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Itinerary
Day programme:
ARRIVE IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. n arrival, you will be met by your local AmaWaterways host and transferred to the lovely Fairlawns Boutique Hotel situated in a parklike setting in the Sandton neighborhood of Johannesburg.
Day programme:
JOHANNESBURG – KASANE, BOTSWANA – ZAMBEZI QUEEN – EMBARKATION. In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Kasane. Here, you will be transferred to the Chobe River that forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. Tender boats will transport you to 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)
Day programme:
ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Embark on a morning boat safari and experience the Chobe River’s diverse game viewing. Afterwards, return to Zambezi Queen for lunch. As the ship cruises along the Chobe River, you can spend time in the splash pool, visit the spa or perhaps catch up with your favorite book. Later in the day, revel in the panoramic views with another boat safari opportunity. (B,L,D)
Day programme:
ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Start your day off with a boat safari. Later, a local African village invites you to experience the local culture firsthand. Spend time with the children of the village as well as its elders and learn about their day-to-day life. After lunch on board, you can choose between a boat safari, bird watching or fishing. Spend your last evening aboard reveling in a festive African-themed dinner hosted by your crew—complete with singing and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day programme:
ZAMBEZI QUEEN – DISEMBARKATION – VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE. Disembark and join a wildlife safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4×4 vehicles. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffes, zebras, sable, warthogs and cape buffaloes. Prides of lions, hyenas and (more rarely) cheetahs may also appear along the way. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic. Later this afternoon, transfer to Victoria Falls, then enjoy a special dinner with live local entertainment at your hotel. (B,L,D)
Day programme:
VICTORIA FALLS. Join a local guide for a tour of Victoria Falls. Learn about its history as well as 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 wildlife while enjoying a delicious mix of tapas with drinks. (B)
Day programme:
VICTORIA FALLS. This morning, you are invited on a leisurely guided walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge, which connects the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Once in Zambia, explore the more intimate side of the Falls and visit the historic town of Livingstone. Later, head back to Zimbabwe for a free afternoon. As a special treat tonight, head out on a safari to seek out the elusive Black Rhino and other nocturnal animals, followed by a three-course bush dinner. (B,D)
Day programme:
FLY TO WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA. Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport and fly to Windhoek. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Windhoek, translated from the Afrikaans language to mean “Wind Corner,” is Namibia’s capital and largest city. The influence of the German colonial period can still be seen today in architecture, street names and cuisine. This evening, your local guide will meet you for dinner at your hotel and brief you on your upcoming adventure, as well as answer any questions. (B,D)
Day programme:
WINDHOEK – NAMIBRAND RESERVE. This morning, depart from Windhoek, driving southwest through the scenic Khomas Hochland Highlands before heading down the Great Escarpment into the Namib Desert below. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. At more than 825 sq miles (2,150 square km), the NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of the largest reserves in southern Africa. Established in the 1980s when Albi Bruckner integrated several livestock farms into a protected wilderness area, the reserve now stands as a model of conservation success. Here, you will check in at Namib Outpost, with its stunning desert and red dune views. Following check-in, be treated to a shared sundowner nature drive within the NamibRand Nature Reserve. (B,L,D)
Day programme:
NAMIBRAND RESERVE. Early risers can join an excursion into the Namib Naukluft National Park, entering the park gates at sunrise to capture the dunes while the light is soft, and the shadows accentuate their towering shapes and curves. This area boasts some of the highest free-standing sand dunes in the world. Once you have explored the areas around Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, return to your lodge in the early afternoon for lunch. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, either relaxing in your luxurious accommodation or participating in a variety of guided activities such as biking, scenic drives and walks. (B,L,D)
Day programme:
NAMIBRAND RESERVE – SWAKOPMUND. Bid farewell to the reserve and continue northwest through the ever-changing desert landscapes of the Namib Naukluft National Park, including the impressive Gaub and Kuiseb canyons. You will reach the Atlantic coast at the port town of Walvis Bay, once a whaling station and major stopover point in the 18th century for sea travel between South Africa and the Netherlands. Continue north to the seaside town of Swakopmund, where you will stay for the next two nights. You will have time this afternoon to explore the town center and wander along the waterfront before enjoying dinner at a favorite local seafood restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day programme:
SWAKOPMUND. This morning, join a catamaran cruise, where you may be able to see the aquatic mammals that thrive off the coast of Swakopmund, including seals, dolphins, and—between mid-summer and fall—Southern Right and Humpback Whales. The afternoon is at your leisure, and your AmaWaterways guide will have suggestions on what to see and do. (B,L,D)
Day programme:
SWAKOPMUND – ETOSHA. After breakfast, transfer to Swakopmund Airport and fly to Etosha, where you will arrive at your secluded lodge with lovely savannah views. If time allows, you may join a guided game drive within the renowned Etosha National Park. Be on the lookout for elephants, lions, springbok, zebras and the elusive black rhino. (B,L,D)
Day programme:
ETOSHA. Start the day with an exciting game drive into the heart of Etosha National Park to see more of the region’s game and bird species. After lunch, enjoy ample free time where you can take a dip in the refreshing infinity pool and keep an eye out for wildlife at the neighboring watering holes. Later, join an afternoon game drive. You may also opt to spend the entire day exploring the National Park and its wildlife, with a picnic lunch included. (B,L,D)
Day programme:
ETOSHA – WINDHOEK. This morning, head east through the magnificent Namibian landscapes and villages. Along the route, you will stop in Outju and visit the Himba Living Museum. The Himbas are an Indigenous semi-nomadic people who adhere to their ancestors’ way of life and traditions. Connect with the villagers as they continue with their daily routines and learn about the unique distinctive red ochre paste they apply to their skin and hair. Following this experience, continue onward to Windhoek. The day concludes with a farewell dinner with your local AmaWaterways guide. (B,L,D)
Day programme:
DEPART WINDHOEK. Join your scheduled transfer to Windhoek’s airport for your onward flight. Please be mindful that your check-out time is at 10:00am. (B)
Ship features
Luxury Suite
Spacious Staterooms and Suites
Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.
Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.
- Lower Deck
- Luxury Suite
- Private Balcony with Sitting Area
Category SA
Spacious Staterooms and Suites
Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.
Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.
- Lower Deck
- Luxury Suite
- Private Balcony with Sitting Area
Category SB
Spacious Staterooms and Suites
Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.
Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.
- Main Deck
- Category SB
- Private Balcony
Main Restaurant
The ship has one Main Restaurant where guests enjoy a mix of international favorites and locally inspired dishes, often featuring regional ingredients and South African wines. Meals are served with panoramic river views, and vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs are happily accommodated.
African Excursions
Sail through Botswana’s Chobe National Park, where elephants gather along the shoreline, hippos surface, and vibrant birdlife fills the skies. An African safari, all seen from the unique perspective of your river ship.
Morning Boat Safari Along the Chobe River
Glide at dawn in a private safari boat to see elephants drinking, hippos surfacing, and crocodiles warming on the banks.
Full-Day 4×4 Safari Through Chobe National Park
Explore deeper into Chobe in an open-top vehicle. Spot lions, buffalo, and giraffes before pausing for a picnic under the trees.
Visit a Subiya Village Along the Chobe
Meet the Subiya people, discover fishing and music traditions, and watch the colorful Seperu dance that celebrates milestones.
Afternoon Birdwatching, Fishing, or Boat Cruise
Choose a gentle river outing: watch vibrant birdlife, cast a line for local fish, or drift quietly as wildlife gathers nearby.
Special Interest Tours
From spiritual landmarks to hands-on traditions, each experience reveals the people, flavors, and stories that make this region so captivating.
Land Packages
Extend Your Journey
Stay and explore your destination a little longer before or after your cruise. AmaWaterways’ curated land extensions pair perfectly with your river itinerary, offering the same luxury, care, and sense of place found on board.
Seamless Travel from Ship to City
Your Cruise Manager continues with you on land, ensuring every detail—from transfers to luggage—runs smoothly so you can simply relax and enjoy the destination.
Hand-Selected Hotels in Prime Locations
Stay steps from world-famous landmarks in luxurious hotels chosen for their comfort, style, and connection to each destination.
Expertly Curated Experiences
Each extension includes activities like guided city tours, museum visits, and wine tastings designed to reveal the culture and character of every destination.
Daily Breakfast Included
Begin each morning with a satisfying breakfast at your hotel—an easy, thoughtful touch that adds comfort and convenience to your time on land.
Lounge & Bar
This versatile space hosts a bar, dance floor, plenty of comfortable couches and big windows on three sides and is used for everything from the morning port talks, daytime reading and chatting to scenic cruising, afternoon tea and evening entertainment.
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.
Local Entertainment
Onboard Performances and Musical Evenings
Throughout many voyages, the ship’s lounge transforms into a stage for local ensembles, jazz duos, and classical quartets
Select sailings have Music Hosts, conductors and musicians who guide you through historical context, lead onboard performances, and deepen your connection with the region’s musical heritage.
Live Regional Performances On Ship
Even on non-themed sailings, enjoy musical offerings like local performances, curated playlists, and connections to the musical stories of the rivers you traverse.
Boutique
The onboard boutique offers a variety of souvenirs for purchase.
Plunge Pool
Take a cooling dip and feel refreshed while watching the passing scenery and wildlife upon the Chobe River.
Onboard Spa
Indulge in the ultimate in relaxation by pampering yourself with a variety of massage and facial treatments while cruising the Chobe River, available for a nominal fee.
Age Restriction
Guests must be at least 4 years old to travel with AmaWaterways, unless otherwise approved. Children under 18 must share a stateroom with an adult and remain supervised at all times, as balcony staterooms may be unsafe for unattended minors. On Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises, the minimum age is 12 due to safety considerations. AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or childcare services.
Dress Code
Dress aboard AmaWaterways ships is comfortable and casually elegant. On all ships, something a little dressier is recommended for the Welcome and Farewell dinners. Guests sailing in warmer destinations such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, and Colombia should pack breathable fabrics, sun protection, and modest attire for temple visits.
