Together

of resilience, community, and conservation. This year was a testament to the transformative power of collaboration between nature, travellers, and local communities.

Let’s journey through some of our impactful milestones, celebrate success stories, and peek into a couple exciting initiatives for the year ahead.

Nurturing the Future Generation

Picture a sunny morning in a village near Kasika: children, their laughter echoing through the air, race along freshly built pathways. Some kick a soccer ball donated by our guests, while others, with backpacks slung over their shoulders, chatter excitedly as they head to class. The school, now surrounded by new fencing, lush gardens and tall trees, feels more like a sanctuary for learning than ever before. The newly built library – a hub of discovery – beckons them with a variety of books, a space where curiosity takes flight.

Thanks to the Zambezi Queen Collection’s initiatives, the school has transformed into an inviting, nurturing environment. From safe drinking water to functioning sanitation facilities, these enhancements have reshaped daily life. It’s not just a school anymore; it’s a beacon of growth and opportunity, showing how collective efforts can create lasting impact in the villages we support.

The Ripple Effect of Community Support

This year, our Community Development Fund, powered by the amazing support of our guests, has helped transform local communities in ways that truly matter. Everything we achieve is rooted in collaboration – listening to community leaders, understanding their challenges, and working together with each village to create solutions that fit their daily lives. It’s all about building something meaningful and lasting.

Mbalasinte Combined School

Children who used to walk long, unsafe distances to school can now stay in a new hostel built with their needs in mind. You can see their excitement as they settle into a safe space that lets them focus on learning. Over in Ijambwe Village, a brand-new borehole now brings fresh, clean water right to the community, keeping families safe from dangerous crocodile-infested rivers.

These projects aren’t just about what’s built – they’re about the joy and relief they bring every single day. When we work hand-in-hand with communities, the results are life-changing, making each guest’s visit part of a bigger, beautiful story.

Conservation and Adventure

With its shimmering waters and lush surroundings, the Chobe River isn’t just a stage for luxury cruises; it’s a vital ecosystem teeming with life. Despite lower water levels this year, guests onboard the Zambezi Queen and Chobe Princess houseboats revelled in breathtaking encounters – elephants bathing at sunset, hippos grazing on the islets, and the African Fish Eagle perched high above the trees ready to fly over water and grab its next meal. Such moments remind us of the intricate harmony of nature, where every ripple contributes to the whole.

Behind these magical scenes lies tireless conservation work. We’ve strengthened partnerships with local conservancies, supporting anti-poaching units and habitat management programs. Together, we’re ensuring that this ecosystem thrives for generations to come.

Stories of Resilience

Some of the most inspiring moments this year have come from our incredible team. Many of them hail from nearby villages and bring unparalleled dedication and passion to everything they do. We’re proud to have created opportunities for local employment, with ten new team members joining us across our five properties this year, and two well-deserved promotions recognising hard work and growth.

Through workshops and training initiatives, we equip our team with valuable skills that open doors to long-term careers in the hospitality sector. Many of our staff have been with us for over a decade, and some even longer — a testament to the strong sense of community we’ve built together.

Take Bernard, for example. Having grown up alongside the Chobe River, his charisma and deep knowledge of the area shine in every interaction with our guests. This year, Bernard had the incredible opportunity to travel to Europe for the first time, broadening his horizons and bringing fresh perspectives to his role.

Then there are our guides, whose skill and enthusiasm bring the Chobe River to life for our guests. Not only do they navigate its waters with precision, but they also share the rich stories of the river, all while reading and interpreting animal behaviour — a skill that goes beyond the spoken word. For many of our team members, English is their third or even fourth language. While they may sometimes find it challenging to fully understand or be understood, their warmth, friendliness, and genuine hospitality shine through in every interaction. Their dedication to creating memorable guest experiences leaves a lasting impression, and we’re proud of their continued efforts to grow and communicate with confidence

Together, our team delivers service that not only earns glowing guest feedback but also strengthens the connection between visitors and the Chobe’s natural beauty. We couldn’t be prouder of the incredible individuals who make the Zambezi Queen Collection what it is today.

Glimpses of the Future

The coming months are filled with exciting plans to uplift and support the communities around us. In January and February, we’ll distribute laptops, backpacks, and shoes to the children at Kasika Primary School, ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive.

Renovation work will breathe new life into six more classrooms, creating bright, cooler and welcoming spaces for learning. Additionally, four new boreholes will be installed in the Kasika Conservancy, bringing clean water to even more families and reducing the risks they face in daily water collection.

An Invitation to Dream

For those who’ve travelled with us, thank you for being part of this journey. By choosing to explore the Chobe River with us, you’re creating a positive ripple effect in the lives of surrounding communities while gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of wildlife conservation. Witnessing this wondrous ecosystem in action doesn’t just leave you with unforgettable memories – it also makes you an advocate for preserving these precious landscapes.

For those yet to visit, imagine this: waking to the gentle hum of the river, watching elephants at dawn, and knowing your presence contributes to a greater purpose.

As we reflect on 2024, we’re reminded of the profound connections between people, places, and nature. Here’s to another year of impact. Together, we’re not just exploring; we’re protecting, empowering, and inspiring future generations to care for this unique corner of the world.

Are you ready to be part of something extraordinary while creating unforgettable memories? Join us in 2025 for an adventure that makes a difference. Click here to book your trip with us and leave a lasting impact.