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Discover Africa

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Discover Africa

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Discover Africa
Discover Africa
Discover Africa
New Release Fully Guided Locally Guided River Cruise 4WD Wildlife
Our Price From
US$12,370
Save $807pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
10 Days
 Cruise Starts
Cape Town
 Cruise Finishes
Johannesburg
10 Day Discover Africa Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana
 Cruise Length
10 Days
 Cruise Starts
Cape Town
 Cruise Finishes
Johannesburg
10 Day Discover Africa Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana
Ship
Departures
Passengers
28
Crew
22
Launched
2009
Refurbished
2019
Cruise Code
ZD
Ship
Departures
Passengers
28
Crew
22
Launched
2009
Refurbished
2019
Cruise Code
ZD

Overview

Experience the beauty and natural wonders of iconic Cape Town; get up close to animals in their natural habitat; and explore one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.” Spend three nights in Cape Town, discovering its many treasures with visits to Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach and Table Mountain. You also have a choice to visit the renowned Cape Winelands, or tour famous Robben Island. Next, fly to Victoria Falls and head west to the Botswana and Namibian borders to embark on your Chobe River safari cruise through the wondrous Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa’s densest populations of read more wildlife. Encounter elephants, giraffes, leopards, zebras and buffaloes on excursions by boat and open-air vehicles. Conclude your journey with two nights at the majestic Victoria Falls. You also have the option to extend your trip in Johannesburg, following in the foot-steps of Nelson Mandela.
Experience the beauty and natural wonders of iconic Cape Town; get up close to animals in their natural habitat; and explore one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.” Spend three nights in Cape Town, discovering its many treasures with visits to Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach and Table Mountain. You also have a choice to visit the renowned Cape Winelands, or tour famous Robben Island. Next, fly to Victoria Falls and head west to the Botswana and Namibian borders to embark on your Chobe River safari cruise through the wondrous Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa’s densest populations of read more wildlife. Encounter elephants, giraffes, leopards, zebras and buffaloes on excursions by boat and open-air vehicles. Conclude your journey with two nights at the majestic Victoria Falls. You also have the option to extend your trip in Johannesburg, following in the foot-steps of Nelson Mandela.

Itinerary

Situated amidst majestic mountains and lined with pristine beaches, Cape Town has a rich cultural heritage with extraordinary attractions. After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to your Cape Town hotel. Get to know your Tour Director at the Welcome Reception. (WR)

Excursions:

  • Arrival transfer and hotel check-in
  • Welcome Reception

Embark on a full-day exploration along one of the world's most stunning routes, taking you southeast along the Atlantic seaboard past the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay and Chapman's Peak. Stop at Cape Point, located in the nature reserve within Table Mountain National Park, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site. You'll also visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins, and then be treated to lunch with drinks overlooking False Bay—one of the world's most beautiful bays. (B/L)

Excursions:

  • Full-day Cape of Good Hope tour and lunch in local restaurant with drinks

You have a choice of two excursions, depending on your interests. Take a cableway up to Table Mountain for spectacular views of the city and surrounding areas, followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands, which comprises the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl valleys. South African wine is world renowned, and you'll get to visit two of its best vineyards, complete with wine tasting. A sumptuous lunch will be included along the way. Or choose to explore another side of Cape Town at famous Robben Island, once used as a prison for many political inmates, including Nelson Mandela. You'll ferry over to the island where you will take a tour led by a former inmate. Back in Cape Town, enjoy lunch, and then visit the colorful historic Bo Kaap neighborhood before boarding the cableway to Table Mountain's summit. (B/L)

Excursions:

  • Cableway up Table Mountain and scenic drive through Cape Winelands with tastings and lunch OR Robben Island guided tour with lunch in local restaurant and cableway up Table Mountain

Embark the Zambezi Queen in Kasane. Late this afternoon, enjoy a sunset cruise down the Chobe River before a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner on board the ship. (B/D)

Excursions:

  • Morning flight to Victoria Falls; transfer to the Namibian border
  • Welcome Cocktail & Dinner
  • Welcome Cocktail and Dinner

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)

Excursions:

  • Chobe River safaris by boat

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 buffaloes. Prides of lions, hyenas and (more rarely) cheetahs could be encountered along the way. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Full-day safari of Chobe National Park by open-top 4x4 vehicle with picnic lunch

