Chobe Princess Houseboat

About TheChobe Princess

The Chobe Princess houseboats offer a relaxed and intimate way to experience the wildlife of the Chobe River. Moored along the quieter channels near the Namibia–Botswana border, the boats provide a comfortable base from which to explore one of Southern Africa’s richest wildlife areas.

Life on board is easy and unhurried. Days typically begin with coffee and a light breakfast before heading out on a morning river safari in one of the small tender boats. These excursions allow you to explore the narrow waterways and islands where wildlife often gathers. Afternoons are usually spent relaxing on the upper deck, enjoying the views from the lounge, or taking another boat excursion before returning for sunset drinks and dinner.

The cabins are compact but comfortable, each with large sliding windows that allow you to enjoy river views from your room. All cabins have air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms with showers, and simple modern furnishings. The boats are small enough to maintain a personal atmosphere, with attentive crew and a maximum of only a few guests on board.

The Chobe River is famous for its birdlife and its large elephant population. It is common to see elephants swimming between islands, hippos surfacing quietly nearby, crocodiles basking on sandbanks and a wide variety of water birds along the shoreline. Buffalo, antelope and other wildlife are also frequently seen coming down to the river to drink, particularly in the cooler hours of the day.

Activities on the Chobe Princess

Bird Watching

The Chobe River is one of Southern Africa’s premier birding destinations, with more than 450 recorded species. The mix of river channels, islands and riverine woodland attracts a wide variety of birdlife throughout the year. From around September, migrant species begin arriving, increasing the already impressive bird population and making this a particularly rewarding time for birdwatchers.

Game Viewing

Daily excursions by small tender boat allow guests to explore the quieter channels and islands of the Chobe River. Elephants are frequently seen crossing between islands, while hippos, crocodiles and large herds of buffalo are common along the riverbanks. A wide variety of antelope and birdlife can also be seen as wildlife comes down to the water to drink.

Photographic Safaris

The Chobe River offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. The smaller tender boats allow for close but unobtrusive viewing of animals along the shoreline and on the islands. Soft early morning and late afternoon light, combined with the unique perspective from the water, create ideal conditions for capturing memorable wildlife images.

Fishing Excursions

Fishing is a popular activity on the Chobe River and can be enjoyed from the tender boats with experienced guides. The river is home to a number of species including the well-known tigerfish, as well as bream, catfish, tilapia and African pike. Equipment is usually provided and excursions are conducted on a catch-and-release basis.

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Facilities on the Chobe Princess

Best time to travel

There is no best or worst time to visit the Chobe area, because every month offers visitors something special.
If you’re looking for a pure wildlife experience, the drier winter months from May to October see greater concentrations of game along the banks of the Chobe River.

The summer months from November to April see the birdlife explode with the addition of the summer migrants to the area.

If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you’ll be excited to know that there is excellent fishing through the summer and winter.

Departure days

• Every Monday for two night or four night cruises.
• Every Wednesday for two night cruises.
• Every Friday for three night cruises.

Notes - Passport Control

The Chobe Princess traverses on the Chobe River, which is a natural border between Botswana and Namibia.
In order to board the Chobe Princess from Kasane Immigration Office (KIO), you will need to exit Botswana and enter Namibia at Impalila Island. The Chobe Princess team will arrange all boat transfers required and walk you through the whole (usually painless) process. It will take around 45 to 60 minutes from the time of arrival at the Kasane Immigration Office to you having your welcome drink on board the Houseboat.