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Luxury floating boutique hotel
Navigating the great Chobe River, the Zambezi Queen by Mantis is a 42-metre luxury floating boutique hotel that embodies sophistication in one of the planet’s most diverse landscapes. With our all-inclusive offering, guests can indulge in exceptional meals, beverages, and activities while enjoying diverse vantage points for authentic game viewing. Experience the beauty of the African wilderness in complete comfort and elegance.
Think of your time on the Zambezi Queen not as a mere river cruise, but as a floating boutique hotel that navigates the Chobe River, exploring its stunning surroundings throughout the day and returning to the same point each evening.
Embark on a uniquely African adventure with uninterrupted views of the Chobe National Park, home to over 120,000 elephants and many other remarkable wildlife.
With a guest-to-crew ratio of 3 to 2, the Zambezi Queen delivers an exceptional level of personal service and attention. The floating boutique hotel features 10 suites, averaging 155 sq ft (14.4 sq meters), and 4 luxury suites, averaging 165 sq ft (15.3 sq meters).
All with private balconies so you can soak up the Chobe River breeze and appreciate the endless views of the unique African landscape beyond.
From the moment you step on-board the Zambezi Queen, it becomes apparent that no expense was spared in creating one of the world’s most unique river safari experiences. Equipped with 10 tasteful and luxurious suites - all suites come with en-suite bathrooms (shower only) and full length sliding shutters for both privacy and protection from the sun.
Hairdryers, toiletries, gowns and slippers are provided for your comfort, while electronic safes in each room are ideal for storing your valuables. All suites accommodate two adults, and two of the larger suites can take a maximum of three adults. Suites can be configured with either one king-sized bed or two single beds.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Ensuite, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Shower, Vanity Cabinet, Wardrobe
While both types of suites let you relax in a luxurious setting, our four Luxury Suites are slightly bigger, and have larger balconies that house two deckchairs and a table. Our Luxury Suites also feature both side and front sliding doors for a truly panoramic view of your surroundings.
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Game Viewing, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cultural Tours, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Historical Tours, River Cruises, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
Staying on board the Zambezi Queen is like being on a permanent game viewing vehicle, but with a much higher comfort factor. Situated in the heart of the Chobe region with access to river frontage of the Chobe National Park, we also offer water-based game drives by tender boat, allowing you to experience the enormous diversity and concentration of wildlife up even closer.
Game viewing on the Chobe River is at its most exceptional from March to November when the weather is drier and the animals are more mobile as they search for food and water. Summer and spring also offer unique opportunities though, as you watch the landscape burst into life after the first rains of the season. Catch sight of huge herds of elephant as they swim across the water, as well as buffalo, lion, crocodile, lechwe, puku, giraffe, zebra, sable, kudu and the occasional leopard as they gather to quench their thirst at watering holes. Besides animal life, you’ll also see a huge variety of birdlife and plant life as you listen to the sounds of a hippo grunting and breathe in the sweet smell of African grass.
No trip to the Chobe is complete without trying your hand at a fishing safari where if you’re lucky, you may even catch a tiger fish. One of the greatest fighting fish in the world, the tiger fish is the most sought after prize of these waters and is known for its ferocious spirit. It's not all about tiger fish though. You may also hook one of the many bream species, African pike, tilapia, catfish or upper Zambezi yellowfish as you explore over 100 kms of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, as well as the winding Kasai Channel and thrilling Chobe and Mambova rapids.
We offer both conventional equipment as well as flyfishing equipment for our fishing safaris, because we know that the area is renowned worldwide for its flyfishing. We supply rods, flies, lures, lines, leaders and reels and all equipment is included in our rate.
Because of our unique location, we offer excellent fishing safaris all year round – from the annual floods starting in March to the feeding frenzies in the winter months. Our highly knowledgeable guides, the tackle and bait we supply as well as well stocked cooler boxes make fishing in Africa an experience to remember. Land an eight pounder or more and earn bragging rights for years to come, as you enjoy a fishing trip that's second to none.
With over 450 species, a mix of terrains and a dramatic African backdrop, the Chobe River is the perfect setting for a highly rewarding birdwatching safari. Birding season starts in September, when the first migrants arrive, boosting the bird population sometimes by 20% compared to the winter months. From December through to March birdlife on the Chobe is extremely busy and the colourful breeding plumage on display is an extraordinary sight.
Experienced birders and even eager amateurs will delight in spotting distinct birds such as African skimmers, rock pratincoles and the African finfoot, either through their binoculars or with the naked eye. Having access to your own knowledgeable guide and tender boat lets you spend many hours on your birding safari also viewing cattle egrets, fish eagles, open-billed storks, lesser-striped swallows, pied kingfishers and the striking carmine bee-eater. The slow drift of the tender boat means that you won’t disturb the peaceful silence and can also get up close to the birds and observe their fascinating behaviour.
Uninterrupted access to wild animals. Absolute silence. Golden light. The Chobe River is an unforgettable photographic safari destination, and one of the wildlife photographers’ hotspots in Africa. To help you capture that perfect moment, our custom-designed photographic safari boats are available on request and cater for 6 clients in individual photographic seats. The boat contains custom-designed swivel chairs that give you greater stability and 360-degree views for a wider range of subject matter. Every seat is equipped with a mounting for resting SLR cameras of all types and you’ll get your own experienced safari guide who’ll help you find that perfect shot.
Bring your own photographic equipment as we don’t supply this - the optimal lens to bring is an 80 - 400mm zoom. Because this is a water-based safari, you'll be able to take unique shots in a safe environment, being able to view the animals in the Chobe National Park surrounded by that magical golden light Africa is renowned for.
One of the best ways to learn more about a country is to experience its culture. A village tour while on board the Zambezi Queen will take you by tender boat to a local Namibian village called Ijambwe, situated on the floodplains of the East Caprivi. Meet village elders and locals and gain a greater understanding of how the inhabitants of this 100-year old village live, including their daily challenges and traditions.
Dining
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.
