Zambezi Queen Houseboat

Zambezi Queen on the water

Rating:
5 Star
Rooms:
14 Suites
Traverses:
Chobe River
Located in:
Botswana/ Namibia
Family:
Children from 13

Fly Into VicFalls/ Kasane

Victoria Falls Airport
90-120 minute transfer
Kasane Airport
15 minute transfer

Distances Site Seeing

Victoria Falls
Transfer time: 90 minutes
Chobe River
All day long :)

About The Zambezi Queen

Moving along the banks of the great Chobe River, Zambezi Queen is a 5-star, 42-metre long luxury houseboat offering unparalleled sophistication in one of the most remote locations on the planet. Best of all, as a guest on the vessel, you can enjoy a truly unique and adventurous river safari holiday while still being surrounded by complete comfort and elegance.

Each of the 14 suites on Zambezi Queen features air-conditioning and your own private balcony, where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the Chobe River and African landscape beyond.
Wake up to the sight of an elephant drinking from the river, or watch a fish eagle take flight – all from the comfort of your own luxurious bed.

Unlike a land-based lodge, Zambezi Queen navigates roughly 25km of the Chobe River, allowing you to explore different vantage points and enjoy unparalleled game viewing.
The banks of the Chobe National Park boast one of the densest populations of elephant on the African continent - estimated at approximately 120 000.

The Park is also home to a large number of buffalo, leopard and lion, along with a variety of antelope and abundant birdlife.

A FLOATING BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN A CLASS OF HER OWN

Bird Watching

With over 450 species, a mix of terrains and a dramatic African backdrop, the Chobe River is the perfect setting for a highly rewarding birdwatching safari. Birding season starts in September, when the first migrants arrive, boosting the bird population by up to 20% compared to the winter months.

Game Viewing

Each day you’ll venture out by tender boat to get up close and personal with huge herds of elephant, buffalo, lion, crocodile, zebra and more that are drawn to the water. You’ll also see a huge variety of birdlife and plant life as you breathe in African air around you.

Photographic Safaris

Uninterrupted access to wild animals. Absolute silence. Golden light. The Chobe River is an unforgettable photographic safari destination, and one of the wildlife photographers’ hotspots in Africa. And, because this is a water-based safari, you’ll be able to take unique shots in a safe environment.

Fishing Excursions

No trip to the Chobe is complete without trying your hand at a fishing safari. Hook a tiger fish, or one of the many bream species, African pike, tilapia, catfish or upper Zambezi yellowfish as you explore mile upon mile of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers.


Facilities on the Zambezi Queen

Property Facilities
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Mobile Connectivity
  • Battery Charging Facilities
  • Communal Dining
  • Eco Friendly
  • Internet Access (Complimentary)
  • Laundry Service (Available)
  • Meal on Request
  • 24-hour Security
Room Facilities
  • Air Conditioning
  • Balcony / Deck
  • Dressing Gowns
  • Electrical Outlets
  • En-Suite
  • Fan
  • Hair Dryer
  • Shower
  • Safe
  • Tea / Coffee
Activities on Site
  • Bird Watching
  • Boating
  • Catch-and-release Fishing
  • Fine Dining
  • Game Viewing
  • Safaris
  • Walks (Guided)
  • Wildlife Tours

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 Zambezi Queen traverses on the Chobe River, which is a natural border between Botswana and Namibia.
In order to board the Zambezi Queen from Kasane Immigration Office (KIO), you will need to exit Botswana and enter Namibia. The Zambezi Queen team will arrange all boat transfers required. The process will take around 45 to 60 minutes from the time of arrival at the Kasane Immigration Office.

Available Rooms

From the moment you step on-board the Zambezi Queen, it becomes apparent that no expense was spared in creating one of the world’s most unique river safari experiences. Equipped with 14 tasteful and luxurious suites - ten standard suites and four luxury suites.
All suites accommodate two adults, and two of the larger standard suites can take a maximum of three adults.

Standard Suite with bed and view of river

Standard Suite

Max Guests:
2 guests

All suites come with en-suite bathrooms (shower only) and full length sliding shutters for both privacy and protection from the sun. Hairdryers, toiletries, gowns and slippers are provided for your comfort, while electronic safes in each room are ideal for storing your valuables. Suites can be configured with either one double or two single beds.