Start the day off with an unforgettable visit to a typical African village to experience the local culture first hand. Spend time with the children of the village as well as its elders, and learn about their day-to-day life. After lunch on board, you can choose between a boat safari, bird watching or fishing. Spend your last evening aboard with a festive African-themed dinner hosted by your crew—complete with singing and dancing. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Morning visit to local African village
  • Afternoon safari by boat OR Bird watching OR Fishing
  • African-themed dinner

Enjoy a morning cruise during breakfast and be on the lookout for wildlife. Afterward, transfer to the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Spend the afternoon exploring the town or experience one of the many activities offered at your hotel. Later this afternoon, join a cocktail reception followed by dinner aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls. (B/D)

Excursions:

  • Morning cruise during breakfast
  • Transfer to Victoria Falls
  • Sunset cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train

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)

Excursions:

  • Guided tour of Victoria Falls
  • Free afternoon
  • Zambezi River sundowner cruise with drinks and tapas, followed by dinner

After breakfast, bid adieu to Zimbabwe as you head to Victoria Falls Airport for your return flight to Johannesburg and onward flight home. You could also choose to extend your trip with an additional day or two in Johannesburg, or perhaps fly to Rwanda and encounter an array of primates, including the endangered mountain gorillas. (B) Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight before 6:30 p.m.

Excursions:

  • Flight to Johannesburg

Situated amidst majestic mountains and lined with pristine beaches, Cape Town has a rich cultural heritage with extraordinary attractions. After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to your Cape Town hotel. Get to know your Tour Director at the Welcome Reception. (WR)

Excursions:

  • Arrival transfer and hotel check-in
  • Welcome Reception

Embark on a full-day exploration along one of the world's most stunning routes, taking you southeast along the Atlantic seaboard past the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay and Chapman's Peak. Stop at Cape Point, located in the nature reserve within Table Mountain National Park, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site. You'll also visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins, and then be treated to lunch with drinks overlooking False Bay—one of the world's most beautiful bays. (B/L)

Excursions:

  • Full-day Cape of Good Hope tour and lunch in local restaurant with drinks

You have a choice of two excursions, depending on your interests. Take a cableway up to Table Mountain for spectacular views of the city and surrounding areas, followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands, which comprises the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl valleys. South African wine is world renowned, and you'll get to visit two of its best vineyards, complete with wine tasting. A sumptuous lunch will be included along the way. Or choose to explore another side of Cape Town at famous Robben Island, once used as a prison for many political inmates, including Nelson Mandela. You'll ferry over to the island where you will take a tour led by a former inmate. Back in Cape Town, enjoy lunch, and then visit the colorful historic Bo Kaap neighborhood before boarding the cableway to Table Mountain's summit. (B/L)

Excursions:

  • Cableway up Table Mountain and scenic drive through Cape Winelands with tastings and lunch OR Robben Island guided tour with lunch in local restaurant and cableway up Table Mountain

Embark the Zambezi Queen in Kasane. Late this afternoon, enjoy a sunset cruise down the Chobe River before a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner on board the ship. (B/D)

Excursions:

  • Morning flight to Victoria Falls; transfer to the Namibian border
  • Welcome Cocktail & Dinner
  • Welcome Cocktail and Dinner

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)

Excursions:

  • Chobe River safaris by boat

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 buffaloes. Prides of lions, hyenas and (more rarely) cheetahs could be encountered along the way. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Full-day safari of Chobe National Park by open-top 4x4 vehicle with picnic lunch

Start the day off with an unforgettable visit to a typical African village to experience the local culture first hand. Spend time with the children of the village as well as its elders, and learn about their day-to-day life. After lunch on board, you can choose between a boat safari, bird watching or fishing. Spend your last evening aboard with a festive African-themed dinner hosted by your crew—complete with singing and dancing. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Morning visit to local African village
  • Afternoon safari by boat OR Bird watching OR Fishing
  • African-themed dinner

Enjoy a morning cruise during breakfast and be on the lookout for wildlife. Afterward, transfer to the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Spend the afternoon exploring the town or experience one of the many activities offered at your hotel. Later this afternoon, join a cocktail reception followed by dinner aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls. (B/D)

Excursions:

  • Morning cruise during breakfast
  • Transfer to Victoria Falls
  • Sunset cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train

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)

Excursions:

  • Guided tour of Victoria Falls
  • Free afternoon
  • Zambezi River sundowner cruise with drinks and tapas, followed by dinner

After breakfast, bid adieu to Zimbabwe as you head to Victoria Falls Airport for your return flight to Johannesburg and onward flight home. You could also choose to extend your trip with an additional day or two in Johannesburg, or perhaps fly to Rwanda and encounter an array of primates, including the endangered mountain gorillas. (B) Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight before 6:30 p.m.

