Chobe Houseboats

A Chobe houseboat safari offers one of Southern Africa’s most relaxed and immersive wildlife experiences. Cruising along the Chobe River that forms the natural border between Namibia and Botswana, guests enjoy close-up game viewing, spectacular river scenery, and the comfort of a floating lodge. These luxury houseboats provide an ideal way to explore the region’s famous elephant herds, prolific birdlife, and ever-changing river landscapes.

Why the Chobe River Is a Great Choice for Houseboat Safari

Beginning in a small mountain spring in Angola and flowing through the sands of the Kalahari, the Chobe River eventually forms the north-eastern border between Namibia and Botswana. This iconic river system is best experienced on board one of the luxurious Chobe houseboats, where wildlife encounters unfold directly from the water.

The Chobe River is renowned for offering some of the most unique wildlife viewing in Southern Africa. During the cooler, dry months — typically from May through to September — vast herds of elephants gather along the riverbanks, creating one of Africa’s most dramatic natural spectacles.

How to Get to the Chobe Houseboats

Although the Chobe houseboats are officially located on the Namibian side of the river, access is easiest via Kasane in Botswana. Kasane Airport receives daily international flights from Johannesburg, making it a convenient gateway for international travelers. From Kasane, guests enjoy a short road transfer to the river docks, where immigration formalities into Namibia are completed before boarding a motorboat transfer to the houseboat. This seamless journey allows travelers to experience two countries while accessing one of the most remote and pristine safari regions in Africa.

For those interested in a Botswana-based alternative, we also offer the Okavango Spirit Houseboat, located on the lower panhandle of the Okavango Delta.

Who Should Choose a Chobe Houseboat Safari

Travelers seeking relaxed, water-based wildlife viewing
Guests who prefer luxury with minimal daily packing
Birdwatchers and photographers
Couples, families, and private groups - although not recommended for children under 10 yrs
Safari-goers wanting to combine Chobe with Victoria Falls or Northern Botswana

Chobe Houseboat Options

With three houseboat options available, guests can choose an experience that best matches their group size, travel style, and interests. Each vessel below offers a unique perspective on the Chobe River while maintaining high standards of comfort and service:

• Chobe Princess – Best for: Couples, families, and private charters
Luxurious and high-class, these three elegantly furnished and recently upgraded houseboats are designed to be used as private charters or to accommodate smaller groups of people. Each provides exceptional game-viewing experiences from several places on board, from the shallow waters of the houseboat’s plunge pools to the comfort of a spacious, air-conditioned suite or the recently refurbished viewing deck. This houseboat will not disappoint when it comes to showing off some of the intense beauty that will surround you while on board.

• Zambezi Queen – Best for: Larger groups and travelers seeking spacious suites
If you want to experience the Chobe River as a large group, then this refined 42-meter-long houseboat is perfect. 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 while providing some of the best opportunities for birdwatching, animal spotting, and star gazing along the river.

• Pangolin Voyager – Best for: Photographers and small, exclusive groups
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 specialized camera gear as photographers prepare to capture unforgettable moments of the river’s large concentration of wildlife.

FAQ

What is a Chobe houseboat safari?

A Chobe houseboat safari is a river-based wildlife experience on the Chobe River, which forms the border between Namibia and Botswana. Guests stay aboard a luxury houseboat and enjoy guided water-based activities, wildlife viewing, and onboard accommodation.

What’s Included on a Chobe Houseboat Safari

All Chobe houseboat experiences are offered on an all-inclusive basis, with meals, beverages, accommodation, and guided activities included. Guests are free to tailor each day to their preferences — whether enjoying guided water-based excursions, relaxing on deck, or exploring nearby cultural and natural attractions.

Activities may include:
Guided boat safaris and tender excursions
Birdwatching and fishing
Cultural walking tours on Impalila Island
Optional extensions to Victoria Falls

Best Time to Visit the Chobe River

The dry winter months from May to September are famous for their high concentrations of wildlife along the Chobe River, particularly elephants, buffalo, and hippo. Cooler temperatures and clear skies make this period ideal for game viewing and photography. During the wet summer months from November through April, the river ecosystem transforms. Migratory birds arrive in large numbers, antelope give birth to their young, and the surrounding landscapes become lush and green — offering a different, equally rewarding safari experience for nature lovers.

What wildlife can I expect to see on the Chobe River?

The Chobe River is famous for its large elephant populations, as well as hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, antelope, and a wide variety of bird species. Wildlife sightings vary by season, with particularly high concentrations during the dry months.

When is the best time to go on a Chobe houseboat safari?

The dry season from May to September offers excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather along the riverbanks. The wetter months from November to April are ideal for birdwatching, with migratory species present and greener landscapes.

How do I get to the Chobe houseboats?

Most guests travel via Kasane in Botswana, which has daily flights from Johannesburg. From Kasane, a short road transfer takes guests to the river docks, where immigration formalities are completed before boarding a motorboat transfer to the houseboat.

Are Chobe houseboat safaris all-inclusive?

Yes. Chobe houseboat safaris typically include accommodation, meals, beverages, and guided activities. Specific inclusions may vary slightly depending on the houseboat selected.

Can a Chobe houseboat safari be combined with other destinations?

Yes - absolutely! A Chobe houseboat safari can easily be combined with other destinations such as Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta, or a broader Northern Botswana safari itinerary.