AmaWaterways Offers Exciting Safari River Cruises in Southern Africa
AmaWaterways’ cruise and safari program in Africa gets you up close to wildlife with a cruise on the Chobe River. (Photos courtesy of AmaWaterways)
Did you know that you can enjoy an African wildlife safari while on a river cruise?
This experience is especially attractive because it combines two of our favorite travel activities.
AmaWaterways has been cruising in Africa for years and recently revealed a major expansion of its popular “Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise” program, introducing four new itineraries beginning in August 2026.
The trips are crafted to show off the continent’s remarkable diversity.
The journeys combine a three-night Chobe River cruise on the luxury 24-passenger Zambezi Queen with immersive land-based activities, including visiting Victoria Falls, as well as vibrant destinations such as Kenya, Namibia, Zanzibar and the Skeleton Coast.
These itineraries are focused around getting to view the incredible wildlife in these regions — in addition to experiencing the rich culture, cuisine and landscapes of this part of Africa.
Ranging from nine to 18 nights, the new journeys include “From the Cape to the Falls,” “Iconic Africa,” “Classic Kenya & Southern Africa” and “African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast.”
Standout Highlights from the Itineraries
AmaWaterways uses the 28-passenger luxury cruise ship Zambezi Queen for three-night voyages on the Chobe River.
From the Cape to the Falls (9 or 11 nights)
An adventure from Cape Town to Victoria Falls featuring penguin encounters at Boulders Beach, multiple river and land safaris, and an optional two-night extension in Johannesburg.
Iconic Africa (14 nights)
This trip offers visits to Cape Town, Victoria Falls and a three-night stay in Greater Kruger National Park, home to the “Big Five.”
Classic Kenya & Southern Africa (14 or 18 nights)
This cross-regional experience combines the Chobe River and Victoria Falls with Kenya’s Amboseli and Maasai Mara reserves plus an optional Zanzibar extension.
African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast (15 nights)
The trip wows travelers with the landscapes of Namibia, including NamibRand Nature Reserve, Etosha National Park, and the dramatic Skeleton Coast.
These new itineraries, available for 2026 and 2027, were created for travelers seeking an enriching experience that extends beyond Africa’s iconic wildlife, combining boutique accommodations, expert guides and AmaWaterways’ renowned attentive service.
Your home on the Chobe River cruise is the intimate 28-passenger Zambezi Queen, designed for up-close wildlife viewing along Africa’s legendary waterway that attracts large elephant herds and an impressive array of other animals that are drawn to the banks of the river for grazing and drinking.
The ship features a solar heating system, low-emission generators, and water jet propulsion. Cruisers stay in private balcony suites with unobstructed river views, and amenities include an open-air Sun Deck with plunge pool and complimentary South African wines, beer, spirits, and soft drinks throughout the day.