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AmaWaterways
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Johannesburg
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Included
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River Cruise&tour
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Zambezi Queen
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luxury
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Safari
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Africa, Chobe
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South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Tanzania
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17 days / 16 nights
Golden Trails of East Africa
Offer Highlights
Your journey begins with an overnight stay in Johannesburg (option to start with 3 nights in Cape Town). Next, fly to Kasane, Botswana and board the Zambezi Queen, your wildlife river cruise vessel on the Chobe River for the next 4 nights. Enjoy two nights at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. From here, fly to Johannesburg for two nights at your intimate, all-suite hotel. Depart to Nairobi where a connecting flight brings you to your Tanzania safari. Enjoy two nights at three of the four luxury Tanzanian lodges: Tarangire Treetops, The Manor at Ngorongoro, and the luxury-tented Serengeti Migration Camp or Serengeti Pioneer Camp.
ARRIVE IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to Fairlawns Hotel.
JOHANNESBURG – KASANE, BOTSWANA – ZAMBEZI QUEEN – EMBARKATION. Fly to Kasane, Botswana where you’ll be transferred to the Chobe River. Tender boats will take you to the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river. Settle into your stateroom and in the evening, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. (B,D)
ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Embark on an exhilarating morning boat safari. Return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch. Later in the day, enjoy another thrilling boat safari. (B,L,D)
ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic. (B,L,D)
ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Visit a typical African village spending time with the village children as well as its elders followed by lunch on board. During the afternoon, you can go on a boat safari, bird watch or fish, and then cap the day off with a festive African-themed dinner. (B,L,D)
ZAMBEZI QUEEN – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark your cruise in Kasane. (B)
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)
VICTORIA FALLS – JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel with its parklike setting and wonderful Spa. (B)
JOHANNESBURG. Take a fascinating tour of Johannesburg and Soweto. Walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, visit Mandela’s former home at Sanctuary Mandela, savoring one of Mandela’s favorite meals cooked by his former at-home chef for lunch. In the evening, enjoy a multi-course dinner. (B,L,D)
JOHANNESBURG – KILIMANJARO, TANZANIA – ARUSHA, TANZANIA. Fly to Kilimanjaro where you will be met by an AmaWaterways Representative and transferred to the Arusha Coffee Lodge. (B,D)
ARUSHA – TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK. Journey to Tarangire National Park, where you'll go on an adventurous safari before checking into Treetops Lodge. (B,L,D)
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA. Experience the wonders of Tarangire with a full day of activities, including a morning bushwalk, an afternoon safari and a sunset drive. This is home to the highest number of breeding bird species in the world along with thousands of elephants, huge herds of buffalo, stately fringe-eared oryx and the towering kudu. (B,L,D)
TARANGIRE - NGORONGORO, TANZANIA. Visit a local village before enjoying a game drive through Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions, giraffes, cheetahs, monkeys, impalas and baboons. Be treated to a picnic en route to The Manor at Ngorongoro. (B,L,D)
NGORONGORO CRATER, TANZANIA. Go on a full-day exploration to the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater. Once a gigantic volcano, it’s the world’s largest intact caldera offering a unique environment virtually unchanged since the dawn of time. The nearly three million years old caldera shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth. Deep within the crater, some 25,000 large mammals wander the plains, lakes and forests. A picnic will be served on the crater floor, followed by further exploration before heading back to The Manor. (B,L,D)
NGORONGORO - SERENGETI, TANZANIA. Fly to the Serengeti and in the afternoon, go on a game drive to see the “Big Five.” (B,L,D)
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA. Explore the vast Serengeti via an open safari cruiser during the morning and after lunch. It is not possible to say with any accuracy where the Great Migration of the Wildebeest will be located at any one time. There are several determining factors; however, one can be assured that if there is a good chance of seeing it, then this can be accomplished from the Pioneer Camp or Migration Camp. (B,L,D)
SERENGETI - ARUSHA, TANZANIA. Take your final safari drive in the morning, and then transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Arusha. Lunch will be served in the gardens of the lodge before your final transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or extend your journey with four nights in magical Rwanda. (B,L)
Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight until after 6:00 p.m.
Zambezi Queen
Glide along the Chobe River aboard the Zambezi Queen, a boutique 28-guest ship where panoramic views, wildlife at the water’s edge, and warm service create an unforgettable safari experience.
The Zambezi Queen is unlike any other in AmaWaterways’ fleet. With space for just 28 guests, she sails the Chobe River along the Botswana–Namibia border. Elephants, hippos, and abundant birdlife can be seen directly from the deck. Days include game viewing by boat, traditional mokoro safaris, and guided village tours, while evenings feature award-winning dining paired with South African wines. Designed with sustainability in mind, the ship uses environmentally friendly systems to preserve the region’s fragile ecosystem. With her boutique floating-lodge style, warm service, and seamless integration with land-based safaris, the Zambezi Queen offers a truly unique way to experience Africa.
Unique Features
Here, the river itself is alive with elephants drinking at dawn, hippos surfacing in the afternoon, and birds filling the sky. To sail the Chobe is to witness Africa’s great wildlife in its natural rhythm.
