Reviews of Chobe Princesses
Wildlife sightings and reviews
57 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Chobe Princesses and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa

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"Chobe Princess Review"

Buffalo
10 sightings

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
6 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Lion
6 sightings

Zebra
10 sightings
"Chobe Princesses review"
This year, there were great guests as well----all turned out to be Australian judges--Mike is also a lawyer---they were far from boring but were great fun and we had some very intelligent conversations as well----they were great travelling companions
Our room seemed better than before---larger with lots of cupboards and the lovely french doors onto out own private balcony!
One thing to mention:
In Feb 2012, each couple had their own private tender + driver
Since the boat is now owned by the Zambezi Queen (previously it was called the Ichobezi), there are only 2 x boats available for water excursions
One tender is for only 2 people and is not covered----this was luckily our tender
The only other tender was for a max of 6 people, which suited our situation fine, as there were 6 Australians travelling together---this was a covered boat
We would not have been so pleased had we had to share the large tender with 4 other people to be honest----for one thing, I have to stop every now and then to go to the loo---as I have a loo problem---and that would have been awkward for me
The other thing, that doesn't particularly bother us, was that our tender for just the 2 of us was not covered---and some of the
Australian guests in the larger tender, said that they could not have coped in an uncovered boat---and I can see their point to be
honest
I think that as previously, when not owned by the Zambezi Queen, there should be a tender for each couple or whatever
Staff and food were superb + the copious amounts of wine consumed!
Although in Sept 20" See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 6n in Mozambique; 3n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa

Buffalo
1 sighting

Elephant
1 sighting

Hippo
1 sighting
" Chobe Princess was a highlight of our trip"
The food and drink were excellent an we always seemed to be eating. All the staff were very friendly and nothing was too much trouble. The two top decks were very comfortable and gave great views over the Chobe and river and park and communal lands on each side.
Our itinerary was after going on board we had a drink, were shown around our cabin then had a leisurely lunch as we cruised slowly up river to our mooring location. We then went for a pleasant sunset cruise on the small tender boat and saw a lot of the elephants that Chobe is famous for. The next morning we had a sunrise cruise again in one of the small boats with one other couple. After breakfast we went on our own on a birding boat trip while the other passengers went on a game viewing trip on the other small boat. Back for lunch as we cruised slowly further up the Chobe river. After lunch there was another game viewing sunset trip that included a spectacular viewing of a leopard drinking at the waters edge. A wonderful day during which we were accompanied by Raymond, a great guide with a passion for birds.
The next morning as we cruised back to Kasane we were sad to leave our houseboat." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana

Buffalo
5 sightings

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
1 sighting

Wildebeest
10 sightings

Zebra
10 sightings
"Chobe Princess"
The 3 Princesses slowly cruise down the river to set moorings against the river bank and they move to another spot every day. They do not travel huge distances so do not expect that. They are also not allowed to moor or go on the Batswanan side of the river. The only excursions offered were the village visit or tender trips: fishing was not offered to our boat. These limited activities did not bother us at all but might disappoint others.
From the Princess you get in tenders which cruise down the river spotting whatever you can along the way. Each trip was different. We saw many birds, kudu, impala, crocodiles, hippos etc from the water. The highlight was watching many elephants walking along the riverbank at sunset and then swimming across the river for better feeding. Taking advice from previous reviews I had requested, and received, the photographic boat which has 6 fixed spaces for cameras although several were not working. We had a lovely trip the afternoon we joined and we stayed out for sunset. The next day we had an early morning trip, back for breakfast and then another trip afterwards with a further trip in the afternoon/evening. On the morning of departure the Princess slowly cruised back to the home mooring and we were off the boat at around 10am.
The guides were knowledgeable and respectful of the wildlife (unlike some others on the river!). The boat staff were lovely and around when needed but not obtrusive. The food was very tasty indeed and wine and beer plentiful.
The Princess has a small plunge pool on the front deck which was wonderful for dangling our toes in to cool down. There is a generous seating area inside as well as on the outside deck. Numerous books and games were available.
We really enjoyed our stay, it was relaxing, it suited us and was a great way to begin this holiday." See all these reviews: 16n in Botswana; 2n in Namibia

Buffalo
7 sightings

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
2 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
1 sighting

Wildebeest
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"The highlight of our trip"
Overall, I cannot recommend this experience highly enough, we shall certainly return." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Chobe Princesses review"
We weren't offered any other activities, such as fishing from a smaller boat. We suspect that because there was a larger group of seven AustralIans aboard the activity was centred on what they wanted and we were expected to tag along. We didn't see a lot of game on the riverbank but this was not an issue as we had already seen plenty in the Delta. The high water levels also restricted the movement of some of the wildlife - we were told that large herds of elephants regularly cross the river when the water level is lower.
Having said that, the bird life was exceptional and the scenery and sunsets spectacular.l" See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Chobe Princesses review"
The guide was very good at spotting birds and animals and putting us into the right angles. We had the front facing room which was super.
There are differences in the cabins with the front one and upper deck one being a notch higher than side-cabins." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana
"top cruise on the river"
"Disappointing"
One other aspect to point out is that as Namibian registered vessels they have to follow that country's bank of the river. Most of the game is on the Botswana bank and that side of the large island which appears in the dry season." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 8n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Namibia
"Relaxing finale to exhausting safari holiday!"
On our arrival on the boat we were welcomed quietly but enthusiastically and introduced to the mainstays of our three day visit - Vincent, Patrick and David. Vincent was the boat manager and was very efficient. Patrick lovingly took care of the three boys and their father when they went fishing on the three evenings. David looked after my husband, my daughter and myself on the six game trips and was very knowledgeable with a great sense of humour.
We saw a tremendous variety of game and birds on the banks of the river - lion, hippos, impala, kudu, buffalo, crocodiles, giraffe, vultures, storks, fish eagles, etc. - but for the three of us it was the antics of the elephants that was so enthralling. We were amazed at how the herds crossed from one side of the river to the other, not a passport in sight, with the matriarch guiding the herd across. On a couple of occasions we watched the tiniest of elephants (only days old according to David) swimming alongside their mothers and then being helped up the bank the other side, when we all breathed a sigh of relief.
However, apart from all the wildlife, we thoroughly enjoyed our accommodation and had no complaints whatsoever. All in all, a great way to chill on our last few days before the long twenty four hour trek home to the U.K." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana
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