The Zambezi Queen – More Than Just A Luxury River Cruise in Africa

Image above taken from Zambezi Queen website

Embark on a luxury African river safari aboard the opulent Zambezi Queen for an unforgettable and highly unique cruise vacation. Located on the Chobe River along the banks of the Chobe National Park, the Zambezi Queen offers guests the opportunity to relax in complete luxury while enjoying wildlife sightings from the comfort of the ship.

Guests may also choose to embark on water-based Botswana safari tours on smaller, private boats, go fishing, lounge on the open deck, or explore the local culture. The ship is also celebrated for its exceptional cuisine and dining ambiance.

So what’s it like to take a cruise vacation aboard the Zambezi Queen? See below:

Life on Board: Featuring just 14 luxury suites, the Zambezi Queen offers a boutique and highly personalized African luxury cruise experience for discerning travelers. Guests may choose to stay in one of the Zambezi Queen’s 10 standard suites or one of their two master suites, and each can be configured with either double or two single beds. Each suite has its own private balcony and expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows for optimal game viewing. Suites also feature spacious en-suite bathroom facilities so guests never feel cramped.

Image above taken from Zambezi Queen website

Image above taken from Zambezi Queen website

Dining and lounging aboard the Zambezi Queen happens on the ship’s top deck, which has an open balcony but enclosed dining and lounge space. The main area can be partially opened to allow for the soothing African breeze to flow freely. It also offers guests the opportunity to enjoy unobstructed views of the sun setting along the Chobe River.

The ship was designed with the assistance of famous South African fashion designer, Jenni Button, who created a timeless and contemporary interior design, using natural tones and textures.

Dining on Board: Guests aboard the Zambezi Queen experience a delightfully complex assortment of flavors during breakfast, lunch, and dinner – all of which feature the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.

The day begins with a full English breakfast and is followed by a buffet lunch, and either a buffet or a la carte dinner. Each meal boasts delectable flavors and guests may choose from an assortment of local African cuisine and international dishes.

The Zambezi Queen also features a fully stocked bar that features soft drinks, tea, coffee, and both imported and local alcoholic beverages.

Activities: From relaxing in the lounge with a cocktail or glass of wine in hand to game viewing from the privacy of your own balcony, and witnessing huge herds of elephant to observing beautiful birds during a boating safari, guests aboard the Zambezi Queen can enjoy an array of Botswana tours during their stay.

Activities are offered at specific times throughout the day, so guests can choose which experiences they’d like to take part in or if they would rather stay on board and soak in the scenery. The entire experience is relaxing and casual and perfect for individuals who enjoy the intimacy of luxury river cruises.

Below are some of the specific activities offered aboard the Zambezi Queen:

Fishing: Try your hand at tiger fishing or bream fishing and enjoy the thrill of fighting a big game fish. And while your waiting for your fish to bite, enjoy some ice cold beers and the soothing sounds of nature.

Boating safaris: Travel along the banks of Botswana’s Chobe National Park and witness huge herds of elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, antelope, and a wide variety of bird life.

Birding: Observe some of Botswana’s most beautiful and exotic birds on a Botswana birding safari.

Local Village Visits: Take a short boat ride to the banks of the Chobe River on the Namibian side, and enjoy a local Namibia village tour. During these cultural visits, guests have the unique opportunity to interact with the local villagers and learn about their traditional customs and lifestyle.

Lounging: Feel like relaxing for a few hours? Sit on your private balcony, searching for wildlife on the river banks, or enjoy a cocktail and great book in the Zambezi Queen’s lounge area.

Rates: Luxury river cruises aboard the Zambezi Queen are offered on a two- and three-night basis. Please contact a Hills of Africa Travel representative for specific rates.

What’s included in the rate? Included in the per person rate is accommodation on-board, three meals daily, all scheduled activities and selected wines, beers, ciders and soft drinks. Road transfers to and from Kasane Airport are also included in the rate.

What’s NOT included in the rate? Air tickets, alcoholic beverages (other than local wine and beer), additional transfers, land-based game viewing on an open vehicle in the Chobe National Park (passport required), optional excursions, private guiding, Visa fees, gratuities, and curio shop purchases are not included in rates.

It’s important to note that the cruise is offered on a two-night or three-night basis and can easily be combined with a Botswana safari, trip to Zimbabwe, or South Africa safari.