Boarding one of our deluxe houseboats, you will be immersed in this extraordinary wilderness, whilst enjoying all the comforts of an exclusive floating boutique hotel.
Planning your great African adventure? There are a few pieces of information that you need to know, and logistics you’ll need to organise before you leave – like deciding where and when to go, how to get there, and what you’ll need to bring with you. In this section, you’ll find useful information about the Chobe National Park area, as well as facts on visa requirements, transport, weather, what to pack and more.
If you have any other questions, contact us and we’ll help you as best we can.
Located in Northern Botswana, alongside Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, Chobe National Park is the second largest National Park in Botswana with the largest concentration of game on the African continent. The Chobe River, forming the northern boundary of the park, originates in the highlands of Angola. From there, it winds its way into the Zambezi River, which eventually flows into Victoria Falls, through Mozambique and into the Indian Ocean.
Because it crosses floodplains, forests and open woodlands, the Chobe consists of a complex network of channels and marshes, which makes for spectacular game viewing due to the lush vegetation that surrounds it. While it has water all year round, the Chobe rises significantly from February to May, after the rains in Angola that start in November. During this wet season, the level of the Zambezi floodplains rises, pushing water into the Chobe all the way to the seasonal Lake Liambezi. Once the lake reaches saturation point, the water has nowhere further to go, and so starts flowing in the opposite direction in a phenomenon known as the “backflow”.
During your stay with the Zambezi Queen Collection, you’ll be able to observe animals in their natural environment from a tender boat, making for a relaxing safari experience. A major attraction of the area is the elephants, whose resident population is estimated to be over 120 000. You’ll also be able to see large herds of buffalo, and if you’re lucky, rare sightings like herds of Roan Antelope and Sable. Besides the land and water-based mammals, this is also a birdwatcher’s paradise and you can expect to encounter over 450 species.
The Time Zone is GMT / UTC +2.
There is no best or worst time to visit the Chobe area, because every month offers visitors something special. However, if you’re looking for a pure wildlife experience, the drier winter months from May to October see greater concentrations of game along the banks of the Chobe River. The summer months from November to April see the birdlife explode with the addition of the summer migrants. If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you’ll be excited to know that we have excellent fishing through the summer and winter – it’s just that the techniques we use change.
Road transfers to and from Kasane International Airport as well as to and from the Kasane Immigration Office are included in our rate. You can also choose shared or private road transfers at an additional cost from Victoria Falls International Airport, Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, formerly Livingstone Airport, and Katima Mulilo Airport.
There are a few border crossings that need to happen once you arrive at the Kasane Immigration office. The whole process typically takes about 45-60 minutes and is all part of the experience.
The next part of the adventure continues where you will step onto a tender boat that will take you across the river onto the Namibian side. You will then arrive at the small port and need to take a short walk (about 100m for Impalila Island or 50m for Kasika) up to the Namibian Immigration Office for passport stamping.
Kindly note, your guide will inform you of where you need to go, as he will remain in the boat to mind your luggage. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen for the short walk uphill to the office.
Once you have been stamped into Namibia and have returned to the tender boat, your guide will take you to your accommodation where you can relax and enjoy your time with us for the next few nights.
Kindly note:
FOR TRAVELLERS
Two of the most key pieces of information that you need to know:
1. Please note that you as the traveller and/or your travel agent are responsible for determining what documentation is required, as well as ensuring any such documentation including medical certificates, passports, visas and unabridged birth certificates are up to date and have been obtained before travel within the restrictions related to each country. Due to constantly changing border entry requirements, it is recommended that travellers and or/travel agents contact the appropriate embassy for accurate and up-to-date information.
2. The Namibian Government requires all visitors to Namibia to have at least six full blank pages in their passports on arrival into the country and require that the passport be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date from Namibia. Proof of onward travel documents are also required.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety & Security has officially launched Namibia’s online tourist visa application process.
Tourists from across the globe who need a visa for entry into Namibia, can now apply for their visa from the convenience of their home, and even pay for it online. This will reduce the time and hassle of having to either travel to selected embassies or submitting passports to such for the application and issuing of such visas.
