Golden Trails of East Africa

16 Nights • AmaWaterways

From £18,744pp | Departs from Johannesburg

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Golden Trails of East Africa

Offer Highlights

  • AmaWaterways
  • Johannesburg
  • Included
  • River Cruise&tour
  • Zambezi Queen
  • luxury
  • Safari
  • Africa, Chobe
  • South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Tanzania
  • 17 days / 16 nights

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.

Johannesburg

ARRIVE IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to Fairlawns Hotel.

Victoria Falls, Johannesburg and Johannesburg

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)

Chobe National Park

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)

Chobe National Park

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)

Chobe National Park

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)

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 Johannesburg

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

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

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 and Tarangire National Park

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

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 National Park and Lake Manyara

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 Conservation Area

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 Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park

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

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 National Park and Arusha

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

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 Johannesburg → Arusha 15 Oct 2028 – 31 Oct 2028 Available
From £18,744 pp
Flights included. Prices include flights and transfers — everything's covered, so you can book online.
Balcony

French or outside balcony with river views

2 options

from £18,744 pp
Suite

Spacious suite with premium extras

1 option

from £19,729 pp

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 View
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 Viewing
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
From £18,744 per person

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