IMPALILA ISLAND LODGE

The essence of this Namibia lodge is privacy and relaxation, which makes it the perfect place to ease into your holiday or end a hectic game-watching safari.

Although Impalila Island Lodge is on Namibian soil, it is most easily accessed from Kasane in Botswana - the entry town to Chobe National Park. This makes it easy to combine a Botswana animal-watching safari with a visit to this restful lodge.

Dozing on a pool lounger under the glorious African sun is an exquisite way to relax. The more active can walk to the giant Baobab tree, meeting local villagers on the way. Keen fishermen are always content here and should catch tiger fish and tasty bream, which the chef will prepare for dinner.

Take a speed-boat down river into Chobe National Park for a day's game viewing or a dug-out canoe (mokoro), past colourful birds and hippos, culminating in sundowner drinks on an adjoining island (where Impalila is going to open another boutique lodge).