Stars of South Africa

Trip Code:63447
(AUD) Twin Share from $20,644pp
Days 16
Nights 15

Your journey begins with a three-night stay in picturesque Cape Town. Next, fly to Kasane, Botswana to begin your Zambezi Queen safari cruise on the Chobe River. Explore Chobe National Park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent. Spend two nights at the legendary Victoria Falls before flying to Johannesburg for two nights that includes a visit to the township of Soweto. Then fly to Hoedspruit, located in the game-rich country of Greater Kruger National Park. Spend three nights at a luxurious game lodge in this premier eco-tourist destination, known for some of the best “Big Five” viewing in Africa. Experience the thrill of daily game drives, while evenings bring you breathtakingly clear skies.

This river cruise journeys through South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, calling at Cape Town, Cape Town, Cape Town, Cape Town, Chobe River, Chobe River, Chobe River and Chobe River.

You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship Zambezi Queen.

On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

  • 30 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026
    from $20,794 pp twin share *
  • 06 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026
    from $20,644 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Cape Town

ARRIVE IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA. Situated amidst majestic mountains and lined with pristine beaches, Cape Town has a rich cultural heritage with extraordinary attractions. After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways representative, transfer to your Cape Town hotel. Get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at the Welcome Reception. (WR)

Day 2 – Cape Town

CAPE TOWN. Embark on a full-day exploration along one of the world’s most stunning routes, taking you past the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope, first rounded in modern times in 1488 by the Portuguese in their attempt to establish trade in the Far East and still a significant landmark for sailors today. Visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins, and then be treated to lunch with drinks overlooking beautiful False Bay.

Day 3 – Cape Town

CAPE TOWN. Take a cableway up to Table Mountain followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands where you’ll visit two of its best vineyards, complete with wine tasting. A delicious lunch will be included along the way. You also have the choice to explore another side of Cape Town at famous Robben Island, once used as a prison for many political inmates, including Nelson Mandela. Ferry over to the island where you will take a tour led by a former warden. Back in Cape Town, enjoy lunch, and then visit the colorful historic Bo Kaap neighborhood before boarding the cableway to Table Mountain’s summit.

Day 4 – Cape Town

ZAMBEZI QUEEN – EMBARKATION. Embark the Zambezi Queen in Kasane. This afternoon, enjoy the view as you settle in on the river before a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner on board the vessel.

Day 5 – Chobe River

ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Embark on an exhilarating, morning boat safari to explore the Chobe River’s diverse game viewing. Afterwards, return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch. As the Zambezi Queen cruises along the Chobe River, relax on board in the afternoon and enjoy what nature has to offer. Be sure to spend time in the splash pool or perhaps catch-up with your favorite book. Later in the day, revel in panoramic view with another thrilling boat safari.

Day 6 – Chobe River

ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4×4 vehicles. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic.

Day 7 – Chobe River

ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Visit a typical African village where you’ll spend time with the village children as well as its elders. Back on board and following lunch, you’ll have a choice to take a boat safari, bird watch or fish. Enjoy your last evening aboard with a festive African- themed dinner hosted by your crew.

Day 8 – Chobe River

ZAMBEZI QUEEN – DISEMBARKATION – VICTORIA FALLS. Enjoy a morning cruise during breakfast and be on the lookout for wildlife. Afterward, transfer to the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Spend the afternoon exploring the town or experience one of the many activities offered at your hotel. There is also an optional helicopter flight over Victoria Falls. Later this afternoon, join a cocktail reception with appetizers aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls.

Day 9 – Victoria Falls

VICTORIA FALLS. A local guide will take you on a tour of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. You’ll learn about its history, and the flora and fauna that make this area so unique. In the evening, embark on a private sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Relax on board as you observe a variety of game while enjoying a delicious mix of tapas with drinks, followed by a special dinner with live local entertainment at the hotel.

Day 10 – Johannesburg

VICTORIA FALLS – JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. Fly to Johannesburg. Transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel with its parklike setting and wonderful Spa.

Day 11 – Johannesburg

JOHANNESBURG. Get an in-depth look at Soweto’s unique neighborhoods, the center of the uprising against the apartheid state. Walk the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, followed by a lunch at Sanctuary Mandela, savoring one of Mandela’s favorite meals cooked by his former at-home chef for lunch. Before dinner, gather with a local expert for an informative discussion and afterwards enjoy a multi-course dinner.

Day 12 – Kruger Park

JOHANNESBURG – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. Fly to Greater Kruger National Park in the morning where you’ll be transferred to your luxurious game lodge. During the afternoon, set out on a game drive in search of the country’s “Big Five” and other native wildlife. Spend your first night and every night, if you wish, gathering with fellow travelers, sharing stories of the day’s adventures.

Day 13 – Kruger Park

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. The early morning is the perfect time to go on safari as the wildlife is prolific. Your open-air vehicle provides the ideal way to explore your private game reserve, located just a stone’s throw from the game-rich Kruger National Park. The rest of the morning can be spent enjoying the facilities at your lodge. Later in the afternoon, you’ll go on another game drive deep into the bush, where you may encounter South Africa’s top predators: cheetahs, hyenas and lions.

Day 14 – Kruger Park

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. Go on two exhilarating game drives today, as well as enjoy ample leisure time to relax and enjoy your game lodge.

Day 15 – Kruger Park

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA – JOHANNESBURG. Be treated to an early-morning game drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg for your connecting flight home or extend your journey with four nights in magical Rwanda. Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight before 4:30 p.m

Highlights

  • Robben Island tour led by a former warden included as an option
  • Open-top 4×4 safari through Chobe National Park with picnic lunch
  • Private sunset cruise along the Zambezi River with tapas and drinks

Your journey begins with a three-night stay in picturesque Cape Town. Next, fly to Kasane, Botswana to begin your Zambezi Queen safari cruise on the Chobe River. Explore Chobe National Park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent. Spend two nights at the legendary Victoria Falls before flying to Johannesburg for two nights that includes a visit to the township of Soweto. Then fly to Hoedspruit, located in the game-rich country of Greater Kruger National Park. Spend three nights at a luxurious game lodge in this premier eco-tourist destination, known for some of the best “Big Five” viewing in Africa. Experience the thrill of daily game drives, while evenings bring you breathtakingly clear skies.

This river cruise journeys through South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, calling at Cape Town, Cape Town, Cape Town, Cape Town, Chobe River, Chobe River, Chobe River and Chobe River.

You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship Zambezi Queen.

On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

Inclusions

  • Arrival transfer and hotel check-in.
  • Welcome Reception.
  • Full-day Cape of Good Hope tour.
  • Cableway up Table Mountain.
  • Robben Island guide with lunch in local restaurant.
  • Morning flight to Victoria Falls.

FAQs

Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship Zambezi Queen.

Stateroom categories available

  • Luxury Suite
  • Category SA
  • Category SB

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 16 days and 15 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 30 Oct 2026 and 21 Nov 2026, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

What style of accommodation is used?

Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.

Provided by: AMAWaterways

Fine Print

Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

(AUD) Twin Share from $20,644pp
Days 16
Nights 15

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