5
Luxury Suite
LS
Overview
Glide along the Chobe River aboard the Zambezi Queen, a boutique 28-guest ship where panoramic views, wildlife at the water’s edge, and warm service create an unforgettable safari experience.
The Zambezi Queen is unlike any other in AmaWaterways’ fleet. With space for just 28 guests, she sails the Chobe River along the Botswana–Namibia border. Elephants, hippos, and abundant birdlife can be seen directly from the deck. Days include game viewing by boat, traditional mokoro safaris, and guided village tours, while evenings feature award-winning dining paired with South African wines. Designed with sustainability in mind, the ship uses environmentally friendly systems to preserve the region’s fragile ecosystem. With her boutique floating-lodge style, warm service, and seamless integration with land-based safaris, the Zambezi Queen offers a truly unique way to experience Africa.
Suites
5
7
Category SA
SA
6
Category SB
SB
Dining
3
Main Restaurant
Regional
Main Restaurant
Regional
Life on board
Lounge & Bar
Bar
This versatile space hosts a bar, dance floor, plenty of comfortable couches and big windows on three sides and is used for everything from the morning port talks, daytime reading and chatting to scenic cruising, afternoon tea and evening entertainment.
Pool Deck
Pool Deck
The top deck features an open-air Sun Deck complete with a plunge pool. Unlike a typical river cruise that travels from one port to the next, the Zambezi Queen was designed for an entirely different purpose—to facilitate optimal game viewing along the Chobe.
Local Entertainment
Local Entertainment
Onboard Performances and Musical Evenings Throughout many voyages, the ship’s lounge transforms into a stage for local ensembles, jazz duos, and classical quartets Select sailings have Music Hosts, conductors and musicians who guide you through historical context, lead onboard performances, and deepen your connection with the region’s musical heritage. Live Regional Performances On Ship Even on non-themed sailings, enjoy musical offerings lik …
Local Entertainment
Onboard Performances and Musical Evenings
Throughout many voyages, the ship’s lounge transforms into a stage for local ensembles, jazz duos, and classical quartets
Select sailings have Music Hosts, conductors and musicians who guide you through historical context, lead onboard performances, and deepen your connection with the region’s musical heritage.
Live Regional Performances On Ship
Even on non-themed sailings, enjoy musical offerings like local performances, curated playlists, and connections to the musical stories of the rivers you traverse.
Boutique
Shop
The onboard boutique offers a variety of souvenirs for purchase.
African Excursions
Excursions
Sail through Botswana’s Chobe National Park, where elephants gather along the shoreline, hippos surface, and vibrant birdlife fills the skies. An African safari, all seen from the unique perspective of your river ship. Morning Boat Safari Along the Chobe River Glide at dawn in a private safari boat to see elephants drinking, hippos surfacing, and crocodiles warming on the banks. Full-Day 4×4 Safari Through Chobe National Park Explore deeper in …
African Excursions
Sail through Botswana’s Chobe National Park, where elephants gather along the shoreline, hippos surface, and vibrant birdlife fills the skies. An African safari, all seen from the unique perspective of your river ship.
Morning Boat Safari Along the Chobe River
Glide at dawn in a private safari boat to see elephants drinking, hippos surfacing, and crocodiles warming on the banks.
Full-Day 4×4 Safari Through Chobe National Park
Explore deeper into Chobe in an open-top vehicle. Spot lions, buffalo, and giraffes before pausing for a picnic under the trees.
Visit a Subiya Village Along the Chobe
Meet the Subiya people, discover fishing and music traditions, and watch the colorful Seperu dance that celebrates milestones.
Afternoon Birdwatching, Fishing, or Boat Cruise
Choose a gentle river outing: watch vibrant birdlife, cast a line for local fish, or drift quietly as wildlife gathers nearby.
Special Interest Tours
Tour
From spiritual landmarks to hands-on traditions, each experience reveals the people, flavors, and stories that make this region so captivating.
Land Packages
Excursions
Extend Your Journey Stay and explore your destination a little longer before or after your cruise. AmaWaterways’ curated land extensions pair perfectly with your river itinerary, offering the same luxury, care, and sense of place found on board. Seamless Travel from Ship to City Your Cruise Manager continues with you on land, ensuring every detail—from transfers to luggage—runs smoothly so you can simply relax and enjoy the destination. Han …
Land Packages
Extend Your Journey
Stay and explore your destination a little longer before or after your cruise. AmaWaterways’ curated land extensions pair perfectly with your river itinerary, offering the same luxury, care, and sense of place found on board.
Seamless Travel from Ship to City
Your Cruise Manager continues with you on land, ensuring every detail—from transfers to luggage—runs smoothly so you can simply relax and enjoy the destination.
Hand-Selected Hotels in Prime Locations
Stay steps from world-famous landmarks in luxurious hotels chosen for their comfort, style, and connection to each destination.
Expertly Curated Experiences
Each extension includes activities like guided city tours, museum visits, and wine tastings designed to reveal the culture and character of every destination.
Daily Breakfast Included
Begin each morning with a satisfying breakfast at your hotel—an easy, thoughtful touch that adds comfort and convenience to your time on land.
Plunge Pool
Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
Take a cooling dip and feel refreshed while watching the passing scenery and wildlife upon the Chobe River.
Onboard Spa
Spa
Indulge in the ultimate in relaxation by pampering yourself with a variety of massage and facial treatments while cruising the Chobe River, available for a nominal fee.
Deck plans
Upper Deck
- Dining Room
- Lounge
- Pool Deck
Main Deck
- Luxury Suites
- Category SA Staterooms
Category SB Staterooms
Lower Deck
- Boutique
- Boarding Area
- Luxury Suites
- Category SA Staterooms
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