Sample Itinerary - Sample - 10 Day Chobe(houseboat),Vic Falls & Hwange

Arrival at Kasane Airport where you are met by the Zambezi Queen staff.

After a short twenty minute drive to the Immigration Office, transfer to the “Queen” in a game-viewing cruise. Before dinner you are welcomed and briefed on the boat, activities, and schedules.

Moving along the banks of the great Chobe River, Zambezi Queen is a 5-star, 42-metre long luxury houseboat offering unparalleled sophistication in one of the most remote locations on the planet. Best of all, as a guest on the vessel, you can enjoy a truly unique and adventurous river safari holiday while still being surrounded by complete comfort and elegance.

Each of the 14 suites on Zambezi Queen features air-conditioning and your own private balcony, where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the Chobe River and African landscape beyond. Wake up to the sight of an elephant drinking from the river, or watch a fish eagle take flight – all from the comfort of your own luxurious bed.

Unlike a land-based lodge, Zambezi Queen navigates roughly 25km of the Chobe River, allowing you to explore different vantage points and enjoy unparalleled game viewing. In fact, the banks of the Chobe National Park boast one of the densest populations of elephant on the African continent - estimated at approximately 120 000. The Park is also home to a large number of buffalo, leopard and lion, along with a variety of antelope and abundant birdlife.

Celebrated South African fashion designer Jenni Button created the luxury houseboat's classic yet contemporary interior, using understated tones that make the wildlife on the banks of the river the star of the show. And, just like at any contemporary hotel, you can expect first class service at every turn. Whether you’re enjoying a gin and tonic on the upper deck at dusk or attempting to land your very first tiger fish, our highly experienced team will be on hand to meet your every need.

Our History

Built in the early 1990s, Zambezi Queen was first designed to carry guests on extended journeys from Katima Mulilo down the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers and back. However, the sheer size of the vessel made navigating difficult, and shortly after her inception, Zambezi Queen ended up moored along the river bank, eventually becoming a floating hotel to visitors to the Caprivi Region of Namibia.

Dining on the Zambezi Queen

From a creamy bowl of warming porridge in the morning to a helping of decadent white chocolate parfait at night, dining on Zambezi Queen is an indulgent treat, all on its own. Using seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets, meals on board our luxury houseboat consist of a full English breakfast, a buffet lunch and a choice of two plated menu options for dinner. Every mouthwatering dish is prepared by our locally trained Namibian kitchen staff, who combine authentic local flavors with their passion for creating sophisticated meals suited to discerning palates.

The Dining Room

Take a seat at your own private table and enjoy panoramic views of the wildlife during breakfast and lunch. Come evening time, settle in and enjoy an African themed dinner on one night of your stay, trying out traditional local food such as moroho and pap. On this particular evening the staff sing and dance and you're encouraged to join in the festivities! Special dietary requirements can be catered for, but 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 for Halaal and Kosher guests.

The Bar

The bar on the upper deck is open until 10pm and stocks a selection of local and imported spirits, wine and beers. Included in your accommodation rates are all locally sourced wines, beers, soft drinks and water, while spirits, sparkling wine and dessert wine are for your own account.

The Lounge

On the upper deck of Zambezi Queen you’ll find our dining room, bar and a comfortable lounge with unobstructed views of the unique African landscape that surrounds you. Beat the heat on the forward deck with a dip in the plunge pool, and then relax on inviting sun loungers while you dry off, or kick back on the sumptuous couches. Amid the muted African colour tones, you can’t help but relax as you gaze upon elephants, antelope and other wild animals strolling along the banks of the Chobe.

This full day starts with breakfast at 6:45, followed by your choice of game drive or game viewing by smaller boat. After lunch on the Zambezi Queen, there is water-based game viewing or a cultural village tour by mokoro.

Breakfast at 8am starts the day. For the rest of the day choose your activities or just relax, watching game from your balcony or the common areas of the ship. Prepare to be awed by the sunset while sipping on sun-downer drinks late this afternoon before the farewell dinner onboard.

