Frequently Asked Questions

The Area

Located in Northern Botswana, alongside Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, Chobe National Park is the second largest National Park in Botswana with the largest concentration of game on the African continent. The Chobe River, forming the northern boundary of the park, originates in the highlands of Angola. From there, it winds its way into the Zambezi River, which eventually flows into Victoria Falls, through Mozambique and into the Indian Ocean.

Because it crosses floodplains, forests and open woodlands, the Chobe consists of a complex network of channels and marshes, which makes for spectacular game viewing due to the lush vegetation that surrounds it. While it has water all year round, the Chobe rises significantly from February to May, after the rains in Angola that start in November. During this wet season, the level of the Zambezi floodplains rises, pushing water into the Chobe all the way to the seasonal Lake Liambezi. Once the lake reaches saturation point, the water has nowhere further to go, and so starts flowing in the opposite direction in a phenomenon known as the “backflow”.

During your stay with the Zambezi Queen Collection, you’ll be able to observe animals in their natural environment from a tender boat, making for a relaxing safari experience. A major attraction of the area is the elephants, whose resident population is estimated to be over 120 000. You’ll also be able to see large herds of buffalo, and if you’re lucky, rare sightings like herds of Roan Antelope and Sable. Besides the land and water-based mammals, this is also a birdwatcher’s paradise and you can expect to encounter over 450 species.

Weather, Timezones

The Time Zone is GMT / UTC +2.

There is no best or worst time to visit the Chobe area, because every month offers visitors something special. However, if you’re looking for a pure wildlife experience, the drier winter months from May to October see greater concentrations of game along the banks of the Chobe River. The summer months from November to April see the birdlife explode with the addition of the summer migrants to the area. If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you’ll be excited to know that we have excellent fishing through the summer and winter – it’s just that the techniques we use change.

Map & Directions

The properties that make up the Zambezi Queen Collection are based on the Namibian side of the Chobe River. Here’s information on how to reach them:

By Car:
If you’re on a self-drive safari, secure parking can be arranged for your vehicle. Please advise at time of booking whether you require secure parking.

By Air:
There are four main access points by air*:

– Kasane Airport, Botswana (BBK): +/- 15 minutes from the Botswana Immigration Office

– Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe (VFA): +/- 90 minutes from the Botswana Immigration Office

– Livingstone Airport, Zambia (LVI): +/- 120 minutes from the Botswana Immigration Office

– Katima Mulilo Airport, Namibia (MPA): +/- 150 minutes from the Botswana Immigration Office

*Flight costs are excluded from the rate but can be booked through our in-house travel agent.

Transfers

Road transfers to and from Kasane International Airport as well as to and from the Kasane Immigration Office are included in our rate. You can also choose shared or private road transfers at an additional cost from Victoria Falls International Airport, Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, formerly Livingstone Airport, and Katima Mulilo Airport.

Arrival & Departure Times

– Check-in is between 13h00 and 16h00

– Kasane Immigration Office closes at 16h30 and guests are advised to arrive no later than 16h00

– Guests arriving before 13h00 on day of arrival can make use of the facilities at our nearby lounge in Kasane until check-in at 13h00

– Check-out is from 09h30 on day of departure to ensure guests get to the Kasane Immigration Office by 10h00

– Kasane Immigration Office opens at 07h30

– Guests departing after 10h30 can make use of the facilities at our nearby lounge in Kasane

Arrival & Departure Procedure

– On arrival, your first priority is to make sure you get your passport stamped at the airport

– You’ll then be met by a representative at the airport who will help with your luggage and transfer you to the Kasane Immigration Office (KIO) in an air-conditioned vehicle

– Once you arrive at KIO, a Zambezi Queen Collection staff member will meet you and help with your luggage as well as formalities at passport control as you exit Botswana

– A Zambezi Queen Collection staff member will then transfer you by motorised boat to the Namibian Immigration Office, where you’ll get your passport stamped. Please wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen as there is a short walk to the immigration office

– Both Kasane and Namibian immigration offices open at 07h30 and close at 16h30 daily

– When arriving at the Kasane and Namibian Immigration Offices guests needs to fill in the required immigration forms to gain access and departure permission from the relevant authorities. This process can take between 45 to 60 minutes to complete and needs to be considered in terms of timing and pre-planning when coming to stay on one of the houseboats or at the lodge.

