Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Access to Mpalila Island is either by charter flight or by boat from Kasane ( Botswana
), though lodges will organise all transport for their booked guests.
Sleeping
Impalila Island Lodge $$$
( 061-401047;
www.islandsinafrica.com/impalila-island-lodge/
; per person Jan-Apr
N$2860, Jun-Dec N$4840; )
Overlooking the impressive Mombova rapids, Impalila
Island Lodge is a stylish retreat of eight luxury chalets built on elevated decks at the wa-
ter's edge. The centrepiece of the lodge is a pair of ancient baobab trees, which tower
majestically over the grounds.
LODGE
Chobe Savannah Lodge $$
( in South Africa 021-4241037;
www.desertdelta.co.za
; per person Jan-Apr US$410,
Jun-Dec US$650; )
The most famous spot on the island is Chobe Savannah Lodge,
which is renowned for its panoramic views of the wildlife-rich Puku Flats. Each stylishly
decorated room has a private verandah where you can spot animals without ever having to
change out of your pyjamas.
LODGE
MUDUMU NATIONAL PARK
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Mudumu National Park has a tragic history of environmental abuse and neglect. Although
it was once one of Namibia's most stunning wildlife habitats, by the late 1980s the park
had become an unofficial hunting concession gone mad. In under a decade the wildlife
was decimated by trophy hunters, which prompted the Ministry of Environment and Tour-
ism (MET) to gazette Mudumu National Park in a last-ditch effort to rescue the area from
total devastation. Mudumu's wildlife has begun to return, but it will take years of wise
policy-making and community awareness before the area approaches its former glory.
Sights
The culmination of a joint partnership between the owners of a one-time local lodge (Li-
anshulu, now closed), MET, private benefactors and the Lizauli community, the
Lizauli
Traditional Village
(admission N$20; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat)
was established to educate
visitors about traditional Caprivian lifestyles, and to provide insight into the local diet,
fishing and farming methods, village politics, music, games, traditional medicine, bas-
