Wildlife & the Falls

ARRIVE IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in the desirable Sandton neighborhood. The hotel’s extensive gardens have captured the spirit, grace and elegance of a bygone era.

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 exploring the Chobe River’s diverse game. Afterwards, 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. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffes, zebras, sables, warthogs and cape buffalo. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic. (B,L,D)

ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Start the day off with an unforgettable visit to a typical African village to experience the local culture. Spend time with the village children as well as its elders. After lunch on board, you can go on a boat safari, bird watch or fish. Enjoy a festive African- themed dinner hosted by your crew—complete with music and dancing. (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 its rich history from colonialism to apartheid, and finally democracy. Get an in-depth look at Soweto’s unique neighborhoods, the center of the uprising against the apartheid state. Walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, visiting the Mandela House located on Vilakazi Street and along the way enjoy a township lunch. Before dinner, gather with a local expert for an informative discussion and afterwards enjoy a multi-course dinner. (B,L,D)

JOHANNESBURG – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. Fly to the Greater Kruger National Park in the morning where you’ll be transferred to your luxurious game lodge. This region is one of the world's most spectacular, game nature reserves, which you'll discover on your late afternoon game drive in search of the country's "Big Five" and other native wildlife. Spend your first night and every night, if you wish, gathering with fellow travelers, sharing stories of the day’s adventures or simply gazing up at the stunning star-filled African sky. (B,L,D)

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. The early morning is the perfect time to go on safari as the wildlife is prolific. Your open-air vehicle provides the perfect way to explore your private game reserve, located just a stone’s throw from the game-rich Kruger National Park. The rest of the morning can be spent enjoying the facilities at your lodge. Later in the day, you’ll go on another game drive deep into the bush, where you may encounter South Africa’s top predators: cheetahs, hyenas and lions. (B,L,D)

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. Go on two exhilarating game drives today, as well as enjoy ample leisure time at your game lodge. (B,L,D)

Often referred to as Joburg or Jozi, Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and acts as the cultural and economic hub of the country. Characterised by vibrant energy, Johannesburg offers a unique blend of cultures and experiences, featuring a modern skyline, bustling street markets, and historical sights such as Constitution Hill. Though Johannesburg has suffered challenges in its history, it has continued to take shape as a dynamic metropolis offering an amalgamation of art, history and urban exploration for its residents and visitors.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA – JOHANNESBURG. Be treated to an early-morning game drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg for your connecting flight home or extend your journey with four nights in magical Rwanda. (B)
Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight before 4:30 p.m.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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