Zambezi Queen
Zambezi Queen: The wildlife comes to you
Snapshot
On a river cruise, you can expect to see the shoreline every day, get off the ship every day, and enjoy a more comfortable setting with fewer passengers. AmaWaterways, with its emphasis on wine and food amid comfortably stylish details, has carved out a special niche in the river cruise arena.
With just 28 guests and 14 suites (all with balconies), your Zambezi Queen shipboard experience will be very different than other cruises, and despite its name, on the Zambezi Queen, you will journey on the Chobe River, not far from the Zambezi River in Botswana.
These short two- or three-day cruises will give you a taste of Africa with a river twist. Your cruise takes you down the Chobe River, passing by Botswana’s Chobe National Park, known for its great concentration of African wildlife. The animals are visible on the day excursions, and also from the ship. So, although this small, intimate cruise ship may lack many of the features of larger ships, you are close nature and able to 'safari' from the river. Much of the animal action takes place near the river, and the unique vantage point pays off.
Who will like sailing on Zambezi Queen
Sailing on the Zambezi Queen will appeal to travelers that want to get up close and personal with Africa's treasures with all the comforts of a fine hotel.
Where Zambezi Queen sails
Home port: Kasane, Botswana
Destinations: The Zambezi Queen cruises the River Chobe, with excursions to Chobe National Park and Kasenu village. It is good to remember that the Chobe River is the destination for the wildlife in the region, so the show comes to you.
Dining & cuisine
A stay on-board the Zambezi Queen includes three meals daily – a full English breakfast in the morning, buffet lunch and either a buffet or a la carte menu for dinner.
Scrumptious and mouth-watering, meals are prepared using only fresh ingredients sourced from the local markets. Breakfast offers a hearty choice of dishes with oats cooked in cream a popular choice for those wanting a hearty start to the day. Buffet lunch offers a delectable choice including healthy options while dinner alternates between a la carte and buffet-style.
The kitchen staff are all locally trained Namibians and proud to display their skills.
The bar stocks both local and imported spirits, wine and beers. Included in the rate is all locally sourced wines, beers, soft drinks and water.
Staterooms
The Zambezi Queen was refurbished in 2008, when a third deck was added and the decor was updated to fit its upscale clientele.
Fourteen suites and master suites are available on board. All suites have a balcony and are air-conditioned for passenger comfort. Meals are served in the main dining room, with dinners that alternate between buffets and an ala carte menu, prepared by the Namibian staff.
Entertainment & activities
Land-based excursions are available, as are water-based trips to view wildlife on smaller tenders. You won't have a lot of decisions to make on this cruise, the pace is tranquil, and some passengers just enjoy the views (including many types of wildlife) from the ship itself.
Your take
How about you? Have you cruised on Zambezi Queen? What was it like? Tell us about your experience and we'd love to see your photos! Show us your great wildlife photography!
Interested in a cruise on this ship?
For pricing, itinerary information and to reserve your spot on Zambezi Queen, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or call 1-877-322-3773. We can usually offer a better deal than you can get by contacting the cruise line directly.
Top highlights on this ship
- The Zambezi Queen sails past Botswana's Chobe National Park known for its great concentration of African wildlife.
- The Chobe National Park is widely known for its spectacular elephant population.
- The Chobe River is a major watering spot, especially in the dry season (May through October) for large breeding herds of elephants, as well as families of giraffe, sable and cape buffalo.
- Land-based excursions are available, as are water-based trips to view wildlife on smaller vessels.
- Tuck into a full English breakfast each morning.
