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Address:
5 Victoria Road
Bakoven
Cape Town
8005
South Africa

Zambezi Queen


5 STAR LODGE IN BOTSWANA
ZAMBEZI QUEEN, CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA

The Zambezi Queen is a luxurious riverboat that glides down the expanses of the mighty Chobe River, promising a truly wild African adventure. This river forms the border between the Chobe National Park in Botswana and the Caprivi Strip in Namibia. Boasting such an optimal locale, the river is home to many animals and provides life-sustaining water to a plethora more. In fact, the banks of this river are known to host one of the densest wildlife populations in the whole of Africa. Chobe National Park has approximately 12 000 African Elephants within its borders, the largest group in one park in the world. In addition, the park is home to Leopards, Lions, Elands, Buffalos, Roans, Giraffes, Hippos, Crocodiles and even the elusive Pukus.

Cruising down this river on the Zambezi Queen transports visitors to a serene place of true African mysticism and beauty. Measuring 45 metres and enjoying a coveted 5-star rating, the Zambezi Queen is the ideal retreat from city living and formulaic hotels. This luxurious cruise is the ultimate in sheer indulgence. The team behind the experience is instrumental in ensuring that each guest receives world-class service in comfortable and hospitable surrounds.

Accommodation

The Zambezi Queen comprises a total of 14 suites, of which four are Master Suites and the remaining 10 are Standard Suites. All rooms have a private balcony from where to spot animals drinking, playing or swimming in the river. Each suite has either one double bed or two single beds, depending on guest requirements.

Shutters on the deck and ceiling fans in the suites keep the rooms cool during the sweltering African summers, and the entire boat is protected with mosquito netting.

The Master Suites are larger than the Standard ones and some have their own outdoor area.

Entertainment Deck

The Entertainment Deck is situated at the top of the boat for the best views of the river and the dense bush. It comprises a lounge with a fireplace, dining room, bar, private swimming pool and a deck on which to suntan or simply laze with a book.

The furnishings and décor of the interior reflect modern elegance and a classic approach to style. This is even more impressive considering that the boat was constructed right on the Chobe River banks. Guests wanting a quiet retreat may escape to the library, play one of the many board games or peer into the telescope and admire the wonders of the universe in solitude.

Dining

The dining experience on the Zambezi Queen guarantees more the just an unforgettable meal. From the elevated position of the third level, guests are privy to unobscured views of the river, animals and vegetation for miles around as they savour sumptuous dishes.

These flavours have been created by one of South Africa's top chefs, Pete Goff-Wood, who is passionate about the rich abundance and authentic essences of this country. He is assisted by a group of sous-chefs and waitrons, all of whom he has personally trained in Cape Town.

The licensed bar offers guests and diners a range of tasty wines, refreshing ales as well as local and imported spirits. This is a great place to catch up with friends and family while never missing out on the impressive vistas.

Activities

From Boat:
Keen fishers will delight in the opportunities to catch Bream and Tiger Fish from the deck. Even those who do not boast an impressive catch are sure to enjoy whiling away the hours, lazily waiting for a bite. Smaller boats are available to collect passengers and take them closer to the wildlife of the river banks. These boats are unobtrusive; animals do not feel threatened, while guests have the chance to enjoy a far more intimate experience of some of Africa's most gorgeous wildlife. Bird watching is also offered from these small boats.

Surrounding Area:
The Zambezi Queen's trained guides conduct 4 x 4 excursions through the Chobe National Park in Botswana for its guests. These last for half a day and guests are assured of the utmost professionalism and knowledge as all guides have been trained by globally-acclaimed Garth Thompson. Alternatively, guests are transported to base camp, from where a light aircraft will collect them and take them on an awesome aerial game viewing excursion, or to the Victorian Falls or Okavango Delta. This flight is at an additional cost. Guests who prefer to learn more about the locals and their customs may embark on a tour of the local village.

Location

The Zambezi Queen transports visitors from all over the world along the immense Chobe River, which forms the border between Namibia and Botswana in southern Africa. The boat's base is in Namibia's Caprivi Strip, close to the meeting point of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia.

