Eighteen-day journey through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kenya with river cruise and safari adventures
Wildlife safaris in Chobe National Park and Chobe River by boat
Three nights at Victoria Falls with guided tours and sunset cruise
Kenyan safari experiences in Amboseli and Maasai Mara with Mount Kilimanjaro views
Trip Details
Departs
Tue 7 Mar 2028
Returns
Fri 24 Mar 2028
Embarks
Chobe River
Ship
Zambezi Queen
Operator
AMAWaterways
Begin your journey in cosmopolitan Johannesburg. Next, take a flight to Kasane, Botswana and transfer to Namibia for a three-night wildlife adventure aboard Zambezi Queen, where unforgettable wildlife encounters in Chobe National Park await. Marvel at the beauty and power of Victoria Falls over three nights. Your adventure continues in Kenya with two nights in the capital city of Nairobi, renowned for its cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene. Then fly south to the striking landscapes of Amboseli, where vast savannahs are dotted with acacia woodlands and wetlands, and herds of elephants roam beneath the spectacular backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will also spend time immersing yourself in the beauty of the legendary Maasai Mara, considered the crown jewel of Kenyan safaris.
This river cruise journeys through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kenya, calling at Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Chobe River, Chobe River, Chobe River, Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls and Victoria Falls.
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.
Life in transit
Your transportsZambezi Queen
Details · AmaWaterways
Zambezi Queen
Deck plans
3
Zambezi Queen · Deck plans
Lower Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026.
Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Day by day
Itinerary
1
Johannesburg
Tue 7 Mar
ARRIVE IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. On arrival, you will be met by your local AmaWaterways host and transferred to the lovely Fairlawns Boutique Hotel situated in a parklike setting in the Sandton neighborhood of Johannesburg.
2
Johannesburg
Wed 8 Mar
JOHANNESBURG – KASANE, BOTSWANA – ZAMBEZI QUEEN – EMBARKATION. In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Kasane. Here, you will be transferred to the Chobe River that forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. Tender boats will transport you to 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.
3
Chobe River
Thu 9 Mar
ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Embark on a morning boat safari and experience the Chobe River’s diverse game viewing. Afterwards, return to Zambezi Queen for lunch. As the ship cruises along the Chobe River, you can spend time in the splash pool, visit the spa or perhaps catch up with your favorite book. Later in the day, revel in the panoramic views with another boat safari opportunity.
4
Chobe River
Fri 10 Mar
ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Start your day off with a boat safari. Later, a local African village invites you to experience the local culture firsthand. 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 reveling in a festive African-themed dinner hosted by your crew—complete with singing and dancing.
5
Chobe River
Sat 11 Mar
ZAMBEZI QUEEN – DISEMBARKATION – VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE. Disembark and join a wildlife safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffes, zebras, sable, warthogs and cape buffaloes. Prides of lions, hyenas and (more rarely) cheetahs may also appear along the way. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic. Later this afternoon, transfer to Victoria Falls, then enjoy a special dinner with live local entertainment at your hotel.
6
Victoria Falls
Sun 12 Mar
VICTORIA FALLS. Join a local guide for a tour of Victoria Falls. Learn about its history as well as 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 wildlife while enjoying a delicious mix of tapas with drinks.
7
Victoria Falls
Mon 13 Mar
VICTORIA FALLS. This morning, you are invited on a leisurely guided walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge, which connects the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Once in Zambia, explore the more intimate side of the Falls and visit the historic town of Livingstone. Later, head back to Zimbabwe for a free afternoon. As a special treat tonight, head out on a safari to seek out the elusive Black Rhino and other nocturnal animals, followed by a three-course bush dinner.
8
Victoria Falls
Tue 14 Mar
VICTORIA FALLS – LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA – FLY TO NAIROBI, KENYA. Enjoy a morning at your leisure, then cross the border into Zambia and fly from Livingstone to Nairobi, where you will be met by an AmaWaterways representative and transferred to the Serena Nairobi Hotel.
9
Nairobi
Wed 15 Mar
NAIROBI. Enjoy a mid-morning start to your day as you head just outside Nairobi to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which operates a successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation center. After lunch in the garden, visit the Giraffe Centre, home to the endangered Rothschild giraffes. Next is a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum on the site of a former coffee plantation. Blixen, a renowned author, wrote her nonfiction memoir Out of Africa, reflecting on her life in Kenya. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
10
Nairobi
Thu 16 Mar
NAIROBI-AMBOSELI. This morning, a short flight transports you to Amboseli, an area known for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of 19,341-foot (5,895-meter) Mount Kilimanjaro. The name Amboseli comes from the Maa word meaning “salty, dry place.” Your destination is Tortilis Camp, where you will spend the next two nights in a luxury tent. In the afternoon, you're invited to join a game drive.
11
Amboseli
Fri 17 Mar
AMBOSELI. Today, you may enjoy morning and afternoon game drives. With Amboseli’s underground water springs and components from the snow and ice of Kilimanjaro, the area is ideal for game spotting. Common sightings include giraffes, lions, wildebeest and cheetahs. Keep a sharp eye alert for gazelle, zebra and hyena. Other activities during your stay include a bush breakfast and sundowners.
12
Amboseli
Sat 18 Mar
AMBOSELI-MAASAI MARA. A morning flight transports you to the Maasai Mara via Nairobi. On arrival, transfer to Elephant Pepper Camp, located in the heart of the Maasai Mara ecosystem and its vast fertile plains. Take an afternoon game drive to spot the “Big Five”: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos.
13
Maasai Mara
Sun 19 Mar
MAASAI MARA. Revel in two full days to enjoy game drives to spot the "Big Five." The camp’s remote location allows for impressive night skies and the unique experience of listening to the sounds of the wild. During your time here enjoy guided walks, evening game drives, bush breakfasts and sundowners.
14
Maasai Mara
Mon 20 Mar
MAASAI MARA. Revel in two full days to enjoy game drives to spot the "Big Five." The camp’s remote location allows for impressive night skies and the unique experience of listening to the sounds of the wild. During your time here enjoy guided walks, evening game drives, bush breakfasts and sundowners.
15
Maasai Mara
Tue 21 Mar
MAASAI MARA-NAIROBI. After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip and fly to Nairobi. Then transfer to the Eka Hotel, where your day room is available until 11pm this evening. During this time, a transfer is included to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will connect to your onward flight. Please do not schedule onward flights before 6pm.
What you get for the price
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Arrival transfer and hotel check-in.
Morning flight to Kasane, Botswana.
transfer to the Namibian border.
Chobe River safaris by boat.
Afternoon safari by boat.
Morning safari by boat.
Where you’ll stay
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship Zambezi Queen.
Stateroom categories available
Luxury Suite
Category SA
Category SB
Golden Trails of Africa stateroom
From the operator
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 18 days and 17 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 07 Mar 2028 and 03 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.
Ready to lock in?
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
