Ichingo River Lodge

The communal area is a stilted and spacious thatched building with an open front from which you can watch the Chobe flow beneath you through the trees. Leather couches and wooden coffee tables make up two lounge areas, backed by the bar. Meals are taken in the attached dining room or and outside under the stars, beside a roaring fire. Temperatures are often high – fortunately there's a swimming pool for cooling off.

Who knew tents could have bathrooms on a par with any upmarket big-city hotel? This is glamping indeed, on stilts. The eight large safari tents are pitched, Meru-style, and have wooden floors and a wide balcony overlooking the river. There are cupboards, directors' chairs, a comfy bed and good bedside lighting for reading. And, blissfully, there's air-conditioning! If you’re looking for more privacy away from the main lodge, book tents one to three.

Fishing enthusiasts generally book a stay at Ichingo just for the satisfying catch rate. We reckon the knowledgeable guides have a lot to do with their success too. Game viewing is up close, mainly from a boat, and you can expect to see elephant, hippo, croc, buffalo and more. Birding is off the charts. Keen on getting closer to the action? Take a walking tour, visit the local village and get an eyeful of the ancient baobab.