The Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis’ flagship vessel, the Zambezi Queen, has just been treated to an all-deck, all-suite makeover – with stunning results.

The refurbishment, which took six weeks to complete, focussed on the interior and exterior of the luxury houseboat, with paintwork, carpeting, furnishings, finishes and fabrics all updated to beautiful, modern and exacting standards.

“The new-look Zambezi Queen feels at once comfortable, welcoming and luxurious,” says Kate Powell, General Manager, Sales & Marketing for the Zambezi Queen Collection. “Of course, we wanted to achieve something in keeping with the Chobe’s extraordinary surroundings – and our guests’ expectations. We worked closely with Mi Designs and are extremely proud of the final result.”

And what a result. The upper deck (bar, lounge and dining area) is decorated in a natural, earthy palette. Creams, greys, greens and taupe work with a range of textures, including natural wood, leather, linen and wicker, to give the common space a fresh, contemporary and organic feel. There is a newly revamped library section where guests can relax with a book – or use one of the onboard binoculars to spot game.

Step outside, and the outdoor furniture has all been updated. L-shaped couches and poolside loungers invite you to soak up the view from the bow of the boat, while a new cocktail lounge area at the stern promises snacks, sundowners and the best cocktails on the continent!

“Our attentive staff are on hand to mix up a cocktail or pass you a towel for a dip in the pool,” says Powell. “Each corner of the boat promises a different spot to put your feet up and watch life on the Chobe go by.”

The star of the show is, of course, the Chobe River and you can admire her from every vantage point. Large windows open onto the river and the national park beyond, and the Zambezi Queen’s generous proportions, natural light and indoor/outdoor flow makes for an easy, idyllic stay.

The 14 accommodation suites follow the same principle, with clean lines, nude palettes and well-considered pieces to complete the look. There is no clutter – just plenty of room to take in the extraordinary view from your king-size bed or private balcony.

“Each suite has been updated with new carpets, wardrobes, headboards, bedside tables and sconces, as well as gorgeous throws, pillows and linen,” says Powell.

There are special touches, too.

Consideration has been given to Southern African suppliers, including artwork from celebrated artist, Denby Meyer, and fabrics specially selected from the Ardmore African-Inspired Luxury Fabric Collection, which features an exquisite selection of unique, hand-drawn designs.

Powell says the entire team at the Zambezi Queen Collection is thrilled with the revamp. “We’ve loved choosing everything from paint swatches to ottomans. And everything has been selected with our guests in mind, making sure their comfort and experience is front and centre.”

For more information about the Zambezi Queen’s refurbishment; a selection of images; what guests can expect from their stay; and rates and booking information, please contact: info@zqcollection.com

Media Contact

Kim Taylor, Big Ambitions

+ 27 76 825 5508

kim@bigambitions.co.za

Why not take in the majesty of the bush from a new perspective, such as on a river cruise onboard a comfortable houseboat? You’ll drift along one of Africa’s best-known rivers, while admiring the wildlife on the riverbanks as the animals stop to savour a drink – right in front of you.

According to Kate Powell, General Manager Marketing, Sales and Reservations for the Zambezi Queen Collection, Africa’s leading river cruise company:

“The Zambezi Queen Collection offers two unique water safari experiences to travellers looking for a fresh take on an African safari. Both gliding along the Chobe River, our Zambezi Queen is a larger floating hotel, while our Chobe Princess houseboats are smaller, offering a more intimate and private experience.

Bucketlist Africa

Before the pandemic hit, many people may not have considered bucket-list adventures just a hop, skip and jump across the border. It wasn’t until their freedom to travel was snatched away that they realised that there’s no better time to travel than ‘right now!’ As such, experts predicted that travellers would start planning bigger, more luxurious immersive trips – to explore the magnificent beauty on our doorstep.  

Giltedge, South Africa’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator and South Africa’s Leading Destination Management Company, recommends bucket-list African holidays, such as exploring Namibia’s Skeleton Coast by private flying safari and the Okavango Delta. Other must-sees are the classic Southern Africa highlights and combos such as Victoria Falls and the Chobe River, a Winelands and Sabi Sands safari, Kruger and Botswana, a bush and beach break in Mozambique and trendy Zambia – fast becoming a favourite, ‘undiscovered’ safari destination (think incredible walking safaris in the South Luangwa National Park and North Luangwa National Park).

