Rivers & Rails of Africa 13 Nights AmaWaterways

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What's Included

  • 31 Oct - 13 Nov 2025
  • Return flights from the UK
  • 13 Nights onboard Zambezi Queen
  • Overseas Transfers
  • Full Board Drinks (with meals)*
  • Complimentary Dining*
  • Speciality Dining*
  • Shore Excursions*
*included onboard your cruise
Cabin & Fares
Inside Not
Available
Outside Not
Available
Balcony from £13,550 per person
Suite from £13,550 per person
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Your Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Cape Town, South Africa

    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)

    Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world's most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town's weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

  • Day 2

    Cape Town, South Africa

    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. (B,L)

    Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world's most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town's weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

  • Day 3

    Cape Town, South Africa

    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. Or choose 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. (B,L)

    Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world's most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town's weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

  • Day 4

    Cape Town, South Africa

    CAPE TOWN – VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE – ZAMBEZI QUEEN – EMBARKATION. In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Victoria Falls. Here, you will be transferred to the Chobe River that forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. Then board tender boats that will take you to the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river. Settle into your stateroom, enjoy a mid-afternoon snack, and in the evening, be treated to a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. (B,D)

    Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world's most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town's weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

  • Day 4

    Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

  • Day 5

    Chobe National Park, Botswana

    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. (B,L,D)

  • Day 6

    Chobe National Park, Botswana

    ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffe, zebra, sable, warthog and cape buffalo. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic. (B,L,D)

  • Day 7

    Chobe National Park, Botswana

    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. (B,L,D)

  • Day 8

    Kasane, Botswana

    ZAMBEZI QUEEN – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark your cruise in Kasane. (B)

  • Day 8

    Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

  • Day 9

    Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

    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. (B,D)

  • Day 10

    Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

    VICTORIA FALLS – ROVOS RAIL. Enjoy a leisurely morning before touring the town of Victoria Falls and being treated to a home-hosted lunch. Later in the day, head to the Victoria Falls colonial-era rail station where you’ll board the Rovos Rail. (B,L,D)

  • Day 10

    Rovos Rail, South Africa

  • Day 11

    Rovos Rail, South Africa

    ROVOS RAIL. Start the morning with a safari to the Hwange Game Reserve, Zimbabwe’s largest national park, boasting a tremendous selection of wildlife with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 different birds. The elephants of Hwange are world famous and the park’s elephant population is one of the largest in the world. After your safari, return to the train for a lovely brunch as you travel through the vast landscapes of central Zimbabwe on the way to the border town of Beitbridge. Take in the southern African landscape from the lounge, observation cars or your deluxe suite. (B,L,D)

  • Day 12

    Rovos Rail, South Africa

    ROVOS RAIL. Stop in the village of Gwanda with time to stroll. Travel through baobab tree country and cross the Limpopo River and enter South Africa in the town of Musina for border formalities. (B,LD)

  • Day 13

    Rovos Rail, South Africa

    ROVOS RAIL. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and then visit the Polokwane Nature Reservehome to more than 20 species of wildlife including the white rhino. Continue your journey south through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela) and onto Pyramid. (B,L,D)

  • Day 14

    Pretoria, South Africa

    PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – JOHANNESBURG. Disembark the train in Pretoria where you will be transferred to the airport in Johannesburg for your onward flight home or extend your trip with four nights in Rwanda. (B)

    Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight before 4:00 p.m.

  • Day 14

    Johannesburg, South Africa

View full itinerary Close itinerary

On Board

Designed specifically for wildlife viewing, the intimate 28-passenger Zambezi Queen made her debut in one of the world’s most captivating places, Africa’s legendary Chobe River. As she drifts along the river, animals perceive no threat, affording you with once-in-a-lifetime up-close game experiences. Additionally, to ensure no harm to the environment, the eco-friendly Zambezi Queen uses a water jet propulsion system, fuel-efficient and low-emission generators, and a solar heating system. An enclosed, air-conditioned dining room, lounge and bar grace the top deck, as well as an open-air Sun Deck complete with plunge pool. Suites feature private balconies where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the river and African landscape. Throughout the day, be treated to complimentary South African wines, beer, local spirits, soft drinks and bottled water. And on one special night, enjoy an African-themed dinner with traditional dishes and entertainment.

Suite from £13,550 per person

Category SB

Stateroom features include:

  • In-room temperature control and fan
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding and oversized king beds (can also be configured as two single beds)
  • Spacious en-suite bathrooms
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and sliding shutters for privacy and protection from the sun
  • Outside balcony
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi and electronic safe
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily

Category SA

Stateroom features include:

  • In-room temperature control and fan
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding and oversized king beds (can also be configured as two single beds)
  • Spacious en-suite bathrooms
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and sliding shutters for privacy and protection from the sun
  • Outside balcony
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi and electronic safe
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily

Luxury Suite

Suite Features

  • In-room temperature control and fan
  • Spacious en-suite bathrooms
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and sliding shutters for privacy and protection from the sun
  • Outside balcony
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi and electronic safe
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily

    Category MS

    Stateroom features include:

    • In-room temperature control and fan
    • Deluxe hotel-style bedding and oversized king beds (can also be configured as two single beds)
    • Spacious en-suite bathrooms
    • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers
    • Floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and sliding shutters for privacy and protection from the sun
    • Outside balcony
    • Complimentary Wi-Fi and electronic safe
    • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily

    Introduction

    While on board the Zambezi Queen, our guests will dine in absolute opulence whilst taking in the unique African surrounds. Situated on the 3rd level, the dining room offers unobstructed views on three sides. Experience delectable dishes such as butternut and macadamia soup and fillet of beef with bordelaise sauce paired with the perfect wine.

    Main Restaurant

    Situated on the 3rd level, the dining room offers unobstructed views on three sides. Experience delectable dishes such as butternut and macadamia soup and fillet of beef with bordelaise sauce paired with the perfect wine.

    Restaurant Features:

    • All meals included during the cruise with complimentary wine and beer
    • Enjoy delicious cuisine while observing the surrounding wildlife

    Introduction

    With panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the boat, everywhere you go you can take advantage of magnificent wildlife viewing.

    Lounge & Bar

    With panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the boat, everywhere you go you can take advantage of magnificent wildlife viewing.

    Bar includes local & imported spirits, wine and beers

    Pool Deck

    The top deck features an open-air Sun Deck complete with a plunge pool. Unlike a typical river cruise that travels from one port to the next, the Zambezi Queen was designed for an entirely different purpose—to facilitate optimal game viewing along the Chobe.

    Gift Shop

    The onboard boutique offers a variety of souvenirs for purchase.

    Local Entertainment

    One of the most enriching ways to discover Africa is through its spirited dance, as well as its music, which varies throughout the continent. While cruising, be treated to an African-themed dinner, combining the traditional food, music and dance of the Chobe River region.

    Introduction

    With panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the boat, everywhere you go you can take advantage of magnificent wildlife viewing.

    Enquire about this cruise with our team of experts.

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