The Zambezi Queen is located within close proximity to many attractions and convenient facilities:
  • Victoria Falls - 70 kilometres
  • Zimbabwe - 80 kilometres
  • Zambia - 80 kilometres
  • Kasane International Airport - 3 kilometres
Airport transfers are conducted by road and take about 1.5 hours. Guests from the Botswana side are collected at the immigration office of Kasane and then transferred to the docking station. From Namibia, guests are collected from Victoria Falls, flown on a chartered flight to Impilila Island (30 minutes) and then transferred by boat to the tender boats.

Visas

Due to constantly changing visa requirements, it is recommended that guests contact the appropriate embassy.

Children policy

Due to safety reasons as well as consideration for other passengers, Zambezi Queen welcomes children of 8 years and older accompanied by an adult.
  • Child under 16 will receive a 20% discount on the regular rate when staying in their own suite
  • Children (max 1 per Suite) under 16 sharing with 2 adults will be charged 50% of the single rate; they will be accommodated on a sleeper couch in a standard suite.
  • Children 16 years and older are considered adults and will therefore require a separate room at the applicable rate
Responsible Tourism

The Zambezi Queen exposes some of the most untouched terrain and river in southern Africa. As such, one of its chief focuses is to maintain the natural abundance and biodiversity, while still inviting guests to be a part of this beauty. Responsible tourism means preserving the area and having as little impact on the surrounds as possible. This has been achieved by certain methods and precautions:

1. Electrical requirements are met in a responsible away. At night, a power system that uses low emission is used. This is quieter and less demanding on the resources.
2. The boat uses a jet propulsion system instead of propellers so that it does not damage the river bed, even in shallow areas.
3. Solar panels are used to heat the water used in baths, cooking and so on.
4. Water usage is minimised by the types of taps and shower heads used.
5. All used water is kept in special tanks and not discharged into the water.
6. All bathing and washing water is river water that has been filtered.
7. Drinking water does not come from the river. It is purified water that uses a modern UV radiation process.

General information:
  • Smoking is only permitted on the upper entertainment deck, on the outside areas at the front and rear the boat.
  • Smoking is prohibited in all cabins and their balconies and guests are advised that smoke detectors are fitted in all cabins.
  • Every effort will be made to cater for travellers' dietary needs subject to the operators of the Zambezi Queen being notified at least 30 (thirty) day prior to departure of such needs and provided that the request is reasonable in the circumstances.
  • Loud music is absolutely not permitted due to National Park requirements.
Special details of this Luxury River Safari Cruise
The Zambezi Queen offers an unforgettable experience of Africa. There are two- and three-night itineraries available and the boat departs every fourth night. All accommodation is on board the luxury boat and is of the highest standard. The typical cruise sees guests spending the first night on the Chobe River banks as they settle in and clear customs. The following day, the boat travels some 20 kilometres, stopping for the second and third nights near a cultural village. The final day is the trip back to its base.

Health and Safety Policy

As the Zambezi Queen River Boat is situated in a malaria area we recommend that guests consult their medical doctor on suitable malaria prophylactics.