All-inclusive holidays and cruises

With the ROE doing South Africans no favours, inflation and oil prices, savvy travellers are doing the maths and realising that all-inclusive holidays can offer more value than going DIY or self catering.

“All-inclusive holiday packages, whether on land or cruising, provide holidaymakers with great value for money and remove the stress associated with concerns about how much a getaway is going to end up costing them in the long run,” says Sue Garrett, General Manager Supply, Pricing and Marketing at the Flight Centre Travel Group, recently voted Africa’s leading travel agency and South Africa’s leading travel agency in the World Travel Awards 2022.

“Of course, the added benefit to choosing an all-inclusive package is that it also saves time. There’s no need to spend hours comparing accommodation providers or planning meals. The package provider has done all of the research on your behalf,”adds Garrett.

Over the seas (or continent)

Those who want to travel overseas will find that there are plenty of destinations to add to their wish lists.  

According toGarrett, “Just a few international destinations on our radar are Mauritius, Dubai, Bali, Seychelles and Istanbul, all of which are family-friendly.”

Parenting young kids and not keen to attempt a long-haul flight just yet? Then a beach holiday in Mozambique could be on the cards.

“Most flights from South Africa to Mozambique are less than two and a half hours long, depending on which airport you’re flying from. Once there, the kids and adults alike will enjoy the blissful beaches, warm weather, water sports and marine life. Be sure to look out for accommodation providers offering child-friendly facilities or kids’ clubs for the chance to put your feet up while the children entertain themselves!” says Natalie Tenzer-Silva, Director of Dana Tours in Maputo, who scooped up the award for Mozambique’s leading tour operator for 2022.

Other notable destination suggestions include:

Indian Ocean Islands Leading Destination – Maldives
Africa’s Leading City Destination – Cape Town

Africa’s Leading Destination – Kenya

Indian Ocean’s Leading Wedding Destination – Mauritius
Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination – Seychelles
Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination – Durban

Whatever award winning holiday you’ve got on the cards, ensure you book early to avoid disappointment. With travel demand at an all time high, the trend of last minute bookings is fast disappearing.

This signature cocktail, launched by the Zambezi Queen Collection, a member of the Mantis Collection of luxury hotels, eco-lodges, waterways and impact experiences, coincides with World Cocktail Day, observed on 13 May.

“No sunset in Africa is complete without a celebratory tipple in hand,” says Kate Powell, General Manager Marketing, Sales and Reservations for the Zambezi Queen Collection.

“While G&T has long stood as the traditional drink of choice for a safari sundowner, we decided to have some fun this year, creating a flavourful cocktail capturing the experience of being aboard our most exclusive houseboat on the Chobe River, the stunning Zambezi Queen.”

According to Moses Lubinda (aka ‘Mushe’), bartender extraordinaire aboard the Zambezi Queen, the Strawberry Sunset was lovingly crafted to replicate the brilliant descent of the sun over the Chobe River.

“The vibrant colour of this thirst-quenching masterpiece offers a respectful nod to the blood-reds and burnt orange hues of sunlight at dusk,” he explains. “It’s vibrant, fun, and tasty, doubling up as an eye-catching photo op.”

For those wanting to replicate the signature Zambezi Queen cocktail for World Cocktail Day, Mushe notes the following ingredients:

Strawberry Sunset ingredients:

• Drinker’s choice of Vodka
• Triple Sec orange
• 100% mixed berry fruit juice
• Splash of soda water
• Garnish with strawberries and red cherries

While making a few cocktails at home is fun, he insists that the best way to savour a Strawberry Sunset is from your own private deck on the Zambezi Queen luxury houseboat.

“It’s hard to top being handed a crisp beverage served with a warm smile as you sit back and appreciate the African landscape and unrivalled sightings of lion, buffalo, impala, and ellies at play,” he concludes.

For more images, click here.

