Ihaha Campsite
Chobe National Park, Kasane, BotswanaStay at the edge of the riverine forest where the Kalahari sand meets the Chobe floodplains. This is a severe, unfiltered sanctuary for travelers who trade air conditioning for the sound of hippos surfacing 20 meters from their tent.
Ihaha Campsite Overview and Setting
Positioned on the southern banks of the river, this site replaces the old Serondela camp. The ground is dominated by dry Kalahari sands that slope down toward the Caprivi Strip of Namibia. Consequently, the water levels dictate the movement of massive herds of elephants that cross the channel daily. This placement makes it a primary choice for those exploring Botswana tourism beyond the standard lodge circuit.
Furthermore, the grounds are thick with riverine vegetation, providing a natural sanctuary for the Chobe bushbuck. For this reason, the area serves as a vital corridor for predators, with lions frequently using the fence line to track buffalo. Notably, the region hosts a high density of avian life, documented by BirdLife International, where Fish Eagles hunt in full view of the ridge.
Moreover, for those interested in regional history, the site is 38km from Kasane and is within reach of the Victoria Falls UNESCO site via the nearby borders. Resultantly, guests experience the raw power of the Chobe wilderness while remaining connected to the major transfrontier conservation area.
Note on Resident Thieves
“The monkeys and baboons here are aggressive and efficient. If you leave a bag of bread on the concrete table for even ten seconds, it will be gone. Keep your food containers locked inside your 4×4 at all times.”
Key Statistics
- Property Type: National Park Campsite
- Guests (Max): 8 Per Site
- Rooms/Units: 10 Cleared Sites
- Minimum Stay: 1 Night
Wildlife at a Glance
See hundreds of Cape buffalo and surfacing hippos. Frequent sightings include:
Accommodation Details
Standard Individual Site
Qty: 10 | Unfenced Ground
Each site is demarcated by cleared sand and shaded by Knobthorn or Jackalberry trees. You get a waist-high braai stand and a heavy-duty concrete picnic table. Consequently, the spacing of 30 to 50 meters between sites ensures a visual buffer of natural scrub.
Requirement: You are responsible for every piece of gear, from tents to solar lights.
Park Facilities
The grounds are unfenced, allowing animals to move freely through your kitchen area. Resultantly, the park provides solar-powered ablution blocks with flush toilets and communal dish-washing areas.
Quirk: Hot water is dependent on the daily sun hitting the solar collectors.
Dining Experience
Dining is entirely self-catered. You must haul every liter of water and every bag of firewood from Kasane. Most meals are cooked over open Camelthorn wood fires at your site while crocodiles sunbathe on the sandbanks below. In light of this, logistics are the priority for every guest.
The Bush Television
Sit in a canvas chair at midnight and listen to the rasping cough of a leopard nearby while your steaks sizzle. There is no grid power and no WiFi, ensuring the only entertainment is the nightly graze of the hippos on the banks.
Features and Amenities
| Category | Amenities |
|---|---|
| In-Room/Unit | Sand pitch, Braai stand, Concrete table. (No electricity, no WiFi). |
| On-Site | Solar-powered ablutions, Flush toilets, Solar showers, Dish-washing area. |
| Food & Drink | None. Supplies are 38km away in Kasane. |
| Loadshedding | No grid power. Bring solar lanterns and power banks. |
| Transfers | 4×4 vehicle required; no shuttle services. |
| Languages | English, Setswana. |
The aim of this site is to provide a raw, unfiltered connection to the Chobe riverfront. It is the ideal choice for self-drive adventurers who enjoy total autonomy and wildlife walking through their kitchen. However, please note that the tracks are deep sand and require high-clearance 4×4 skills.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary For Your Stay At Ihaha Campsite
Day 1: Arrival & Nightly Graze
Day 2: Tracking Lions & Siesta
Day 3: Fish Eagles & River Loops
Client Testimonials
“The lions roared so close that the canvas vibrated. We watched over 100 elephants cross the water while eating breakfast. Truly wild.”
— Mark S., traveled in August 2025
“Don’t forget your sand tracks. The drive in is heavy, but sitting on that ridge overlooking Namibia makes the shovel work worth it.”
— Lize V., traveled in October 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the camp fenced?
No. Animals move freely through the sites. Do not walk to the ablution blocks at night without a high-powered torch and constant attention.
Can I buy wood or ice?
No. You must stock up completely in Kasane. Firewood collection in the park is strictly prohibited and heavily fined.
Do I need a 4×4?
Absolutely. The tracks are deep, soft Kalahari sand. High clearance and low range are essential to avoid getting stuck in the loops.
Group Activity Pricing
| Activity | Description | Price (Approx. USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Guided Drive | Half-day in a specialized 10-seater vehicle. | $65 per person |
| Chobe River Boat Cruise | 3-hour sunset cruise (excludes transfer). | $40 per person |
| Day Trip to Victoria Falls | Full-day cross-border excursion to Zimbabwe. | $150 per person |
| Cultural Village Tour | Visit to a local community near Ngoma. | $30 per person |
Book Your Ihaha Campsite Stay
Experience the unscripted wilderness of the Chobe riverfront from our rugged managed site.
Contact us today and start booking your Ihaha Campsite with us!
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