Zambezi Queen

River
Small ship
About
Zambezi Queen
A floating safari lodge on the Chobe River
Zambezi Queen is better understood as a moving safari lodge than a conventional river cruise. The 42-metre houseboat has just 14 suites, all with private balconies, and makes short scheduled voyages on the Chobe River along the border of Namibia and Botswana. It explores during the day and returns to the same general mooring area each evening, so the purpose is not to cover long distances. Instead, the elevated decks and small safari boats provide a quiet platform for watching elephants, hippos, crocodiles and birdlife along Chobe National Park.
Zambezi Queen
at a glance
Voyage style
Short all-inclusive river-safari stays combining a houseboat base with guided small-boat activities.
Ship style
A three-level, 14-suite floating boutique hotel with balconies and extensive river views.
Key regions
Chobe River between Namibia and Botswana, beside Chobe National Park.
On board
Intimate lodge-style service, communal dining and a strong focus on wildlife and the river.
the experience
Game viewing begins from the upper deck
Floor-to-ceiling windows, an open lounge and outdoor decks keep the river visible throughout the stay, while each suite has its own balcony. Guided tender outings bring guests closer to wildlife and support birding, fishing and photography; a cultural visit may also form part of the programme. Meals, beverages and scheduled activities are included in the standard stay structure. With a maximum of 28 guests, the atmosphere is intimate and lodge-like, and the short two- or three-night format works best as one element within a wider southern African itinerary.
THE Destinations
The Chobe River as a wildlife corridor
The vessel remains within a concentrated stretch of the Chobe River, looking across to Chobe National Park rather than progressing between towns or countries in the manner of a long river cruise. This fixed geography is precisely the point: water-level game viewing reveals animals moving between riverbank, islands and floodplain, with birdlife changing through the seasons. Most guests combine the stay with a land safari, Victoria Falls or another regional lodge, using Zambezi Queen to add a different perspective on the same ecosystem.
BOOKING THROUGH MARBURY
Additional value,
where available
Selected voyages booked through Marbury may include additional benefits or amenities. These vary by sailing, fare and suite category and will always be confirmed as part of your quote.
BOOKING BENEFITS
Typical benefits when booking
Zambezi Queen
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability; daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom; USD 100 equivalent credit; early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability; Wi-Fi.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Important details
to know
Currency
Bookings made through Marbury are processed in ZAR.
Booking eligibility
Booking eligibility and any residency restrictions will be confirmed as part of your Marbury quote.
BEFORE & AFTER THE VOYAGE
The journey extends
beyond the ship
A cruise is often one part of a wider journey. Marbury can arrange the hotels before departure and after arrival, from a well-placed overnight stay near the port to a few additional days spent exploring the destination at a more considered pace.
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