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THE ELEGANT ZAMBEZI QUEEN

DESTINATIONS EXPERIENCE

Zambezi The Queen

The elegant 45m long Zambezi Queen offers guests the opportunity to experience the thrill of an African safari on Botswana’s great Chobe River while enjoying complete luxury and five-star service.

There are few natural wonders as synonymous with Africa’s raw wilderness as this stretch of untamed water. The Chobe River divides Botswana’s Chobe National Park from Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, and its serene banks boast one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent.

The Chobe National Park sprawls across some 11,000km• of lush African bush. It is home to the largest elephant population in the world, currently estimated at around 120,000. Elephants by the dozen often come down to the river to drink and play. Prides of lion and leopard and huge herds of buffalo and antelope also wander the riverbanks, while hippos and crocodiles regularly appear from the river.

An adventure unlike any other awaits on this great expanse of water.

Part of the renowned Mantis Collection, an international group of 40 exceptional destinations around the world, the Zambezi Queen operates in contemporary luxury, pampering its guests with elegant, personalised comfort in the heart of the African wilderness.

From the moment you arrive by boat to a warm chorus of song led by the local staff, your wish is the Zambezi Queen’s command. Drinks are served upstairs on the top deck while you familiarise yourself with the beautiful luxury vessel.

The Zambezi Queen was completely overhauled and rebuilt on the riverbank in Kasane and floated into her maiden voyage in November 2009. Now she is a sophisticated lady. On her top deck is a superbly stocked bar, an intimate but open dining area and a comfortable lounge. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors offer superb wildlife viewing and lead onto the pool deck.

The middle deck is entirely dedicated to suites, which continue onto the lower deck. There are ten suites and four master suites in all. All boast a sophisticated safari look and are en suite with king-sized or twin beds, private balconies and air-conditioning for those hot summer afternoons. Full length sliding shutters offer privacy and protection from the sun, while sliding screen doors let in the passing breeze. Also located on the lower deck is a curio shop with quality branded clothing and items made by the local community.

The Queen, however, is not just a pretty face. She is smart, and she is green, in line with the Mantis Group’s commitment to sustainable, responsible tourism. To help preserve the environment, the boat uses a jet propulsion system rather than conventional propellers, which reduces damage to the river bed and enables the boat to operate in very shallow water. At night, the Zambezi Queen switches over to a battery power system for lighting, refrigerators and other requirements, so that guests can enjoy the sounds of the bush rather than the hum of machines. Solar panels help provide hot water, while taps and showers incorporate the most advanced water saving designs available.

A two- or three-night stay on the Zambezi Queen includes collection from either Botswana immigration at “The Queen, however, is not just a pretty face. She is smart, and she is green, in line with the mantis Group’s commitment to sustainable, responsible tourism. ”

Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River, or the Impilila airstrip across the Namibian border. Special arrangements can be made for other land transfer requirements. The rate includes all meals, drinks with meals and during game drives, water-based game viewing on smaller boats, tiger fishing in season, bird watching from smaller boats and cultural tours of local villages. A dedicated team of experienced guides, chefs and hands-on staff will ensure a memorable experience for all guests.

The Mantis Group is the proud recipient of several global awards including Condé Nast Travellers’ Choice Award, the American Society of Travel Agents Environmental Award, the Global Nature Fund Award for Best Conservation Practice,the British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Award, and the Travel & Leisure Magazine US Top 100 World’s Best Hotels Award.

For reservations, call +27 21 715 2412 or email info@zambeziqueen.com. For more information, visit www.zambeziqueen.com.

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