Zambezi Queen

OVERVIEW: Enjoy a luxury African river safari on the Zambezi Queen

Zambezi Queen is listed in the Zambezi Queen Collection, a member of the Mantis Collection of Hotels, Eco-Escapes and Lifestyle Resorts. The name Mantis is synonymous with luxury, and guests of the Zambezi Queen enjoy high-quality food and drink, service, and accommodation. The price of your stay includes your sumptuous suite, all meals, and a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks. The accommodation can be booked all year round.

LOCATED ON THE CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA:

The boat is accessed via 15 minutes’ motorboat transfer from the immigration post for Namibia, guests having also come through the Botswana office approximately 10 minutes’ drive from Kasane. The boat’s base is about 80 kilometers from Victoria Falls.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT ZAMBEZI QUEEN:

Guest accommodation consists of ten standard suites and four master suites. Occupying the two lower levels of the boat’s three stories, all feature super-stylish interiors by Jenni Button, a prolific South African designer. Each standard suite offers a king-size bed or twin beds, and a couple of larger units can sleep up to three adults. The well-appointed en-suite facilities comprise flush toilet, washbasin, and shower. There’s a safe within the bedroom area, and staff provide robes, slippers, toiletries, and a hairdryer. The entire space is kept pleasantly cool thanks to air conditioning, ceiling fans, and an effective shutter system. Sliding doors just beyond the foot of the bed/s lead out onto a private deck, where you can relax and enjoy wonderful river views! The master suite option is more spacious and offers both front and side doors onto a deck, which is set with two deckchairs and a table.

For the most part, the communal spaces aboard the Zambezi Queen are found on the boat’s top deck. Here you’ll find the entertainment deck, which contains a number of seating areas, a dining area, and a very chic bar. As mentioned, food and drink is of high quality, from every day’s full English breakfast to tasty buffet lunches to lavish served dinners! The uppermost deck is also home to a sundeck, where you can lie back in a sunlounger or take a dip in the plunge pool while looking out for the Chobe river’s wildlife. On the middle level, there’s a pleasant reading room, which is ideal for enjoying a little quiet time and catching up with the wider world via the boat’s Wi-Fi connection. This area has a small curio shop too, where you can browse for souvenirs.

ACTIVITIES AT ZAMBEZI QUEEN:

The Zambezi Queen offers a two- or three-night itinerary. Both options are flexible, allowing guests to set their own pace. Here are a few of the activities you can enjoy:

• Game viewing

  - Watching the residents of the River Chobe and its banks is possible while you’re on board the boat, either from your very own deck or from the communal areas. However, to get a little closer to the wildlife, you can hop on to a smaller tender boat and transfer to a special double-story game-viewing vessel. There’s plenty to see between the Caprivi Strip and Chobe N.P.! Among the highlights are big cats, huge herds of elephant and buffalo, lots of plains game, hippos, crocs, and a wealth of waterbirds.

• Fishing

  - Special year-round trips can be arranged for keen anglers, with all equipment supplied. The main attraction in this part of Safari Africa is the mighty tiger fish, but you can also try your hand at catching the likes of catfish, yellowfish, pike, and an assortment of breams. Please note, all fishing is offered on a catch-and-release basis only.

• Birding

  - The River Chobe is home to over 450 species of bird! Come September, a variety of migrant species flies into the area, further boosting the bird scene. Birding safaris are available in the company of a knowledgeable guide. You’ll set off in a tender boat and have many a happy hour spotting fish eagle, cattle egret, carmine bee-eater, and more.

• Photo safaris

  - The Zambezi Queen Collection has a custom-made photographic safari boat, perfect for capturing your most memorable moments in Chobe on film. The boat features swivel chairs and mounting for your SLR camera, and all photo safaris are accompanied by an expert guide.

• Cultural tours

  - Visits to Ijambwe, a Namibian village, provide exciting opportunities to find out about the peoples of the East Caprivi. You’ll travel to Ijambwe by tender boat. Once you’ve arrived, you can meet the villagers, purchase some of their craft items, and enjoy some traditional singing and dancing too! And guests are welcome to bring gifts for the village children – books, clothing, and stationery are always well received.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.