Win a three-night stay with Mantis photo competition

CAPE TOWN, 09 MAY 2022 – Avid photographers, assemble! Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis is encouraging previous guests who have enjoyed a stay at a Zambezi Queen Collection property to enter their nature photography competition.

A three nights’ stay for two people is up for grabs at select properties within the boutique hospitality group’s global portfolio, consisting of luxury hotels, eco-lodges, and waterways, including the Zambezi Queen, a luxury boutique houseboat that cruises the Chobe River.

“Mantis offers a unique selection of hand-picked, luxury travel experiences giving guests access to rare encounters and destinations,” says Kate Powell, General Manager: Marketing, Sales and Reservations at the Zambezi Queen Collection.

“Our collection of houseboats in the Zambezi Queen Collection, both the luxurious Zambezi Queen and the smaller Chobe Princesses, offer guests the most unique way to discover the Chobe River – a completely hassle-free, water-based safari. We also have Ichingo Chobe River Lodge in our portfolio, nestled on secluded Impalila Island, that offers the same all inclusive river safari experience and is a favourite with families and small groups.”

“Through the launch of our competition, we’re hoping to encourage our past Zambezi Queen Collection guests to relive their special memories, current guests and budding photographers to hone their craft while inspiring our future guests to connect with nature by enjoying a river safari with us.”

Entrants can submit multiple photos from any of their stays with the Zambezi Queen Collection. Photo submissions will be accepted between 1 April and 30 September 2022. A finalist will be announced each month up until 30 September 2022 and the grand prize winner will be announced in October 2022.

Renowned photographer, Andrew Morgan of Andrew Morgan Photography, and Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis staff will be the competition judges.

How to enter:

• Follow @zambeziqueencollection and @mantiscollection on Instagram
• Post your favourite photos or videos from your stay with the Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis
• Use the hashtag #travelwithZQC and tag both @zambeziqueencollection and @mantiscollection

“Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your creative eye,” says Powell. It could just land you a holiday of a lifetime at one of your dream destinations. We look forward to seeing your work, and welcoming you back!”

Terms and conditions apply. Visit here for more info.

If Valentine’s Day snuck up on you much too soon, don’t despair. Savvy travellers are looking beyond just the 14th February and are using the month of love to book a memorable trip.

No doubt you’ve had to postpone celebrating an anniversary over the last year. With many travellers still opting to travel in ‘quieter’ periods, many travel suppliers, hotels and restaurants are extending their Valentine’s Day specials for much longer.

Special occasion travel is set to be one of the key trends for the travel bounce back in 2022, so there’s never been a better time to book.

And if you’re not in a relationship, don’t think you can’t love yourself with an incredible solo trip for one or a special getaway with friends or family.

“Rather than focusing on your relationship status this Valentine’s Day, do something meaningful for yourself on 14 February,” says Sue Garrett, General Manager Supply, Pricing and Marketing at Flight Centre Travel Group. “There is no need to feel left out when there’s the whole world to explore. There’s never been a better time to book that trip you’ve always wanted!”

If you’re travelling in February, Garrett recommends considering an active itinerary rather than retreating to a hotel for a few nights, which over ‘Valentine’s month’ may be inundated with couples.

Valentine’s month and beyond travel specials:

A deluxe houseboat river safari – The Zambezi Queen Collection is offering a saving of up to 45% on their unique river safari experiences with exclusive offers for local residents in Southern Africa. Relax onboard a deluxe houseboat or at an intimate river lodge discovering the Chobe River. Accommodation, transfers, meals, drinks, expert guides and safari activities included. Valid for travel up until 30 April 2022

The new hotel kid on the block – Check into Joburg’s trendiest new hotel, the 131-room voco The Bank Johannesburg in the trendy walk-work-play suburb of Rosebank. Enjoy a romantic staycation for two, treat yourself to a solo city break or dinner and drinks at the Proud Mary Modern Eatery and Wine Bar. Save up to 20% when you enrol as an IHG® Rewards member (it’s free!).

Jetsetting island breaks – Zanzibar and Mauritius are two South African bestsellers for a good reason. Zanzibar has remained open and welcome to South Africans throughout the pandemic and offers one of the best value for money island breaks. Mauritius recently opened to South Africans and has a wide variety of experiences to suit every type of traveller. For couples, consider splurging on an adults-only resort or booking accommodation in an adults-only wing of a resort.

