ZAMBEZI QUEEN

Located along the banks of the great Chobe River, the Zambezi Queen, affectionately known as the ZQ, offers world-class sophistication in one of the most remote locations on earth. With only 14 suites, the ZQ is as unique and adventurous as it is comfortable and elegant. In fact, it is unsurpassed in all aspects and the last word in Luxury African River Safaris.

Each suite features air-conditioning and a private balcony, offering unobstructed views of the river and vistas. Enjoy remarkable game viewing from the comfort of your bedside. Whether dining on the upper deck restaurant while watching the animals gather at dusk, doing a water-based river safari from one of our private boats, or attempting to land your first tiger fish, our professional team will be on hand to meet your every need.

Unlike a land-based lodge, the ZQ allows for an entire stretch of river to be explored from a vantage point making for incredible game viewing. And rightly so, as the banks of the Chobe National Park boast one of the densest populations of elephant on the African continent – currently estimated at approximately 120 000. The Park is also home to a large number of buffalo, leopard, lion along with a variety of antelope and abundant birdlife.

Built in the early 1990s, the Zambezi Queen was created to carry its guests on an extended journey from Katima Mulilo down the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers and back. The sheer size of the vessel made navigating difficult and shortly after that, the Zambezi Queen ended up moored along the river bank where it acted as a floating hotel to visitors to the Caprivi Region of Namibia.

Around 2008, two entrepreneurs saw the potential of restoring the boat to its former glory. A period of intensive re-designing and planning ensued. A third deck was added, giving the ZQ its imposing iconic look now famed worldwide.  Celebrated South African fashion designer Jenni Button lent a hand in the classic yet contemporary interior with understated muted tones. Cleverly, this not only highlights the feeling of space but allows the eye to be drawn to the constant movement of the wildlife on the banks of the river.

Once the champagne bottle had smashed against the hull of the elegant new ZQ, it took to the waters again – only this time languidly making its way along the banks of the Chobe National Park, famed for its prolific wildlife.

THE SUITES….The Zambezi Queen offers 14 tastefully furnished Suites, in two superior categories – 10 Standard Suites and 4 Master Suites located on the lower and middle decks. All suites feature magnificent views from floor to ceiling windows. An outer deck allows you to step outside to experience the African breeze.  Each private space was designed with the African summer in mind and clever use of shutters and air conditioning ensures a cool experience even during times of the year when the temperatures on the Chobe soar. Suites can be configured with either double or two single beds.

THE LOUNGE…….The air-conditioned upper-deck consists of a dining room, a comfortable lounge with unobstructed views as well as a bar. The forward deck features a plunge pool with inviting sun loungers. The elegant timeless interior furnishings were designed by one of South Africa’s foremost designers. A restful ambience is created by the use of muted tones, allowing the eye to be drawn to the kaleidoscope of movement from the banks of the Chobe. It becomes apparent from the moment you step on-board the Zambezi Queen that no expense was spared in creating one of the world’s most unique experiences

THE FOOD……A stay on-board the Zambezi Queen includes three meals daily – a full English breakfast in the morning, buffet lunch and either a buffet or a la carte menu for dinner.  Scrumptious and mouth-watering, our meals are prepared using only fresh ingredients sourced from the local markets. Breakfast offers a hearty choice of dishes with our oats cooked in cream a popular choice. Buffet lunch offers a delectable choice including healthy options while dinner alternates between a la carte and buffet-style.

KITCHEN STAFF…..Our kitchen staff are all locally trained Namibians and proud to display their skills; it shines through in every plate served.  The bar stocks both local and imported spirits, wine and beers. Included in the rate is all locally sourced wines, beers, soft drinks and water.

