There can be few wildlife experiences more rewarding than a game-viewing safari by luxury houseboat down the Chobe River in Botswana’s world-famous Chobe National Park, where Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and Botswana meet. Floating down this magnificent river allows unparalleled access to the game so prolific this pristine African wilderness. Chobe is home to the world’s largest elephant population and teems with African game, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog, while birders can tick off up to 450 bird species. The luxurious houseboats depart near Kasane, within travelling distance of one of the great wonders of the world – the magnificent Victoria Falls.

Taking their cue from the Zambezi Queen houseboat that sets the luxurious standard for all the safariboats in the Zambezi Queen Collection, the exclusive Chobe Princesses – one with five luxury suites and two with just four double suites – offer an intimate river safari experience. Formerly known as The Pride of the Zambezi and the Ichobezi Houseboats, the boats are lavishly decorated in contemporary style, and each luxurious cabin makes the most of the pristine setting with large sliding windows that provide a private view as you glide through the ever-changing African riverine landscape by day or moor at night to sleep in the heart of the wilderness.

Located on the lower deck, the lavish double cabins feature king-sized beds, gauze mosquito screens and en-suite bathrooms with showers, toilets and hand basin. Climb the stairs to the upper entertainment deck, where a spacious lounge and bar area with panoramic views encourages you to relax and soak up the incredible African vistas. There’s a refreshing plunge pool and a relaxed open-air dining area, where delicious meals prepared by the on-board chef are served. Daily game-viewing cruises by riverboat tender take you even closer to the wildlife of the Chobe National Park; or enjoy catch-and-release tiger and bream fishing excursions with a personal guide; world-class birding along the Chobe River and the Kasai Channel; or cultural village walks on Impalila Island.

Sheer comfort, excellent service, superb food and the incredible beauty of this ecorich African environment combine to make a Chobe Princess river safari one of the most rewarding, relaxing and luxurious game-viewing experiences in Africa.