Where Chobe River birding and community meet

As the cool morning breeze gently caresses our faces, with the smell of the previous night’s rain still fresh in the air, our guide steers the boat down a smaller backwater channel. The engine slowly gears down as our boat sluggishly drifts towards the Papyrus-lined bank. Patrick extends his index finger towards the open plains where several mokoros lay beached on the sand and, in a stoic tone, uttered, ‘This is the place.’

Words by Craig and Christine Widdows

As tourists visiting a new destination, we can only view the landscape as a snapshot, a moment, here and now. But at this moment, we miss the stories that the land holds, times of struggle, drought, plenty, times when rivers burst their banks and when lands as far as the eye can see teemed with life. Ichingo Chobe River Lodge, through their employment of local guides and staff, has provided a unique opportunity for all guests to experience this magical place not only in the present but for generations to come.

Local communities play a pivotal role in the conservation of any area because in order to conserve, we must first understand. And who better to lead this understanding than the people who have spent their lives there? By upskilling local community members, entire communities are empowered with the skills needed to become stewards of the land. This forms a core belief of Mantis, who, through their Community Development Projects, fund mutually beneficial solutions and support for both the community and the ecosystem.

One of the myriad Community Development Projects we got to experience firsthand during our stay at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge was the empowerment of local community members as staff and tour guides. The Chobe River and its micro-network of channels hold some of the most iconic birding opportunities within Southern Africa. A birds-eye view conveys the daunting task even the most experienced birder faces, trying to navigate this maze to locate just a few of these species.

Having grown up in a community surrounding the Chobe River, Patrick, our dedicated bird guide, knew this river intimately. His profound comprehension and, at times, truly baffling understanding of the river network played a crucial role in locating our birding targets. It should also be known that Patrick was able to help us get incredible views of all but one of our target bird species, a truly incredible feat for a three-day trip. “You want to see the Lapwing (Long-toed Lapwing)? There is a place where we used to move our house during the rainy season; they like it on the plains there.” This sparked something special: our search for a bird opened the door to stories of childhoods so different from ours.

Not only was Patrick equipped with a wealth of local knowledge gained from growing up on the island, but we were regaled with tales from years gone by, where every rapid and side channel seemed to hold a different tale. Listening to these stories and sometimes walking the same paths where their stories took place was an extremely intimate experience. It transcends mere casual conversation to an invitation into the uniquely personal moments of his life.

This infectious story-telling spilt over into every staff member, notably the former head of house, Kennedy. His openness and willingness to share his love of the area, the cultures, and his family life were incredibly special.

Within these narratives, the culture and very essence of Impalila Island and the Chobe River truly spring to life. Ichingo Chobe River Lodge has made a space where connection through conservation and culture is at the heart of each experience. We left feeling like we were now part of this special community where stewardship is alive.

These Community Development Projects have provided a platform for tourism to support the local communities while allowing us as tourists the privilege of an authentic and holistic experience of the Chobe River and Impalila Island.

It’s a very special place, and we know that you should all experience it first-hand.  

Contact us to book your Chobe Birding experience.