Chobe River Boat Cruises
The world’s greatest river safari — drift the Chobe past elephant herds, hippos and hundreds of birds aboard a luxury houseboat, with a specialist to plan every detail.
The Chobe River, on the border of Botswana and Namibia, fringes Chobe National Park — home to Africa’s largest elephant population. A river safari here is unlike any land safari: you glide silently to the water’s edge where elephants swim, hippos wallow, buffalo drink and crocodiles bask, all at eye level and without a bumpy 4×4. Luxury houseboats like the Zambezi Queen and the smaller Chobe Princesses cruise the river over two to three nights, with game-viewing tenders, fine dining and suites opening onto the water. Most guests pair it with Victoria Falls, an hour away. We match the ship, season and safari add-ons to you — and send up to five free quotes.
Why cruise the Chobe?
Africa’s best elephant viewing
Chobe National Park holds the continent’s largest elephant population — and the river is the front-row seat.
Safari from the water
Approach wildlife silently by boat and tender for uniquely close, calm, eye-level sightings and photography.
Luxury houseboats
Suites opening onto the river, fine dining and just a handful of cabins — intimate and all-inclusive.
Pairs with Victoria Falls
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World sits an hour away — the perfect combination.
The Chobe river safari, explained
Two styles exist: multi-night houseboats (the Zambezi Queen and Chobe Princesses) that cruise and moor along the river with game-viewing tenders, and day cruises from Kasane for those on a lodge-based safari. The houseboats are the signature experience — small, luxurious and all-inclusive, with morning and afternoon wildlife excursions by tender.
The dry season (May–October) is prime, when animals crowd the river and the elephant congregations are extraordinary. We’ll match the ship, cabin, season and any Victoria Falls or Okavango add-ons to your trip.
Chobe river cruising in pictures
Ready to plan your Chobe river cruise?
Tell us your dates and whether you’d like to add Victoria Falls or a land safari, and we’ll match the houseboat and itinerary — with up to five free, no-obligation quotes.
Get up to 5 free Chobe cruise quotesFrequently Asked Questions
What wildlife will I see on the Chobe?
Enormous elephant herds, hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, antelope and prolific birdlife are common; lion, leopard and other big game are often seen coming to drink along the banks.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season, May to October, is best — wildlife concentrates along the river and viewing is exceptional. The green season (November–April) is lush with superb birding and fewer visitors.
How long is a Chobe river cruise?
Houseboat safaris typically run two or three nights. Many guests combine the cruise with Victoria Falls and/or a land safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta or Chobe’s interior.
Which ships cruise the Chobe?
The luxury Zambezi Queen and the smaller, intimate Chobe Princesses are the signature houseboats; day cruises also operate from Kasane. We’ll match the right vessel to you.
How do I get a quote?
Tell us your dates and add-ons and request up to five free, no-obligation quotes.
