When most people hear the words river cruise, they imagine Europe—sailing the Danube through Vienna, drifting down the Rhine past storybook villages, or exploring France on the Rhône or Seine. And that makes sense. More than 90% of river cruise travelers choose Europe for their first (and often second and third) voyages.
But there’s another world of river cruising—one that blends wildlife, culture, luxury lodges, land safaris, and a boutique-style river experience like nothing else on earth.
Africa.
For years, AmaWaterways has offered one of the most exceptional Africa programs in the industry. Now, beginning in August 2026, they’re expanding that collection with four brand-new itineraries spanning Kenya, Namibia, the Skeleton Coast, Zanzibar, the Chobe River, Victoria Falls, and more.
These are not traditional river cruises. They are carefully curated safari expeditions with a river cruise built into the experience—an approach that past guests have described to us as life-changing, transformational, and the highlight of all their travels.
This is the new Africa collection—and here’s everything you need to know.
Why Africa Is So Different From Every Other River Cruise
Before diving into the itineraries, it’s important to set expectations.
If Europe is about strolling medieval squares and touring UNESCO-listed villages, Africa is about immersion—nature, wildlife, culture, and the vast landscapes of Southern and East Africa.
Unlike Europe, where you may spend 7+ days onboard a river ship, the Africa journeys include:
stays at luxury safari lodges
guided game drives in open vehicles
river safaris along the Chobe River
internal charter flights
boutique hotels in bucket-list cities like Cape Town
guided visits to Victoria Falls
optional gorilla trekking in Rwanda or beach extensions in Zanzibar
Only three nights of the trip take place onboard the Zambezi Queen, AmaWaterways’ 28-passenger, all-suite river vessel purpose-built for wildlife viewing along the Chobe River.
In other words:
This is an expedition-style adventure that includes a river cruise—not a river cruise with safari “add-ons.”
That distinction is crucial for setting expectations and why we encourage guests to look at Africa as a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A New Way to Explore Africa: Four Brand-New 2026 Itineraries
AmaWaterways’ expanded Africa collection debuts in August 2026 with four immersive itineraries. All include:
a 3-night Chobe River cruise aboard Zambezi Queen
3 nights in Victoria Falls
luxury accommodations
small-group safari experiences
expert local guides
and optional extensions (Rwanda, Zanzibar)
Here’s a look at each journey.
1. From the Cape to the Falls – 9 Nights
Countries: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia
Optional Extension: Rwanda gorilla trek
If your clients want the perfect introduction to Southern Africa, this 9-night itinerary is the ideal blend of city, wildlife, and natural wonders.
Trip Highlights
Three incredible nights in Cape Town, including Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope
A visit to Boulders Beach for close-up encounters with African penguins
Wildlife viewing on both land and water during the Chobe River cruise
A guided visit to UNESCO-designated Victoria Falls, the tallest waterfall on earth
This trip is a great starting point for travelers new to Africa or those who want the essential highlights wrapped into a manageable itinerary.
2. African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast – 15 Nights
Countries: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia
Optional Extension: Rwanda
This is a journey for travelers drawn to vast landscapes, desert beauty, and remote natural wonders.
Trip Highlights
Two nights in NamibRand Nature Reserve, set among glowing red sand dunes
Two nights in Etosha National Park, home to elephants and black rhinos
Two nights exploring the haunting, otherworldly Skeleton Coast—one of Africa’s most dramatic natural settings
The Chobe River cruise and Victoria Falls experience
This itinerary is ideal for clients seeking deeper immersion and a diversity of ecosystems—from desert and salt pans to rivers and wildlife-rich savannas.
3. Iconic Africa – 14 Nights
Countries: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia
Optional Extension: Rwanda
This is the itinerary for Big Five seekers and guests who want the best of Southern Africa in one journey.
Trip Highlights
Three nights in Greater Kruger National Park, one of the best places in the world to see lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo
Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and the Chobe River cruise
Premium lodges and exceptional wildlife density
Optional gorilla trekking extension for the ultimate Africa experience
For travelers who prioritize wildlife, this is the standout choice.
4. Classic Kenya & Southern Africa – 14 Nights
Countries: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya
Optional Extension: Zanzibar
This itinerary opens the door to East Africa’s iconic landscapes.
