Zambezi Queen

River safari and micro-expedition on the Chobe River between Namibia and Botswana

2-, 3-, or 4-day river safari on the border river between Namibia and Botswana

on the Chobe River

2, 3, or 4 days

Exclusive Suites

Zambezi Queen

Brushing Your Teeth with a Hippo's Gaze

She is the grande dame of the Chobe River: for approximately 25 km, she slowly carries the Zambezi Queen up and down the water-rich border river between Namibia and Botswana.

It’s not a boring cruise; it’s a genuine “river safari”—no need to track animals—because the boat is right where the animals of Chobe National Park gather. Or take a safari excursion right into Africa’s national park with the largest elephant population, accompanied by one of the rangers, coming face to face with the wildlife.

Brushing your teeth with a view of hippos from the cabin balcony, watching a family of elephants bathing in the Chobe River live and in color while you eat breakfast, and taking an afternoon trip by tender boat to a Namibian village on the riverbank.

There are only 14 cabins on board, all featuring floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, with doors leading out to your own private deck. From here, you can watch the incomparable African sunrise in the morning as the wildlife awakens. Unforgettable romance in the same spot as you enjoy a sundowner at sunset.

These are the gifts of the earth that make many hearts beat faster. And they also impress those who have already seen the world's superlatives.

The two-night tours start on Monday and Wednesday. The three-day (three-night) tour starts on Friday and the four-day (four-night) tour starts on Monday. Enjoy all-inclusive service on board.

Stephanie Gräf

Stephanie Gräf

Owner & Founder

Since 2002, I have been personally advising clients on unique expeditions and private trips, small-ship cruises, and journeys to remote regions of the world.

We'd be happy to discuss your trip with you in person.

Why not contact me right now at Phone: +49 201 85890960 or email welcome@inventia.de.

Or schedule a free, no-obligation one-on-one phone call (also via WhatsApp or Wi-Fi), a Teams or Zoom meeting here—even in the evenings or on weekends:

Good to know

Arrival: We will be happy to provide you with a personalized quote including flight arrival and departure.

Pre- and post-program: Extend your trip a little longer. Extend your stay in Namibia or Botswana, or visit other destinations in Africa.

Entry Requirements: German citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Botswana and Namibia. For more information on entry requirements and current safety advisories, please visit the website of the Federal Foreign Office (Botswana and Namibia).

The trip is not recommended for people with limited mobility.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Houseboat with exclusive suites on the Chobe River
  • View of the wildlife in the river and on the riverbank from the cabin balcony
  • Excursions by tender boat to villages on the shore
  • Boat safari amidst the wildlife of Chobe National Park
  • Relax in the pool overlooking the Chobe River
  • Safari trip directly to Africa's national park with the largest elephant population
  • Unique comfort and service

route

itinerary

THE 2-DAY TRIP (departures on Mondays and Wednesdays)

Day 1: Arrival

Meals on arrival day: If you arrive on the 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. transfer, lunch will be served on the Zambezi Queen. If you arrive on the 3:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. transfer, you will receive a snack before your first sunset cruise with the tender boats begins. 

Once all guests are on board by the afternoon, a safety briefing will take place.

Weather permitting, you will then set off on your first game drive in the tender boats on the river. Now, in the golden African sunset, you can take the best photos of the animals on the riverbank.

After returning to the Zambezi Queen, freshen up briefly and meet your host on the upper deck for a welcome drink. If you can tear yourself away from the view, head to the restaurant, where you will be served an excellent 3-course dinner with accompanying wines.

A nightcap at the bar before you fall asleep to the sounds of African nights.

Day 2: On the Chobe River
We know that some guests enjoy watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee, while others prefer to start the day at a more leisurely pace. That’s why we let you choose which morning activities you’d like to do. Will you opt for an early morning water game drive in tender boats or a visit to a Namibian village?

Or would you rather go bird watching or fishing? 

Or perhaps you would prefer to find a quiet spot on board while the Zambezi Queen glides along the river.

Enjoy your lunch on deck with sweeping views of the wildlife along the river.

In the afternoon, you will go on another game drive in the tender boats and observe the wildlife drinking at the river. The region around the Chobe River is known for its 120,000 elephants.

After dinner, enjoy the sunset on your balcony.

Day 3: Goodbye, My Royal Highness.
During breakfast, enjoy one last view and capture some more lasting memories of the wildlife. Now say goodbye to the crew and take the tender boats to the Namibian Immigration Office. After your passport has been stamped, you’ll continue by tender boat to the Kasana Immigration Office in Botswana to re-enter the country.

THE 3-DAY TRIP (departures on Fridays)

Day 1: Arrival
Meals on the day of arrival: If you arrive via the transfer at 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m., lunch will be served on the Zambezi Queen. If you arrive via the transfer at 3:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m., you will receive a snack before your first sunset cruise begins via the tender boats.

Once all guests are on board by the afternoon, a safety briefing will take place.

Weather permitting, you will then set off on your first game drive in the tender boats on the river. Now, in the golden African sunset, you can take the best photos of the animals on the riverbank.

After returning to the Zambezi Queen, freshen up briefly and meet your host on the upper deck for a welcome drink. If you can tear yourself away from the view, head to the restaurant, where you will be served an excellent 3-course dinner with accompanying wines.

A nightcap at the bar before you fall asleep to the sounds of African nights.