– Should you know beforehand that you will arrive at KIO before 13h00 on the day of your arrival, please notify our reservations office 48 hours before you arrive

– Collection is from 13h00 on day of arrival

– Drop off is from 9h30 on day of departure

Children & Families

– Ichingo Chobe River Lodge welcome children of all ages.

– We can accommodate up to one child under the age of 8 sharing with their parents. This is subject to availability at time of booking.

– If you’re bringing more than one child, you’ll need to book the Family Tent

– Children aged 13 years and older are subject to adult rates at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge

– Please note that no separate activities or menus are available for children

Single Travellers

Single travellers are welcome at all properties in the Zambezi Queen Collection. A single supplement of 30% is applicable to rooms occupied by one adult and is limited to availability per departure.

Border Entry Requirements

FOR TRAVELLERS 

Two of the most key pieces of information that you need to know:

1. Please note that you as the traveller and/or your travel agent are responsible for determining what documentation is required, as well as ensuring any such documentation including medical certificates, passports, visas, unabridged birth certificates are up to date and have been obtained before travel within the restrictions related to each country. Due to constantly changing border entry requirements, it is recommended that travellers and or/travel agents contact the appropriate embassy for accurate and up-to-date information.

2. The Namibian Government require all visitors to Namibia to have at least six full blank pages in their passports on arrival into the country and require that the passport be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date from Namibia. Proof of onward travel documents are also required.

Minors younger than 18 years traveling to Namibia must have an unabridged birth certificate. In addition, when traveling:

– With an adult who is not their biological parent: an affidavit from their parents giving consent for the minor to travel with the adult is required.
– With an adult other than a parent/legal guardian: copies of their legal guardians/parents’ passports or documents of identity are required. Contact details of the parents/legal guardians should also be provided.
– With a parent: an affidavit from the other parent giving consent for the minor to travel is required. A death certificate should be provided if one parent is deceased.
– Unaccompanied: an affidavit from their parents/legal guardians consenting their travel, a letter containing the contact details and residential information of the person who will receive the minor passenger, a copy of the identity document, valid passport or permanent residence permit of the person who will receive the minor passenger, and the contact details of the minor’s parents/legal guardians are required.

Namibian Online Tourist Visa application process

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety & Security has officially launched Namibia’s online tourist visa application process.

Tourists from across the globe who need a visa for entry into Namibia,  can now apply for their visa from the convenience of their home, and even pay for it online. This will reduce the time and hassle of having to either travel to selected embassies or submitting passports to such for the application and issuing of such visas.

Here is the link to the online application process

FOR FOREIGN GUIDES AND/OR TOUR LEADERS

Foreign guides and tour leaders are required to have a work visa for short-term assignments in Namibia. Foreign nationals will need to provide the following documents during the work permit application process:

• -Completed Visa Application Form (accessible here).
• Certified Copy Of Passport.
• Certified Copies Of Qualifications (translations into English are required).
• Curriculum Vitae (saved as a PDF).
• Passport Photograph (saved as a JPEG).

In our commitment to assist you through this process, our reservation team will provide the following documentation:

•  Motivation letter explaining the purpose of work and justifying why Namibians cannot be employed.
• A Namibia Tourism Board Certificate From The Ministry Of Environment And Tourism.

Please note that these two documents must be combined into a single file before submission. The online application system will not accept them separately, and failure to comply will result in the denial of your application.

You can apply online here.

The visa fees are structured as follows, based on the length of stay:

• N$1100.00 for 1-3 Months
• N$2200.00 for 1-6 Months (Upon Approval)

While the processing time typically spans 7 to 10 working days, we strongly advise applying at least a month in advance to mitigate any last-minute complications.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a requirement for all guests and must be purchased prior to travel. Travel insurance must be comprehensive and cover full air evacuation and repatriation, in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Medical

Because our properties are situated in a malaria area, we advise that you take malaria prophylactics. Please consult your doctor before travelling for up-to-date medical advice.