Itinerary

2 NIGHT ITINERARY
Day 1
  • 3.00pm - 4.00pm - Collection Kasane immigration Botswana (Note: Border closes at 4:30pm)
  • 4.00pm - 5.30pm - Game viewing cruise and transfer to Zambezi Queen
  • 7.00pm - Welcome and Briefing
  • 8.00pm - Dinner on board Zambezi Queen
Day 2
  • 6.00am - Wake up call
  • 6.45am - Breakfast
  • 7.15am - Departure for either half day game drive or game viewing from boat
  • 10.00am - Game viewing boat returns to Zambezi Queen
  • 11.30am - Land based 4x4 game viewing returns
  • 12.00pm - Zambezi Queen leaves for cruise down Chobe River
  • 12.30pm - Lunch
  • 3.00pm - Zambezi Queen arrives for overnight stay
  • 4.00pm - Depart for water based game viewing or cultural village tour by mokoro (African canoe)
  • 6.00pm - Return from activities
  • 8.00pm - Dinner on shore in Boma (outdoor African enclosure) with traditional food and music.
Day 3
  • 6.00am - Zambezi Queen leaves for home base
  • 7.00am - Breakfast
  • 8.30am - Zambezi Queen arrives at home base
  • 10.00am - Depart for Kasane Immigration
3 NIGHT ITINERARY
Day 1
  • 3.00pm - 4.00pm - Collection Kasane immigration Botswana(Note: Border closes at 4:30pm)
  • 4.00pm - 5.30pm - Game viewing cruise and transfer to Zambezi Queen
  • 7.00pm - Welcome and Briefing
  • 8.00pm - Dinner on board Zambezi Queen
Day 2
  • 6.00am - Wake up call
  • 6.45am - Breakfast
  • 7.15am - Departure for either half day game drive or game viewing from boat
  • 10.00am - Game viewing boat returns to Zambezi Queen
  • 11.30am - Land based 4x4 game viewing returns
  • 12.00pm - Zambezi Queen leaves for cruise down Chobe River
  • 12.30pm - Lunch
  • 3.00pm - Zambezi Queen arrives for overnight stay
  • 4.00pm - Depart for water based game viewing or cultural village tour by mokoro (African canoe)
  • 6.00pm - Return from activities
  • 8.00pm - Dinner on shore in Boma (outdoor African enclosure) with traditional food and music
Day 3
  • 8.00am - Breakfast
  • 9.00am - Choice of fishing, game viewing by boat or cultural village tour by mokoro
  • 12.00pm - Return to Zambezi Queen
  • 1.00pm - Lunch and cruise to overnight base
  • 2.00pm - Clients have choice of whichever activity they have not yet had opportunity to enjoy
  • 5.00pm - Return to Zambezi Queen for sundowners
  • 8.00pm - Dinner on board
Day 4
  • 6.00am - Zambezi Queen leaves for home base
  • 7.00am - Breakfast
  • 8.30am - Zambezi Queen arrives at home base
  • 10.00am - Depart for Kasane Immigration
The package for The Zambezi Queen includes:
  • 14%VAT
  • Collection from Botswana immigration at Kasane on the banks of Chobe River, or Impilila airstrip on the Namibian side, or Kasane airport on the Botswana side
  • Accommodation and all meals
  • All soft drinks, mineral water, teas and coffee
  • Quality wines and beers with meals and during game viewing activities
  • Water-based game viewing and bird watching on tender boats
  • A land-based cultural tour of a local village
  • A land-based half- day 4x4 game viewing in Botswana's Chobe National Park
  • Tiger & bream fishing in season
The package for The Zambezi Queen excludes:
  • Alcoholic beverages (other than wine and beer at meal times).
  • Additional transfers
  • Private guiding or additional safari activities
  • Visa Fees
  • Gratuities
Departure Times and Cruise Itinerary
  • Check- in time is between 15h00 and 16h00 and check-out time is at 10h00.
  • On day one, guests are requested to arrive at Kasane immigration at no later than 15h30 as the border closes at 16h30.
  • We will try to accommodate reasonable requests for an early check-in or late departure but this cannot be guaranteed.
  • Guests can only arrive on scheduled sailing dates.
  • The river safari cruise on The Zambezi Queen consists of a continuous 2 night or 3 night programme on the Zambezi Queen (please note these dates change over the Christmas and New Year 2009 period where only 3 day trips run)
  • The boat will be moored at three different locations along the Chobe River on the Namibian side. The first night is spent on the banks of the Chobe River close to where you clear customs, the 2nd night about 20km away on the banks of the river near a cultural village, and for guests on the 3 night cruise, the boat will stop at another point on the banks of the river. The boat motors back early on the last morning of each trip
  • All accommodation is on board the Zambezi Queen
  • Departure from the boat is at 10h00 - all passengers will be transferred back to Kasane (Botswana) Immigration
Payment terms:
  • A non-refundable 20% deposit is required in order to confirm a booking
  • The full balance is required 60 days prior to departure
  • If booking is made less than 60 days prior to departure, full payment is required to confirm the booking