Reviews of Chobe Princesses
Wildlife sightings and reviews
69 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
64% success
33% success
0% success
0% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
93% success
85% success
55% success
20% success
20% success
11% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
"Chobe Princesses review"
The cabin was great and the staff could not do enough for us." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
8 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Wildebeest
6 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Could be better, with improved maintenance"
Unfortunately, the boat was short-staffed, one main engine was not functioning for the duration (4 nights) of our stay and the tender outboard was very temperamental. Eventually some maintenance people arrived, but they were apparently unable to resolve the problems. It would appear that the boat needs some proper maintenance attention.
Due to short-staffing and other couples arriving late (who could not be transferred by separate tender), the boat did not travel as far along the river. This negated the advantage of Chobe Princess over a simple boat cruise as offered by several lodges in Kasane.
Nevertheless, we saw many of the usual megafauna along the river (elephants families, pods of hippos, herds of buffalo, crocodiles, etc), baboons, vervet monkeys, many different types of antelope and heaps of different birds. Our most exciting experiences were: watching elephants crossing the Chobe from Botswana into Namibia with their snorkels raised, and watching some African cape otters playing near the rapids (one almost bounding into the open jaws of a lurking crocodile), and watching beautiful African sunsets over the Chobe River!" See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 4n in Namibia
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
6 sightings
Roan antelope
3 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Chobe Princesses review"
With 5 rooms on the houseboat, you'll easily get acquainted with everyone there. All the sightseeing is done by the tender and the houseboat is tied up most of the time. This will allow you to get very close to the animals and enjoy the scenery.
Seeing them from the water gives you a different perspective compared to the drives.
Meals are communal and are same for the group, portions were more than adequate. If you have any dietary requirements, it's imperative to make them know.
Friendly and attentive staff." See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Namibia
Buffalo
2 sightings
Elephant
7 sightings
Hippo
7 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
"Chobe Princesses review"
Overall we had a wonderful time on Chobe Princess III with Captain Morgan and his crew.
Our activities included; small boats safari's and fishing. Safari can be done from the main boat, whilst at a distance great views. I once counted 104 Elephants. The small boats are great for getting close up; we were lucky and twice watch elephants crossing Chobe from a small boat, very close.
It is worth noting that there are quite a few other lodges with small boats, so not always just the Chobe boats.
Beds were big an comfortable, no problems from biting insets, food was good and good range of free drinks.
It Would have been nice to go further upstream, as we only used 2 berths over the 4 nights.
Overall, we had a fantastic time and really glad we did this, as very different. However, we would probably not do it again, though other on our boat had been before." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 4n in Namibia
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
1 sighting
Hippo
10 sightings
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"Chobe Princesses review"
The food was outstanding." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 4n in Namibia; 3n in Zambia
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Chobe Princesses review"
Disappointed that the boat doesn't actually travel very far along the river, and the small boat trips visit the same/similar areas on every trip.
But glad we experienced it!" See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 6n in South Africa; 2n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Zambezi Queen"
The boat was only half occupied which was wonderful for us!
Slowely drifting up and down the Chobe River is a real privilege - its peaceful and serene. Seeing elephants wading through the river is a sight not easily forgotten - magical.
The staff are all great - especially the bar staff who are always ready to replenish your drink! The buffet style food was always good and plentiful.
We went out on the tender three times and saw plenty of hippo, a few crocs and many, many elephants. Lions were spotted too. Of course, the bird life is fabulous too - the kingfishers and bee eaters especially." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
"Chobe Princesses review"
The boat is well appointed, the crew were friendly and attentive to all our needs and has an excellent chef.
Tender trips with a very knowledgeable spotter give a good opportunity for game and bird sighting." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 3n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
"Chobe Princesses review"
The wide waters and open plains along the river kept the middays cooler and the nights milder, and made a breeze almost always available to help. The staff were kind, genuine, friendly, and knowledgeable. The motorboat 'game cruises' gave us a totally different view of many animals we'd seen on our overland safaris -- often wonderfully different, closer, at eye level, with rich and varied behaviors. The rooms are comfortable, clean, quiet, and cozy, with a lovely shower and thoughtful appointments. And the food was superb, diverse, delicious, and beautifully presented.
We were concerned that two nights would be too little, but it was just right. Though the boat-cruise game viewing is amazing, it has a less diverse palette of habitats to view. The shady steep wooded banks were especially rich in birds and lounging crocs; the open savannas and pans along the river bank gave wonderful views of elephants, ungulates, and baboons coming down to drink, or (for the elephants, ford and swim snorkel-style across). The hippo viewing is superior.