Here is the link to the online application process.
FOR FOREIGN GUIDES AND/OR TOUR LEADERS
Foreign guides and tour leaders are required to have a work visa for short-term assignments in Namibia.
Foreign nationals will need to provide the following documents during the work permit application process:
In our commitment to assist you through this process, our reservation team will provide the following documentation:
The visa fees are structured as follows, based on the length of stay:
While the processing time typically spans 7 to 10 working days, we strongly advise applying at least a month in advance to mitigate any last-minute complications.
Minors younger than 18 years travelling to Namibia must have an unabridged birth certificate. In addition, when travelling:
Travel insurance is a requirement for all guests and must be purchased prior to travel. Travel insurance must be comprehensive and cover full air evacuation and repatriation, in the unlikely event of an emergency.
When travelling in Southern Africa, it’s crucial to safeguard your luggage against potential theft or loss. Here are some specific tips to ensure the protection of your belongings:
Stay alert: Whether you’re exploring urban centres or remote wilderness areas, always stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid displaying valuables openly and be cautious in crowded areas where pickpocketing can occur.
Keep valuables with you: Carry valuable items such as passports, cash, electronics and jewellery in your carry-on bag rather than checking them in with your luggage. This way, you can keep a close eye on them throughout the transfer.
Label your luggage: Clearly label your luggage with your name, phone number and accommodation details. This makes it easier to identify your bags and reduces the risk of them being misplaced during transfers.
Monitor your luggage: Keep a watchful eye on your luggage during transfers, especially in busy transportation hubs like airports and border posts. Stay close to your bags and avoid leaving them unattended.
In-Room Safe: For your peace of mind, each cabin and tent is equipped with an electronic safe, offering a secure space to store your valuable items and travel documents, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your stay with us.
Because our properties are situated in a malaria area, we advise that you take malaria prophylactics. Please consult your doctor before travelling for up-to-date medical advice.
Should you make use of a CPAP (a small medical supervision device), the houseboats switch over to an inverter system after 22h00 at night and we connect the CPAP to our inverter system. Please advise at the time of booking whether you require medical assistance.
The properties that make up the Zambezi Queen Collection are based on the Namibian side of the Chobe River. Here’s information on how to reach them:
By car:
If you’re on a self-drive safari, secure parking can be arranged for your vehicle. Please advise at time of booking whether you require secure parking.
By air:
There are four main access points by air:*
*Flight costs are excluded from the rate but can be booked through our in-house travel agent.
Single travellers are welcome at all properties in the Zambezi Queen Collection. A single supplement of 30% is applicable to rooms occupied by one adult and is limited to availability per departure.
We accept the Namibian Dollar, South African Rand, Botswana Pula and US Dollar. MasterCard and Visa cards are accepted but Amex cards are not accepted.
Please note: Card transactions for the Chobe Princess are processed at Ichingo Lodge on Impalila Island. Electronic payments are in Botswana Pula, and exchange rates may vary from those provided on board. We are not liable for any differences in exchange rates for electronic payments.
Gratuities are at your own discretion and payable at the end of your stay. We recommend a gratuity of US$10 to US$15 per guest per day. Management will ensure that any gratuity payments are appropriately distributed amongst the team. You can settle by Visa or Mastercard on-board the Zambezi Queen or at the Ichingo Chobe River Lodge only or payable in ZAR or USD cash. The Chobe Princesses do not have card facilities. Please note electronic transactions are charged in Botswana Pula.
While on board the Zambezi Queen or one of the three Chobe Princesses, you’ll travel along the Chobe River, just a few kilometres from the point where the four African countries of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet. While you won’t travel enormous distances, your surroundings are rich with bird and wildlife, which means you’ll see an incredible amount while moving at a relaxing pace that’s perfectly suited to the rhythms of the African bush.
Because the Chobe Princesses are smaller vessels, they can traverse up to 50km of the Chobe River, as opposed to the Zambezi Queen, which traverses a shorter distance of up to 25 kilometres. This doesn’t mean that either one is a better or worse game viewing experience – it’s just that the pace at which you move is different.
