The luxury Chobe Princess Houseboats operate on the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers in Botswana. With only a small number of guests per boat; staying in one of the three Chobe Princesses is like being on your very own luxury houseboat.
The Chobe Princesses traverse about 50km (seasonal water levels permitting) of the Chobe River, along the banks of the Chobe National Park. This allows guests to explore many different vantage points of the river. As you drift down the Chobe River and spot incredible wildlife scenes; you’ll be able to completely relax because the wildlife is right in front of you. Ice cold beer or gin & tonic in hand. As a matter of fact; safaris have never been this easy!
Each air-conditioned houseboat comes with a host, a skilled chef for preparing your delicious meals, and also; a talented team of river guides to provide you with the best experience. The entire boat can be booked exclusively. Therefore; it is like having your very own private villa on the water.
Each houseboat has a relaxed open plan lounge, bar, dining area, and outdoor viewing deck with loungers. They also have a small plunge pool; showcasing unobstructed views of the African landscape and wildlife. They boast a top viewing deck offering uninterrupted views.
Check-in is between 1 pm and 4 pm. Check-out is from 9.30 am (you will arrive at Kasane Immigration about 10 am).
The Chobe Princesses depart near Kasane; only a few kilometers from the point where 4 African countries meet namely Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is within traveling distance from one of the great wonders of the world; the magnificent Victoria Falls. Chobe National Park has an abundance of wildlife and approximately 120,000 elephants; as well as over 400 species of birds. This makes Chobe an exceptional wildlife safari experience.
View from the cabin deck
Accommodation
Chobe Princess 1 & 2 have 4 x Cabins.
The larger Chobe Princess 3 has 5 x Cabins.
Cabins have beautiful big windows that slide open to let in those everchanging river views. Listen to the soft grunt of hippos as you watch for elephants at the water’s edge; all from the comfort of your bed.
Cabin with sliding windows
One of the cabins, has a private balcony, instead of sliding windows. 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.
Cabin with balcony
Each cabin accommodates two guests and measures an average of 140 sq ft (13 sq meters). They can have king or twin beds (on request).
The Suites offer:
Air Conditioning
Bathrooms fitted with showers, toilets, and hand basin
Hairdryers on request
Guest amenities: Soap, Shampoo, Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Insect Repellent
Electronic safe
Dressing gown and slippers.
Botswana Family Safaris
Child Policy:
The Chobe Princess Houseboats accept children 7 years old and above.
Children aged 7-12 receive a 50% discount on the applicable adult rate.
Children aged 13 and older are considered adults and will be charged the applicable adult rate.
A 30% single supplement applies to single children.
Only one child between the ages of 7 and 12 can share a cabin with two adults. This is limited to one cabin per night per houseboat and is subject to availability at the time of reservation.
Best Time For A Houseboat Safari
The Chobe Region is spectacular at any time of year. There is no best or worst time to visit the Chobe area because every month offers visitors something special. Each season has its own special magic with Chobe’s summer months (November until April); bursting with lush greenery and new life; additionally; the bird life explodes with the addition of the summer migrants to the area. Lovely hot days are cooled by afternoon rains, leaving the air crisper and colors brighter. Fantastic for photography!
However, if you’re looking for a pure wildlife experience, the drier winter months from May to October see greater concentrations of wildlife along the banks of the Chobe River.
If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you’ll be excited to know that there is excellent fishing through the summer and winter. It’s just the techniques that change.
Tiger fishing on Chobe safari
Activities
There is a range of activities on offer, you can choose just how much you want to pack into your holiday or how relaxed you want to be. To see the itinerary and activities; visit our Chobe Princess River Safari showing how they all work into your adventure safari.
The Chobe Princess houseboats are perfect for hosting special occasions from weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and more. Please let us know if we can assist with any special arrangements to facilitate your celebration and create memorable moments. Ideal for groups of friends or family.
Advantages of a Houseboat Safari
Romantic and a unique safari, on water.
Overnight mooring spots on the Chobe River, sleeping in the wilderness.
A unique perspective with Botswana wilderness (Chobe National Park) on one side and Namibian on the other.
Watch elephants, hippos, birdlife, and crocs, right from the deck of your room.
Smaller motorboats, to go on guided fishing trips, and game viewing, at your own leisure.
Your only job is to relax, game view, fish, eat, drink, and enjoy at your leisure.
Chobe Princess Accommodation Rates
The Houseboats sail on scheduled weekly departures every Monday and Wednesday for two nights, and Fridays for three nights packages.
Chobe Princess Houseboat Rates
Cabin
1st March to 30th November 2025
R12 437
1st December 2025 to 28th February 2026
R10 089
1st March to 30th November 2026
R13 432
1st December 2026 to 28th February 2027
R10 896
All rates are per person per night in South African Rands. Single Supplement is 30% of the per person rate. Chobe Princess reserves the right to limit the number of singles.
Chobe Princess Houseboats rates include:
Accommodation.
All meals.
Soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, non-premium spirits, local beer & wine throughout your stay.
Guided water based game viewing and birding. And fishing (all fishing is strictly catch and release)*
Guided (non-professional) water based photographic safari*
Guided cultural tour of a local village
Road transfers to and from Kasane International Airport and Kasane Immigration Office on the Botswana side of the Chobe River**
Boat transfers between the Kasane Immigration Office and the Namibia Immigration Office on the Namibian side of the Chobe River**
* Subject to availability of fishing boats / photographic boats.
** When arriving at the Kasane and Namibian Immigration Offices guests must fill in the required immigration forms to gain access and departure permission from the relevant authorities. This process can take between 45 to 60 minutes to complete and needs to be considered in terms of timing and pre-planning.
Rates Exclude:
Air tickets & visa fees,
Premium alcoholic beverages (such as bubbly, spirits & dessert wines)
Additional transfers to/from Zambia / Zimbabwe / Namibia / any of the Kasane Lodges
An optional land based half day 4×4 game viewing in Botswana’s Chobe National Park (passport required),
Curio Shop purchases and gratuities (discretionary)
Community Development Levy.
Chobe Princess Houseboat River Safari Special Offers
Honeymoon Special on Chobe Princess Houseboats
Brides get a 25% discount on their stay. Plus, our honeymoon package offers a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, a gift, and also a romantic turndown.
Returning guest discount
Receive a 5% discount on your accommodation when you return
Chobe Princess exclusive use discount
Save 10% on the exclusive use of a Chobe Princess houseboat. Set your own schedule, there will be no other guests. Just you, your family, or friends and those 360-degree views. It’s like having your own private villa on the water!
andBeyond Savute Under Canvas offers you a great opportunity to experience the exhilaration of a mobile camping safari with the luxury of a tented camp
Ngoma Safari Lodge is a small boutique lodge overlooking the Chobe River. Stay in a river facing suite with private plunge pool (2 can accommodate a child 10+)
Chobe Princesses are luxury safari houseboats operating on the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. Accommodating a smaller number of guests gives you more exclusivity
Zambezi Queen offers luxury accommodation suites on a house boat on the Chobe National Park border with Namibia. 2 or 3 night departures are scheduled throughout the year
Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge offers luxury accommodation. This area is often described as one of, if not the best, wildlife-viewing areas in Africa today