But the boat necessarily covers a limited stretch of the banks, and several nearby channels -- this is not a long boat journey down a wild river through jungle, papyrus marsh, and dusty veld, but a rich, small microcosm near a convenient town with lovely coffee-shops and a usefully-sized and efficient airport. This was the perfect wind-down and reprise for our trip; it might be a useful introduction before heading out overland to 'rough it' in the wild." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana; 2n in Namibia; 1n in South Africa
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"Chobe Princesses review"
The houseboat was beautiful and the food excellent. The Chef, Ellis worked pure magic from her kitchen. We stayed in a beautiful room at the bow of the boat. From the comfort of the king sized bed or chairs on our balcony, we could watch wildlife grazing by the river, hippos bobbing in the water and birds diving for prey.
The game drives (cruises) were amazing. Lots of wildlife including lions to be seen from the water. The huge amount of elephants and their antics at Elephant Bay were a favourite along with several water crossings during which only the tips of trunks could be seen. This is a great location for bird watching too with a vast variety seen.
The Chobe Princess offers three optional game drives per day. As a photographer, I would prefer two with extended times. I'm sure this would have been negotiable but we were hesitant to ask as we were not the only persons this would affect.
This was our second time wildlife cruising on the Chobe River and we would not hesitate to do it again." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 5n in Namibia
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Namibia.
Other lodges in Caprivi Strip
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Ndhovu Safari Lodge
Ndhovu is a simple riverside lodge, with tents that are reminiscent of safaris a decade or two ago.
Hakusembe Lodge
Hakusembe River Lodge is a substantial lodge with a superb location on the Kavango River.
Lianshulu Lodge
Beside the Kwando River, within Mudumu National Park, Lianshulu is a small safari lodge offering 4WD safaris and river trips – with particularly good birdlife.
Nkasa Lupala
Peaceful Nkasa Lupala is a comfortable lodge in a remote and little-explored area close to Nkasa Rupara National Park.
Nunda River Lodge
NNunda River Lodge overlooks a pretty part of the Kavango River near Popa Falls and the productive Mahango National Park.
Camp Kwando
Near to Mudumu National Park, Camp Kwando is a comfortable and unfussy option with opportunities for game drives, boat safaris and fishing.
Ichingo Chobe Lodge
Safari holiday in Namibia's Caprivi Strip, staying at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge on Impalila Island.
Nambwa Tented Lodge
A beautiful safari lodge In the remote Bwabwata National Park, Nambwa Tented Lodge brings serious comfort to a relaxing safari.
River Dance
Build on stilts on the banks of the Kavango River, River Dance Lodge has great views, a relaxed ambience and excellent birdlife.
Zambezi Queen
The Zambezi Queen offers luxurious two- and three-night cruises along the game-rich Chobe River, including game viewing by small boat and 4WD as well as catch-and-release fishing.
Taranga Lodge
Situated on the banks of the Kavango, Taranga Safari Lodge works as a convenient stopover before going onto explore the Caprivi.
Divava Lodge & Spa
The substantial Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa offers plenty of pampering opportunities in an unspoilt riverside setting
Cascade Island Lodge
Cascade Island Lodge, near Kasane in the Caprivi Strip is a very luxurious, high end option for those seeking peace and privacy on the Zambezi River.
Shametu Lodge
Shametu River Lodge has the best views of the Popa Rapids of any private lodge in the Divundu area.
Jackalberry Camp
Jackalberry Camp is uniquely situated in the Nkasa Rupara National Park affording unrivalled access to this little-visited corner of Namibia.
Namushasha Lodge
One of the larger lodges in the Bwabwata National Park, Namushasha is an economic option with an attractive river-side location.
Kazile Island Lodge
On an island in the Kwando River within Bwabwata National Park, the remote Kazile lsland Lodge offers games drives, bush walks and boat cruises.
Serondela
Accessible only by river, Serondela combines the remoteness of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip with access to Botswana’s flagship Chobe National Park.
Chobe Savanna Lodge
Chobe Savanna Lodge stands opposite Chobe National Park, Botswana. Click here to learn more about the area and your options for a safari there.
Chobe Water Villas
Chobe Water Villas is a beautiful and thoughtfully designed lodge, in a great location on the Namibian banks of the Chobe River.
