Helpful Tips to Know Before You Go
- The best time to cruise Africa’s rivers is hugely dependent on what you want to see, particularly if you’re excited to spot certain animals. No matter the time of year, there’s great things to see, but the specifics vary. The dry season in April to October, for example, is the best time to spot wildlife along the Chobe River, and the wet season is best for spotting certain migratory birds and animal herds.
- Africa is a vast continent of many biomes, so the weather may vary greatly depending on when and where you cruise. It's a good idea to pack plenty of suncream and a good hat for sunny weather. If you plan on doing lots of walking or going on safari day trips, bring appropriate clothing.
- Respect the modesty standards for the North African countries you visit. Ladies will be expected to cover up in many places, especially if you plan on visiting a mosque or other religious areas.
- Currencies vary across North African countries, and many have a kind of tipping culture called ‘baksheesh’ – this can involve giving small amounts of money even to people who have not performed work for you, as a sort of charity. This is quite an integral part of the culture in countries such as Egypt, and you should come prepared with change to give baksheesh.
- If you’re keen to see more of the land of the African continent, consider adding a safari or land trip to your river cruise. Alternatively, add a traditional ocean cruise to explore the breathtaking coastlines of Africa.
Things to Do
- Visit the spectacular Victoria Falls. Located along the Zambezi River, these falls are a must-see marvel on any African river itinerary. Nearly twice as wide and tall as the renowned Niagara Falls, the incredible power and beauty of this waterfall has to be seen to be believed.
- Witness world-famous landmarks. Africa’s longest river, the Nile, is particularly well-placed for bringing you to iconic sights and monuments. From visiting the pyramids at Giza to taking a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings, there’s so many ways to see these remarkable wonders.
- Enjoy a non-traditional safari experience. Rather than the typical inland safari that you might expect, cruising the Chobe river presents a perfect opportunity to take day trips inland to spot some of Africa’s most inspiring animals. The Chobe National Park is home to so much, from elephants and hippos to cheetahs, leopards, African wild dogs, zebra, and so much more.
- Discover local cultures. Cruise the Nile to visit cities like Cairo and Aswan, where the long histories of the region are on full display. Visit museums to learn about the past, then explore the cities themselves, shopping at the myriad colourful stalls of Khan Al Khalili or visiting the magnificent local mosques.
- Delight in local flavours. Each of the countries you pass through along your river cruise have their own unique culinary traditions, with utterly delicious things to try. Sample the famous Namibian venison dishes, try the classic Egyptian kushari in one or many of its mouth-watering variations, and so much more. A trip to Africa wouldn’t be complete without savouring the food.
Why Book With Kenwood Travel
Your African River cruise should be a trip you cherish for a lifetime, and at Kenwood Travel, we’re dedicated to making that happen. Our passionate team takes advantage of expert local knowledge and long experience in crafting the perfect cruises, putting us in the best position possible to arrange your own dream voyage. We’re here to help with everything, from picking the right itinerary to advising what to pack. Cruises with us are ATOL and ABTOT protected, giving you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your getaway to the fullest.
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