Chobe Princess

Getting up close to Elephants on the Chobe River - an amazing expeience

The Chobe Princess

As you drift down the Chobe River and spot incredible wildlife scenes, you’ll be able to completely relax in an intimate river safari experience.

The Chobe River The river of many names: The Chobe isn’t one single river. She’s actually a massive stretch of the same water system that flows over Victoria Falls on its way to the sea. The Angolan Cuando River upstream, the Kwando river of the Caprivi and the swamps of Linyanti are all also part of the same flow.

The Chobe River forms the border between Namibia and Botswana and is 731km long.The Chobe National Park is home to an abundance of elephants. In fact, it’s the densest population on the African continent – estimated at approximately 120 000. As the Chobe Princesses navigates up to 50km of the Chobe River, you’ll have ample opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural surrounds. From drinking their fill of water on the banks to bathing in the cooling waters, these are incredible wildlife experiences you won’t encounter anywhere else. The Park is also home to a large number of buffalo, leopard and lion, along with a variety of antelope and birdlife, which can be viewed from the houseboats or on motorised tender boats that venture into the narrower waterways.

With only a small number of guests per boat staying in one of the three Chobe Princesses is like being on your very own houseboat and provides a sense of intimacy and exclusivity for every guest. The entire boat can also be booked exclusively, giving you your very own private villa on the water.

Each houseboat has a minimum of three smaller boats for use on daily excursions that take your fancy: mark off over 450 bird species found in this wetland paradise, try your hand at landing a tiger fish, or capture Africa's unique beauty on a photographic safari. Whatever you choose to do, your day trips will be personal and flexible because you’ll be sharing the tender boats with a small number of guests.

Each cabin on board the Chobe Princesses is tastefully decorated in a contemporary style, and each has its own private view onto the ever-changing landscapes beyond. On the upper entertainment deck, a spacious lounge and bar area encourages you to take time out while there’s also a plunge pool that's perfect for a refreshing dip.

Accommodation

Luxury cabins with uninterrupted views of the African wildlife on the Chobe River.

Standard Cabin Lie in bed and take in the breath-taking views of the river and surrounding landscapes from large sliding windows. Two of the houseboats contain four cabin suites, with five cabin suites on the slightly larger houseboat. Cabins are fitted with basic essentials including king or twin beds, air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.

Superior Cabin Take in panoramic views across the river from your private balcony. The superior cabins are fully equipped with everything needed throughout your stay, from air-conditioning to mosquito-proofed windows and en-suite bathrooms with showers. Enjoy private dining on request in our top cabin for an unforgettable romantic dining experience.

The Chobe Princess moored for the night for you to enjoy the sunset and the evening

Dining on the Chobe Princess

When you're on holiday, the food you eat and the meals you enjoy become part of your memories. That's why as a guest on one of our Chobe Princesses, we make sure that every one of the three hearty meals we serve per day are unforgettably delicious - along with the drinks and snacks we provide in between.

At sunrise, enjoy a warming cup of tea or coffee with wholesome rusks and biscuits before departing by tender boat for game viewing and other excursions. After an exciting morning – or even if you've chosen to stay on board and lie in – settle in on the deck for a fresh continental buffet or a hot English breakfast if you prefer.

Lunch and dinner are set menus with a single option, so please do let us know any dietary requirements before you arrive. Unfortunately, due to our remote location, we’re not able to cater for Kosher and Halaal meals. In keeping with the relaxed atmosphere of the Chobe Princesses, we don’t serve high tea at a set time. Instead, we have tea, coffee and home-baked goodies readily available at the bar area of the entertainment deck for you to enjoy at any time of day.

After sipping on a traditional African safari sundowner, sit down to a three-course evening meal as you’re serenaded to the sounds of hyenas, elephant and perhaps even lion nearby. After dinner, enjoy a coffee and a nightcap before heading to your cabin to round off the perfect day.

Water-based game viewinge

Staying on board one of the Chobe Princesses is like being on a permanent game viewing vehicle, but with a much higher comfort factor. Situated in the heart of the Chobe region with access to river frontage of the Chobe National Park, we also offer water-based game drives by tender boat, allowing you to experience the enormous diversity and concentration of wildlife up even closer.