The activities to choose from are as follows:-

Water-based game viewing on smaller boats which enables close-up viewing in an environment where the animals do not feel threatened

Tiger and bream fishing in season

Bird watching from smaller boats

Star Gazing

River Beach

Land based Cultural village tour / Mokoro tour

09:00 - Begin checking out for the transfer to the Kasane Immigration Office by boat. From there it is a 10 minute transfer to the Botswana Immigration Office to stamp out and to cross into Zimbabwe.

Guided Tour of the Victoria Falls

Pick up Times the lodges/hotels in Victoria Falls town

•Scheduled timings are 08h30, 10h30 and 14h30

•Pick up times vary depending on properties clients are lodging at

If there is any magic in this world, it is contained in water. Perhaps this is why the Victoria Falls rainforest is such a captivating and enchanting place. There is a little bit of heaven reflected onto the earth in the curtain of water that cascades into the heart of the world. The Victoria Falls possesses a beauty that is impossible to replicate through any man-made efforts, and a trip to Southern Africa would not be complete without seeing it. It is a natural wonder of the world, created by nature to remind us of just how powerful and complex she is. A guided tour of the falls enables you to delve into the local customs and traditions while gaining insight into how such an exquisite creation came to be. An aura of excitement envelopes everyone who lays eyes on this incredible spectacle and guided tours are conducted from the Zimbabwean and Zambia side. The adventure ends at a craft market at the entrance of the rainforest, where guests can appreciate the talented local craftsmen or purchase a memento of this special experience.

What you need to bring:

•Comfortable/non slip shoes or sandals

•Hat/Cap, sunglasses

•Sunscreen and mosquito repellent

•Cameras (ensure you have these in waterproof bags/plastics between the months of February - August).

Overnight at Victoria Falls Hotel on bed and breakfast basis

07h00: Breakfast at leisure until you will be met by a representative from Bushtracks Africa for your 11:30 activity

11:30 ELEPHANT ART EXPERIENCE

Spend time with Africa’s gentle giants – interacting, feeding, and truly observing their characters and ways. Easels and palettes await beneath the trees and in front of the wallow, where the herd descends to splash and play in the cool mud. A private tutor is provided to guide guests through a painting workshop, using their sketch pads and brush to capture the moment.

What you need to bring

Camera

Hat/Cap, sunglasses

Sunscreen and mosquito repellent

A warm jacket during winter time

River Safaris & Cruises

THE BUSHTRACKS EXPRESS – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Pick up times from Victoria Falls Hotels:

•1st November – 31st March – Summer Bridge Route on a Tuesday and Friday

7h30 - returning ±21h30 to hotel

•1st April – 31st October – Winter Bridge Route on a Tuesday and Friday

16h30 - returning approximately ±21h00 to hotel

Elegance and opulence marked the age of the steam train. Beautiful classic steam locos and carriages have been lovingly restored by Bushtracks Africa and Rovos rail, and marry vintage luxury with a modern fine dining experience to recreate moments of bygone romance.

The train comprises three carriages; A Dinning Car, a Kitchen Car, and an Observation Car with Steam Locomotive 14A Class 512; built by Northern British Locomotive works in the 1953.

This experience takes you back in time to the early 20th century. It Embarks on a journey onto the Victoria Falls Bridge while guests sit in the comfort on the Bushtracks Stately carriages. With the Victoria Falls as the back drop the Bushtracks Express parks on the bridge under the setting sun. It then steams out through the Jafuta conservancy whilst the guests sit and enjoy a five-course meal

Overnight at Victoria Falls Hotel on Bed and Breakfast basis

06:15 ELEPHANT BACK SAFARIS

Pick up times from the lodges/hotels in Victoria Falls town

•±06h15 and ±14h30

•Duration of tour is ±3.5 hours

The Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve is teeming with wildlife and begs exploration. Viewing this pristine wilderness from the Back of an elephant adds a new dimension to the experience, and allows you to delve farther into the gentle allure of Africa. These majestic mammals show you the world from their perspective as you feel the shift of their enormous weight navigate the terrain, watch their eyes caress the trees around them looking for the juiciest branches, and feel the soft gusts of air brush past your legs as they lazily flap their silky ears to keep the flies at bay. The elephant back safari offers you the ride of a lifetime, and those sixty minutes will dearly treasured and fondly remembered

