"Sailing down the Chobe is like being part of an epic movie with nature as the star", reports one of the guests who experienced the magic of this boutique boat and floating venue. The journey to the Zambezi Queen, moored serenely on the banks of the Chobe River in Namibia, evokes a bit of Jules Verne’s epic travel tome “Around the World in 80 Days.” Technological innovation including the advent of steam travel allowed dashing English gent Phineas Fogg, the unheard of ability to possibly circumnavigate the globe in a scant 80 days. Can you imagine asking for 80 days of PTO for a little rest and relaxation? In our day and age, of course, we can reach the other side of the world in mere hours. While utterly miraculous as far as rendering the world a more intimate place, it removed a bit of the undercurrent of courage many of our predecessors needed in order to simply embark on their journey. The valor needed to carve swarthy paths through uncharted waters is left mostly to the professional adventurers and daredevils while we nourish our spirits with their awesome exploits on YouTube. And for the most part, that’s just fine with us. You have to want to go. Africa needs to call to some base part of you that cannot be sated anywhere else. The journey to the Zambezi Queen, requires multiple plane changes, automobiles and potentially a small boat. Yet, therein the journey lies the magic. Every moment spent in travel is worth it’s weight in gold upon arrival to your final destination.

Unlike a land-based lodge, the Zambezi Queen allows for an entire stretch of river to be explored from a vantage point making for incredible game viewing. And rightly so, as the banks of the Chobe National Park boast one of the densest populations of elephant on the African continent – currently estimated at approximately 120 000. The Park is also home to a large number of buffalo, leopards, lions along with a variety of antelope and abundant birdlife. OH MY. The jewel of the Chobe River shines bright in the afternoon sun. The bright white exterior catching and reflecting the sunlight much like the great expanse of a white sand beach. Imagine floating down sparkling, sunlit African waters, docking on the serene beaches of the most beautiful countries along the coast, and then ending the day in your luxurious 5-star suite. Throw in world class dining, spa-side cocktails, a candlelit massage, and you can only be on the Zambezi Queen. The experience of stepping out onto your suite’s private balcony as the Chobe River rushes directly below your feet is unmatched anywhere else in the world.

HOW WILL MY GUESTS GET HERE?:The nearest access point for the Zambezi Queen is Kasane. There are flights from Johannesburg to Kasane daily.