Beginning in a small mountain spring in Angola, running through the sands of the Kalahari and eventually forming the North-eastern border between Namibia and Botswana, the Chobe River is best experienced on board one of the luxurious Chobe Houseboats. The Chobe River offers some of the most unique wildlife experiences that Southern Africa has to offer, including the amazing elephant concentrations that cluster in and around its waters during the cooler months of the year. This phenomenon usually takes place from May through to September.
The Chobe Houseboats are officially located on Namibian side of the Chobe River and this being a remote region, the easiest point of access is actually from the nearby town of Kasane, Botswana. Kasane has daily international fights from Johannesburg. This allows for an easy road transfer from the airport to the docks where you clear through immigration into Namibia, and then board the motor boat transfer to the actual houseboat. However in Botswana itself, we also offer a fantastic houseboat experience aboard the Okavango Spirit Houseboat which is located on the lower end of the pan handle of the Okavango Delta.
With a number of houseboat options to choose from that are detailed below, you can embark on this journey in one of two ways: Either as a standalone tour, or if you feel the need to explore more of what Botswana has to offer, we can graft your chosen houseboat experience into our broader Northern Botswana Safari
• Chobe Princess – Luxurious and high-class, these three elegantly furnished houseboats are designed to be used as private charters or to accommodate smaller groups of people. Each provide exceptional game viewing experiences from a number of places on board, like from the shallow waters of the houseboat’s plunge pools to the comfort of a spacious, air-conditioned suite. This houseboat will definitely not disappoint when it comes to showing off some of the intense beauty that will surround you whilst on board.
• Zambezi Queen – If you are looking to experience the Chobe River as a large group, then this refined 42 meter long houseboat is perfect for you. Equipped with 14 classy suites each containing a private balcony with unobstructed views of the river and the adjacent land, The Zambezi Queen will certainly not underwhelm. It maintains a high level of sophistication and comfort for guests whilst providing some of the best opportunities for birdwatching, animal spotting and star gazing along the river.
• Pangolin Voyager – This houseboat offers an intimate and exclusive experience of the Chobe River’s rich diversity of scenery. With a maximum capacity of 8 guests, this houseboat is ideal for nature enthusiasts and devoted photographers who are looking to capture the true essence of the river and its natural surroundings. Additional boats can easily be set up for specialised camera gear as photographers prepare to capture unforgettable moments of the river’s large concentration of wildlife.
As these are all-inclusive packages, each houseboat experience will cater to your every meal and beverage need. You also have the opportunity to do as many or as few activities as you wish during the duration of your stay. From an array of water-based activities, to daily shore activities that include cultural walking excursions to Impalila Island, or trips to one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world, the great Victoria Falls.
Not only is the Chobe River filled with an array of wildlife species during the winter months, it also thrives during the wet summer months that run from November through to April. It is during this period that colourful migrant birds are on full display in their thousands and antelope begin to drop their young, allowing guests to view nature in one of its most natural habitats whilst on board one of these uniquely African floating lodges.
