Travellers to the Chobe Region often arrive in search of wildlife and wilderness, but they’ll soon discover another treasure: the living culture of the local Subiya people. The village isn’t visible from the river. Instead, a local guide takes you by tender boat to a quiet stretch of riverbank. You step ashore and follow a short five-minute path to where the Subiya community lives. Here, you’re welcomed with friendly waves and open smiles – an introduction to a way of life shaped by the Chobe River for generations.

The Subiya, also known as Baikuhane, have lived along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers for centuries. To them, the river is central to life, a source of food and cultural meaning. Families work together to meet their needs: women tend crops such as maize and millet, while men fish and sometimes hunt to supplement the diet. Meals are simple but sustaining, often featuring hard porridge with fresh fish or sour milk.

Elders are respected as keepers of history and tradition. They pass on skills such as identifying and preparing medicinal plants, which are still used to treat common ailments. Storytelling plays an important role, too, ensuring language and customs are preserved even as modern influences grow.

The Subiya value respect, community, and harmony with nature. Their identity is tied to the land and water, and they take pride in keeping traditions alive despite challenges. For example, continuing to speak the Chisubiya language at home even though it’s no longer taught in most schools. Leadership roles are also evolving, with women now serving as village Indunas (community heads), guiding local governance alongside elders.

The Zambezi Queen Collection has a long-standing relationship with the Subiya community. The majority of its staff come from local villages, many of them Subiya. These roles, from guides to chefs to captains, provide steady income and skills development, allowing people to support their families without leaving home.

Local guides bring deep knowledge of the environment and culture to each trip. Guests don’t just hear about wildlife; they also learn how the river sustains the community, the meaning of certain traditions, and how plants are used for food or medicine. This insight enriches the safari experience while giving the community a voice in tourism.

The company also runs a Community Development Fund, supported by a small levy included in each guest’s stay. The fund has helped install clean water boreholes, improve school facilities, and support other essential projects identified by village leaders. Training programmes in hospitality and guiding have also created long-term career opportunities.

Cultural tours offered by the Zambezi Queen and Chobe Princess houseboats give guests the chance to visit a Subiya village on the Namibian side of the river. After arriving by tender boat, you’ll walk with a local guide through the community. Along the way, you’ll see traditional homes, small fields of crops, and everyday activities.

Your guide will explain how families live from farming, fishing, and natural resources. You may be shown how grain is prepared, how fishing traps are made, or how a particular plant is used as a remedy. Conversations often touch on beliefs, customs, and family life. Sometimes a dance or song is performed for visitors, offering a glimpse into local celebrations.

Visits are arranged with the community’s agreement and are designed to be respectful. Photography is generally welcome, but it’s polite to ask before taking pictures of people. Handcrafted items such as baskets or carvings are often available for purchase, providing direct income to the makers.

Meeting the Subiya offers a chance for meaningful exchange. Here are a few ways to connect and contribute:

• Show genuine interest. A simple greeting in Chisubiya, such as Mwapona (“hello”), shows respect.
• Support the Community Development Fund. Your stay already contributes to this, but you can also ask your guide about current projects.
• Bring small donations. Stationery, books, or sports equipment for the school are always appreciated.
• Buy local crafts. It’s a lasting memento for you and support for the artisan.
• Chat with the crew. Many staff are from nearby villages and enjoy sharing their own experiences and stories.

Unsung heroes of responsible tourism

Chobe People, Chobe Community

The Story of Ernest

Which community will I visit?
A Subiya village on the Namibian side of the Chobe River, usually on Impalila Island or nearby floodplains.

What will I experience on the tour?
A guided walk through the village, meeting residents, learning about daily life, farming, fishing, and traditional uses of plants, with the possibility of a song or dance performance.

Is the visit respectful and authentic?
Yes. Tours are organised with the community’s consent, in small groups, and guided by locals to ensure comfort and respect for residents.

How does the Zambezi Queen Collection support the Subiya?
Through local employment, training, and the Community Development Fund, which supports clean water, education, and other community priorities.

How can I make my visit meaningful?
Be polite, ask questions, learn a greeting in the local language, consider bringing small school supplies, and support local craftspeople.

Botswana or Namibia?

The Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis operates on the Namibian side of the Chobe River. However, you will need to travel through Botswana to get to the Namibian side of the Chobe.

Make your Namibia holiday special with a Chobe River cruise on the Zambezi Queen or Chobe Princess houseboat. Enjoy peaceful days on the water, spot wildlife along the banks, and visit the Subiya community to learn about their traditions. Travelling with the Zambezi Queen Collection also helps support local projects, making your trip both meaningful and memorable. You can choose a relaxing river journey or an exciting Chobe River safari; either way, this is an experience you’ll never forget.

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