Thirteen-day Southern Africa journey through Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Greater Kruger National Park with river cruise
Table Mountain cableway, Cape of Good Hope, and Boulders Beach penguin colony
Three-night Zambezi Queen river cruise through Chobe National Park
Twice-daily game drives in Greater Kruger National Park with expert guides
Trip Details
Departs
Tue 6 Apr 2027
Returns
Sun 18 Apr 2027
Embarks
Chobe River
Ship
Zambezi Queen
Operator
AMAWaterways
Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of Southern Africa’s most acclaimed destinations, including the renowned Greater Kruger National Park—home to the iconic “Big Five” and celebrated as one of the top safari regions in the world. Begin your adventure in vibrant Cape Town, where you’ll experience must-see sights such as the Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach, and historic Robben Island. Next, fly north to our iconic Zambezi Queen for a three-night wildlife safari. Explore Chobe National Park by both water and land, encountering extraordinary wildlife in their natural environment. Continue to Victoria Falls, where you’ll spend three nights marveling at this natural wonder. Fly to Johannesburg for two nights in this dynamic city. Your adventure concludes with three nights at a five-star tented lodge in Greater Kruger National Park, featuring outstanding amenities, exceptional service and gourmet cuisine. Enjoy the thrill of twice-daily game drives led by expert guides committed to sharing their deep knowledge and passion for the region’s wildlife.
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 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
Cape Town
Tue 6 Apr
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 historic hotel with its lush gardens and Table Mountain as a backdrop. Get to know your tour director and fellow travelers at a special Welcome Reception. (WR)
2
Cape Town
Wed 7 Apr
CAPE TOWN. Begin the day by taking the cableway up Table Mountain, which offers sweeping views of the landscapes below. Afterward, enjoy one of the world’s most stunning drives as you head southeast along the Atlantic seaboard past the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope and its lighthouse, a historic landmark and crucial waypoint for European explorers after it was first discovered in 1488. After a local lunch, you’ll also visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins. Back in Cape Town, the evening may be spent at your leisure.
3
Cape Town
Thu 8 Apr
CAPE TOWN. Today, you may visit Robben Island, once used as a prison for many political inmates, including Nelson Mandela. You’ll ferry over to the island, where a warden will lead you through the prison and recount its tumultuous history. Back in Cape Town, enjoy lunch and visit a nearby township where you’ll have a unique and memorable experience meeting residents involved in the arts (music and theater), market gardens, and other community projects, as well as learning about the day-to-day life of the locals. In the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting and gourmet dinner at a vineyard in the nearby winegrowing region of the Constantia Valley.
4
Cape Town
Fri 9 Apr
CAPE TOWN – VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE – ZAMBEZI QUEEN – EMBARKATION. 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. 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.
5
Chobe River
Sat 10 Apr
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.
6
Chobe River
Sun 11 Apr
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.
7
Chobe River
Mon 12 Apr
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.
8
Victoria Falls
Tue 13 Apr
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.
9
Victoria Falls
Wed 14 Apr
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.
10
Victoria Falls
Thu 15 Apr
VICTORIA FALLS – JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. Board your flight to Johannesburg, where you will be met by your AmaWaterways local guide, then transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel with its parklike setting and wonderful spa.
11
Johannesburg
Fri 16 Apr
JOHANNESBURG. Get an in-depth look at Soweto’s unique neighborhoods, which served as the center of the uprising against the apartheid state. Walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela and visit a youth center and school in the heart of Kliptown, one of Soweto’s neighborhoods. After a local lunch, tour the Apartheid Museum, which chronicles the history of apartheid in South Africa and the struggle of citizens to end the regime of racial segregation. Later, return to your hotel and enjoy free time, where you may visit the hotel’s renowned spa or take a swim in the pool. In the evening, you are invited to join a multi-course dinner.
12
Kruger Park
Sat 17 Apr
JOHANNESBURG – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. Board your flight to Greater Kruger National Park in the morning, where you’ll be transferred to the five-star Tented Camp. 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.
13
Kruger Park
Sun 18 Apr
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. 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 each morning and early afternoon can be spent enjoying the facilities and participating in various activities at a luxury tented safari lodge. Later, each afternoon, you will go on another game drive deep into the bush, where you may encounter South Africa’s top predators: cheetahs, hyenas and lions.
14
Kruger Park
Mon 19 Apr
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. 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 each morning and early afternoon can be spent enjoying the facilities and participating in various activities at a luxury tented safari lodge. Later, each afternoon, you will go on another game drive deep into the bush, where you may encounter South Africa’s top predators: cheetahs, hyenas and lions.
15
Kruger Park
Tue 20 Apr
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA – JOHANNESBURG. Join one last early-morning game drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport in Johannesburg for your connecting flight home. Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight before 5:00 p.m
What you get for the price
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Arrival transfer and hotel check-in.
Welcome Reception.
Full-day Cape of Good Hope tour.
Robben Island guided tour with lunch in local township visit.
Morning flight to Victoria Falls.
transfer to the Namibian border.
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 13 days and 12 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 09 Mar 2027 and 05 Dec 2027, 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.
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Book this cruise
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