Golden Trails of East Africa

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)

Situated on the Zambezi river at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is renowned as one of the continent's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. With a width of over 1.7km (1 mile), and a height of 108 metres (355 ft), Victoria falls is the world's largest waterfall, boasting both immense scale and breathtaking beauty. To the locals, the waterfall is better known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" or "The Smoke that Thunders", attracting visitors from all over the globe to behold its magnificent cascades and the hair-raising view as the mist rises above the gorge.

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, visiting the Mandela House, followed by a township 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)

Tarangire National Park is a stunning wildlife sanctuary located in northern Tanzania, renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The park is particularly famous for its large herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees that dot the landscape. Covering approximately 2,850 square kilometres, Tarangire offers a unique blend of habitats, including savannahs, woodlands, and swamps, which attract a wide variety of animals, including wildebeest, zebras, and various species of antelope. The park is also a birdwatcher's paradise, home to over 500 bird species, including the striking Secretary bird and various raptors. Visitors can enjoy guided safari tours, both by vehicle and on foot, providing opportunities to experience the park's rich wildlife up close. With its scenic beauty and vibrant wildlife, Tarangire National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts exploring Tanzania.

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)

Lake Manyara is a stunning freshwater lake located in northern Tanzania, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley. The lake is part of Lake Manyara National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and large populations of elephants, as well as various bird species, including flamingos and pelicans that flock to the lake's shores. Visitors can explore the park via game drives or walking safaris, offering opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The surrounding landscape features lush forests, grasslands, and stunning views of the escarpment, making it an excellent spot for photography and nature walks. Lake Manyara is a captivating destination for those looking to experience Tanzania's rich biodiversity and enjoy outdoor adventures.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in northern Tanzania, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. At the heart of the area lies the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, which provides a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors can witness large populations of animals, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and wildebeest, all within the crater’s dramatic landscape. The conservation area is also home to the Maasai people, who coexist with wildlife and contribute to the area's cultural heritage. Trekking, wildlife safaris, and guided tours are popular activities, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty and ecological significance of this remarkable region. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers a unique opportunity to explore Tanzania's natural wonders while appreciating the balance between conservation and local culture.

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)

Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world, located in northern Tanzania. Renowned for its vast savannahs and abundant wildlife, the park is a key destination for safari enthusiasts. Covering over 14,000 square kilometres, it is home to a diverse range of animals, including the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. The park is particularly famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing, typically occurring between June and September. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and hot air balloon rides, offering unique perspectives on the stunning landscapes and wildlife. With its rich ecosystems and iconic scenery, Serengeti National Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the natural wonders of Tanzania.

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.

Arusha is a vibrant city located in northern Tanzania, often referred to as the gateway to some of Africa's most renowned national parks and safari destinations. Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha is known for its stunning scenery and mild climate. The city serves as a hub for visitors heading to the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Kilimanjaro National Park. Arusha boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of indigenous tribes and a diverse population. Key attractions include the Arusha National Park, which features breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and walking trails. The city also hosts a bustling market scene and various art galleries showcasing local crafts and traditions. With its blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, Arusha is an ideal starting point for adventure seekers and those looking to explore the wonders of Tanzania.

-

Situated on the 3rd level, the dining room offers unobstructed views on three sides. Experience delectable dishes such as butternut and macadamia soup and fillet of beef with bordelaise sauce paired with the perfect wine.

-

With such a magnificent array of wildlife, the birdlife is notable too with over 400 species to spot keen birders will be in their element.

-

Make sure to use the astronomical telescope situated on the fore deck to explore the African night-time sky. With no lights for miles around, the stargazing is spectacular.

-

Botswana’s Chobe is a destination in itself for those looking to experience the thrill of wildlife up close. Capture that sense of adventure with a water-based game drive by tender boat, allowing you to explore nature at its best! Water-based game viewing on smaller boats enables close-up viewing in an environment where the animals do not feel threatened.

-

Experience the gentle nature of rural Africa along the banks of the Chobe by visiting a local village on the Namibian side of the river. Here you can interact with the locals and browse their selection of handmade crafts.

-

During season, Tiger and Bream fishing are offered with tackle and bait as well as a stocked cool box to help ensure the wait is worth it.

-

With panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the boat, everywhere you go you can take advantage of magnificent wildlife viewing.

-

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.

-

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

-

Stateroom features include:

• In-room temperature control and fan
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding and oversized king beds (can also be configured as two single beds)
• Spacious en-suite bathrooms
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers
• Floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and sliding shutters for privacy and protection from the sun
• Outside balcony
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and electronic safe
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily

-

Stateroom features include:

• In-room temperature control and fan
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding and oversized king beds (can also be configured as two single beds)
• Spacious en-suite bathrooms
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers
• Floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and sliding shutters for privacy and protection from the sun
• Outside balcony
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and electronic safe
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily

-

Stateroom features include:

• In-room temperature control and fan
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding and oversized king beds (can also be configured as two single beds)
• Spacious en-suite bathrooms
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers
• Floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and sliding shutters for privacy and protection from the sun
• Outside balcony
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and electronic safe
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily