Cruise · AMAWaterways · 12 nights

Wildlife and the Falls

Highly qualified guides selected for their knowledge and passion
Included morning and afternoon boat safaris exploring Chobe River wildlife
Full-day open-top 4x4 safari of Chobe National Park with picnic lunch

$19,689 pp twin share

12 nights

Enquire

Golden Trails of Africa

Wildlife and the Falls - route map

When & how much

Choose your departure

12 departures

Sun 28 Feb 2027 → Fri 12 Mar 2027 12 nights · Chobe River · Zambezi Queen Balcony $18,363 from $18,363 pp twin share Select
Sun 7 Mar 2027 → Fri 19 Mar 2027 12 nights · Chobe River · Zambezi Queen Balcony $19,689 from $19,689 pp twin share Enquire
Sun 14 Mar 2027 → Fri 26 Mar 2027 12 nights · Chobe River · Zambezi Queen Balcony $20,060 from $20,060 pp twin share Select
Sun 21 Mar 2027 → Fri 2 Apr 2027 12 nights · Chobe River · Zambezi Queen Balcony $19,977 Suite $21,315 from $19,977 pp twin share Select
Sun 28 Mar 2027 → Fri 9 Apr 2027 12 nights · Chobe River · Zambezi Queen Balcony $19,691 Suite $21,603 from $19,691 pp twin share Select

Cruise Snapshot

12 Nights

Explore Africa's greatest wildlife and natural wonders across South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe

Twice-daily game drives seeking the Big Five in Greater Kruger National Park
Four nights aboard the Zambezi Queen with Chobe River and National Park safaris
Victoria Falls tour and sunset cruise on the Zambezi River

Trip Details

Departs: Sun 7 Mar 2027
Returns: Fri 19 Mar 2027
Embarks: Chobe River
Ship: Zambezi Queen
Operator: AMAWaterways

Check off the “Big Five” from your bucket list while exploring South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park, considered one of the world’s premier safari regions. Begin this exhilarating journey with a one-night stay in Johannesburg, a city undergoing a renaissance revival, before flying to Kasane, Botswana for your four-night wildlife adventure on the Zambezi Queen. Get up close to the animals in their natural habitat by water and land in Chobe National Park, and then be swept up in the sheer beauty and power of the incomparable Victoria Falls for two nights. Return to Johannesburg for two nights, giving you time to soak up its rich heritage and follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela. Your journey culminates with three nights at a five-star lodge in Greater Kruger National Park. Experience the thrill of twice-daily game drives with highly qualified guides selected for their knowledge and passion.

This river cruise journeys through South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, calling at Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Chobe River, Chobe River, Chobe River, Chobe River, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg.

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.

$19,689

pp twin share

Enquire

Share this holiday with your friends!

Click any button to send this voyage to a travel buddy.

Email Facebook WhatsApp X

Life in transit

Zambezi 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
Sun 7 Mar
ARRIVE IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in the desirable Sandton neighborhood. The hotel’s extensive gardens have captured the spirit, grace and elegance of a bygone era.
2
Johannesburg
Mon 8 Mar
ZAMBEZI QUEEN – EMBARKATION. Embark the Zambezi Queen in Kasane. Late this afternoon, enjoy a sunset cruise down the Chobe River before a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner on board the ship.
3
Chobe River
Tue 9 Mar
ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Embark on an exhilarating morning boat safari exploring the Chobe River’s diverse game. Afterwards, return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch. Later in the day, enjoy another thrilling boat safari.
4
Chobe River
Wed 10 Mar
ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffes, zebras, sables, warthogs and cape buffalo. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic.
5
Chobe River
Thu 11 Mar
ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Start the day off with an unforgettable visit to a typical African village to experience the local culture. Spend time with the village children as well as its elders. After lunch on board, you can go on a boat safari, bird watch or fish. Enjoy a festive African- themed dinner hosted by your crew—complete with music and dancing.
6
Chobe River
Fri 12 Mar
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 and dinner aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls.
7
Victoria Falls
Sat 13 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.
8
Johannesburg
Sun 14 Mar
VICTORIA FALLS – JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel with its parklike setting and wonderful Spa.
9
Johannesburg
Mon 15 Mar
JOHANNESBURG. Take a fascinating tour of Johannesburg and its rich history from colonialism to apartheid, and finally democracy. Get an in-depth look at Soweto’s unique neighborhoods, the center of the uprising against the apartheid state. Walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, visiting the Mandela House located on Vilakazi Street and along the way enjoy a township lunch. Before dinner, gather with a local expert for an informative discussion and afterwards enjoy a multi-course dinner.
10
Kruger Park
Tue 16 Mar
JOHANNESBURG – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. Fly to the Greater Kruger National Park in the morning where you’ll be transferred to your luxurious game lodge. This region is one of the world's most spectacular, game nature reserves, which you'll discover on your late afternoon 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 or simply gazing up at the stunning star-filled African sky.
11
Kruger Park
Wed 17 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 perfect 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 day, you’ll go on another game drive deep into the bush, where you may encounter South Africa’s top predators: cheetahs, hyenas and lions.
12
Kruger Park
Thu 18 Mar
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. Go on two exhilarating game drives today, or enjoy some leisure time at your game lodge.
13
Kruger Park
Fri 19 Mar
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.
Late morning flight to Kasane, Botswana.
Chobe River safaris by boat.
Full-day safari of Chobe National Park by open-top 4x4 vehicle with picnic lunch.
Morning visit to local African village.
Afternoon safari by boat.

Where you’ll stay