Please advise at time of booking whether you require medical assistance.

Personal Safety and Luggage Protection

When traveling in Southern Africa, it’s crucial to safeguard your luggage against potential theft or loss. Here are some specific tips to ensure the protection of your belongings

Stay Alert: Whether you’re exploring urban centers or remote wilderness areas, always stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid displaying valuables openly and be cautious in crowded areas where pickpocketing can occur.

Keep Valuables with You: Carry valuable items such as passports, cash, electronics, and jewellery in your carry-on bag rather than checking them in with your luggage. This way, you can keep a close eye on them throughout the transfer.

Label Your Luggage: Clearly label your luggage with your name, phone number, and accommodation details. This makes it easier to identify your bags and reduces the risk of them being misplaced during transfers.

Monitor Your Luggage: Keep a watchful eye on your luggage during transfers, especially in busy transportation hubs like airports and border posts. Stay close to your bags and avoid leaving them unattended whenever possible.

Power & Connectivity

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge has three-pronged South African plugs as well as two-pronged European plugs. American adaptors are available on request.

There is limited mobile and roaming connection. Wifi is available intermittently at the bar/dining room at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge.

Special Dietary Requirements

While we can cater for special dietary requirements, we ask that you specify this when you book – our remote location means that we need a bit of time to source ingredients that may be out of the ordinary. Unfortunately this also means that we’re not able to cater on-site for Halaal and Kosher guests but can arrange for meals to be pre-ordered given advance warning.

Payment Options

We accept the Namibian Dollar, South African Rand, Botswana Pula and US Dollar. MasterCard and Visa cards are accepted but Amex cards are not accepted.

What To Pack

– Passport
– Sunblock
– Sunglasses
– Sun hat
– Swimming costume
– Comfortable shoes
– Flip flops
– Camera
– Binoculars
– Chargers (camera and mobile)
– Loose comfortable clothing

Please take note if you are planning to bring a drone:

Drones are banned for use within 5 nautical miles of Namibian national parks unless you have permission to do so. The Zambezi Queen Collection does not permit the use of drones due to our proximity to the Chobe National Park. Drone laws are constantly changing therefore we advise you check with the relevant aviation authority to ensure you are up to date on the latest drone laws prior to your trip.

We Supply

– Insect repellent
– Towels
– Hairdryers (available on request)
– Electronic safe
– Bathroom amenities: Soap, Shampoo, Shower Gel, Body Lotion

Dress Code

Our dress code is casual, so formal attire isn’t necessary for evening dinner. We recommend light and comfortable clothing in summer, with a hat readily at hand. In winter, you’ll need a pullover for early mornings and evenings.

Gratuities

Gratuities are at your own discretion and payable at the end of your stay. We recommend a gratuity of US$10 to US$15 per guest per day. Management will ensure that any gratuity payments are appropriately distributed amongst the team. You can settle by Visa or Mastercard Ichingo Chobe River Lodge only or payable in ZAR or USD cash. Please note electronic transactions are charged in Botswana Pula.

Accessibility

Due to the nature and construction, as well as the remoteness of our lodge, our properties are unfortunately not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or who are wheelchair bound.

Drinking Water

Water at our lodge is safe to shower in and brush your teeth, but we suggest that you rather drink the purified water that we provide. The ice provided is also safe for consumption.

Conservation

The Zambezi Queen Collection is part of the Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA) a registered non-profit company and is both a fundraising and grant-giving organization, active in educating and empowering local communities to help themselves by implementing sustainable wildlife management systems.

Guests who visit the Zambezi Queen Collection which forms part of the Mantis Collection of hotels, eco-escapes and waterways play an important role in supporting conservation-led travel and hospitality.

Trade and Media

You’ll find links to useful information such as fact sheets and high res images which can be used in your own marketing collateral here.