Destination Booklet Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises

Roam Far, Wander Wide

With AmaWaterways, travel through Africa is shaped by distance, contrast and movement. From coastal cities and wine regions to inland reserves and shifting ecosystems, each destination adds a distinct dimension to the journey.

At the center of it all is time aboard Zambezi Queen on the Chobe River, placing you within one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich regions. Here, the pace is set by the river itself, with days defined by the activity along its banks and on the water. Together, these experiences reveal the remarkable diversity of a continent shaped by nature, history and culture.

Four new itineraries invite you to explore such destinations as Kenya, Namibia, Zanzibar and the stunning Skeleton Coast.

» 3 nights in a balcony suite on board Zambezi Queen

» All onboard dining, including a traditional African dinner

» Complimentary wine, beer and local spirits on board

» 3 nights at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World

» Exclusive Victoria Falls Sundowner Cruise with tapas

» And so much more!

15-night itinerary with 3-night Chobe cruise

African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast

Namibia has a way of making distances feel infinite. Dunes rise hundreds of feet above the desert floor, the Atlantic pounds against the lonely shoreline of the Skeleton Coast and wildlife gathers at Etosha’s waterholes beneath enormous open skies. Paired with the energy of Johannesburg, this 15-night journey explores a side of Africa where the landscapes are often as memorable as the wildlife.

Featured Experience

NamibRand Nature Reserve

Here, the experience shifts away from wildlife toward something equally compelling: space, light and the particular silence of this region. At Kwessi Lodge, your outdoor veranda frames the desert, while your private star gazer room invites you to marvel at the night sky.

14-night itinerary with 3-night Chobe cruise

Classic Kenya & Southern Africa

For many travelers, this is the Africa they’ve imagined for years. Elephant herds cross the plains beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, while the Maasai Mara delivers the vast grasslands and extraordinary wildlife encounters that have come to define the safari experience. Along the way, time in Nairobi offers a deeper connection to Kenyan culture, creating a journey that balances iconic wildlife viewing with the stories, traditions and people that shape the region.

Featured Experience

Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara is shaped by movement on a grand scale. From summer into fall, the Elephant Pepper Camp positions you within the migration corridors, where each day is influenced by the resident and transient populations, culminating in an experience that feels genuinely alive.

Featured Experience

Greater Kruger National Park

Kruger is defined by proximity to wildlife. Alongside your guides, you’ll follow the movement of wildlife closely, adjusting drives as activity shifts across the bush, with no fixed routes and no crowds. A five-star tented safari lodge provides a base between outings where the surrounding landscape remains fully present and the experience continues.

14-night itinerary with 3-night Chobe cruise

Iconic Africa

Few itineraries capture Southern Africa’s contrasts quite like this one. One moment, you’re overlooking the Atlantic from Cape Town, exploring colorful neighborhoods and dramatic coastal scenery. The next, you’re settling into a luxury tented lodge in Greater Kruger, where the rhythms of the bush take over and each game drive brings new possibilities. Combining sophisticated city experiences with some of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife viewing, this 14-night journey showcases two distinct sides of the continent.

From the Cape to the Falls

A comprehensive yet concise itinerary that includes time in Cape Town with Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope and a visit to Boulders Beach for a penguin encounter; multiple wildlife viewing safaris by land and water; and 3 nights in UNESCO-designated Victoria Falls – the tallest waterfall in the world. This 9-night itinerary is ideal for travelers with less time to spare.

Plus, you may add two nights in Johannesburg for an in-depth look at Soweto’s unique neighborhoods, a visit to the Kliptown Youth Center and lunch provided by a chef with a personal connection to Nelson Mandela.

Featured Experience

Cape Town, South Africa

Robben Island offers a powerful connection to South Africa’s recent history. After a guided visit to the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held, return to Cape Town to meet community members involved in local arts and gardening initiatives. The day concludes with a wine tasting and gourmet dinner in Constantia Valley.

Our beautiful ship

Zambezi Queen

Purpose-built for wildlife viewing, the intimate 28-passenger Zambezi Queen glides along the legendary Chobe River. Her eco-friendly design includes water jet propulsion, solar heating and low-emission generators. On board, the dining room, lounge and bar invite you to relax and socialize. On the open-air Sun Deck, the plunge pool offers a refreshing respite. Each suite features a private balcony with unobstructed river views. The onboard spa beckons you to pamper yourself with a variety of massage or facial treatments, available for a nominal fee. Throughout your journey, enjoy complimentary South African wines, local spirits and an African-themed dinner with traditional cuisine and entertainment.

Zanzibar

Off the coast of East Africa, Zanzibar carries a distinctly layered atmosphere, built from centuries of Arab, Persian, Indian and African cultural exchange. In Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that remains vibrantly alive, a local-led walk takes you through narrow streets and historic architecture, before a sunset dhow cruise on the Indian Ocean closes the day. From there, continue toward Zanzibar’s east coast and the Baraza Resort & Spa, which sits along Bwejuu beach. Here, your one-bedroom villa opens onto a private plunge pool, with meals, drinks and daily comforts already taken care of, leaving your days open for sun, sea and relaxation at the end of your African journey.

Extend Your Journey

Rwanda Journey

Delve further into Africa with four unforgettable nights in Rwanda, a land of breathtaking beauty and profound encounters. Begin in Kigali, where you’ll be welcomed by an AmaWaterways representative and enjoy an overnight stay at the elegant Kigali Serena Hotel. Explore the city’s rich history with a guided visit to the Genocide Memorial and lunch at the iconic Hotel Des Mille Collines. Travel to Volcanoes National Park, home to rare Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys*, and settle into the intimate Bishop’s House. Trek through mist-covered forests for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience, complemented by scenic lake tours and local market visits. Conclude your adventure with a return to Kigali, where an optional second trek offers even deeper immersion.

*Mountain Gorilla or Golden Monkey trekking permits are not included in the extension fare. Permits must be purchased at the time of booking.

Reservations Office Hours:

Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm PST

Saturday 7:00am - 1:00pm PST