4 New African river cruises where the safari comes to you

While most travellers picture safaris on land, Africa’s rivers provide a quieter vantage point. River cruises bring travelers close to elephants, hippos, and birdlife, often with no one else in sight. 

You can watch elephants wade at sunset and hippos surface nearby, all from the comfort of a boat with modern amenities.  

AmaWaterways is expanding options with four new African river cruises along the Chobe in 2026 and 2027. On the 24-passenger Zambezi Queen, guests spot wildlife in style, pairing river cruising with classic overland safaris into new regions.  

Here’s a look at four new itineraries that immerse travelers in Africa’s wild heart from a fresh perspective. 

From the Cape to the Falls  

On a nine-night trip from Cape Town to Victoria Falls, travellers can spot lions in long grass, marvel at waterfalls, and even see penguins on the coast. The journey starts with three days in South Africa’s cities before heading to Victoria Falls, where a scenic helicopter flight offers a dramatic view of the cascade. The itinerary ends with a glide down the Chobe River, with daily wildlife viewing along its banks. 

From the boat, spot wildlife along the riverbanks at sunset, when elephants, hippos, and antelope often appear. This itinerary pairs river cruising with open-top 4x4 safaris and visits to local villages, offering a rare blend of landscapes and cultures. 

Between wildlife sightings, guests can try fishing or birdwatching, or relax and watch for elephants, lions, zebras, and buffalo from the deck of the Zambezi Queen. 

Classic Kenya and Southern Africa  

Another journey links Johannesburg to the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, combining river cruising and overland safari. Game drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve offer a chance to spot the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos) among the vast grasslands, while Kilimanjaro’s snow-fed springs attract herds of big game. 

In Maasai Mara National Reserve, endless grasslands hide both predators and prey. Kilimanjaro’s snow-fed springs attract big game, and you can spot the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos) here. 

African Wonders and the Skeleton Coast  

Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, named for the whale and seal bones that once marked its shores, features surreal desert vistas and some of the world’s tallest dunes. The itinerary includes a catamaran cruise along the Atlantic coast and time exploring Etosha National Park’s salt pans and wildlife. 

The itinerary explores Namibia’s coast, from Walvis Bay’s former whaling station to the capital, Windhoek, before heading inland to join the Zambezi Queen on the Chobe. 

Etosha’s shimmering salt pans attract lions, elephants, and rhinos to the same waterholes. In NamibRand Nature Reserve, oryx and springbok roam crimson dunes. Catamaran rides, swimming, and river safaris add even more variety. 

Iconic Africa  

This is the ultimate itinerary for travelers seeking the untamed beauty and warm hospitality of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. 

In Chobe National Park, herds of elephants share the floodplains with grazing giraffes and lounging lions. Riverbanks draw gazelle, while hippos and crocodiles surface in the shallows. Few places rival this region’s wildlife concentration and diversity. 

Over fourteen nights in Southern Africa, relax on the deck of the Zambezi Queen, share meals that celebrate local traditions, picnic on the savannah, and cruise a river alive with iconic wildlife. 

Plan your trip  

Want to go on safari while enjoying all the comforts of a river cruise? These AmaWaterways trips include personalized service and expert local guides. To start planning, visit the CAA Travel hub for expert guidance, trip planning and booking support, or connect directly with a CAA Travel Agent As a Member you can save up to $720 per stateroom and get additional perks when booked with CAA Travel.