In primarily Muslim countries like Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE, guests should dress respectfully, with women covering shoulders and arms and men wearing collared shirts and lightweight pants.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not permitted inside any AmaWaterways ship. It is only allowed in designated areas located at the aft of the Sun Deck. For the comfort and safety of all guests, we kindly ask that you observe this no-smoking policy while on board.
Dietary Requirements
Please advise your Travel Agent or call us directly to advise if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies prior to embarkation. In most cases, we will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests and food allergies, but with one exception: Kosher. This diet has specific rules regarding food and its preparation and the shipboard environment does have limitations that prevent us from being able to adequately cater to this dietary need. Please note, though we can provide options to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities, we cannot guarantee there will not be any cross-contamination.
Limited Mobility
The ship does not have an elevator, and some areas involve stairs or uneven ground during excursions. While the crew provides assistance, the ship and activities may not suit guests with significant mobility challenges. Guests with limited mobility are encouraged to contact AmaWaterways’ reservations team for guidance before booking.
Medical Facilities
AmaWaterways ships do not have onboard medical facilities or medical staff. In the event that assistance is needed, appropriate medical services can be contacted from shore, though response times may vary depending on the ship’s location. In Europe, medical services can easily be called from shore if required. Response times elsewhere can vary. Guests are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for medical treatment and evacuation while overseas.
Internet Access
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available in your room and in all public areas, making it easy to stay connected, share photos, or check in with loved ones during your journey.
Laundry
Laundry services are available on all AmaWaterways ships for an additional fee, with price lists provided in your stateroom. Please note that dry cleaning is not available on board.
Excursions
The ship sails exclusively on the Chobe River along the Botswana–Namibia border, a region famed for its high concentration of elephants and diverse wildlife, complementing AmaWaterways’ Africa safari programs.
Each itinerary features a variety of guided excursions designed to showcase local culture, history, and cuisine. Choose from gentle walking tours, active hikes or bike rides, and immersive experiences such as wine or beer tastings, cooking classes, and visits to local artisans.
What's Included
Your journey includes all meals, soft drinks, local beer and wine, daily wildlife excursions, and Wi-Fi where available. Premium beverages, gratuities, and some optional activities may be additional, but the core safari-river experience is included.
All ships in Europe, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Egypt have a fitness center with exercise equipment (hours vary by ship).
Every ship also offers a gift shop with accessories, souvenirs, and essential items for your convenience.
Many ships include spa or salon services—Europe offers hair treatments, beauty services, and massages; Portugal and the AmaDara in Vietnam & Cambodia each feature an onboard spa; and Egypt offers similar massage services upon request.
Guests can also enjoy refreshing pools across destinations: whirlpools or heated pools in Europe (with saunas on select ships)
Language
The official language on board all AmaWaterways ships is English, and most crew members, guides, and Cruise Managers are fluent. Announcements and lectures are conducted in English. On Latin Experience cruises, a bilingual atmosphere is offered, with both English and Spanish spoken.
Payment Methods
Onboard payments vary by region. In Europe, charges are in euros and may be paid in cash or by credit card. In Vietnam & Cambodia, payments are accepted in Vietnamese dong or U.S. dollars.
Solo Travellers
We warmly welcome solo travellers who wish to explore the world, meet kindred cruisers and become a part of our extended AmaWaterways family. With a variety of itineraries in fascinating destinations, you have every reason to take advantage of special savings reserved exclusively for solo travellers.
A Warm Welcome
Begin your river cruise with a guided ship tour created for solo travelers, offering a friendly introduction that helps you feel comfortable and confident from the very start.
Social Time, Your Way
Select invitations to cocktail gatherings or the Captain’s Table offer friendly ways to meet others, but you always have the freedom to enjoy time independently.
Small Groups, Big Connections
Our small onshore experience groups make it easier to meet fellow travelers and connect with knowledgeable local guides, creating meaningful opportunities to explore and learn at your own pace.
Dining That Feels Natural
Select dining tables are thoughtfully set for five, offering comfortable spaces that encourage easy conversation without the pressure of joining a larger group on your own.
Care That Feels Personal
Our Cruise Manager and crew offer thoughtful attention to solo travelers, providing warm guidance and support to ensure you feel comfortable and welcome throughout your journey.
Single Occupancy Staterooms
On select European ships like AmaCello, AmaDante, AmaDolce, and AmaLyra, enjoy our Waived Single Supplement. These ships feature a few specially designed single occupancy staterooms with French balconies (140 sq. ft.). Just pay the standard cruise fare, no extra fees.
Upper Deck
- Dining Room
- Lounge
- Pool Deck
Main Deck
- Luxury Suites
- Category SA Staterooms
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Category SB Staterooms
Lower Deck
- Boutique
- Boarding Area
- Luxury Suites
- Category SA Staterooms
Get in touch with our team to start planning
Our team will get back to you to provide you more information.
Need support now? Call and speak to a member of our team today for more details on +44 (0)1491 528 988 or email info@authenticcruises.co.uk.