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Cruise · AMAWaterways · 14 nights

Rivers & Rails of Africa

  • Included full-day Cape of Good Hope tour with lunch and drinks
  • Guided morning and afternoon boat safaris in Chobe National Park
  • Accommodation aboard the five-star Zambezi Queen river ship
From
$20,794 pp twin share
14 nights
Enquire
When & how much

Choose your departure

2 departures

  1. Fri 30 Oct 2026 → Fri 13 Nov 2026 14 nights · Chobe River · Zambezi Queen Balcony $20,794 Suite $22,787 from $20,794 pp twin share Enquire
  2. Fri 6 Nov 2026 → Fri 20 Nov 2026 14 nights · Chobe River · Zambezi Queen Balcony $20,644 Suite $22,637 from $20,644 pp twin share Select
Cruise Snapshot
14 Nights

Fifteen days exploring southern Africa by luxury train, river cruise and guided tours across four countries

  • Three nights in Cape Town with Table Mountain and Cape of Good Hope tour
  • Wildlife safaris in Chobe National Park and Hwange Game Reserve by boat and 4x4
  • One thousand miles aboard Rovos Rail through Zimbabwe and South Africa

Trip Details

Departs
Fri 30 Oct 2026
Returns
Fri 13 Nov 2026
Embarks
Chobe River
Ship
Zambezi Queen
Operator
AMAWaterways

Relive the romance of a bygone era traveling on the world’s most luxurious and historic train, the Rovos Rail. Before experiencing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration via this legendary train, you’ll spend three nights in Cape Town. Cradled by the imposing Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, Cape Town is known for its majestic beauty, offering a blend of cosmopolitan city life and outdoor adventure. From here, fly north to Victoria Falls and transfer to the Zambezi Queen and your wildlife and safari cruise in Namibia and Botswana. Revel in the Chobe National Park’s breathtaking scenery and marvel at its mighty elephants splashing in the water and the stealthy lions ruling over the plains. Continue to the UNESCO-designated Victoria Falls for two nights prior to spending your last four nights traveling 1,000 miles through Zimbabwe and on to South Africa. Experience five-star cuisine, excellent South African wines, extraordinary scenery, amazing wildlife and a safari at Hwange Game Reserve and visit Polokwane Nature Reserve as you journey through southern Africa.

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 Chobe River.

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

Zambezi Queen

Zambezi Queen
Details · AmaWaterways
Zambezi Queen
Deck plans
3
Zambezi Queen · Deck plans

Lower Deck

Zambezi Queen — Lower Deck deck plan

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. 1

    Cape Town

    Fri 30 Oct
    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 Cape Town hotel. Get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at the Welcome Reception. (WR)
  2. 2

    Cape Town

    Sat 31 Oct
    CAPE TOWN. Embark on a full-day exploration along one of the world’s most stunning routes, taking you past the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope, first rounded in modern times in 1488 by the Portuguese in their attempt to establish trade in the Far East and still a significant landmark for sailors today. Visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins, and then be treated to lunch with drinks overlooking beautiful False Bay.
  3. 3

    Cape Town

    Sun 1 Nov
    CAPE TOWN. Take a cableway up to Table Mountain followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands where you’ll visit two of its best vineyards, complete with wine tasting. A delicious 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. Ferry over to the island where you will take a tour led by a former warden. Back in Cape Town, enjoy lunch, and then visit the colorful historic Bo Kaap neighborhood before boarding the cableway to Table Mountain’s summit.
  4. 4

    Cape Town

    Mon 2 Nov
    ZAMBEZI QUEEN – EMBARKATION. Embark the Zambezi Queen in Kasane. This afternoon, enjoy the view as you settle in on the Chobe River before a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner.
  5. 5

    Chobe River

    Tue 3 Nov
    ZAMBEZI QUEEN. 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.
  6. 6

    Chobe River

    Wed 4 Nov
    ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffe, zebra, sable, warthog and cape buffalo. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic.
  7. 7

    Chobe River

    Thu 5 Nov
    ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Visit a typical African village where you’ll spend time with the village children as well as its elders. Back on board and following lunch, you’ll have a choice to take a boat safari, bird watch or fish. Enjoy your last evening aboard with a festive African- themed dinner hosted by your crew.
  8. 8

    Chobe River

    Fri 6 Nov
    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 followed by dinner aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls.
  9. 9

    Victoria Falls

    Sat 7 Nov
    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.
  10. 10

    Victoria Falls

    Sun 8 Nov
    VICTORIA FALLS – ROVOS RAIL. Enjoy a leisurely morning before touring the town of Victoria Falls and being treated to a home-hosted lunch. Later in the day, head to the Victoria Falls colonial-era rail station where you’ll board the Rovos Rail.
  11. 11

    Rovos Rail

    Mon 9 Nov
    ROVOS RAIL. Start the morning with a safari to the Hwange Game Reserve, Zimbabwe’s largest national park, boasting a tremendous selection of wildlife with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 different birds. The elephants of Hwange are world famous and the park’s elephant population is one of the largest in the world. After your safari, return to the train for a lovely brunch as you travel through the vast landscapes of central Zimbabwe on the way to the border town of Beitbridge. Take in the southern African landscape from the lounge, observation cars or your deluxe suite.
  12. 12

    Rovos Rail

    Tue 10 Nov
    ROVOS RAIL. Stop in the village of Gwanda with time to stroll. Travel through baobab tree country and cross the Limpopo River and enter South Africa in the town of Musina for border formalities. (B,LD)
  13. 13

    Rovos Rail

    Wed 11 Nov
    ROVOS RAIL. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and then visit the Polokwane Nature Reserve home to more than 20 species of wildlife including the white rhino. Continue your journey south through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela) and onto Pyramid.
  14. 14

    Pretoria

    Thu 12 Nov
    PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – JOHANNESBURG. Disembark the train in Pretoria where you will be transferred to the airport in Johannesburg for your onward flight home or extend your trip with four nights in Rwanda. Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight before 4:00 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 and lunch in local restaurant with drinks.
  • Robben Island guided tour with lunch in local restaurant and cableway up Table Mountain.
  • 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
Golden Trails of Africa stateroom
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 15 days and 14 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 30 Oct 2026 and 20 Nov 2026, 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?

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Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

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