The Chobe Princess Houseboat

Give your African safari an edgy flavor and include a stay on one of the three beautiful Chobe Princesses Houseboats. Formerly known as the Pride of Zambezi and the two Ichobezi Safariboats, the boats merged to operate under the banner of the Zambezi Queen Collection. (The Zambezi Queen Houseboat also falls under this banner).

Each of the three Chobe Princesses offers visitors the same exclusive and unique experience on the Chobe River. Viewing game from the water provides a different perspective on wildlife behavior and the fishing opportunities are a dream come true for any avid fisherman.

The boats are officially located on the Namibian side of the Chobe River but routinely and most conveniently accessed via the small Botswana town of Kasane.

Berthed on the Chobe River, which forms the boundary between Namibia and Botswana, the Chobe Princesses are only 70 km upstream from the majestic Victoria Falls and at the entrance to Chobe National Park. This is nature at its finest, and combined with a luxury onboard stay, you will experience the perfect getaway.

Chobe National Park has one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The Chobe River forms the park’s northern border. This river and its floodplains provide a sensitive ecosystem where wildlife congregates, especially in the dry season. Herds of elephants numbering in their thousands make sightings a regular occurrence and the birdlife here is world renowned. The Chobe River joins the Zambezi River, creating the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe where the waters cascade down the magnificent Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, The smoke that thunders, this roaring falls never seize to impress. A helicopter flip above this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a worthwhile addition or if you are feeling adventurous, join a rafting trip below the falls for an adrenaline-filled ride. Walking along the falls (with an umbrella in the rainy season) is enough adventure for most.

While staying on the Chobe Princesses, you are treated to accommodation of the highest standard. All the cabins have recently been refurbished ensuring each cabin has the best amenities, are exquisitely decorated. All cabins are spacious, en-suite, and air-conditioned. Each of the rooms has big sliding windows to maximize the visual fest constantly on offer. The main area of the boats is open plan and includes a lounge area where guests can relax and soak up the blissful African sights and sounds. The bar opens onto the lounge area, as does the dining room space. To add to the unique safari experience, each of the Chobe Princesses has a plunge pool and loungers for guests to while away the day when not game viewing or fishing. The top decks of the vessels have each been turned into a viewing deck with unspoiled views of the Chobe River.

Staff on board all three boats strive for service excellence. Meals are cooked, and activities are guided and facilitated by them, nearly all of which come from the local area and offer added value to guests. The Chobe Princesses offer numerous activities. Spend a morning birdwatching and enjoy the excellent game viewing on the Chobe River. Take a guided game viewing or fishing excursion on one of the tender boats (tackle provided). You can also choose to visit the famed Victoria Falls or a local village. Avid fishermen will revel in a day of tiger fishing, but you can also simply choose to relax on the deck of your luxurious floating lodge.

A typical day on the Chobe Princess will consist of an early morning game-viewing or fishing activity and then return to the boat for a delicious breakfast. A mid-morning village tour on the Namibian side of the Chobe River, followed by lunch aboard the boat. At around 3 pm you head out for your afternoon game-viewing or photography safari and return to the boat for a decadent dinner.

A one-night stay on the houseboats is just not worth it from a time aspect, given the logistics of getting to and from the boat from the Botswana town of Kasane which is the point of access.

The Chobe Princesses operate on scheduled departures, so guests can choose between a 2 or 3-night journey:

The 2 night journeys depart Mondays and Wednesdays
The 3-night journeys depart on Fridays

Rates and Departure Dates

Jan – Feb 2024
R7,932 per person per night sharing (Standard Cabin)
R9,518 per person per night sharing (Superior Cabin)

Mar - Nov 2024
R11,733 per person per night sharing (Standard Cabin)
R13,441 per person per night sharing (Superior Cabin)

Dec 2024 - Feb 2025
R9,518 per person per night sharing (Standard Cabin)
R10,850 per person per night sharing (Superior Cabin)

Mar 2025 - Nov 2025
R12,437 per person per night sharing (Standard Cabin)

Dec 2025 - Feb 2026
R10,089 per person per night sharing (Standard Cabin)

* A 30 % single-room supplement applies to the above rates
** The above rates are quoted in ZAR (South African Rand). Please view our currency convertor to get an accurate idea of the cost in your currency.

Price Includes
Full board accommodation
All house wines and beers
All soft drinks and water
All activities (including game viewing by boat, fishing, birding & guided walks).
All equipment hired (including fishing rods, lures, boats, etc)
Dedicated guides and tender boats for each group
All water-based transfers between the Kasane River border post (immigration) and any of the Ichobezi River Lodges, return.
All fuel
All park fees, fishing licenses, and tourism levies

Price Excludes
Premium drink brands
Visas if required - please note Namibia visas need to be applied for in your home country before departure.
Community Development Levy
Fuel Levy
Gratuities

See more Chobe Houseboat options