AmaWaterways Discover Africa River Cruise

Enjoy exploring Cape Town before kicking off an incredible journey down the Chobe river on AmaWaterways‘ Discover Africa river cruise.

Whilst you can choose this cruise as a 4-night holiday, we highly recommend adding the full land package for an in-depth exploration  –

⦿ 3-Night stay in Cape Town
⦿ 4-Night all-inclusive Chobe River Cruise
⦿ 2-Night stay in Victoria Falls

Experience the beauty and natural wonders of iconic Cape Town; get up close to animals in their natural habitat; and explore one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.” Spend three nights in Cape Town, discovering its many treasures with visits to Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach and Table Mountain. You also have a choice to visit the renowned Cape Winelands, or tour famous Robben Island. Next, fly to Victoria Falls and head west to the Botswana and Namibian borders to embark on your Chobe River safari cruise through the wondrous Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa’s densest populations of wildlife. Encounter elephants, giraffes, leopards, zebras and buffaloes on excursions by boat and open-air vehicles. Conclude your journey with two nights at the majestic Victoria Falls. You also have the option to extend your trip in Johannesburg, following in the foot-steps of Nelson Mandela.

Discover Africa (with full land package) Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town

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 at the Welcome Reception.
Hotel: Table Mountain view room at the Cape Grace Hotel

Day 2: Cape Town

Embark on a full-day exploration along one of the world’s most stunning routes, taking you southeast along the Atlantic seaboard past the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak. Stop at Cape Point, located in the nature reserve within Table Mountain National Park, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site. You’ll also visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins, and then be treated to lunch with drinks overlooking False Bay—one of the world’s most beautiful bays.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Cape Town

You have a choice of two excursions, depending on your interests. Take a cableway up to Table Mountain for spectacular views of the city and surrounding areas, followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands, which comprises the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl valleys. South African wine is world renowned, and you’ll get to visit two of its best vineyards, complete with wine tasting. A sumptuous lunch will be included along the way. Or choose to explore another side of Cape Town at famous Robben Island, once used as a prison for many political inmates, including Nelson Mandela. You’ll ferry over to the island where you will take a tour led by a former inmate. Back in Cape Town, enjoy lunch, and then visit the colorful historic Bo Kaap neighborhood before boarding the cableway to Table Mountain’s summit.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Fly to Victoria Falls and transfer to embark Zambezi Queen

In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Victoria Falls. Here, you will be transferred to the Chobe River that forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. Then board tender boats that will take you to the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river. Settle into your stateroom, enjoy a mid-afternoon snack, and in the evening, be treated to a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner.

Cruise: 7 nights aboard the Zambezi Queen
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Chobe River safari

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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Chobe National Park

Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4×4 vehicles. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffe, zebra, sable, warthog and cape buffaloes. Prides of lions, hyenas and (more rarely) cheetahs could be encountered along the way. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Visit a local African Village & African-themed dinner

Start the day off with an unforgettable visit to a typical African village to experience the local culture first hand. Spend time with the children of the village as well as its elders, and learn about their day-to-day life. After lunch on board, you can choose between a boat safari, bird watching or fishing. Spend your last evening aboard with a festive African-themed dinner hosted by your crew—complete with singing and dancing.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Disembark Zambezi Queen & transfer to 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. Later this afternoon, join a cocktail reception followed by dinner aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Stable Wing room at the Victoria Falls Hotel 

Day 9: 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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Fly to Johannesburg then fly to UK

After breakfast, bid adieu to Zimbabwe as you head to Victoria Falls Airport for your return flight to Johannesburg and onward flight home or extend your trip with two nights in Johannesburg and/or four nights in Rwanda.

Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight before 6:30 p.m.
Meals included: Breakfast

All Inclusive Cruising

On this AmaWaterways river cruise, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. It includes 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.

Included in your cruise fare:

• 4 nights deluxe accommodation in an air-conditioned balcony suite
• Bottled water replenished daily
• Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during the cruise and a Tour Director during programs
• All onboard dining, including a traditional African dinner
• Regionally inspired cuisine
• Welcome Dinner
• Complimentary wine, beer and local spirits
• hobe National Park safari
• Exclusive private picnic in Chobe National Park
• Private boat safaris along the Chobe riverbank
• Visit to an African village for a unique cultural interaction
• 3 nights in upgraded luxury Table Mountain view rooms at the Cape Grace Hotel, including daily breakfast
• Welcome Reception with drinks and tapas
• Full-day Cape of Good Hope tour and local lunch with drinks
• Cableway to the summit of Table Mountain
• Cape Winelands tour including tastings and lunch OR guided visit to Robben Island followed by lunch
• 2-night stay in upgraded Stable Wing rooms at the Victoria Falls Hotel, including daily breakfast
• Cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train followed by dinner
• Guided tour of Victoria Falls National Park
• Exclusive Sundowner Cruise with drinks and tapas
• All airport transfers

Staying Longer?

2 nights in Johannesburg 

You can even add a Johannesburg extension to your cruise, the largest city in South Africa and a vibrant, cosmopolitan hub known for its rich cultural diversity and economic significance! Plus, four nights in Rwanda. Located in East Africa, is a landlocked country known for its remarkable post-genocide recovery, stunning landscapes, and commitment to environmental conservation.