Imagine drifting gently on a river where elephants splash metres from your private balcony, hippos bob lazily in the water, and giraffes pause mid‑drink to look up at you — all while you’re sipping a glass of fine South African wine aboard a luxury suite. This is the world of the AmaWaterways Chobe River cruise, a perfect blend of safari adventure and sumptuous comfort.
The journey begins not in a dusty lodge deep in the bush, but aboard the intimate 28‑guest vessel Zambezi Queen, purpose‑built for the winding waters of the Chobe River, which forms the northern edge of Chobe National Park in Botswana and Namibia.
From private balconies and floor‑to‑ceiling windows to an open‑air sun deck with plunge pool, the vessel is designed to merge the wild beauty of Africa with impeccable hospitality.
What makes this so special is the way you shift from a traditional luxury cruise mindset to something more intimate, more wildlife‑centric, yet fully indulgent. The land‑and‑river combo makes this ideal: begin or end in places like Cape Town (take in Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands), or venture on to the majestic Victoria Falls for the curtain‑call of your journey.
The Itinerary & Experience
Upon arrival, you’re transferred to Kasane (Botswana) and tendered to the Zambezi Queen moored mid‑river. The next four nights become a rhythm of sunrise river cruises, mid‑day lounging on deck, game drives in open‑top 4×4 vehicles through Chobe National Park, and an exclusive picnic under shady trees. For example, one itinerary offers: morning boat safari, lunch on board, afternoon free time, then another safari near dusk.
What you’ll see: Chobe boasts one of Africa’s highest densities of elephants (the largest elephant population in the world, in fact). On the river you’ll be eye‑level with animals that are used to the water’s edge: hippos surfacing, crocodiles basking, zebra and wildebeest grazing nearby. It’s immersive.
On board, everything is included: all dining, regionally inspired cuisine (think butternut–macadamia soup, fillet of beef with bordelaise sauce) and complimentary South African wine, beer and local spirits.
Your stateroom? A luxury of its own, with sliding glass doors opening onto a private balcony, daily replenished bottled water, Wi‑Fi (with spotty signal given the remoteness), plush hotel‑style bedding, and sweeping views of the ever‑changing river banks.
Why This Cruise Stands Out
- Intimacy & exclusivity: With only 28 guests aboard the Zambezi Queen, the experience feels personal.
- Wildlife immersion: Unlike a large ship in coastal waters, here you’re inside the bush, on water from which wildlife streams to drink and feed—a level of access that’s rare.
- Luxury meets adventure: You get the polish of fine dining, spa‑treatments, private balconies, and sun deck plunge pool, all paired with safari excursions (boat and land)
- Eco‑conscious design: The Zambezi Queen uses water‑jet propulsion, low‑emission generators and solar heating to minimise environmental impact.
- Ideal land combinations: Choose to kick off with Cape Town, visit Victoria Falls, or extend with a stay in the Greater Kruger National Park after. Unforgettable.
When to Go & Practical Tips
Best time for wildlife: The dry season (June – October) is optimal, as animals congregate around water and viewing is at its richest.
Stateroom choice: All suites have balconies; higher categories (Luxury Suite / Category SA) give more space. Reserve early.
What to pack: Neutral safari‑tones, layered clothing for early morning chill, sun‑hat, binoculars, and elegant evening wear for dining.
Transfers and flights: Many itineraries include flights from major hubs, transfers from Kasane to the vessel, and can integrate stays in Cape Town or Victoria Falls.
Connectivity: Wi‑Fi is complimentary but may be intermittent given location. Treat this as an opportunity to unplug.
Call us now at 888-717-5074 and let us create a luxury travel memory you’ll treasure forever.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What exactly is included in the AmaWaterways Chobe River cruise?
A: On board you get accommodation in an air‑conditioned balcony suite, all meals, drinks (wine, beer, local spirits), daily bottled water, private boat safaris and land safaris (in Chobe National Park), plus a visit to an African village. Extensions include land stays in places like Cape Town or Victoria Falls.
Q: How many days is the river segment?
A: Typically 4 nights aboard the Zambezi Queen on the Chobe River, embedded in 9‑16 night itineraries that include land stays.
Q: What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
A: Excellent opportunity to see elephants (the largest population in Africa in Chobe), hippos, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, buffalo, and if you’re lucky, lions and leopards.
Q: Is this suitable for honeymooners or couples?
A: Absolutely. The intimate size of the vessel, the sense of seclusion, the luxury elements and dramatic backdrop make it ideal for a romantic, once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience.
Q: How does this compare with a land‑only safari?
A: The river cruise adds a different dimension: you’re on the water, animals feel less threatened, you’re gliding past them rather than driving in a vehicle through tracked terrain.
