A RELAXED, INTIMATE RIVER SAFARI EXPERIENCE
Drifting along the majestic Chobe River, the three Chobe Princess houseboats offer an intimate African river safari. With limited guest capacity, staying aboard feels like having your own private houseboat. For an even more exclusive experience, you can book the entire boat, transforming it into a private villa on the water.
Each boat features either four or five cabins, all with private views of the ever-changing landscape. Two houseboats offer four cabins—three standard and one superior—while the third boasts five cabins, including a superior cabin on the upper deck. As you sail up to 50 km along the Chobe River, you'll witness incredible wildlife scenes and enjoy personalised adventures with small groups.
Daily excursions on tender boats give you the freedom to tailor your experience. Spot over 450 bird species, try your hand at Tiger fishing, or capture the beauty of Africa on a photographic safari. Back on board, the upper deck's lounge and bar, along with a plunge pool, provide the perfect space to relax and soak in the unforgettable views.
Chobe Princess Cabins have beautiful big windows that slide open to let in those ever-changing river views. Listen to the soft grunt of hippo as you watch for elephant at the water’s edge – all from the comfort of your king-size bed. Cabin interiors have soft linens, and a soothing colour scheme of riverine greens and whites that blend with the natural landscape.
Instead of sliding windows, our Chobe Princess Superior Cabins each have their own private balcony. Imagine waking in the morning and stepping out onto your balcony facing Chobe National Park. Later, while the boat is sailing, you’ll have a front-row seat to the incredible landscapes and wildlife on the riverbanks. What’s more, the top cabin on the larger Chobe Princess, has an elevation that’s excellent for wildlife spotting.
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool
Air Conditioning, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Safe, Shower
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities
Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fishing, Game Viewing, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cultural Tours, Fine Dining, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Historical Tours, River Cruises, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
Game viewing on the Chobe River is most exceptional from March to November, when the weather is drier and the animals are more mobile in search of food and water. Winter offers particularly dramatic sightings, while the spring and autumn shoulder seasons provide excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife. During the summer rains, the landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of life, creating unique wildlife and birdwatching experiences.
Each day, guests venture out by tender boat to observe large herds of elephants, buffalo, lions, crocodiles, zebras, and more, all drawn to the river. The guides maintain a respectful distance, monitoring animal behaviour and adjusting the boat as needed to ensure minimal disruption. Guests will also encounter an impressive array of birdlife and plant species along the way.
No trip to the Chobe is complete without experiencing the thrill of fishing. On the Chobe River, it's not just about the catch – it’s about the adventure. Hooking a Tiger fish, one of Africa’s most sought-after species, is an experience anglers dream of. Known for their strength and speed, Tiger fish offer an exciting challenge that leaves guests with unforgettable memories.
Fishing safaris are conducted on a catch-and-release basis, ensuring the sustainability of the fish populations. The knowledgeable guides are dedicated to safely returning the fish to the water, allowing them to thrive for years to come.
Rates include all conventional fishing gear, such as rods, lures, lines, and reels. For those interested in fly fishing, it’s recommended to bring personal gear, as preferences can vary. This ensures each guest enjoys a fishing experience tailored to their needs.
With over 450 species, diverse terrains, and a stunning African backdrop, the Chobe River provides the ideal setting for a highly rewarding bird-watching safari. Birding season begins in September, with the arrival of migratory birds boosting the population by up to 20% compared to the winter months.
The prime time for birdwatching is early morning before breakfast, as various species leave their roosts and venture into the National Park. Guests aboard any of the three Chobe Princesses enjoy access to knowledgeable guides and tender boats, ensuring a truly rewarding birding experience.
Uninterrupted access to wild animals, absolute silence, and golden light make the Chobe River an unforgettable photographic safari destination, and one of Africa's top spots for wildlife photographers. To help capture that perfect moment, a custom-designed photographic safari boat is available on request, accommodating up to four clients in individual photographic seats.
The boat features custom-designed swivel chairs, offering greater stability and 360-degree views for a wider range of subject matter. Each seat is equipped with a mount for resting SLR cameras, and an experienced safari guide will assist in finding the perfect shot.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own photographic equipment, as it is not provided onboard. The recommended lens is an 80-400mm zoom for optimal results.
Travel by tender boat to a local Namibian village on the floodplains of the East Caprivi and meet the elders and locals of the Subiya tribe. Gain a deeper understanding of life in this 100-year-old village as you learn about their daily challenges, farming practices, and traditions.
The tour concludes with a vibrant display of traditional dancing and singing, where guests are welcome to join in the fun.
As a memento of your visit, consider purchasing a woven basket, beaded jewellery, or a carved wooden animal. The sale of these crafts helps empower the village by providing a valuable source of income. If you wish to bring gifts for the village children, items such as school stationery, books, or clothing are always highly appreciated.
Situated on the middle deck, the open-plan air-conditioned dining area offers panoramic views of the Chobe National Park. Dining is a communal experience, where all guests gather around a single table, creating an opportunity to connect with fellow travellers. With a maximum of 8 to 10 guests, the setting ensures an intimate and engaging atmosphere. Separate seating can be accommodated upon request.