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Golden Trails of Africa

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Golden Trails of Africa

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Golden Trails of Africa
Golden Trails of Africa
Golden Trails of Africa
New Release Fully Guided Locally Guided River Cruise 4WD Wildlife
Our Price From
US$20,131
Save $1,158pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
17 Days
 Cruise Starts
Johannesburg
 Cruise Finishes
Arusha
17 Day Golden Trails of Africa Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania
 Cruise Length
17 Days
 Cruise Starts
Johannesburg
 Cruise Finishes
Arusha
17 Day Golden Trails of Africa Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania
Ship
Departures
Passengers
28
Crew
22
Launched
2009
Refurbished
2019
Cruise Code
ZG
Ship
Departures
Passengers
28
Crew
22
Launched
2009
Refurbished
2019
Cruise Code
ZG

Overview

Your journey begins with an overnight stay in Johannesburg. 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.
Your journey begins with an overnight stay in Johannesburg. 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.

Itinerary

After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to Fairlawns Hotel.

Excursions:

  • Arrival transfer and hotel check-in

Embark the Zambezi Queen in Kasane. Late this afternoon, enjoy the riverside scenery before your Welcome Cocktail and Dinner on board. (D)

Excursions:

  • Flight to Kasane, Botswana
  • Welcome Cocktail & Dinner

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)

Excursions:

  • Chobe River safaris by boat

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)

Excursions:

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

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)

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 with appetizers aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls. (B)

Excursions:

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

Zambezi River sundowner cruise with drinks and tapas, followed by dinner

Excursions:

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

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)

Excursions:

  • Flight to 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)

Excursions:

  • Soweto tour with lunch at Sanctuary Mandela
  • Special dinner and presentation

Fly to Kilimanjaro where you will be met by an AmaWaterways Representative and transferred to the Arusha Coffee Lodge. (B/D)

Excursions:

  • Flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
  • Transfer to Arusha

Journey to Tarangire National Park, where you'll go on an adventurous safari before checking into Treetops Lodge. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Drive to Tarangire National Park
  • Tarangire safari
  • Arrive at Tarangire Treetops

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)

Excursions:

  • Morning bushwalk with lodge naturalist
  • Afternoon safari and sunset drive in the bush

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)

Excursions:

  • Visit local village and drive to Lake Manyara
  • Lake Manyara National Park safari
  • Arrive at Ngorongoro

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)

Excursions:

  • Full-day Ngorongoro Crater with picnic

Fly to the Serengeti and in the afternoon, go on a game drive to see the “Big Five.” (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Flight to the Serengeti
  • Afternoon safari and game drive

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)

Excursions:

  • Morning and afternoon safari

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.

Excursions:

  • Morning safari, flight back to Arusha
  • Dayroom in Arusha

After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to Fairlawns Hotel.

Excursions:

  • Arrival transfer and hotel check-in

Embark the Zambezi Queen in Kasane. Late this afternoon, enjoy the riverside scenery before your Welcome Cocktail and Dinner on board. (D)

Excursions:

  • Flight to Kasane, Botswana
  • Welcome Cocktail & Dinner

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)

Excursions:

  • Chobe River safaris by boat

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)

Excursions:

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

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)

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 with appetizers aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls. (B)

Excursions:

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

Zambezi River sundowner cruise with drinks and tapas, followed by dinner

Excursions:

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

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)

Excursions:

  • Flight to 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)

Excursions:

  • Soweto tour with lunch at Sanctuary Mandela
  • Special dinner and presentation

Fly to Kilimanjaro where you will be met by an AmaWaterways Representative and transferred to the Arusha Coffee Lodge. (B/D)

Excursions:

  • Flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
  • Transfer to Arusha

Journey to Tarangire National Park, where you'll go on an adventurous safari before checking into Treetops Lodge. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Drive to Tarangire National Park
  • Tarangire safari
  • Arrive at Tarangire Treetops

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)

Excursions:

  • Morning bushwalk with lodge naturalist
  • Afternoon safari and sunset drive in the bush

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)

Excursions:

  • Visit local village and drive to Lake Manyara
  • Lake Manyara National Park safari
  • Arrive at Ngorongoro

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)

Excursions:

  • Full-day Ngorongoro Crater with picnic

Fly to the Serengeti and in the afternoon, go on a game drive to see the “Big Five.” (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Flight to the Serengeti
  • Afternoon safari and game drive

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)

Excursions:

  • Morning and afternoon safari

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.

Excursions:

  • Morning safari, flight back to Arusha
  • Dayroom in Arusha

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 $20,131
From $21,335
Sunday 08 Feb 2026 08 Feb 26 Johannesburg
Tuesday 24 Feb 2026 24 Feb 26 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$20,131
Save $839
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 10 May 2026 10 May 26 Johannesburg
Tuesday 26 May 2026 26 May 26 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$21,282
Save $887
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 17 May 2026 17 May 26 Johannesburg
Tuesday 02 Jun 2026 02 Jun 26 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$21,378
Save $891
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 28 Feb 2027 28 Feb 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 16 Mar 2027 16 Mar 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$20,587
Save $858
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 07 Mar 2027 07 Mar 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 23 Mar 2027 23 Mar 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$20,922
Save $1,122
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 14 Mar 2027 14 Mar 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 30 Mar 2027 30 Mar 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$21,259
Save $886
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 21 Mar 2027 21 Mar 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 06 Apr 2027 06 Apr 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$20,634
Save $1,110
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 28 Mar 2027 28 Mar 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 13 Apr 2027 13 Apr 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$20,634
Save $1,110
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 04 Apr 2027 04 Apr 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 20 Apr 2027 20 Apr 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$21,066
Save $878
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 11 Apr 2027 11 Apr 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 27 Apr 2027 27 Apr 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$22,602
Save $942
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 18 Jul 2027 18 Jul 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 03 Aug 2027 03 Aug 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$22,986
Save $958
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 08 Aug 2027 08 Aug 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 24 Aug 2027 24 Aug 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$24,138
Save $1,006
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 15 Aug 2027 15 Aug 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 31 Aug 2027 31 Aug 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$23,754
Save $990
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 22 Aug 2027 22 Aug 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 07 Sep 2027 07 Sep 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$24,138
Save $1,006
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 03 Oct 2027 03 Oct 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 19 Oct 2027 19 Oct 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$22,122
Save $922
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 10 Oct 2027 10 Oct 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 26 Oct 2027 26 Oct 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$21,786
Save $1,158
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 17 Oct 2027 17 Oct 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 02 Nov 2027 02 Nov 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$22,122
Save $922
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 31 Oct 2027 31 Oct 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 16 Nov 2027 16 Nov 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$21,354
Save $890
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 07 Nov 2027 07 Nov 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 23 Nov 2027 23 Nov 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$20,443
Save $1,102
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 14 Nov 2027 14 Nov 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 30 Nov 2027 30 Nov 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$20,251
Save $1,094
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 21 Nov 2027 21 Nov 27 Johannesburg
Tuesday 07 Dec 2027 07 Dec 27 Arusha
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$20,442
Save $1,102
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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