Day 2: On the Chobe River
We know that some guests enjoy watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee, while others prefer to start the day at a more leisurely pace. That’s why we let you choose which morning activities you’d like to do. Will you opt for an early morning game drive in tender boats or a visit to a Namibian village?

Or would you rather go bird watching or fishing?

Or perhaps you would prefer to find a quiet spot on board while the Zambezi Queen glides along the river.

Enjoy your lunch on deck with sweeping views of the wildlife along the river.

In the afternoon, you will go on another game drive in the tender boats and observe the wildlife drinking at the river. The region around the Chobe River is known for its 120,000 elephants.

After dinner, enjoy the sunset on your balcony.

Day 3: On the Chobe River: One More Day
You made a wise decision when you chose the 3-day tour.
That means today you can enjoy the activities you didn’t get to do yesterday.

In the evening, enjoy African cuisine accompanied by traditional dancing and singing.

Day 4: Goodbye, my Princess.
During breakfast, enjoy one last view and capture a few more memories of the wildlife that will last a lifetime. Now say goodbye to the crew and take the tender boats to the Namibian Immigration Office. After your passport has been stamped, you’ll continue by tender boat to the Kasana Immigration Office in Botswana to re-enter the country.

Further information

Getting There

Important information about your trip:

  • Ensure that your passport is stamped at the airport in Botswana.
  • VIP entry: You will be met at the airport baggage claim area by a Zambezi Queen representative and transported in an air-conditioned vehicle to the Kasane Immigration Office (KIO). A Zambezi Queen Collection representative will assist you with the entry formalities.
  • At the same time, you will receive assistance with your departure from Botswana.
  • You will then be taken by a small tender boat to the Namibian Immigration Office. Here, your passport must be stamped again. Please wear comfortable shoes, as it is a short walk to the Immigration Office.

The Houseboat | Zambezi Queen

The Zambezi Queen is unrivaled as a luxury houseboat on the Chobe River.

The Zambezi Queen has 14 luxuriously appointed suites with panoramic windows and balconies, including 10 standard suites and 4 master suites.

Zambezi Queen in the evening light, Chobe River, Namibia, Botswana

Standard Suite

Zambezi Queen, Standard Suite, Namibia, Botswana

Zambezi Queen Standard Suites have everything you need to relax in luxury and comfort. When you wake up in the morning, your gaze falls over your outdoor deck onto the peacefully flowing river, the beautiful African landscape, and a family of elephants cooling off in the water on the riverbank. If you prefer to sleep in complete darkness, simply lower the roller blind, which blocks out every ray of light from entering your cabin.

Two of the standard suites are triple cabins for up to 3 people with an extra bed.

  • King-size bed (can be converted into twin beds)
  • Private balcony (front view)
  • air conditioning
  • En suite bathroom
  • hair dryer
  • Save
  • Bathrobe and slippers

 

Master Suite

Zambezi Queen, Master Suite, Namibia, Botswana

Would you like a little more? The 4 master suites are located at the rounded corners (arches) of the boat. They are slightly larger than the standard suites and have 2 balconies "across the corner" so that you don't miss a thing. On the larger of the two balconies, you will find two chairs and a table.

The perfect setting for the first leg of your journey.

  • King-size bed (can be converted into twin beds)
  • Private balcony (front and side view)
  • Free WiFi
  • air conditioning
  • En suite bathroom
  • hair dryer
  • Save
  • Bathrobe and slippers

Pre- and post-tour trips

We can offer you a number of pre- and post-trips in connection with the Zambezi Queen:

Examples:

  • 7 nights: Kruger Park South Africa, Victoria Falls Botswana, and Zambezi Queen Chobe River
  • 9 nights: Hwange, Victoria Falls, Chobe River

Dates & Prices

Request your trip here!

Price per person for 2 nights based on double occupancy

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Summary

Information

Included services:

  • Accommodation in the booked cabin category on board the Zambezi Queen
  • All meals, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, local beer, and wine
  • Guided wildlife and bird watching in tender boats
  • Guided fishing (caught fish are released)*
  • Guided photography safari* (no professional instruction)
  • Guided tour of a village
  • Transfer from Kasane International Airport to the Kasane Immigration Office in Botswana on the Namibian side of the Chobe River
  • Boat transfer from Kasane Immigration Office and Namibia Immigration Office on the Namibian side of the Chobe River

* Subject to availability

** At both immigration offices, there may be longer waiting times (approx. 45–60 minutes) as forms need to be filled out and approvals obtained. 

Region: Africa /Namibia/Botswana/ Chobe River

Language(s):English

Not included in the price:

  • Long-haul flight to/from Germany
  • Transfer from/to Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia or other accommodations near Kasane Lodges
  • Premium alcoholic beverages (sparkling wine, spirits, and desserts)
  • Purchases in the shop
  • tips
  • Community development levy: This amount will appear on your final bill on board. The funds collected go toward community development projects in the local community where the Zambezi Queen Collection operates. The funds are used for local education and health projects. For 2023, the levy is approximately €7.00 per person per night.
  • Fuel surcharge of R250 (approx. €13.40) per person per night. The fee will be collected with the shipping company's invoice.

Information about your trip:

  • Last chance for the tour operator to cancel if the minimum number of 12 participants is not reached: up to 14 days before departure, notification by email.
  • This trip is generally not suitable for people with limited mobility. Please contact us at
    for more detailed information, taking your personal needs into account.

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