Flight Centre is currently offering the “ultimate baecation specials” to Zanzibar Bay Resort and Uroa Bay Beach Resort. For Mauritius, Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa is an adults-only resort on the island’s east coast. If you’re on a honeymoon, enquire about one of Beachcomber’s honeymoon packages such as Beachcomber Canonnier or Beachcomber Trou aux Biches resort.

Hop over the border to Mozambique – Fantastic news for South Africans who love Mozambique and are eager to hop over the border for their beach fix. Mozambique’s beaches officially reopened on 19 January, just in time for Valentine’s Day. “Did you know that you can go on safari, view magnificent elephants and then end up at a beach for a wonderful swim before settling down to sunset cocktails all in the same day? All this and more is possible in our beautiful Mozambique,” says Stephanie Von Allmen, General Manager Dana Tours.

A cruise for two – or solo! For an “unpack-once-only” break in any part of the world, cruising is making its comeback. Cruising will be better than ever with stunning new vessels soon to be launched.

Cruiselines are also catering for solo travellers, removing the extra cost of those pesky single supplements. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) was the first cruise company to introduce stylish studio cabins designed especially for solo travellers (without any single supplements), as well as exclusive use areas for solo travellers.

TRADE YOUR OVERSEAS HOLIDAY FOR THE BUCKETLIST CHOBE RIVER

The Zambezi Queen Collection is open and ready to welcome your clients

9 December 2021: The Zambezi Queen Collection of houseboats and properties is open and ready to welcome Southern African travellers who have had to cancel their overseas festive season holidays. The Collection is running a not-to-be-repeated special for SADC passport holders only with the direct rack rate commissionable for travel partners.

“Our hearts go out to all our travel trade partners during this difficult time and their clients who have had to cancel long-awaited holidays to reconnect with loved ones,” says Kate Powell, General Manager Marketing, Sales and Reservations for the Zambezi Queen Collection. “Thankfully Botswana and Namibia remain open. Why not celebrate the festive season and ring in 2022 on an unforgettable river safari on the Chobe River? Imagine relaxing in a plunge pool watching the hippos snorting in the river or admiring the sunset from your bed. It really doesn’t get better than this.”

“We would like to assure travel agents that we are here to assist you and your clients. The Zambezi Queen Collection is offering incredible specials exclusively for SADC passport holders. Your clients can enjoy a 50% saving on our all-inclusive packages for travel up to 31 March 2022, with flexible cancellation terms. This special is available on the Zambezi Queen and Chobe Princesses as well as at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge.”

“Discerning clients will love our Christmas and New Year’s 3-night sailings on the Zambezi Queen, which includes special Christmas turndowns and gifts, as well as Christmas lunch and bubbly to ring in the new year. The Chobe Princesses are offering two-, three- and four-night sailings so there is more flexibility in regards to the length of stay and dates.

“An added bonus is that guests on the New Year sailing will benefit from the lower 2021 rates as the sailing departs on New Year’s Day and therefore 2021 rates, and not the higher 2022 rates, are applicable. Of course, spaces are limited so we’d urge you to get in touch with us and book as soon as possible.””

The Zambezi Queen Collection comprises boutique houseboats on the Chobe River. Your clients can choose from the Zambezi Queen houseboat, accommodating 28 passengers, or can enjoy a smaller, more exclusive experience on board one of the three Chobe Princess houseboats. For clients who prefer to stay on land, Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is a tented camp situated on Impalila Island on the Namibian side of the Chobe River and offers a quieter, more secluded experience ideal for families, couples or groups.

“The Zambezi Queen houseboat navigates roughly 25km of the Chobe River, allowing you to explore different vantage points and enjoy unparalleled game viewing,” says Powell. “These are truly unique, bucket list holidays, ensuring that your client will be wowed from start to finish. Not only can they travel in smaller ‘safe bubbles’ but our holidays are all-inclusive, offering a truly hassle-free, peace of mind experience. For agents, all you have to do is book flights and we take care of the rest.”

For more information and to book, contact the reservations team at info@zqcollection.com.