Islands in Africa Notes From the Field
April 2008
We can report that the water level around Susuwe have been dropping in the last week with the rains effectively over. Game viewing has been improving as a result and the guides are taking full advantage of sunny days by treating all guests to picnics in the bush.
This weeks wildlife highlights include two leopards spotted on one game drive, one of which was stalking an impala without success. Later on the same drive the guests were lucky enough to spot a group of four Sable Antelope. Giraffe, buffalo and elephant are all back in good numbers inside the park. The elephant population in particular is active daily around Susuwe Island.
March 2008
Impalila
• Chobe Game Cruises: guests depart at 09:00 for a full day's game viewing. A beautifully prepared lunchtime picnic is spent on the Namibian banks of the Chobe National Park, allowing guests to watch the wealth of game that come down to the river during the midday period.
• The area is experiencing a population increase in Hippo as well as huge numbers of elephant frolicking in the water; large crocodiles lying along the banks of the Chobe, Kasai Channel and the Zambezi; Sable, Lion, Jackal and even the occasional leopard are viewed more regularly than ever before; an African Rock Python has been observed hunting near the lodge.
• The birding has also been exceptional with a nesting northern race of the Olive Woodpecker spotted. Over 234 species were seen in 3 days during a recent stay at Impalila with a massive cuckoo explosion never experienced before - with 8 different species have been observed.
• Impalila renovations are starting in mid-March. The pool will be first along with the chalets and kitchen.
• This year's rainfall on the island and Chobe has been slightly less than normal allowing for exceptional game viewing in the Chobe, yet enough to transform Impalila Island into a breathtakingly beautiful lush piece of paradise
Susuwe
Susuwe is playing its part in an historic moment; the water is reaching the highest levels since 1958! Many of the older local people including Chief Mayuni can only remember, as children, seeing water levels this high caused by higher than normal rainfall levels and an inflow of water from Angola and Zambia.
The Lodge has had 647mm in the last 3 months; January saw only 40mm less than the whole rainfall of 2007. Guests flying into Susuwe will be very fortunate in viewing this from the air.
We are very happy to report that Susuwe is safe from the water, only being affected in a positive way. We are discovering new tracks and gaining insight into our lesser used areas. The foliage and botany is incredibly lush. Shrubs are growing by the day. Birding is as good as ever, and Susuwe is still living up to its reputation as a birder's paradise. Just a few days ago an African Fish Eagle was spotted feeding on a Tiger Fish.
The elephants are starting to return to the area; hippos are in abundance with one even taking up residence in front of the lodge. Recent game highlights include two male hippos fighting for territory out of the water as well as a group of Sable, and even a Leopard cub. The lodge has been fortunate to regularly spot an otter family and suspects they have a den nearby. So even though vehicles are experiencing new adventures driving across many waterways, guests are taking home memorable sightings.
The Lodge has started intensive guide training with a combination of academic and guiding skills combined with personal local knowledge.
Chief Mayuni has once again extended a warm invitation to any guests wanting to visit the local villages or the traditional authority and where available, he will also personally meet with guests.
Royalty visits Impalila Island Lodge
His Royal Highness Chief Mulariswani, chief of the entire Eastern Caprivi recently visited Impalila Island Lodge to check local school projects. He was overjoyed at this initiative which encourages pupils of Impalila Island schools to research projects on subjects such as the cultural history of their people, environmental issues, the geography of the area etc. At the end of every term, the best projects are displayed at the lodge. The Lodges objective is to collect info and collate a book – this way preserving the very, very special community history.
January 2008
Renovations at Impalila
During 2008 Impalila is enlarging the bathrooms in the guest rooms. The bathrooms are currently built into the bedroom area. Throughout this year, separate rooms will be built onto the bedroom area adding valuable space and creating more privacy for guests. This will be done on a room by room basis.The pool will be upgraded with the addition of an infinity pool and a reconfiguration of the deck to increase privacy for bathers. All soft furnishings in the lodge will also be updated.
3 nights – Impalila Island Lodge, Caprivi
ZAR 8900.00 per person inclusive of the following:
Return flights from Johannesburg to either Livingstone or Victoria Falls; onward and return transfers to Impalila, all accommodation, activities, meals, laundry.
Impalila Island Lodge offers visitors exquisite luxury and comfort in Africa's cradle of rivers in north eastern Namibia. From its uniquely situated island located within Africa's mighty Zambezi, Chobe and Kwando rivers, you can experience the endless fascination of African river ecology. Activities include game viewing by boat or 4 x 4 for big game, mokoro trips, fly fishing for tiger fish, guided walks, island picnics, visits to traditional villages, world class cuisine 'fusion' style.
Contact: safari@islandsinafrica.com – tel: +27 11 2349997
Terms and conditions apply.
