Chobe Princesses
- Quick Facts & Gallery
- General Info
- Map & Directions
- Rates & Specials
- Amenities / Activities
- Contact / Book
Breakfast Included
Categories:
Game & Nature Reserve and House BoatSpecial Categories:
Birder-Friendly, Cultural Experience, Eco-friendly Accommodation, Family Friendly, and House BoatsGeo Co-ordinates:
Location:
Nearest Airport/s:
Child Policy:
Children & families
- The Chobe Princesses and Ichingo Chobe River Lodge welcome children of all ages. We can accommodate up to one child under the age of 8 sharing with their parents. This is subject to availability at time of booking.
- If you’re bringing more than one child, you’ll need to book an additional room for every two children that accompany you.
- Please note that no separate activities and/or menus are available for children.
- Children 13 years and older are subject to adult rates on the Chobe Princesses and at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge.
The Cabins
As you lie in bed and drink in your striking surroundings, you’ll find it very hard to leave the comfort of your cabin on board one of our luxury Chobe Princess houseboats. Tasteful décor cleverly combines local flavour with contemporary design, and the overall focal point is the large sliding window that frames the changing African landscapes perfectly.
Two of the 18-metre Chobe Princesses contain four cabin suites, while the third is slightly larger with five suites. Each cabin sleeps two people – either in a king-sized bed, or in two single beds if you prefer. Along with air-conditioning, cabins are fitted with mosquito-proofed windows and en-suite bathrooms with a shower, toilet and basin. Luxurious toiletries are provided for your comfort, as well as insect repellant for a peaceful night’s sleep. Hairdryers are available on request.
Upstairs
Head to the upper entertainment deck of your luxury houseboat and relax in the spacious lounge and bar, as you take time to simply sit back and soak up the scenery. This deck also has an open-air dining area where you can enjoy superb seasonal meals prepared by our experienced chefs.
Want to cool off? Take a dip in the plunge pool before unwinding on a sun lounger with an ice-cold drink served all day from our bar. Our lounge area comes with oversized leather couches, tables and chairs that are the perfect place from which to enjoy a spot of game viewing or simply to spend time with family and friends. As night draws in, enjoy some unforgettable stargazing under a vast African sky.
Located in Northern Botswana, alongside Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, Chobe National Park is the second largest National Park in Botswana with the largest concentration of game on the African continent. The Chobe River, forming the northern boundary of the park, originates in the highlands of Angola. From there, it winds its way into the Zambezi River, which eventually flows into Victoria Falls, through Mozambique and into the Indian Ocean.
Because it crosses floodplains, forests and open woodlands, the Chobe consists of a complex network of channels and marshes, which makes for spectacular game viewing due to the lush vegetation that surrounds it. While it has water all year round, the Chobe rises significantly from February to May, after the rains in Angola that start in November. During this wet season, the level of the Zambezi floodplains rises, pushing water into the Chobe all the way to the seasonal Lake Liambezi. Once the lake reaches saturation point, the water has nowhere further to go, and so starts flowing in the opposite direction in a phenomenon known as the “backflow”.
During your stay with the Zambezi Queen Collection, you’ll be able to observe animals in their natural environment from a tender boat, making for a relaxing safari experience. A major feature of the area is the elephants, whose resident population is estimated to be over 120 000. You’ll also be able to see large herds of buffalo, and if you’re lucky, rare sightings like herds of Roan Antelope and Sable. Besides the land and water-based mammals, this is also a birdwatcher’s paradise and you can expect to encounter over 450 species.
How to get there
The properties that make up the Zambezi Queen Collection are based on the Namibian side of the Chobe River. Here’s information on how to reach them:
By Car:
If you’re on a self-drive safari, secure parking can be arranged for your vehicles next to the Kasane Immigration Office. The GPS co-ordinates are S 17° 46′ 48” / E 025° 11′ 23”. Please advise at time of booking whether you require secure parking.
By Air:
There are four main access points by air:
- Kasane International Airport, Botswana (BBK) is about 15 minutes from Kasane Immigration Office
- Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe (VFA) is about 1 ½ hours from Kasane Immigration Office
- Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, formerly Livingstone Airport, Zambia (LVI) is about 2 hours from Kasane Immigration Office
- Katima Mulilo Airport, Namibia (MPA) is about 2 ½ hours from Kasane Immigration Office
Flights depart daily from South Africa to Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe and weekly from Namibia. Flight costs are excluded from the rate but can be booked through our in-house travel agent.
Transfers
Road transfers to and from Kasane International Airport as well as to and from the Kasane Immigration Office are included in our rate. You can also choose shared or private road transfers at an additional cost from Victoria Falls International Airport, Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, formerly Livingstone Airport, and Katima Mulilo Airport.
