Stay home and explore the wonders of your backyard this year. A bucket list holiday you can’t afford to miss, there’s never been a better time to experience the magic of Africa on the Chobe River than in 2022.
The mighty Chobe River is a magical opportunity to encounter iconic wildlife and colourful bird species as you sail past relaxing in style. What better way kickstart a new year than with your feet up, sipping G&T’s and relaxing in style?
Incredible landscapes
Be captivated by incredibly diverse landscapes as you sail past the forests and floodplains of the Chobe River. Spot kudu, giraffe, spotted hyena, impala, bushbuck, sable and wildebeest.
Wildlife extravaganza on the riverbank
While the river is a drawcard for herds of elephants and buffalo, you may be lucky and see a lion casually strolling to the shimmering water. Marvel at slumbering and wallowing hippos in the shallows while crocodiles eye you suspiciously and a puku antelope or Chobe bushbuck gracefully drink at the water’s edge.
Kaleidoscopic birdlife
Twitchers will be delighted as they observe an extraordinary array of bird species such as African finfoot, half-collared kingfisher, rock pratincole, pennant-winged nightjar, broad-tailed paradise whydah, collared palm-thrush and the superb Pel’s fishing owl. Keep your checklist handy!
Photographic safaris
If you stay on the luxurious Zambezi Queen houseboat which navigates up to 25km of the Chobe River, you can hop on board a custom-designed photographic safari boat. This makes it easier to enjoy uninterrupted access to wild animals, absolute silence and golden light. This specially designed boat gives you a unique vantage point – and your photography a fresh perspective that’s hard to beat. The boat contains custom-designed swivel chairs for just 6 passengers that give you greater stability and 360-degree views for a wider range of subject matter.
Catch a tiger (fish)
The ideal spot for fishing, the Chobe has over 90 species darting in its depths, but the ultimate catch is the predatory tiger fish, the fastest freshwater fish in Africa. Also great to net are huge catfish, barbel, bream and Zambezi yellow fish.
Unique water-based safaris
There really is no better way to experience the Chobe River than staying on the river itself. How glorious to float on the calm waters and view the wild from a unique perspective while revelling in the absolute luxury of it all. You can enjoy a stay on the luxurious Zambezi Queen or one of the smaller Chobe Princesses, which can also be booked for exclusive use.
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 as you witness the landscape burst into life after the first rains of the season.
Whether you’re a guest on the Zambezi Queen houseboat, one of her three Chobe Princesses, or at the secluded tented Ichingo Chobe River Lodge, you’ll be able to experience water-based safaris on the Chobe River that borders Namibia and Botswana. Each day, you’ll venture out by tender boat to get up close and personal with vast herds of elephant, buffalo, lion, crocodile, zebra and more that are drawn to the water. You’ll also see a wide variety of birdlife and plant life as you breathe in the African air around you.
“Relax on board one of our deluxe houseboats or at our intimate river lodge, while our experienced team take care of your every need. For SADC residents, enjoy a 50% saving on our all-inclusive package valid for travel until end March 2022. Completely unwind and enjoy your incredible holiday with accommodation, transfers, meals, drinks, expert guides and safari activities included,” says Kate Powell, General Manager, Marketing, Sales and Reservations of the Zambezi Queen Collection.
You don’t have to travel far to see the wonders that your beautiful continent offers. Don’t miss the boat!