Chobe Princess Safariboats: Our View

The game viewing in the Kasane area of Chobe National Park is considered some of the best in Africa, but the high numbers of daily visitors doing game drives in the park has become a much debated issue in recent years, with little solution in sight. Perhaps the best way to escape the masses in the Chobe Park and enjoy a relaxing break after a strenuous safari, is to spend a couple of nights on a houseboat, cruising down the Chobe River.

The three Chobe Princess Safariboats are mid-range houseboats and one of the best value options on the river in our opinion. Instead of game drives, the Safariboats focus on offering very private and exclusive boat safaris through the park. Each group get their own small speedboat and private guide. The game viewing from the boats is superb and often better than on the game drives with many animals to be seen along the riverfront. Also, huge herds of elephant and buffalo can be seen on Sedudu Island in the middle of the Chobe River. The potential for birding is also excellent and generally much better than from a vehicle on land.

We find that 2 nights on the Safariboats is usually perfect.

The Chobe Princess Safariboats are only slightly more expensive than most of the lodges in Kasane and well worth the extra. They offer a really special experience and are often our preferred option for the Kasane area of Chobe National Park. 

Chobe Princess Safariboats: Quick Facts

• 4-5 double cabins with riverview and en-suite bathroom
• Upper deck with jacuzzi, bar and lounge
• Fully inclusive of all meals, drinks (no premium brands), all activities & park fees
• Game viewing from private speedboats, fishing trips and cultural village visits
• Departs from Namibia side of river so some clients may need to get a Namibia visa in advance

Chobe Princess Safariboats: The Details

The boats offer four to five very comfortable twin or double en-suite cabins so it is very intimate. Each cabin has large sliding windows opening onto the water, with a transparent mosquito screen. On the top deck is an open bar, lounge and Jacuzzi from where the game along the river shores can be seen.

We have always found the food to be very good and the staff exceptionally friendly.

A typical day on a Chobe Princess Safariboat will involve morning and afternoon boat safaris on the small speedboats. During the middle of the day you can relax on the boat as it cruises gently along the river. At night it will moor in one place.

Other activities include specialist fishing trips. The guides have a reputation for being very skilled especially when fishing for the famed tiger fish. It is also possible to do walks on Impalila Island and enjoy cultural visits to nearby villages.

Access to the Chobe Princess´s is relatively easy. Clients are collected from the immigration office in Kasane village and taken by speedboat to the boat. There is a short stop on the way to clear immigration into Namibia. For clients arriving into Kasane airport we can arrange the short transfer from the airport to the immigration office.

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