The Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis is a fleet of four houseboats that offers an unparalleled African safari experience on the Chobe River. The flagship vessel, the Zambezi Queen by Mantis, is a luxurious houseboat that sets the standard for elegance and comfort.
The Zambezi Queen by Mantis has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment, where all decks and suites have been updated with new paintwork, carpeting, furnishings, and fabrics. The outcome of this refurbishment is a fresh and modern feel throughout the vessel, ready to welcome guests for two, three, or four-night river safaris. The cruise takes guests along the beautiful Chobe River that borders Namibia and Botswana, covering approximately 25km. As the cruise passes through Chobe National Park, guests have the opportunity to witness the majestic herds of African elephants that reside in the park. In fact, the park has one of the world’s largest populations of African elephants, with an estimated 120,000 of these majestic creatures.
Design studio, Mi Designs played a pivotal role in the refurbishment project, skillfully integrating stunning pieces of art by the acclaimed South African artist, Denby Meyer. In addition, they curated a collection of exquisite fabrics sourced from the Ardmore Design’s Luxury Fabric Collection, showcasing a range of hand-drawn designs that draw inspiration from the African wildlife and flora. These fabrics have been used to adorn various furnishings, including cushions and throws, adding a touch of sophistication and uniqueness to the overall design.
The houseboat features 14 luxurious suites (10 standard suites and four spacious master suites at the bow of the boat). All suites have large windows which open onto balconies overlooking the river and the national park beyond.
The upper deck, boasting a chic bar, lounge, and dining area, welcomes guests with a soothing natural color scheme. The interplay of creams, greys, greens, and taupe creates a harmonious ambiance that is both contemporary and organic. The textures of natural wood, leather, linen, and wicker add depth and warmth to the space, inviting guests to unwind and enjoy the journey. The library section on the upper deck has been recently revamped to provide guests with a serene reading nook. The shelves are stocked with a diverse collection of books, and guests can also use the onboard binoculars to spot game and marvel at the breathtaking scenery.
The outdoor furniture has all been updated, L-shaped couches and poolside loungers are perfect for soaking up the view from the bow of the boat, while a new cocktail lounge area at the stern serves sundowners and light bites.
The Chobe River provides an exceptional game viewing experience from March to November when many animal species gather around and rely on the main water source. The spring and summer seasons present a unique opportunity to witness the lush landscape bloom following the first rains of the season.
One of the highlights of the on-board experience is embarking on a tender boat with a guide to observe the majestic elephants along the riverbanks up close. Guests can also indulge in a range of other activities such as catch-and-release fishing, bird watching, and cultural tours. For instance, they can visit the Namibian village of Ijambwe, situated on the floodplains of the East Caprivi, and meet the Subiya tribe’s village elders and locals.
The Zambezi Queen by Mantis sails on scheduled weekly departures every Monday (two-nights or four-nights); Wednesday (two-nights); Friday (three-nights). The 2023 rate is per person, per night (sharing), all-inclusive for either a two-night, three-night or four-night stays starts from £613 for a standard suite (April 2023 – 30 November 2023) and from £506 (1 December 2023 – 29 February 2024). All-inclusive offer comprises accommodation, all meals, soft drinks and local beer/ wine, guided water-based game viewing and birding, guided water-based fishing (strictly catch and release), guided cultural tour of a local village, road transfers to and from Kasane International Airport and Kasane Immigration Office and boat transfers between Kasane Immigration Office and Namibia Immigration Office located on the Namibian side of the Chobe River.
In addition to the Zambezi Queen, The Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis also features three deluxe houseboats known as the Chobe Princesses. Together, these houseboats provide a range of exceptional accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets, while showcasing the stunning natural beauty and wildlife of the region.
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