Sixteen-day journey through South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe with river cruise, game drives and iconic landmarks
Zambezi Queen river cruise through Chobe National Park and Chobe River
Daily game drives seeking Big Five wildlife in Greater Kruger National Park
Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Robben Island and Soweto cultural experiences
Trip Details
Departs
Fri 19 Mar 2027
Returns
Sat 3 Apr 2027
Embarks
Chobe River
Ship
Zambezi Queen
Operator
AMAWaterways
Your journey begins with a three-night stay in picturesque Cape Town. Next, fly to Kasane, Botswana to begin your Zambezi Queen safari cruise on the Chobe River. Explore Chobe National Park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent. Spend two nights at the legendary Victoria Falls before flying to Johannesburg for two nights that includes a visit to the township of Soweto. Then fly to Hoedspruit, located in the game-rich country of Greater Kruger National Park. Spend three nights at a luxurious game lodge in this premier eco-tourist destination, known for some of the best “Big Five” viewing in Africa. Experience the thrill of daily game drives, while evenings bring you breathtakingly clear skies.
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
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
Fri 19 Mar
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
Cape Town
Sat 20 Mar
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
Cape Town
Sun 21 Mar
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. You also have the choice 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
Cape Town
Mon 22 Mar
ZAMBEZI QUEEN – EMBARKATION. Embark the Zambezi Queen in Kasane. This afternoon, enjoy the view as you settle in on the river before a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner on board the vessel.
5
Chobe River
Tue 23 Mar
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
Chobe River
Wed 24 Mar
ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic.
7
Chobe River
Thu 25 Mar
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
Chobe River
Fri 26 Mar
ZAMBEZI QUEEN – DISEMBARKATION – 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. There is also an optional helicopter flight over Victoria Falls. Later this afternoon, join a cocktail reception with appetizers aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls.
9
Victoria Falls
Sat 27 Mar
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
Johannesburg
Sun 28 Mar
VICTORIA FALLS – JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. Fly to Johannesburg. Transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel with its parklike setting and wonderful Spa.
11
Johannesburg
Mon 29 Mar
JOHANNESBURG. Get an in-depth look at Soweto’s unique neighborhoods, the center of the uprising against the apartheid state. Walk the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, followed by a lunch at Sanctuary Mandela, savoring one of Mandela’s favorite meals cooked by his former at-home chef for lunch. Before dinner, gather with a local expert for an informative discussion and afterwards enjoy a multi-course dinner.
12
Kruger Park
Tue 30 Mar
JOHANNESBURG – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. Fly to Greater Kruger National Park in the morning where you’ll be transferred to your luxurious game lodge. 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
Wed 31 Mar
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. The 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 the morning can be spent enjoying the facilities at your lodge. Later in the afternoon, you’ll 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
Thu 1 Apr
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. Go on two exhilarating game drives today, as well as enjoy ample leisure time to relax and enjoy your game lodge.
15
Kruger Park
Fri 2 Apr
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA – JOHANNESBURG. Be treated to an early-morning game drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg for your connecting flight home or extend your journey with four nights in magical Rwanda. Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight before 4:30 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.
Cableway up Table Mountain.
Robben Island guide with lunch in local restaurant.
Morning flight to Victoria Falls.
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 16 days and 15 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 26 Feb 2027 and 04 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.
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.