While you’ll be able to view most sightings from the comfort of the boats, both the Zambezi Queen and the Chobe Princesses are equipped with tender boats, which are smaller boats that let you get even closer to the wildlife. So, for example, if there’s a sighting that can’t be accessed by the boats then you can jump onto a tender boat to get nearer the action.
Please note: if the wind is stronger than 11 knots, the Zambezi Queen will not sail in the interests of your safety. However, while sailing is always weather dependent, we’ll make sure you spend as much time as possible exploring the river and experiencing everything this unique area has to offer.
Both the Chobe Princess and Zambezi Queen require a certain amount of water in which to sail so the distance of travel will be impacted by lower water levels.
During your stay with us, your itinerary is flexible and we’ll do our utmost to accommodate exactly the kind of trip you’re looking for.
Due to the nature and construction of our houseboats as well as the remoteness of our lodge, our properties are unfortunately not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or who are wheelchair bound.
While we can cater for special dietary requirements, we ask that you specify this when you book – our remote location means that we need a bit of time to source ingredients that may be out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, this also means that we’re not able to cater on-site for Halaal and Kosher guests but can arrange for meals to be pre-ordered given advance warning.
Our dress code is casual, so formal attire isn’t necessary for evening dinner. We recommend light and comfortable clothing in summer, with a hat readily at hand. In winter, you’ll need a pullover for early mornings and evenings.
Water on board our houseboats and at our lodge is safe to shower in and brush your teeth, but we suggest that you rather drink the purified water that we provide.
Bringing a drone into Namibia is possible, but it’s subject to the regulations set by the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Currently, the NCAA is in the process of developing a licensing system for Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). Updates regarding this system will be available on their website. Presently, to legally operate RPAS in Namibia, operators need to obtain an RPAS Letter of Approval (RLA) from the flight operations section of the Namibian Civil Aviation Authority.
If you’re planning to travel through Botswana, keep in mind that you must register your drone with the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana before flying it within the country’s borders.
In general, drones are not permitted in national parks, including game parks and wildlife sanctuaries, due to their restricted fly areas. While it’s possible to apply for a permit to fly a drone in Botswana’s parks, it’s essential to avoid disturbing the animals, as flying in a disruptive manner could result in significant fines.
In the vicinity of Chobe National Park, it’s especially important to note that flying a drone without proper permits might prompt military intervention, as drones could be seen as a potential threat to wildlife poaching.
Please be aware that The Zambezi Queen Collection teams cannot be held responsible for any incidents, and we do not recommend the use of drones or RPAS. Acquiring necessary permits and flying your drone are your responsibilities, and you assume the associated risks. If you do decide to fly a drone, please exercise consideration for our passengers and the wildlife.
Please take note if you are planning to bring a drone:
Drones are banned for use within 5 nautical miles of Namibian national parks unless you have permission to do so. The Zambezi Queen Collection does not permit the use of drones due to our proximity to the Chobe National Park. Drone laws are constantly changing therefore we advise you to check with the relevant aviation authority to ensure you are up to date on the latest drone laws prior to your trip.
Zambezi Queen and Ichingo Chobe River Lodge have three-pronged South African plugs as well as two-pronged European plugs. American adaptors are available on request. The Chobe Princesses have three-pronged South African plugs, so you’ll need to bring your own adaptors if you have foreign plugs on your appliances.
On board the houseboats, there is limited mobile and roaming connection. Wifi is available intermittently on the Zambezi Queen and Chobe Princess houseboats, whilst at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge you can access the Wifi in the lounge, bar and dining room areas.
We see this as the perfect opportunity for you to unplug and be in the moment, while you reconnect with nature and store up exciting stories to share with your friends once you get back on dry land.
The main electricity supply on all houseboats within the Zambezi Queen Collection is supplied by generators. The Zambezi Queen switches over to land generators at 20h00 and the Chobe Princesses at 22h00 and both switch back onto generators at 06h00. Everything functions as per usual. In case of a generator failure, there is an inverter emergency power supply that will supply power to all lights, air-conditioning and select plugs in cabins.
Discover the magnificent Chobe River with the Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis.
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