Arrival & departure procedure
- On arrival, your first priority is to make sure you get your passport stamped at the airport
- You’ll then be met by a representative at the airport who will help with your luggage and transfer you to the Kasane Immigration Office (KIO) in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Once you arrive at KIO, a Zambezi Queen Collection staff member will meet you and help with your luggage as well as formalities at passport control as you exit Botswana
- A Zambezi Queen Collection staff member will then transfer you by motorised boat to the Namibian Immigration Office, where you’ll get your passport stamped. Please wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen as there is a short walk to the immigration office
- Both Kasane and Namibian immigration offices open at 07h30 and close at 16h30 daily
- When arriving at the Kasane and Namibian Immigration Offices guests needs to fill in the required immigration forms to gain access and departure permission from the relevant authorities. This process can take between 45 to 60 minutes to complete and needs to be considered in terms of timing and pre-planning when coming to stay on one of the houseboats or at the lodge.
- Should you know beforehand that you will arrive at KIO before 13h00 on the day of your arrival, please notify our reservations office 48 hours before you arrive
- Collection is from 13h00 on day of arrival
- Drop off is from 9h30 on day of departure
Breakfast Included
With only a small number of guests per boat and no set itinerary or departure dates, staying in one of the three Chobe Princesses is like being on your very own luxury houseboat. The entire boat can also be booked exclusively, giving you your very own private villa on the water. As you drift down the Chobe River and spot incredible wildlife scenes, you’ll be able to completely relax in an intimate river safari experience.
1 May – 31 Dec 2016
- Per Adult Sharing R5,818
- Per Adult Single R7,563
- Per Child (12 and under) R2,909
- Guide / Pilot R1,745
- The Chobe Princesses can be booked on an exclusive basis which is charged on a PER BOAT, PER NIGHT rate.
- Rates are quoted in South African Rands (ZAR)
- Rates are quoted per night per adult or per child
- There are no set departure dates for the Chobe Princesses
- Single supplement is an additional 30%
- Zambezi Queen Collection reserves the right to limit the number of single room rates per trip
- Zambezi Queen Collection reserves the right to amend the published rates without notice
What’s Included
- Accommodation
- All meals
- All soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, beer and wine
- Road transfers to and from Kasane International Airport and Kasane Immigration Office on arrival and departure*
- Boat transfers between Kasane Immigration Office in Botswana and Namibia Immigration office*
- Activities and excursions including guided game viewing by tender boat, guided fishing from a well-equipped fishing boat, guided birding, a guided walk on Impalila Island to see the ancient Baobab tree or a visit to a local village on the Namibian side of the Chobe River
- All fuel
- All equipment hire (eg fishing rods, lures etc). Please note that we reserve the right to charge for lost or damaged equipment
- All fishing licenses (if required)
- 15% Namibian VAT
- 01% Namibian Tourism Levy
Optional Extras
- Air tickets are excluded from the rate but can be booked through our in-house travel agent
- Shared or private transfers from Victoria Falls International Airport, Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, formerly Livingstone Airport, and Katima Mulilo Airport can be arranged at an additional cost
- Premium beverages (spirits, sparkling wine and dessert wine)
- Visa costs, gratuities and curio shop purchases at the village
- A Chobe National Park Game Drive* can be arranged at an additional cost
*When arriving at the Kasane and Namibian Immigration Offices guests needs to fill in the required immigration forms to gain access and departure permission from the relevant authorities. This process can take between 45 to 60 minutes to complete and needs to be considered in terms of timing and pre-planning when booking a Chobe National Game Park Drive.
Child Policy:
Children & families
- The Chobe Princesses and Ichingo Chobe River Lodge welcome children of all ages. We can accommodate up to one child under the age of 8 sharing with their parents. This is subject to availability at time of booking.
- If you’re bringing more than one child, you’ll need to book an additional room for every two children that accompany you.
- Please note that no separate activities and/or menus are available for children.
- Children 13 years and older are subject to adult rates on the Chobe Princesses and at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge.
Deposit Required:
Reservations will only be guaranteed once payment is made and monies have been received in accordance with the following schedule:
Individual Reservations (FIT):
- An individual (FIT) reservation is classified as any booking comprising 1 to 6 guests (3 suites)
- Bookings are held as provisional until the applicable deposit is received and you are contacted with an updated invoice / confirmation
- Once a deposit is received, the booking will be regarded as confirmed and you are subject to the applicable cancellation policy
- Balance of payment must be received at least 30 days prior to arrival
- Please email the proof of payment to [email protected] indicating the guest name and reservation number.
Group Reservations:
- A group booking is classified as any booking exceeding 7 passengers / clients (4+ rooms) per booking.
