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Length
4 Days
Ship category
Luxury
Ship type
Small Ships
Capacity
28 Passengers
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What we truly appreciate about Zambezi Queen is how elegantly it combines the intimacy of a small ship with the atmosphere of a floating safari lodge. This is not a conventional river cruise: it is a slow, wildlife-focused journey on the Chobe River, where elephants, hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, and a remarkable variety of birdlife are often part of the daily scenery.
The ship operates in Botswana and Namibian waters and offers a particularly immersive way to experience one of Africa’s most rewarding riverfronts. Days are shaped by water-based game viewing, birdwatching, seasonal fishing, cul … Read more about Zambezi Queen
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Transfers to and from ship
Bar
Observation Deck
Pool
Room Safe
Observation Lounge
Laundry service
Spa
Beer+wine with dinner
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
English guides
Internet/Wifi
Dining on board is a highlight. The kitchen blends local flavors with Western influences, serving thoughtfully prepared meals that suit a refined safari clientele. From breakfast through dinner, the atmosphere is relaxed but polished, with the emphasis on quality rather than excess. The ship also includes local brand drinks as part of the stay.
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you. Exceptions may apply.
Accommodation
All meals, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, local beer and wine
Guided water-based game viewing and birding
Guided water-based fishing (all fishing is strictly catch and release)*
Guided (non-professional) water-based photographic safari**
Guided cultural tour of a local village
Guided walks on Impalila Island
Road transfers to and from Kasane International Airport and Kasane Immigration Office located on the Botswana side of the Chobe River***
Boat transfers between Kasane Immigration Office and Namibia Immigration Office located on the Namibian side of the Chobe River***
** Subject to availability of the photographic boat
*** When arriving at the Kasane and Namibian Immigration Offices guests need 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.
Air tickets & visas
Premium alcoholic beverages (such as sparkling wine, spirits & dessert wines) and gratuities (discretionary)
Additional transfers to/from Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia or any of the nearby Kasane lodges
A land-based 4×4 game drive in Botswana’s Chobe National Park
If you plan to engage in fly fishing during your visit, we recommend bringing your own gear, as we do not provide fly fishing equipment.
Conservation and community development levy: The funds collected will supplement our community projects and conservation initiatives run by the Zambezi Queen Collection to assist with education, health care and basic community service. Rate for 2026 and 2027 is ZAR 250 per person per night.
The Namibian Government requires all visitors to Namibia to have at least three full blank pages in their passports.
Gratuities are at your own discretion and payable at the end of your stay. We recommend a gratuity of US$10 to US$15 per guest per day.
You can settle by Visa, Mastercard or payable in ZAR or USD cash. Please note electronic transactions are charged in Botswana Pula.
During your stay, your itinerary is flexible and they’ll do their utmost to accommodate exactly the kind of trip you’re looking for.
Water on board the houseboat is safe to shower in and brush your teeth, but we suggest that you rather drink the purified water provided
The Zambezi Queen switches over to land generators at 20h00 switches back onto generators at 06h00.
Long-haul flights and the on-the-ground program generate 2.4 t CO₂e on this trip. Rivertours regularly measures and monitors the carbon footprint of its journeys and actively reduces emissions through sustainable travel design: no unnecessary flights, fewer feeder flights, integration of rail and public transport, and promoting longer stays for a more balanced relationship between travel distance and impact.
From 2018 to 2024, we supported carbon reduction projects equivalent to the emissions generated. Recognizing the limits of traditional offsetting, we now focus on active environmental protection through our own rainforest project, Forest Guardians.
More information on our climate and environmental responsibility: https://www.venturatravel.org/impact
Price
Upon Request
Chobe River
Elephants
Impalila Island
Hippos
Best Price Guarantee: Find a better price elsewhere, and we’ll match it.
River Cruise Specialists: We focus exclusively on river expeditions, with recommendations grounded in first-hand expertise.
Travel that gives back: Every booking directly supports rainforest conservation project.
The 3 Night Zambezi Queen trip is a nature-focused journey with a strong safari character, ideal for travelers who want a concise but rewarding experience on the Chobe River. The pace is relaxed, and most activities are gentle, with time spent observing wildlife from the water, enjoying the scenery, and taking part in optional excursions.
Because this is a short itinerary, it is best suited to guests who value comfort and atmosphere over distance covered. It is a very good option for non-active travelers as well, since much of the appeal comes from the river setting, the wildlife, and the experience of being close to the animals from a stable, well-appointed ship. Access is generally straightforward, though guests should be comfortable with occasional transfers and light outdoor activity.
Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.
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On arrival at the Kasane Immigration Office in Botswana a Zambezi Queen staff member will meet you and assist you in the formalities at passport control exiting Botswana and load your luggage into a tender boat. From here you will travel by tender boat across the Chobe River to the Namibian Immigration Office. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen as there is a short walk to the immigration office. This process can take between 45 and 60 minutes based on the amount of people entering and exiting the immigration offices. Once you are stamped into Namibia you will be transferred to the Zambezi Queen.
Both the Kasane and Namibia Immigration Offices open at 07h30 and close at 16h30 daily, you must get there no later than 16h00 to have time to check-in.
• Should you know beforehand that you’ll arrive at the Kasane Immigration Office before 13h00 on the day of their arrival, please notify our reservations office 48 hours before arrival, so we can make arrangements for your waiting period. Collection is from 13h00 on day of arrival
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While on board the Zambezi Queen, you’ll cruise along a stunning stretch of the Chobe River, just a few kilometres from where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe meet. Though the boat doesn’t cover vast distances, the surrounding landscapes are alive with birds and wildlife, offering incredible sightings at a relaxed pace that perfectly matches the rhythms of the African bush.
Most wildlife can be enjoyed from the comfort of the boats, but for those special moments that are out of reach, the Zambezi Queen is equipped with tender boats. These smaller vessels allow you to get closer to the action, ensuring you never miss a thrilling encounter.
Each day, you’ll venture out by tender boat to observe large herds of elephants, buffalo, lions, crocodiles, zebras, and more, all drawn to the water.
The guides ensure a respectful distance is maintained, monitoring animal behaviour and repositioning the boat as needed to avoid intruding on their space. You’ll also encounter a vast array of birdlife and plant life, immersing yourself in the rich biodiversity and captivating beauty of the Chobe River.
On the Zambezi Queen a limited number of guests can go fishing each morning, ensuring a peaceful and exclusive experience. The fishing safaris are conducted on a catch-and-release basis to ensure the sustainability of the fish populations. The knowledgeable guides are dedicated to safely and effectively returning the fish to the water, allowing them to live for years to come.
Check-out is from 09h30 on day of departure to ensure guests get to the Kasane Immigration Office by 10h00. Kasane Immigration Office opens at 07h30. Guests departing after 10h30 can make use of the facilities at the nearby lounge in Kasane.
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