A 2 NIGHT STAY ITINERARY
DAY 1
The meeting point for guests is at the dedicated Riverside Lounge of the Chobe Marina Lodge in Kasane. Here guests can enjoy a refreshment prior to proceeding through the Botswana Immigration.  Guests arriving with the 13:00 and 14:00 transfers will be served lunch while guests being transferred at 15:00 or 16:00 will join us for a snack before the sunset cruise by tender boat starts. Late afternoon, once all our guests have boarded, we go in search of some big game by tender boat. This is the perfect time of day to make the most of that golden glow of the African sunset by getting some iconic shots of the animals as they gravitate towards the river before night falls. Return back to the Zambezi Queen, no doubt with a stunning array of photos waiting to be swapped with fellow guests. After a quick freshen up, the Captain will await you on the upper deck with a welcome drink, ready for an official welcome and his safety briefing. The relaxed (cheerful) atmosphere continues as you make you way to the dining room where a delightful three-course dinner is served with an excellent choice of paired wines. An espresso or nightcap at the bar are available before retiring to the distant night sounds of Africa.

DAY 2
Unlike most lodges expecting guests to rise at the crack of dawn, we have a leisurely start to the day when meeting up for breakfast on the upper deck before the morning activities start. Activities range from water-based safaris, a village tour on the Namiban side of the river, bird watching or fishing. You may even decide to simply remain on-board as the Zambezi Queen makes its way along the banks of the Chobe River.
Lunch is usually served buffet-style as the Zambezi Queen makes its way along the banks of the Chobe River. The unique vantage point allows for magnificent sightings and splendid views and you may wish to while your afternoon away here before the afternoon activities start.  Join our guide in the afternoon for a water-based safari on tender-boat where you can get up close to an array of wildlife some of which might be the approximate 120 000 elephants that the Chobe is known for. After dinner, settle down for a quiet night on the Chobe.

DAY 3
Enjoy a morning cruise during breakfast before bidding our crew a reluctant farewell.

A 3 NIGHT ITINERARY
DAY 1
The meeting point for guests is at the dedicated Riverside Lounge of the Chobe Marina Lodge in Kasane. Here guests can enjoy a refreshment prior to proceeding through the Botswana Immigration. Guests arriving with the 13:00 and 14:00 transfers will be served lunch while guests being transferred at 15:00 or 16:00 will join us for a snack before the sunset cruise by tender boat starts. Late afternoon, once all our guests have boarded, we go in search of some big game by tender boat. This is the perfect time of day to make the most of that golden glow of the African sunset by getting some iconic shots of the animals as they gravitate towards the river before night falls. Return back to the Zambezi Queen, no doubt with a stunning array of photos waiting to be swapped with fellow guests. After a quick freshen up, the Captain will await you on the upper deck with a welcome drink, ready for an official welcome and his safety briefing. The cheerful atmosphere continues as you make you way to the dining room where a delightful three-course dinner is served with an excellent choice of paired wines. Retire to the distant night sounds of Africa.

DAY 2
Unlike most lodges expecting guests to rise at the crack of dawn, we have a leisurely start to the day when meeting up for breakfast on the upper deck before the morning activities start. Activities range from water-based safaris, bird watching, visiting a traditional working village  on the Namibian side of the river or fishing. You may even decide to simply remain on-board as the Zambezi Queen makes its way along the banks of the Chobe River. Lunch is usually served buffet-style as the Zambezi Queen makes its way along the banks of the Chobe River. The unique vantage point allows for magnificent views and with splendid views, you may wish to while your afternoon away here before the afternoon activities start. Join our guide in the afternoon for a water-based safari on tender-boat where you can get up close to some of the approximate 120 000 elephants that the Chobe is known for. Returning to the Zambezi Queen, tonight you’ll enjoy an African-themed dinner before settling down for a quiet night on the Chobe.

DAY 3
After a hearty breakfast you will have the choice of either a water-based river safari by tender boat or fishing for tiger or bream. Return for lunch on-board the Zambezi Queen and some time for relaxation before the afternoon activities start. Again, you have the choice between tiger or bream fishing, game viewing by tender boat or bird watching. Return to the main vessel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4
Enjoy a morning cruise during breakfast before bidding our crew a reluctant farewell.
Please note that sailing is subject to weather and water conditions and is at the discretion of the Captain.