Discover the beauty of Africa on this exclusive, small-ship voyage down the Chobe River. Climb aboard and prepare for an experience of a lifetime as you settle into your luxury suite aboard the 28-passenger Zambezi Queen. Our expert guides and on-board naturalists can’t wait to introduce you to the captivating culture found along the banks of the Chobe River where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe meet. By day, take in the majesty of Victoria Falls, the rich biodiversity of Chobe National Park, and Africa’s renowned creatures animating this stunning landscape. At night, relax over delectable gourmet fare and refreshing cocktails as night falls and the sky fills with star-studded treasures. This all-inclusive, custom vacation package gets you up-close-and-personal with some of the world’s most fascinating wonders, while Austin’s signature touch of inspired, thoughtful service invites you to unwind and soak in the enchantment of Africa in comfort and privacy.
The perfect addition to one of our existing Botswana or Namibia tours, the one and only Zambezi Queen offers world-class sophistication and an unmatched vantage point from which to experience the wonders of the Chobe River. Throughout this four-day journey, enjoy the finest in wining and dining aboard your luxury ship as our expert guides share with you the fascinating stories behind the scenes of Africa’s remarkable colors, creatures, and culture.
Watch in awe as a herd of 40 elephants strolls by on the banks of the Chobe, just meters from your tender boat
Try your hand at fishing for Tiger and Bream, watching for approaching wildlife between casts
Listen for the call of the coppery-tailed coucal and chirping cisticola, just two of the 400+ bird species that call the Chobe home
Experience the gentle nature of rural Africa on a visit to a riverside village, where we’ll meet the locals and browse a beautiful selection of handmade crafts
Settle in beneath a star-studded sky as the ZQ’s generator shuts down (LED and reading lights available), offering a welcome quiet to the end of an exhilarating day
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
Cultural wonders: Learn how locals make life work in this challenging environment as you explore villages, markets and nature reserves along the Chobe.
02
The wilderness: The Chobe is home to many different exotic animals and over 400 species of birds. This cruise gets you up-close-and-personal in a way no other safari can!
03
African nights: Once the sun goes down, a star-studded sky offers the perfect backdrop to relax and enjoy a whole new world of nightlife and activity.
Collection from Kasane, Botswana / Chobe River, Namibia
Upon arrival into Kasane, Botswana and after going through immigration, you’ll be picked up by a crew member of the Zambezi Queen for a transfer to your vessel. Eat a light lunch before heading out on an afternoon sail on the main vessel or one of the tender boats. Around 7:00 PM, settle in for a safety briefing with your captain and then enjoy a delicious African dinner on the upper level with unobstructed views of the picturesque surroundings. At 10:00, the generator shuts down and the inverter system kicks in, making only reading and LED lighting available. This leaves you open to a quiet and peaceful night enjoying the African stars and sounds of your surroundings.
Meals Included
L, D
Overnight
Zambezi Queen
Day 2
Day 2:
Chobe River Cruise
Wake up early to enjoy a Chobe sunrise, coffee in hand. Around 8:00, breakfast will be served in the dining room. After, you have the option to head out on the tender boat to visit a local African Village on the Namibian side of the river. Return midday for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation on board the main vessel. In the afternoon, you once again have the option to head out on the tender boats to search for wildlife or throw a line in the water. This evening, look forward to a traditional African dinner along with some singing and dancing. Once the generator turns off, listen to the sounds of Africa as you drift off to sleep.
Meals Included
B, L, D
Overnight
Zambezi Queen
Day 3
Day 3:
Chobe River Cruise
After breakfast, you once again have the choice to do some tiger or bream fishing, or you can head out on a land-based tour to look for elephants, hippos and crocodiles (additional cost). Eat lunch back on board and spend the hotter part of the afternoon relaxing on the pool deck or viewing the river and wildlife around you from the comfortable lounge. This afternoon, continue relaxing or get one last fishing or wildlife viewing excursion in. Tonight, eat dinner in the dining room with your fellow passengers, and then kick back for an after dinner drink or two while you share stories of your stay in Africa before getting a good night’s rest in the comfort of your suite.
Meals Included
B, L, D
Overnight
Zambezi Queen
Day 4
Day 4:
Chobe River / Departure from Kasane, Botswana
This morning, enjoy a last breakfast aboard the Zambezi Queen before disembarking the vessel. Depending upon your post-cruise plans, you’ll either be taken straight to Kasane Airport for your outbound flights, or you will be transferred to a nearby lodge where you can enjoy the facilities and lunch before your onward arrangements.
Meals Included
B
Overnight
No overnight
Departure Dates
Departs weekly.
Depart on Your Own Schedule / Custom Trip
Contact us for custom itineraries and departure dates
There are three main access points to the Zambezi Queen – Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Livingstone (Zambia) as well as Kasane International Airport, Botswana. Transfers from Livingstone or Victoria Falls airports to Zambezi Queen are by road and take approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on border crossing times. All guests will be collected from the Immigration office situated on the banks of the river in Kasane (Botswana) for the estimated 20 minute boat transfer to the Zambezi Queen in Namibia. Guests arriving by air, into Botswana, will be collected at Kasane Airport on a complimentary basis. Total travel time from this airport to the boat is approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Check-in is from 1:00 PM on day of arrival. Arrival transfers go to the main vessel on the hour between 1:00 and 4:00 PM. Departures are up to 10:30 AM on your day of departure. Later departures will be transferred to a lodge in Kasane where you can relax, enjoy their facilities and have lunch before your flight out of Kasane Airport or onward arrangements.
Activities
Boating: Guided skiff cruises through the jungle, look for wildlife.
Fishing: Equipment and instruction provided.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in Trip Price
Double occupancy, air-conditioned suite with panoramic windows and private bath.
All meals while on board the Zambezi Queen.
Fully trained, bilingual, professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
All excursions.
Transfer to/from vessel when arriving on recommended flights.
Beverages (non-alcoholic, wine and beer).
Austin Adventures T-shirt and luggage tags.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Pacaya Samiria entrance fee.
Not Included in Trip Price
Guide & crew gratuities.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air tickets to and from Iquitos, Peru.
All types of personal insurance.
Boutique purchases and personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Cruise Expert
Carol Austin
Want to know how to fully experience the depth of beauty and culture in a place? Ask Carol Austin. A Montana native who treasures the land and people in her own backyard—be it Yellowstone, the Beartooths, or the family around her dinner table—Carol knows how to embrace any destination she explores, a feat at 40+ countries and counting. And with more than 20 years in the travel industry, she’s really good at helping guests plan—and fully enjoy—their adventure vacation, too. She co-founded Austin Adventures with her husband, Dan Austin.