Luxury Suite
SuiteSpacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...
Category SA
SuiteSpacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...
Category SB
SuiteSpacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...
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.
Main Restaurant
ComplimentaryThe ship has one Main Restaurant where guests enjoy a mix of international favorites and locally inspired dishes, often...
Get a glimpse of what awaits you aboard your AmaWaterways cruise ship, where every moment on board is designed to make your journey feel effortless and memorable.
Lounge & Bar
This versatile space hosts a bar, dance floor, plenty of comfortable couches and big windows on thre...
Pool Deck
The top deck features an open-air Sun Deck complete with a plunge pool. Unlike a typical river cruis...
Local Entertainment
Onboard Performances and Musical EveningsThroughout many voyages, the ship’s lounge transforms into...
Boutique
The onboard boutique offers a variety of souvenirs for purchase.
While there is no dedicated gym, the ship emphasizes relaxation and connection with nature. Guests can enjoy the plunge pool on the Sun Deck, shaded lounge areas for wildlife viewing, and spa treatments on request. Active exploration is built into the itinerary with boat safaris, fishing, and cultural excursions ashore.
Plunge Pool
Take a cooling dip and feel refreshed while watching the passing scenery and wildlife upon the Chobe...
Onboard Spa
Indulge in the ultimate in relaxation by pampering yourself with a variety of massage and facial tre...
Upper Deck
- Dining Room
- Lounge
- Pool Deck
Main Deck
- Luxury Suites
- Category SA Staterooms
Category SB Staterooms
Lower Deck
- Boutique
- Boarding Area
- Luxury Suites
- Category SA Staterooms
Choose your cabin
Balcony
French or outside balcony with river views
2 options
Suite
Spacious suite with premium extras
1 option
48 dates available
| Date | Ship | Balcony | Suite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Oct 2026 | Zambezi Queen | £18,731 | £19,753 | View |
| 08 Nov 2026 | Zambezi Queen | £17,562 | £18,584 | View |
| 28 Feb 2027 | Zambezi Queen | £17,828 | £18,543 | View |
| 07 Mar 2027 | Zambezi Queen | £18,357 | — | View |
| 14 Mar 2027 | Zambezi Queen | £18,234 | — | View |
| 21 Mar 2027 | Zambezi Queen | £17,926 | £18,641 | View |
| 28 Mar 2027 | Zambezi Queen | £17,819 | £18,841 | View |
| 04 Apr 2027 | Zambezi Queen | £18,680 | £19,395 | View |
| 11 Apr 2027 | Zambezi Queen | — | £20,626 | View |
| 24 Oct 2027 | Zambezi Queen | — | £20,810 | View |
| 07 Nov 2027 | Zambezi Queen | £17,773 | £18,795 | View |
| 14 Nov 2027 | Zambezi Queen | £17,069 | £18,091 | View |
| 21 Nov 2027 | Zambezi Queen | £17,597 | £18,312 | View |
| 05 Mar 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £17,085 | £18,069 | View |
| 12 Mar 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £17,085 | £18,069 | View |
| 19 Mar 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £17,085 | £18,069 | View |
| 26 Mar 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £17,085 | £18,069 | View |
| 02 Apr 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £17,633 | £18,618 | View |
| 09 Apr 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £17,781 | £18,766 | View |
| 16 Apr 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £17,781 | £18,766 | Viewing |
| 23 Apr 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £17,855 | £18,840 | View |
| 30 Apr 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £17,529 | £18,514 | View |
| 07 May 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £17,973 | £18,662 | View |
| 21 May 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £18,270 | £19,255 | View |
| 28 May 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £18,418 | £19,403 | View |
| 04 Jun 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £19,115 | £20,099 | View |
| 11 Jun 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £19,410 | £20,099 | View |
| 25 Jun 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £19,115 | £20,099 | View |
| 09 Jul 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £19,115 | £20,099 | View |
| 16 Jul 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £19,115 | £20,099 | View |
| 23 Jul 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £19,263 | £20,247 | View |
| 30 Jul 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £19,263 | £20,247 | View |
| 06 Aug 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £19,263 | £20,247 | View |
| 13 Aug 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £19,263 | — | View |
| 20 Aug 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £19,263 | £20,247 | View |
| 27 Aug 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £19,558 | £20,247 | View |
| 03 Sep 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £18,863 | £19,847 | View |
| 10 Sep 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £19,158 | — | View |
| 24 Sep 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £18,715 | £19,699 | View |
| 01 Oct 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £19,041 | £20,025 | View |
| 08 Oct 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £18,966 | £19,951 | View |
| 15 Oct 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £18,744 | £19,729 | View |
| 22 Oct 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £17,855 | £18,840 | View |
| 29 Oct 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £17,855 | £18,840 | View |
| 05 Nov 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £17,233 | £18,218 | View |
| 12 Nov 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £17,085 | £18,069 | View |
| 19 Nov 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £16,937 | £17,921 | View |
| 26 Nov 2028 | Zambezi Queen | £16,937 | £17,921 | View |