white sands are studded with palm trees, whilst the babbling, swirling waters of the Zambezi itself, together with myriad tree and bird life all combine to create a simply unforgettable welcome, unlike any other. And the setting is indeed unique, for close by on the main island, from the top of a giant Baobab tree, you can see the only point in the world where four countries meet (namely, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe).

So what does Ntwala offer its guests? Well, it is small perhaps in terms of capacity, but huge in every other sense; just the four suites - but wow, they are something to behold. Designed to blend into nature, the subtle yet substantial rooms contain fixtures and fittings to die for, with a bed that makes a king look like dolls-house stuff. The bathrooms,  meanwhile, present guests with a fusion of his and hers basins, hand carved mokoro style out of Leadwood, a vast,  unique bathtub as a centrepiece, with shower and other function places of equal class. The suites each embrace some wonderful combinations of stone, wood and glass, all complemented by the finest of linens, drapes and furnishings; outside a private plunge pool and spacious decking with easy chairs overlook the Zambezi, as do an outdoor shower and a feature sala with wooden hammocks swinging under such glorious green foliage. You simply could not wish for more.

Another more practical aspect of Ntwala is that the guest rates are fully inclusive, covering just about everything from accommodation, VAT, laundry, guided activities, all meals, teas/coffees, all drinks to the  return boat transfers between the Immigration control points on the Chobe River and the Lodge itself. One of the few extras, a community development levy of N$ 40 per person, is surely money well spent, for it underscores the wholesale community advancement and benefits that Islands in Africa have grown for the Impalila  locals, including improvements to both the primary and secondary schools, and the clinic, apart from vital contributions in setting up development committees, providing much needed employment  opportunities, enhancing the quality of the Islanders’ lifestyle and much, much more besides.

There’s a great young, vibrant yet experienced and caring management couple at Ntwala in Morne Coetzer and Susan van der Merwe. Susan herself comments: “Ntwala’s unique location and birdlife are amazing. We can easily access the Chobe River for game cruises, but we are not in the middle of those main activities; so rather the peace and quiet at Ntwala means we really can hear the sound of silence”. The Chobe experience is equal to anything, but perhaps one of Ntwala’s greatest draw cards is the stupendous sport fishing, with fly, for the renowned Tiger Fish - here is perhaps the world’s best spot for such angling. And a strict catch and  release policy just sees the gene pool growing stronger all the while. Other activities include guided walks with perhaps botanical, medicinal awareness or cultural slants and fabulous birding possibilities; but perhaps best of all is surely just staying at Ntwala Island Lodge - it’s simply the best, by far!

INFO BOX

Directions: By road, or by air, you’ll need to reach Kasane in Botswana. Islands in Africa will meet you there, at Bots Passport Control. Whilst your guide takes your luggage onto the Lodge craft waiting on the Chobe River, you simply check out of Botswana and climb aboard. Up the Chobe, you’ll need to pass through the Namibia Immigration Control on Impalila Island before continuing up the enchanting Kasai Channel with which Nature itself has linked the Chobe and the Zambezi Rivers; 45 intriguing minutes, job done. Apart from the commercial airstrip at Kasane itself, there is a lesser gravel airstrip, for light aircraft only, on Impalila Island itself.

Accommodation: Ntwala Lodge can accommodate just 8 guests in its four sensational suites.

Rates: The fully inclusive nightly charges vary from N$ 3360, 00 per person in the Green (Low) Season to N$ 5250, 00 pppn in the High Season. There is a single supplement surcharge of 30% on the applicable nightly rate. Accompanying pilots/guides’ accommodation costs N$ 800, 00 pppn during any season. For full details of all seasonal rates, current specials and more information on all Islands in Africa packaged tour routes, simply contact their reservations office.

Activities: Waterborne activities include exploring the Zambezi and countless channels by boat; conventional and fly-fishing especially for the legendary sporting Tiger Fish (catch and release); game viewing by boat into the Chobe National Park. Guided botanical walks, too, through diverse vegetation, to visit a tribal village or to learn of traditional, medicinal plant uses. Birdlife here is prolific too.

Contact Details: Johannesburg Office Tel: +27 11 234 9997 ◊Fax: +27 11 234 0323 ◊ E-Mail: susan@islandsinafrica.com

Windhoek Office Tel: +264 61 232 740 ◊ Fax: +264 61 249 876 ◊ E-Mail: erika@islandsinafrica.com

Website:  www.islandsinafrica.com

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