Rivers & Rails of Africa 13 Nights

13 Nights • AmaWaterways

From £16,476pp | Departs from Cape Town

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Rivers & Rails of Africa 13 Nights

Offer Highlights

  • AmaWaterways
  • Cape Town
  • Included
  • River Cruise&tour
  • Zambezi Queen
  • luxury
  • Safari
  • Africa, Chobe
  • South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana
  • 14 days / 13 nights

Relive the romance of a bygone era traveling on the world’s most luxurious and historic train, the Rovos Rail. Before experiencing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration via this legendary train, you’ll spend three nights in Cape Town. Cradled by the imposing Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, Cape Town is known for its majestic beauty, offering a blend of cosmopolitan city life and outdoor adventure. From here, fly north to Victoria Falls and transfer to the Zambezi Queen and your wildlife and safari cruise in Namibia and Botswana. Revel in the Chobe National Park’s breathtaking scenery and marvel at its mighty elephants splashing in the water and the stealthy lions ruling over the plains. Continue to the UNESCO-designated Victoria Falls for two nights prior to spending your last four nights traveling 1,000 miles through Zimbabwe and on to South Africa. Experience five-star cuisine, excellent South African wines, extraordinary scenery, amazing wildlife and a safari at Hwange Game Reserve and visit Polokwane Nature Reserve as you journey through southern Africa.

Cape Town

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.

Cape Town

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.

Cape Town

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.

Cape Town and Victoria Falls

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.

Chobe National Park

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)

Chobe National Park

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)

Chobe National Park

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)

Kasane and Victoria Falls

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

Victoria Falls

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 and Rovos Rail

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)

Rovos Rail

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)

Rovos Rail

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)

Rovos Rail

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)

Pretoria and Johannesburg

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.

Zambezi Queen

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
Luxury Suite
Suite

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

300 sq ft Max 2 guests
King or Twin Configuration Lounge Area Shower Toiletries Provided Room Service Available Suite Benefits +7 more
Category SA
Category SA
Suite

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

235 sq ft Max 2 guests
King or Twin Configuration Shower Toiletries Provided Room Service Available TV Free Wi-Fi +5 more
Category SB
Category SB
Suite

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

215 sq ft Max 2 guests
King or Twin Configuration Shower Toiletries Provided Room Service Available TV Free Wi-Fi +5 more

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
Main Restaurant
Complimentary

The 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
Lounge & Bar
Bar Lounge

This versatile space hosts a bar, dance floor, plenty of comfortable couches and big windows on thre...

Pool Deck
Pool Deck
Pool Deck

The top deck features an open-air Sun Deck complete with a plunge pool. Unlike a typical river cruis...

Local Entertainment
Local Entertainment
Local Entertainment

Onboard Performances and Musical EveningsThroughout many voyages, the ship’s lounge transforms into...

Boutique
Boutique
Shop

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
Plunge Pool
Whirlpool/Jacuzzi

Take a cooling dip and feel refreshed while watching the passing scenery and wildlife upon the Chobe...

Onboard Spa
Onboard Spa
Spa

Indulge in the ultimate in relaxation by pampering yourself with a variety of massage and facial tre...

Upper Deck
Upper Deck

  • Dining Room
  • Lounge
  • Pool Deck

Main Deck
Main Deck
  • Luxury Suites
  • Category SA Staterooms
  • Category SB Staterooms

Lower Deck
Lower Deck
  • Boutique
  • Boarding Area
  • Luxury Suites
  • Category SA Staterooms

Choose your cabin

Zambezi Queen Cape Town → Johannesburg 05 May 2028 – 18 May 2028 Available
From £16,476 pp
Flights included. Prices include flights and transfers — everything's covered, so you can book online.
Balcony

French or outside balcony with river views

1 option

from £16,476 pp
Suite

Spacious suite with premium extras

1 option

from £17,165 pp

13 dates available

Date Ship Balcony Suite
06 Nov 2026 Zambezi Queen £15,446 £16,468 View
03 Mar 2028 Zambezi Queen £15,514 £16,499 View
17 Mar 2028 Zambezi Queen £15,588 £16,573 View
31 Mar 2028 Zambezi Queen £16,433 £17,417 View
07 Apr 2028 Zambezi Queen £16,433 £17,417 View
05 May 2028 Zambezi Queen £16,476 £17,165 Viewing
09 Jun 2028 Zambezi Queen £16,876 £17,565 View
07 Jul 2028 Zambezi Queen £16,581 £17,565 View
21 Jul 2028 Zambezi Queen £16,581 £17,565 View
28 Jul 2028 Zambezi Queen £16,581 £17,565 View
04 Aug 2028 Zambezi Queen £16,581 £17,565 View
25 Aug 2028 Zambezi Queen £16,876 £17,565 View
01 Sep 2028 Zambezi Queen £16,181 £17,165 View
From £16,476 per person

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