- All bookings are held as provisional until the applicable deposit is received and you are contacted with an updated invoice / confirmation
- Once a deposit is received, the booking will be regarded as confirmed and you are subject to the applicable cancellation policy
- On a confirmed group reservation, should rooms be reduced, the Zambezi Queen Collection will make every effort to resell those suites, but the below outlined cancellation policy applies should we be unsuccessful in reselling those cabins
- Balance of payment must be received at least 90 days prior to arrival.
- Please email the proof of payment to [email protected] indicating the guest name and reservation number
Waitlists:
Our reservations office are able to waitlist bookings on certain dates only. Such requests should be sent to us via e-mail. Should the space clear you will be notified in writing and the standard booking procedures will apply.
Deposit Policy
All reservations are subject to the following deposit policy:
FIT (01 – 03 rooms)
60 days + prior to travel – 50% Deposit is payable
Less than 60 days – Full amount payable
Group (04 – 13 rooms)
90 days + prior to travel – 50% Deposit is payable
90 days or less prior to travel – Full amount payable
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation Policy
All reservations are subject to the following cancellation policy:
FIT (01 – 03 rooms)
61 days + prior to travel – Deposit is refunded less bank charges
60 – 31 days prior to travel – 50% of the total booking value is forfeited
30 days prior to travel – 100% of the total booking value is forfeited
Group (04 – 13 rooms)
91 days + prior to travel – Deposit is refunded less bank charges
90 – 61 days prior to travel – 50% of the total booking value is forfeited
60 days prior to travel – 100% of the total booking value is forfeited
Payment Methods Accepted:
Credit Cards Accepted:
Currencies Accepted:
Botswana Pula, Euro, Namibian Dollar, South African Rand, and US Dollar- Facilities for Children
- In-room Facilities
- On-Site Facilities / Services
- Services / Facilities in Area
- Activities in Area
GAME VIEWING
Situated in the heart of the Chobe region with access to river frontage of the Chobe National Park, we also offer water-based game drives by tender boat, allowing you to experience the enormous diversity and concentration of wildlife up even closer.
Game viewing on the Chobe River is at its most exceptional from March to November when the weather is drier and the animals are more mobile as they search for food and water. Summer and spring also offer unique opportunities though, as you watch the landscape burst into life after the first rains of the season. Catch sight of huge herds of elephant as they swim across the water, as well as buffalo, lion, crocodile, lechwe, puku, giraffe, zebra, sable, kudu and the occasional leopard as they gather to quench their thirst at watering holes. Besides animal life, you’ll also see a huge variety of birdlife and plant life as you listen to the sounds of a hippo grunting and breathe in the sweet smell of African grass.
FISHING SAFARIS
No trip to the Chobe is complete without trying your hand at a fishing safari where if you’re lucky, you may even catch a tigerfish. One of the greatest fighting fish in the world, the tigerfish is the most sought after prize of these waters and is known for its ferocious spirit. It’s not all about tigerfish though. You may also hook one of the many bream species, African pike, tilapia, catfish or upper Zambezi yellowfish as you explore over 100 kms of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, as well as the winding Kasai Channel and thrilling Chobe and Mambova rapids.
We offer both conventional equipment as well as flyfishing equipment for our fishing safaris, because we know that the area is renowned worldwide for its flyfishing. We supply rods, flies, lures, lines, leaders and reels and all equipment is included in our rate.
BIRDING
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 sometimes by 20% compared to the winter months. From December through to March birdlife on the Chobe is extremely busy and the colourful breeding plumage on display is an extraordinary sight.
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. To help you capture that perfect moment, our custom-designed photographic safari boats are available on request and cater for 6 clients in individual photographic seats. The boat contains custom-designed swivel chairs that give you greater stability and 360-degree views for a wider range of subject matter. Every seat is equipped with a mounting for resting SLR cameras of all types and you’ll get your own experienced safari guide who’ll help you find that perfect shot. Bring your own photographic equipment as we don’t supply this.
CULTURAL EXCURSION
One of the best ways to learn more about a country is to experience its culture. A village tour while on board one of our luxury houseboats will take you by tender boat to a local Namibian village called Ijambwe, situated on the floodplains of the East Caprivi. Meet village elders and locals and gain a greater understanding of how the inhabitants of this 100-year old village live, including their daily challenges and traditions.
Chobe Princess or Ichingo Chobe River Lodge guests can also go on a walking tour to a 2000-year-old baobab tree where you’ll learn more about the medicinal and spiritual value of Impalila Island’s flora. For our more adventurous guests, if you have the inclination to climb the tree, you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of the meeting place of two rivers and four countries.
