In the world of luxury travel, Africa has always held a singular allure—the primal rhythm of the bush, the hushed magic of a riverbank at dawn, the unmistakable thrill of seeing wildlife in its natural kingdom. But beginning August 2026, that experience is being elevated to an entirely new level.
AmaWaterways, renowned for redefining luxury river cruising, has announced a major expansion of its acclaimed Africa Safaris & Wildlife collection. Four new itineraries—ranging from 9 to 18 nights—will seamlessly blend an intimate Chobe River cruise aboard the legendary Zambezi Queen with immersive land programs across Kenya, Namibia, and Zanzibar, alongside iconic Southern African highlights.
The result? A sophisticated, multi-country journey that feels less like a tour—and more like a carefully curated African grand tour, designed for travelers who expect both adventure and absolute refinement.
The Heart of the Journey: Zambezi Queen on the Chobe River
At the core of every itinerary is a three-night river safari aboard the Zambezi Queen, an intimate, eco-conscious river vessel designed specifically for up-close wildlife viewing on Botswana’s wildlife-rich Chobe River.
With just 28 guests, the experience feels more like a private yacht charter than a traditional cruise. Every suite features a private balcony, offering uninterrupted views of elephants bathing at sunset, hippos surfacing at dawn, and vast herds moving silently along the riverbanks.
Highlights onboard include:
- Private balcony staterooms
- Open-air sun deck with plunge pool
- Daily wildlife viewing from the river
- Complimentary South African wines, spirits, and soft drinks
- Eco-friendly design, including solar heating and low-emission systems
This is river cruising reimagined—not as transportation, but as a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most wildlife-dense ecosystems.
Four New Itineraries: Africa, Curated
From the Cape to the Falls
A compact yet comprehensive journey from cosmopolitan Cape Town to thunderous Victoria Falls, paired with the Chobe River cruise. Expect penguin encounters, wine country indulgence, and classic Southern African safari moments.
Iconic Africa
An expansive route combining Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe River, and Greater Kruger National Park—home to the legendary Big Five. This is Africa at its most iconic, with layered wildlife, landscapes, and luxury lodges.
Classic Kenya & Southern Africa
One of the most exciting new offerings, this itinerary links Southern Africa with Kenya’s Amboseli and Maasai Mara, with an optional Zanzibar beach extension.
Guests can witness:
- Elephant herds beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli
- Big cat territory in the Maasai Mara
- The Chobe River’s elephant superhighway
- Victoria Falls’ dramatic curtain of water
- Optional Indian Ocean relaxation in Zanzibar
African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast
Designed for true explorers, this itinerary ventures into Namibia, including:
- NamibRand Nature Reserve
- Etosha National Park
The hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast
This is Africa’s surreal side—desert-meets-ocean landscapes, vast skies, and rare wildlife adapted to extreme environments.
What Makes These Journeys Exceptional
Luxury travel is evolving. Today’s discerning travelers are seeking more than just five-star accommodations—they want access, authenticity, and effortless logistics across complex destinations.
These new itineraries respond directly to that demand:
- Multi-country access without logistical headaches
- Boutique-scale cruising instead of mega-ships
- Handpicked lodges and land programs
- Expert local guides
- A blend of wildlife, culture, and soft adventure
By combining river cruising with high-end land safaris, these journeys remove friction and maximize experience—allowing guests to move seamlessly from riverbank to savanna to desert to beach.
Zanzibar: The Perfect Bush-to-Beach Finale
Select itineraries offer the option to conclude with Zanzibar, Tanzania’s legendary spice island. Known for its powder-soft beaches, turquoise waters, and rich Swahili culture, Zanzibar provides an ideal contrast to safari life.
Think:
- Barefoot luxury resorts
- Indian Ocean sunsets
- Historic Stone Town exploration
- Snorkeling and reef adventures
- Spice plantation tours
It’s the kind of ending that transforms a great safari into an unforgettable grand journey.
From seasoned safari-goers to first-time Africa travelers looking to “do it right,” these itineraries offer a rare balance of scope and intimacy.
Call us now at 888-717-5074 to start planning your luxury Africa safari and river cruise.
Our luxury cruise specialists will curate the ideal itinerary, secure preferred cabin categories, and design every detail of your once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Book Your Amawaterways Cruise
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q:When do these itineraries begin?
A:All four new itineraries launch starting August 2026, with select departures also scheduled into 2027.
Q:How long are the trips?
A:They range from 9 to 18 nights, depending on the itinerary and extensions.
Q:Is the Zambezi Queen included in every itinerary?
A:Yes. Each program includes a three-night Chobe River cruise aboard the Zambezi Queen.
Q:Are these suitable for first-time Africa travelers?
A:Absolutely. These itineraries are designed to remove complexity while offering deep, multi-country experiences.
Q:Can Zanzibar be added?
A:Yes—select itineraries offer an optional Zanzibar extension for a bush-to-beach finale.