Trip Highlights
Chobe River cruise and Victoria Falls
A stay in Nairobi, the safari capital of East Africa
Two nights in Amboseli, famous for enormous elephant herds with views of Mount Kilimanjaro
Three nights in the legendary Maasai Mara, one of the richest wildlife regions on earth
For clients who want to combine Southern and East Africa in a seamless journey, this is the premier option.
What Guests Loved Most: A Few Real Client Takeaways
As a travel agency that has booked several guests on AmaWaterways’ Africa journeys, here’s the response we hear again and again:
“Lifechanging.”
“Once-in-a-lifetime.”
“The most meaningful trip we’ve ever taken.”
Why such strong reactions?
Because Africa isn’t a sightseeing trip. It’s an immersion into nature, wildlife, culture, and raw beauty—experienced through intimate lodges, expert guides, and close wildlife encounters that stay with you forever.
Our clients consistently tell us that:
the Chobe River cruise is breathtaking
safaris become the highlight of the entire trip
Victoria Falls exceeds expectations
the small group sizes create deeper connections
and the combination of land and water experiences feels perfectly balanced
It’s a journey that reshapes how travelers see the world—and themselves.
Understanding the Structure: Why These Trips Are More Complex
This is where we guide clients carefully.
These itineraries include:
multiple country border crossings
domestic/intra-Africa flights
safari lodge transfers
guided touring every day
altitude and climate changes
optional extensions that can add 3–4 additional countries
robust visa requirements depending on nationality
This is one of the reasons we strongly recommend booking with an experienced advisor. The logistics behind the scenes are significant, and having someone to guide you through the flow of the trip makes all the difference.
We also encourage travelers to book at least 12–18 months in advance, especially:
for specific lodge/room categories
for peak wildlife seasons
if they want extensions like Rwanda or Zanzibar
or if they prefer specific sailing months
A Special Offer Worth Knowing About
While we do not build our newsletter around “deal chasing,” we do share meaningful, easy-to-understand promotions that genuinely benefit travelers.
AmaWaterways is currently offering:
A Complimentary Helicopter Ride Over Victoria Falls
on select 2026 Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises booked before December 31, 2025.
This is one of the most iconic experiences in Africa—flying over the world’s tallest waterfall in a panoramic helicopter. It’s not a gimmick, not a discount with tricky fine print, and not tied to a narrow date window. It’s a meaningful enhancement to an already extraordinary itinerary.
Why Book Early? Because Availability Is Changing Fast
River cruises in general are booking earlier and earlier, but Africa is in a different category altogether.
There are very limited departures.
Lodges have extremely small capacity.
Zambezi Queen accommodates only 28 guests.
Safari regions have strict conservation-based limits.
When space is gone, it’s gone.
We’re already seeing demand surge for 2026 and 2027, and it’s not unusual for certain lodge categories to sell out years in advance.
If you’re even considering Africa within the next two to three years, now is the time to begin the conversation.
Experience First. Offer Second. Always.
As we shared in our Black Friday article, we’ve moved away from centering our content around the latest “deal.”
Why? Because the deal only matters if the experience is right for you.
This is especially true in Africa.
These journeys are meaningful, emotional, immersive, and transformational. They deserve thoughtful planning—not rushed decisions based on limited-time promotions.
Our role is simple:
We help you choose the right itinerary, at the right time of year, with the right flow—then we help you secure the best offer available.
Is Africa Right for You?
If you…
love wildlife
want deep cultural immersion
have always dreamed of safari
value small-group, intimate travel
enjoy meaningful once-in-a-lifetime journeys
don’t mind early mornings, active days, or moving between lodges
…then yes—this might be the best trip you ever take.
If you prefer:
spending most of your vacation onboard a ship
very relaxed pacing
minimal packing/unpacking
cooler climates
or Europe-style sightseeing
…then Africa may not be the right fit right now.
Both are equally valid. The most important thing is choosing the experience that resonates with you.
Ready to Explore Africa With AmaWaterways?
We would be honored to help you plan this journey.
These itineraries sell quickly, and with the debut of new 2026-2027 programs, now is the ideal time to begin exploring options.
