2-, 3-, or 4-day river safari on the border river between Namibia and Botswana
Brushing teeth with a hippopotamus 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" – without any track reading – because the boat is exactly where the animals of Chobe National Park go. Or a safari trip directly to Africa's most elephant-rich national park with one of the rangers, eye to eye 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 with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and doors leading to your own outdoor deck. From here, you can watch the incomparable African sunrise in the morning as the wildlife awakens. Enjoy unforgettable romance in the same spot at sunset with a sundowner.
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.
inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary is your agency for customized tours around the world.
My name is Stephanie Gräf and I am your contact person for your booking and any questions you may have about your trip. You can reach me by phone at +49 (0)201 858 90 960or by email atwelcome@inventia.de.
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
travel itinerary
THE 2-DAY TRIP (departures on Mondays and Wednesdays)
(the three-day tour follows below)
Day 1: Arrival
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.
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 like to enjoy the sunrise with a coffee, while others prefer a more relaxed start to the day. That's why we let you choose which activities you would like to do in the morning. Will you opt for an early water safari 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 collect some lasting memories of the wildlife. Now say goodbye to the crew and take the tender boats to the Namibian Immigration Office. Once your passport has been stamped, continue in the tender boats to the Kasana Immigration Office in Botswana to re-enter Botswana.
THE 3-DAY TRIP (departures on Fridays)
Day 1: Arrival
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.
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 like to enjoy the sunrise with a coffee, while others prefer a more relaxed start to the day. That's why we let you choose which activities you would like to do in the morning. Will you opt for an early water safari 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.
During breakfast, enjoy one last view and collect some lasting memories of the wildlife. Now say goodbye to the crew and take the tender boats to the Namibian Immigration Office. Once your passport has been stamped, continue in the tender boats to the Kasana Immigration Office in Botswana to re-enter Botswana.
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.
Standard Suite
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
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
Prices and services
Dates & Prices:
| off-season | peak season | |
| 2023 | January, February, December | March to November |
| Price per person for 2 nights based on double occupancy | ||
| Standard Suite | 1.301,00 € | 1.577,00 € |
| Master Suite | 1.535,00 € | 1.861,00 € |
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:
- 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 amount collected will be invested in local community development projects run by the Zambezi Queen Collection. The projects support local education, health, and general needs. 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.
- 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.
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
Book this trip & ask questions
Individual travel offer & further information
Zambezi Queen
River safari and micro-expedition on the Chobe River between Namibia and Botswana
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 require a passport and visa to enter Botswana and Namibia. Further information on entry requirements and the latest safety information can be found at the Federal Foreign Office (Botswana and Namibia).
The trip is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
Impressions of Zambazi Queen | The luxury houseboat on the Chobe River
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Enquiry about Zambezi Queen – River safari and micro-expedition on the Chobe River between Namibia and Botswana
