The Kubu Queen is a charming vintage-style houseboat travelling along the Okavango Delta’s panhandle offering classic river safaris, excellent fishing and birding opportunities. Sleeping six on board with the option of accommodating additional guests in dome tents on islands at night, this is an ideal experience for friends, families and small groups. This is a water and wilderness experience, not a big game safari, and the focus is on boating, fishing, birding and walking.

Gently travelling along the papyrus-lined channels, enjoying ever-changing lush Delta scenery, the experience on The Kubu Queen will be both relaxing and fascinating. For couples, small groups, families and friends, this experience if often a highlight of a Botswana safari. The Kubu Queen is an activity in her own right. Enjoy the comfort and leisurely style of this relaxing river safari with incredible birding and fishing opportunities on board the houseboat and from the tender. Guided walks on larger islands perfect for exploring and stretching your legs.

Accommodation is simple but comfortable. This double-decker houseboat is complete with two double bedded cabins downstairs and two single cabins upstairs. An additional two sofas can be converted into beds ensuring 6 are accommodated comfortably. Additional guests stay in spacious dome tents on the island at night, so up to 12 guests may be catered for. A separate WC and shower facilities on board shared by all guests. Everyone enjoys convivial camp-fire dinners on shore under stunning starlit skies.

Bird-watching and fishing are the major pastimes on the cruise. Gently forging through the pristine reed-filtered river, The Kubu Queen (Kubu meaning Hippo in the local Setswana language) quietly allows for a continual display of bird-watching. The Pel’s Fishing Owl, Osprey, African Skimmers and aquatic creatures are blissfully unconcerned by the quiet passing of this beautiful vessel.

The fishing needs little introduction in these permanent, life-giving waters. Thrilling encounters with Tiger Fish, gentle casting for Okavango Bream and trying one’s luck for a great catfish keep keen and amateur anglers entertained and absorbed for hours!

The Kubu Queen’s main moorings are in Shakawe – at the top of the Panhandle, 380km from Maun. Access by vehicle along tarred road or by aircraft into Shakawe International Airport. From here, the journey southwards takes you to isolated Okavango River islands where you’ll berth for the night anchored close to the bank where one of the River’s mighty tree species: a Sycamore Fig, Mangosteen, African Ebony create safe harbour. The tranquil locations offer the perfect opportunity to explore islands on foot, quietly deciphering tracks and signs of animal and bird activity.

Day Trips to Tsodilo Hills, an hour from Shakawe, can be arranged and offer a fascinating insight to the ancient cultures of the San Bushman. The hills are a place of great spiritual significance for San people who originally inhabited this area. There are almost 4,000 prehistoric paintings, spread across over 200 sites throughout the hills. There are a number of trail routes on offer, depending on fitness levels and local guides will offer insight to the significance of the most important paintings.