Game viewing on the Chobe River is at its most exceptional from March to November when the weather is drier and the animals are more mobile as they search for food and water. Summer and spring also offer unique opportunities though, as you watch the landscape burst into life after the first rains of the season. Catch sight of huge herds of elephant as they swim across the water, as well as buffalo, lion, crocodile, lechwe, puku, giraffe, zebra, sable, kudu and the occasional leopard as they gather to quench their thirst at watering holes. Besides animal life, you’ll also see a huge variety of birdlife and plant life as you listen to the sounds of a hippo grunting and breathe in the sweet smell of African grass.

The Chobe is known as a photographer's paradise and for good reason. The soft early morning light and the sunsets at dusk, combined with striking animal behaviour, make for dramatic and unusual photo opportunities. Before your game viewing excursion, remember to apply sunscreen and wear a hat, as temperatures can reach over 40 degrees centigrade. You should also bring along a jacket for the chillier temperatures in the early mornings and evenings.

Enjoy the ultimate in game viewing safari decadence as you sip on a drink and cruise along the river in one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.

Suggested four day itinerary

Dat One fly into Kasane Airport where you’ll then be met by a representative who will help with your luggage and transfer you to the Kasane Immigration Office (KIO) in an air-conditioned vehicle. Once you arrive at KIO, a Zambezi Queen Collection staff member will meet you and help with formalities at passport control as you exit Botswana. You’ll then be transferred by a smaller tender boat with a Zambezi Queen Collection staff member to the Namibian Immigration Office. You then need to get your passport stamped at the Namibian Immigration Office. Please wear comfortable shoes, as there is a short walk to the immigration office.

If you arrive with the 13:00 and 14:00 transfers, you’ll be served lunch. Once all our guests have boarded in the late afternoon, and if the weather permits, we’ll go in search of some big game. This is the perfect time of day to make the most of that golden glow of the African sunset by getting some iconic shots of the animals as they gravitate towards the river before night falls.

After the sunset cruise return back on board and freshen up before meeting your Captain on the upper deck. After a safety briefing, you’ll make your way to the dining room where you’ll be served a delicious three-course plated dinner along with an excellent choice of wines. Finish off with a hot drink or nightcap at the bar before retiring to the night sounds of Africa in the distance.

Day Two We know that some guests like to watch the sunrise as they sip on their coffee while others like to take a more leisurely approach. That’s why we let you choose your morning activities, depending on the type of holiday you’re searching for. Perhaps you want to enjoy a water-based safari or a village tour on the Namibian side of the river? Or perhaps you’d prefer a spot of bird watching or fishing instead? Or for the more adventurous a walking tour to a 2000-year-old baobab tree? You may even decide to simply remain on board as the Chobe Princess houseboat glides its way along the banks of the Chobe River.

After your morning activities, enjoy lunch on board while using your unique vantage point to spot wild animals and drink in the expansive views. Join our guide in the afternoon for a water-based safari on a tender boat where you can get up close to an array of wildlife, including some of the 120 000 elephants for which the Chobe is well known. After a delicious dinner, settle down for a restful and tranquil night in your cabin.

Day Three You’ve made a wise choice – you have a whole extra day to enjoy the delights of Zambezi Queen. After a hearty breakfast, head off to experience those activities you didn’t manage to fit in yesterday: enjoy a water-based river safari by tender boat, a village or walking tour, go bird watching or fishing for tigerfish or bream. Return for lunch on board and some relaxation time before the afternoon activities start. Again, you have the choice between tiger or bream fishing, a village or walking tour, game viewing by tender boat or bird watching.

Day Four Enjoy a morning cruise during breakfast as you do your last bit of animal spotting and take some memorable pictures. Bid our crew a reluctant farewell and then make your way via boat to the Namibian Immigration Office. Once you’ve had your documents stamped you’ll be transferred via boat to the Kasane Immigration Office where you’ll have your documents stamped once again before entering Botswana.