Cruises South Africa: Wildlife and Victoria Falls

This AmaWaterways cruise shows you the best of southern Africa’s safari highlights! Enjoy a Chobe River boat cruise with water safari excursions, followed by 2 nights at Victoria Falls. Finish with a luxury Kruger safari to see Africa’s Big 5 and other spectacular wildlife.

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 Botswana for your 4-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 2 nights.

Return to Johannesburg for 2 nights, giving you time to soak up its rich heritage and follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela. Your journey culminates with 3 nights at a 5-star safari lodge in Greater Kruger National Park. Choose either Tintswalo or Makanyi luxury safari lodges, both known for their exceptional amenities, service, and cuisine. Experience the thrill of twice-daily game drives with highly qualified guides selected for their knowledge and passion.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
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.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 2
Today marks the beginning of your safari river cruise on the Chobe River—one of the best places in the world to see large herds of elephants! Fly to Kasane, Botswana, where you’ll be transferred to the Chobe River, and tender boats will take you to the fabulous Zambezi Queen cruise vessel. Settle into your stateroom and in the evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
Zambezi Queen

Day 3
This morning, head out on a thrilling water safari! Venture out by tender boat to get up close and personal with huge herds of elephants, buffalo, lions, crocodiles, zebras, and more that are drawn to the water. You’ll also see a huge variety of birdlife and plant life as you breathe in African air around you.

After your morning activities, enjoy lunch on board while using your unique vantage point to spot wild animals and drink in the expansive views. In the afternoon, enjoy another water-based safari adventure. After a delicious dinner, settle down for a restful and tranquil night in your luxurious suite.
Zambezi Queen

Day 4
Today, join a full-day safari of the world-famous Chobe National Park in open-top 4×4 vehicles. You’ll have the chance to spot wildlife like giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, and more! For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious al fresco picnic. As the sun begins to sink and the animals wake up from their afternoon naps, enjoy another game drive as you make your way back to Chobe River.
Zambezi Queen

Day 5
Visit a typical African village this morning, where you’ll spend time with the village children and elders. Back on board and following lunch, you’ll have a choice to take a boat safari, go birdwatching, or fish for tiger and bream in the river. In the evening, you’re in for a treat. Enjoy a traditional African dinner, served with festive African singing and dancing. You can even join in the festivities if you feel like it!
Zambezi Queen

Day 6
During breakfast, watch for wildlife as you cruise the Chobe River. Later, bid farewell to your friendly boat crew and transfer to Victoria Falls. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon, perhaps indulging in a relaxing spa treatment. In the evening, join a cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train, followed by dinner.
Victoria Falls Hotel

Day 7
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 onboard as you observe a variety of game while enjoying a delicious mix of tapas with drinks.
Victoria Falls Hotel

Day 8
After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg and transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel. Enjoy a leisurely evening and indulge in a gourmet dinner at your hotel, which offers a variety of elegant private dining rooms.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 9
Explore the famed Soweto township today. Get an in-depth look at Soweto’s unique neighborhoods, the center of the uprising against the Apartheid state. Walk the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, followed by a township lunch. Before dinner, gather with a local expert for an informative discussion and afterwards enjoy a multi-course dinner.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 10
Fly to Greater Kruger National Park in the morning, where you’ll be transferred to your luxurious game lodge. You have the choice of a Classic Suite at Tintswalo Safari Lodge (located in the private Manyeleti game reserve) or a Suite at Makanyi Private Game Lodge (located in the private Timbavati game reserve). Both safari lodges offer large and luxurious rooms, exceptional service, and incredible Big 5 game viewing in the Greater Kruger area.

During the afternoon, set out on a game drive in search of wildlife. Spend your first night (and every night, if you wish) gathering with fellow travelers, sharing stories of the day’s adventures.
Tintswalo Safari Lodge or Makanyi Private Game Lodge

Day 11 – 12
Spend the next 2 days getting into the rhythm of the African wilderness. The early morning is the perfect time to go on safari, as the wildlife is prolific. Your open-air vehicle provides the ideal 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 afternoon, you’ll go on another game drive deep into the bush, where you may encounter South Africa’s top predators: cheetahs, hyenas, and lions.
Tintswalo Safari Lodge or Makanyi Private Game Lodge

Day 13
You’ll be treated to your final early-morning game drive this morning before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg for your connecting flight home. Not ready for the adventure to end? Our Africa specialists can design handcrafted post-cruise touring based on your interests and travel dates!

About this vacation
Cost Per Person

Does not include the cost of airfare


Based on
13 day stay
2 travelers

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