Wildlife and the Falls
Check off the “Big Five” from your bucket list while exploring South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park, considered one of the world’s premier safari regions. Begin this exhilarating journey with a one-night stay in Johannesburg, a city undergoing a renaissance revival, before flying to Kasane, Botswana for your four-night wildlife adventure on the Zambezi Queen. Get up close to the animals in their natural habitat by water and land in Chobe National Park, and then be swept up in the sheer beauty and power of the incomparable Victoria Falls for two nights. Return to Johannesburg for two nights, giving you time to soak up its rich heritage and follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela. Your journey culminates with three nights at a five-star lodge in Greater Kruger National Park. Experience the thrill of twice-daily game drives with highly qualified guides selected for their knowledge and passion.
This river cruise journeys through South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, calling at Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Chobe River, Chobe River, Chobe River, Chobe River, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg.
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.
- 05 Mar 2028 – 17 Mar 2028
from $19,444 pp twin share * - 12 Mar 2028 – 24 Mar 2028
from $19,988 pp twin share * - 19 Mar 2028 – 31 Mar 2028
from $20,132 pp twin share * - 26 Mar 2028 – 07 Apr 2028
from $20,420 pp twin share * - 02 Apr 2028 – 14 Apr 2028
from $20,420 pp twin share * - 09 Apr 2028 – 21 Apr 2028
from $20,564 pp twin share * - 16 Apr 2028 – 28 Apr 2028
from $20,707 pp twin share * - 23 Apr 2028 – 05 May 2028
from $20,851 pp twin share * - 30 Apr 2028 – 12 May 2028
from $20,851 pp twin share * - 07 May 2028 – 19 May 2028
from $21,569 pp twin share * - 21 May 2028 – 02 Jun 2028
from $21,139 pp twin share * - 28 May 2028 – 09 Jun 2028
from $21,139 pp twin share * - 04 Jun 2028 – 16 Jun 2028
from $21,139 pp twin share * - 11 Jun 2028 – 23 Jun 2028
from $21,713 pp twin share * - 25 Jun 2028 – 07 Jul 2028
from $21,139 pp twin share * - 09 Jul 2028 – 21 Jul 2028
from $21,139 pp twin share * - 16 Jul 2028 – 28 Jul 2028
from $21,713 pp twin share * - 23 Jul 2028 – 04 Aug 2028
from $21,283 pp twin share * - 30 Jul 2028 – 11 Aug 2028
from $21,427 pp twin share * - 06 Aug 2028 – 18 Aug 2028
from $21,427 pp twin share * - 13 Aug 2028 – 25 Aug 2028
from $21,427 pp twin share * - 20 Aug 2028 – 01 Sep 2028
from $21,427 pp twin share * - 27 Aug 2028 – 08 Sep 2028
from $21,427 pp twin share * - 03 Sep 2028 – 15 Sep 2028
from $21,427 pp twin share * - 10 Sep 2028 – 22 Sep 2028
from $22,351 pp twin share * - 24 Sep 2028 – 06 Oct 2028
from $21,139 pp twin share * - 01 Oct 2028 – 13 Oct 2028
from $20,995 pp twin share * - 08 Oct 2028 – 20 Oct 2028
from $20,564 pp twin share * - 15 Oct 2028 – 27 Oct 2028
from $20,420 pp twin share * - 22 Oct 2028 – 03 Nov 2028
from $20,132 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Johannesburg
ARRIVE IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in the desirable Sandton neighborhood. The hotel’s extensive gardens have captured the spirit, grace and elegance of a bygone era.
Day 2 – Johannesburg
ZAMBEZI QUEEN – EMBARKATION. Embark the Zambezi Queen in Kasane. Late this afternoon, enjoy a sunset cruise down the Chobe River before a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner on board the ship.
Day 3 – Chobe River
ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Embark on an exhilarating morning boat safari exploring the Chobe River’s diverse game. Afterwards, return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch. Later in the day, enjoy another thrilling boat safari.
Day 4 – Chobe River
ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4×4 vehicles. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffes, zebras, sables, warthogs and cape buffalo. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic.
Day 5 – Chobe River
ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Start the day off with an unforgettable visit to a typical African village to experience the local culture. Spend time with the village children as well as its elders. After lunch on board, you can go on a boat safari, bird watch or fish. Enjoy a festive African- themed dinner hosted by your crew—complete with music and dancing.
Day 6 – Chobe River
ZAMBEZI QUEEN – DISEMBARKATION – VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE. 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. Later this afternoon, join a cocktail reception and dinner aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls.
Day 7 – 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 8 – Johannesburg
VICTORIA FALLS – JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel with its parklike setting and wonderful Spa.
Day 9 – Johannesburg
JOHANNESBURG. Take a fascinating tour of Johannesburg and its rich history from colonialism to apartheid, and finally democracy. Get an in-depth look at Soweto’s unique neighborhoods, the center of the uprising against the apartheid state. Walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, visiting the Mandela House located on Vilakazi Street and along the way enjoy a township lunch. Before dinner, gather with a local expert for an informative discussion and afterwards enjoy a multi-course dinner.
Day 10 – Johannesburg
JOHANNESBURG – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. Fly to the Greater Kruger National Park in the morning where you’ll be transferred to your luxurious game lodge. This region is one of the world’s most spectacular, game nature reserves, which you’ll discover on your late afternoon 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 or simply gazing up at the stunning star-filled African sky.
Day 11 – 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 perfect 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 day, 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 12 – Kruger Park
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. Go on two exhilarating game drives today, or enjoy some leisure time at your game lodge.
Day 13 – 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
- Twice-daily game drives led by highly qualified guides
- Two nights based at the legendary Victoria Falls
- Guided Soweto and Mandela House tour in Johannesburg
Check off the “Big Five” from your bucket list while exploring South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park, considered one of the world’s premier safari regions. Begin this exhilarating journey with a one-night stay in Johannesburg, a city undergoing a renaissance revival, before flying to Kasane, Botswana for your four-night wildlife adventure on the Zambezi Queen. Get up close to the animals in their natural habitat by water and land in Chobe National Park, and then be swept up in the sheer beauty and power of the incomparable Victoria Falls for two nights. Return to Johannesburg for two nights, giving you time to soak up its rich heritage and follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela. Your journey culminates with three nights at a five-star lodge in Greater Kruger National Park. Experience the thrill of twice-daily game drives with highly qualified guides selected for their knowledge and passion.
This river cruise journeys through South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, calling at Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Chobe River, Chobe River, Chobe River, Chobe River, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg.
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
- Hotel Welcome Reception.
- Free Day in Johannesburg.
- Late morning flight to Kasane, Botswana.
- Afternoon Cruise.
- Transfer from Johannesburg to the ship.
- Evening Welcome Reception.
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 13 days and 12 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 05 Mar 2028 and 08 Dec 2028, 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: AMAWaterwaysFine Print
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