One of Africa’s last untouched wilderness areas, the Chobe River is a paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, wellness seekers, and, you may be surprised to discover, those who enjoy all of the above with a touch of luxury.
The Chobe boasts one of the largest elephant populations on the continent. The best way to soak up this unique corner of the world? On a luxury houseboat. Whereas staying at a traditional lodge, you’re ‘landlocked’ in one spot, a houseboat gives you a range of vantage points to take in the scenery.
Discerning travellers can step onboard the stunning Zambezi Queen. Guests can enjoy unparalleled sophistication in a boutique floating hotel while travelling through one of the most remote locations on the planet.
‘Our hearts go out to all Southern African travellers that have had to cancel long-awaited holidays to reconnect with loved ones,’ says Kate Powell, General Manager Marketing, Sales and Reservations for the Zambezi Queen Collection. ‘Why not celebrate the festive season and ring in 2022 on an unforgettable river safari on the Chobe River? The Zambezi Queen houseboat navigates roughly 25km of the Chobe River, offering a truly unique bucket list holiday with a difference. Not only can you travel in smaller, more exclusive ‘safe bubbles’, but all our holidays are all-inclusive, offering a truly hassle-free, peace of mind experience.’
Here’s why the Zambezi Queen is a luxe bucket list holiday:
Game watch from the plunge pool – or bed!
Forget the traditional crack of dawn, chilly game drive. On the Zambezi Queen, you get to spot wildlife in style. Imagine relaxing in a plunge pool, watching the hippos snorting in the river or admiring the sunset from your bed. Fancy a nap? Simply draw closed your full-length sliding shutters. It doesn’t get better than this!
The Zambezi Queen offers 14 luxurious suites, all with private balconies and floor to ceiling windows so you can soak up uninterrupted views of the animals and the unique African landscape beyond.
Max out your river safari and opt for one of the four master suites nestled at the bow of the boat. The Master Suites are more spacious, but they also have two balconies. The larger balcony makes for the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or sundowner in private, all while game watching from your front-row seat.
Sumptuous dining
You won’t go home hungry. In fact, you may just disembark with a few kilograms of extra padding.
The Zambezi Queen’s superb locally trained Namibian chefs will whip up an array of seasonal dishes, combining the best of local flavours with world-class culinary concoctions. Meals – all of which are included – consist of a full English breakfast, a buffet lunch and a choice of two plated menu options for dinner.
No safari experience would be complete without a good ol’ G&T or your tipple of choice. The bar and lounge on the upper deck are the places to be until 10pm to enjoy a sundowner or nightcap.
Do as little as you please
On the top deck, you can relax in style with a good book or simply soak up the scenery. Where else in the world can you enjoy a rooftop leisure space under the African sky as the landscape changes before your eyes? On the top deck, you’ll find not only the separate dining area, bar, rear viewing deck and lounge but also a large front deck with loungers and that Instagram-worthy plunge pool.
Hassle-free and all-inclusive
The Zambezi Queen packages include all meals, local beer, wine and all boat activities. Embark on a photo safari, game viewing, fishing and birding safari or simply kick back and relax. The best thing is that it’s all included.
If you can manage to drag yourself away from the plunge pool, there’s a whole world to explore. Hop on a tender river safari boat to get up close to some of the stunning wildlife, take a morning birding cruise down the river with a knowledgeable guide or try your hand at catching a Tiger Fish.
Save this festive season
Pied kingfisher bird
The Zambezi Queen is offering a 50% saving on the Zambezi Queen this festive season.
‘Our Christmas and New Year’s sailings on the Zambezi Queen include special Christmas turndowns and gifts, as well as Christmas lunch, bubbly and fireworks to ring in the new year,’ says Powell. ‘Book now, save 50%, and you can travel up until 31 March 2022, with flexible cancellation terms. A bonus is that guests on the New Year sailing will benefit from the lower 2021 rates as the sailing departs on New Year’s Day and therefore 2021 rates, and not the higher 2022 rates, are applicable.’
How to get there? Fly into Botswana and Namibia. Road transfers to and from Kasane International Airport and Kasane Immigration Office located on the Botswana side of the Chobe River, as well as boat transfers between Kasane Immigration Office and Namibia Immigration Office located on the Namibian side of the Chobe River, are included.
Visit the official site for more information.
Pictures: Supplied
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