What you need to bring

•Camera

•Hat/Cap, sunglasses

•Sunscreen and mosquito repellent

•Shoes that will not fall off

•Trousers are advisable since seating is astride the elephant

•Dull coloured clothing is advised

•Cash if you wish to purchase the DVD of your activity

SUNSET RIVER SAFARI

Pick up times from the lodges/hotels in Victoria Falls town

•Sunset river safari±15:30, boat departs at 16h00 in winter and 16h30 in summer

“A cruise taking you where others want to go….”

Take advantage of the setting sun’s rays on the spray of The Victoria Falls as a highlight of the trip.

Maximum 32 passengers, minimum 2 passengers.

The principle of exploration is that you travel to places that seem untouchable. Places that beg to be seen, yet seem to be out of reach. However, every aspect of this beautiful patch of earth deserves it share of our appreciation, and using specially designed jet propelled boats, the boats can take passengers into the very shallow water amongst the islands directly above the waterfall. Meandering between the islands gives you a glimpse of the ‘Smoke That Thunders’, before and after it has rumbled over the edge of the Victoria Falls.

This peaceful part of the river is bathed in tranquillity, yet activity hums through the trees and vibrates along the current as the bush breathes with the flap of bird’s wings, hippos disorientate the water by blowing small pockets of water from their snouts, and the leave from the overhanging tree branches raze their tips in the water, or stroke the skyline and keep watch over the unfolding animal lives.

Occasionally, elephants will submerge their bodies into the river and swim from island to island, as keen as we are to experience each one. Crocodiles break the face of the river and glide onto the banks to warm themselves in the sun’s rays.

Set against this picturesque backdrop, delicious snacks and chilled refreshments are served by a team of friendly and informative staff, ensuring that you relax and enjoy a level of comfort and grace unsurpassed on the Zambezi river.

Bushtracks river safari boats each have two engines for increased safety and are jet propelled rather than prop propelled, so you can experience the Zambezi River as viewed by David Livingstone as he canoed, unknowingly, towards The Victoria Falls

What you need to bring

•Cameras/Camcorders

•Booking voucher

•Sunscreen / hat

•Warm clothing in winter

Overnight at Victoria Falls Hotel  on Bed and Breakfast Basis

08:00 Departure from the hotel for the three hour journey to Hwange where you will be handed over to the Somalisa Camp Guide for the rest of the transfer.

On your way to the lodge, you will take a scenic transfer incorporating a game drive. At a point along the way, the guide will stop so that you can partake in a picnic lunch before proceeding.

This evening you are invited to join your guide on a night drive, or retire to your chalet where you can overlook the water hole.

06h00: Wake up with an early morning tea/coffee and snacks.

06h30: Depart for your early morning game drive.

10h00: Return to the lodge for brunch and spend the rest of the day leisure.

15h00: Afternoon tea and snacks are served before departing for your afternoon game drive.

15h30: Depart for your afternoon game drive.

18h00: Return to the lodge and freshen up before dinner on the deck at 20h00.

All activities will be arranged by the lodge accordingly.

06h00: Wake up with an early morning tea/coffee and snacks.

06h30: Depart for your early morning game drive.

10h00: Return to the lodge for brunch and spend the rest of the day leisure.

15h00: Afternoon tea and snacks are served before departing for your afternoon game drive.

15h30: Depart for your afternoon game drive.

18h00: Return to the lodge and freshen up before dinner on the deck at 20h00.

All activities will be arranged by the lodge accordingly.

Wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast before your road transfer to Hwange Safari Lodge hub where you will be met by a representative from Bushtracks Africa to transfer you back to Victoria Falls International Airport in time for your international flight (end of services).