Luxury Suite with bed, balcony and view of river

Luxury Suite

Max Guests:
2 guests

All suites come with en-suite bathrooms (shower only) and full length sliding shutters for both privacy and protection from the sun. While both types of suites let you relax in a luxurious setting, the Luxury suites are slightly bigger, and have larger balconies that house two deckchairs and a table. The Luxury suites also feature both side and front sliding doors for a truly panoramic view of your surroundings.

Standard triple Suite with double bed and single bed

Standard Triple Suite

Max Guests:
2 +1 guests

All suites come with en-suite bathrooms (shower only) and full length sliding shutters for both privacy and protection from the sun.
Two of the Standard Suites are triple rooms with an extra bed and can accommodate up to three adults each.

    Child Policy - Accommodation
  • Children aged 13 and older are welcome on board the Zambezi Queen and are charged the applicable adult rate.
  • A 30% single supplement charge applies to single children.
  • Triple suites are available for children sharing with their parents, with a maximum of one child per triple suite.
  • If you’re bringing more than one child, you’ll need to book an additional suite for every two children that accompany you.
  • Please note that no babysitting services, separate activities and/or menus are available for children.

Rates and Packages

Please Note that all packages marked in Rands are issued by the lodge for SADC residents only. Rates for international guests will be quoted separately in USD. Please send us details of your intended itinerary, we have excellent rates for international visitors and will advise you on an itinerary that will suit you and your budget

Rates may change due to currency fluctuations.
Although airport taxes are included these may increase or decrease slightly due to currency fluctuations and changes in govt taxes

Transfers Included

All packages include the following transfers

  • Road transfers to and from Kasane International Airport and Kasane Immigration Office located on the Botswana side of the Chobe River ***
  • Boat transfers between Kasane Immigration Office and Namibia Immigration Office located on the Namibian side of the Chobe River ***

2 Nights - Suite

Elephants in the water with tender boat behind
pps from R 19 700

->> Includes

  • 2 nights in a Standard Suite
  • All meals, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, local beer and wine
  • Guided water based game viewing and birding
  • Guided water-based fishing (all fishing is strictly catch and release)*
  • Guided (non-professional) water based photographic safari **
  • Guided cultural tour of a local village
  • Transfers from Kasane airport and Kasane
  • Boat transfers between Kasane immigration office and Namibia immigration office located on Namibian side of the Chobe River
a caught Tigerfish

  • Single Supplement is 30% on per person sharing rate
  • Excludes: Air tickets and visa fees.
  • Excludes: Premium alcoholic beverages (such as sparkling wine, spirits & dessert wines).
  • Excludes: Curio shop purchases and gratuities (discretionary).
  • Excludes: Community development levy.


Valid: 1 March 2026 to 30 November 2026

2 Nights - Luxury Suite

Circular plunge pool with guest. River in background
pps from R 22 000

->> Includes

  • 2 nights in a Luxury Suite
  • All meals, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, local beer and wine
  • Guided water based game viewing and birding
  • Guided water-based fishing (all fishing is strictly catch and release)*
  • Guided (non-professional) water based photographic safari **
  • Guided cultural tour of a local village
  • Transfers from Kasane airport and Kasane
  • Boat transfers between Kasane immigration office and Namibia immigration office located on Namibian side of the Chobe River
Tender boat with elephants in background

  • Single Supplement is 30% on per person sharing rate
  • Excludes: Air tickets and visa fees.
  • Excludes: Premium alcoholic beverages (such as sparkling wine, spirits & dessert wines).
  • Excludes: Curio shop purchases and gratuities (discretionary).
  • Excludes: Community development levy.


Valid: 1 March 2026 to 30 November 2026

3 Nights - Suite

Pool deck with people
pps from R 29 500

->> Includes

  • 3 nights in a Standard Suite
  • All meals, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, local beer and wine
  • Guided water based game viewing and birding
  • Guided water-based fishing (all fishing is strictly catch and release)*
  • Guided (non-professional) water based photographic safari **
  • Guided cultural tour of a local village
pool deck with people at sunset

  • Single Supplement is 30% on per person sharing rate
  • Excludes: Air tickets and visa fees.
  • Excludes: Premium alcoholic beverages (such as sparkling wine, spirits & dessert wines).
  • Excludes: Curio shop purchases and gratuities (discretionary).
  • Excludes: Community development levy.


Valid: 1 March 2026 to 30 November 2026