There is simply nothing more relaxing than cruising down one of Africa’s most iconic and game filled rivers and the Pangolin Voyager is the perfect vessel.
 

The Chobe river is the natural border between Namibia and Botswana and the Pangolin Voyager is actually based on the Namibian side of the river with the Chobe National Park as the opposite bank. The Chobe is unique in that it flows in both directions at different times of the year depending on the flood in the mighty Zambezi with which it converges a few kilometres further downstream.
 

The houseboat has five cabins which can be configured as double or twin beds. Each has an ensuite shower and toilet as well as air conditioning. Please be aware that the aircon is controlled centrally to cool the cabins throughout the day and night when you are most likely to be in your room but cannot run 24/7 as we predominantly rely on solar generated battery power.
 

The middle level is where you will find the living and dining areas where all the meals are served and a well-stocked bar is located. Large glass sliding doors offer a wonderful view of the river as you cruise between three moorings. Most cruising takes place after the morning game activity and during brunch and the midday sun – which is best enjoyed on the partially shaded upper deck.
 

Alongside the Pangolin Voyager there is an eight-seater photo boat along with another tender boat for general game viewing and transfers. Each of the seats on the photo boat has a detachable arm and camera gimbal and can rotate 360 degrees. In addition to photography and game viewing, there is also an opportunity to visit a local village where most of the crew come from.
 

The boats tend to go out at first light and again a few hours before sunset. Teas, coffees and cold drinks are packed for the morning session and ice cold beverages of your choice for the afternoon.
 

The captain and his crew are on hand to help make your stay and experience onboard as comfortable and relaxing as possible.

Cabins

Each cabin can be configured as a double bed or two singles. They are all ensuite with a shower and each cabin is fitted with centrally controlled air conditioning.
 

The beds are made up with quality linen and there are plenty of towels in the bathroom. There are several plug points in the room some of which have a 24/7 supply which is enough for charging small electronic devices such as camera batteries and laptop computers.
 

In the bathroom you are supplied with biodegradable luxury toiletries in both the shower and at the basin. The water is heated by solar panels on the roof in keeping with our environmental policies to reduce carbon emissions onboard.

Activities

The Pangolin Photo Boat is very special indeed. Each of the eight seats rotate a full 360 degrees and the mounting design is so simple and effective that guests will master its movement in no time at all. Please note that you will have to have your own cameras and lens (with a collar) to make the most of the photo boat as cameras are not supplied onboard.
 

The Pangolin Voyager boasts a sun-soaked deck area, perfect for the days that you would like to kick back with a good book, or perhaps try a new angle to get that perfect shot. The Pangolin Voyager relocates to a different mooring each day along the river and the sundeck is a great place to enjoy the cruise.

The fishing in The Chobe is best when there isn’t an “R” in the name of the month (May to August) but even then it can be a little hit and miss due to overfishing further up the Zambezi River, which joins the Chobe. The main fish species are Tiger Fish, Bream and Barbel and fishing is on a strict catch and release policy. Fishing can be arranged at an extra charge and needs to be booked in advance. Please talk to your safari planner to organise this for you.

Dotted along the Namibian bank of the Chobe you will see several small villages which welcome visitors – especially from far away. Most of the crew from the houseboat were born and raised in these villages and if you would like to pay a visit and learn more about the lives of the local subsistence fishing communities please arrange this with the captain when you arrive onboard. There is no charge for this but there are normally a few curios for sale in the village which contributes to the economy directly.