Excursions:

  • Flight to Johannesburg

Life Onboard Zambezi Queen

Zambezi Queen
Zambezi Queen

With panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, the beautiful Zambezi Queen was specifically designed for safari river cruising on the Chobe River and offers a sophisticated design to maximize animal sightings. Read more

Dining and Cuisine
Dining and Cuisine

Situated on the 3rd level, the dining room offers unobstructed views on three sides. Enjoy complimentary South African wines, beer, local spirits, and, on one special night, an African-themed dinner with traditional entertainment.

Balcony Suites
Balcony Suites

Your lavish suite with an outside balcony is perfect for game-viewing and enjoying the scenery on the Chobe River.

Impeccable Service
Impeccable Service

Our professional and friendly staff will make your cruise a truly unforgettable one.

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Download Brochure

AmaWaterways Heart of the River (2026) Brochure

AmaWaterways Heart of the River (2026)

Step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences, where your journey is our passion. Allow us to share villages that time forgot. Walk along cobblestone streets filled with delights. Pedal through historic town squares. And revel in moments that last a lifetime. When you step aboard AmaWaterways, each day brings a genuine smile that warms the heart. more Every river a new culture that inspires, and each course a moment to savor and share. Experience these wonders and delights with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $12,370
From $13,645
Friday 06 Feb 2026 06 Feb 26 Cape Town
Sunday 15 Feb 2026 15 Feb 26 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$12,835
Save $535
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 08 May 2026 08 May 26 Cape Town
Sunday 17 May 2026 17 May 26 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$13,602
Save $567
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 15 May 2026 15 May 26 Cape Town
Sunday 24 May 2026 24 May 26 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$13,698
Save $571
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 26 Feb 2027 26 Feb 27 Cape Town
Sunday 07 Mar 2027 07 Mar 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$12,370
Save $515
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 05 Mar 2027 05 Mar 27 Cape Town
Sunday 14 Mar 2027 14 Mar 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$12,897
Save $787
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 12 Mar 2027 12 Mar 27 Cape Town
Sunday 21 Mar 2027 21 Mar 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$13,618
Save $567
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 19 Mar 2027 19 Mar 27 Cape Town
Sunday 28 Mar 2027 28 Mar 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$13,089
Save $795
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 26 Mar 2027 26 Mar 27 Cape Town
Sunday 04 Apr 2027 04 Apr 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$13,281
Save $803
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 02 Apr 2027 02 Apr 27 Cape Town
Sunday 11 Apr 2027 11 Apr 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$13,521
Save $563
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 09 Apr 2027 09 Apr 27 Cape Town
Sunday 18 Apr 2027 18 Apr 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$14,961
Save $623
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 16 Jul 2027 16 Jul 27 Cape Town
Sunday 25 Jul 2027 25 Jul 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$14,769
Save $615
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 06 Aug 2027 06 Aug 27 Cape Town
Sunday 15 Aug 2027 15 Aug 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$15,921
Save $663
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 13 Aug 2027 13 Aug 27 Cape Town
Sunday 22 Aug 2027 22 Aug 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$15,537
Save $647
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 20 Aug 2027 20 Aug 27 Cape Town
Sunday 29 Aug 2027 29 Aug 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$15,921
Save $663
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 01 Oct 2027 01 Oct 27 Cape Town
Sunday 10 Oct 2027 10 Oct 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$13,905
Save $579
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 08 Oct 2027 08 Oct 27 Cape Town
Sunday 17 Oct 2027 17 Oct 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$13,377
Save $807
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 15 Oct 2027 15 Oct 27 Cape Town
Sunday 24 Oct 2027 24 Oct 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$13,905
Save $579
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 29 Oct 2027 29 Oct 27 Cape Town
Sunday 07 Nov 2027 07 Nov 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$13,233
Save $551
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 05 Nov 2027 05 Nov 27 Cape Town
Sunday 14 Nov 2027 14 Nov 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$12,610
Save $775
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 12 Nov 2027 12 Nov 27 Cape Town
Sunday 21 Nov 2027 21 Nov 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$12,610
Save $775
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 19 Nov 2027 19 Nov 27 Cape Town
Sunday 28 Nov 2027 28 Nov 27 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$12,897
Save $787
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by AmaWaterways. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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