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Rivers & Rails of Africa

14 Days Cape Town to Johannesburg
Rivers & Rails of Africa
Rivers & Rails of Africa
Rivers & Rails of Africa
New Release Rail River Cruise 4WD Wildlife Rovos Rail

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on AmaWaterways 14 Day Rivers & Rails of Africa. Relive the romance of a bygone era traveling on the world’s most luxurious and historic train, the Rovos Rail. Before experiencing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration via this legendary train, you’ll spend three nights in Cape Town. Cradled by the imposing Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, Cape Town is known for its majestic beauty, offering a blend of cosmopolitan city life and outdoor adventure.

From here, fly north to Victoria Falls and transfer to the Zambezi Queen read more and your wildlife and safari cruise in Namibia and Botswana. Revel in the Chobe National Park’s breathtaking scenery and marvel at its mighty elephants splashing in the water and the stealthy lions ruling over the plains. Continue to the UNESCO-designated Victoria Falls for two nights prior to spending your last four nights traveling 1,000 miles through Zimbabwe and on to South Africa. Experience five-star cuisine, excellent South African wines, extraordinary scenery, amazing wildlife and a safari at Hwange Game Reserve and visit Polokwane Nature Reserve as you journey through southern Africa.
Our Price From
US$18,354 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $773 per person
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Trip Length
Cruise Length

14 Days

Trip Starts
Cruise Starts

Cape Town

Trip Ends
Cruise Ends

Johannesburg

Trip Departures
Cruise Departures
May 2026 to Jul 2026
Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Countries Visited
Rivers Sailed:
Cruise Line
Cruise Line
AmaWaterways
Cruise Ship
Cruise Ship
Zambezi Queen
Passengers
Passengers

28

Crew
Crew

22

Ship Launch
Launched

2009

Ship Refurbished
Refurbished

2019

Cruise Code
Cruise Code

ZRR

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 and fellow travelers 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 past the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay and Chapman's Peak. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope, first rounded in modern times in 1488 by the Portuguese in their attempt to establish trade in the Far East and still a significant landmark for sailors today. Visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins, and then be treated to lunch with drinks overlooking beautiful False Bay. (B/L)

Excursions:

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

Take a cableway up to Table Mountain followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands where you'll visit two of its best vineyards, complete with wine tasting. A delicious 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. 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. This afternoon, enjoy the view as you settle in on the Chobe River before a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner. (D)

Excursions:

  • Morning flight to Victoria Falls; transfer to the Namibian border
  • Welcome Cocktail & 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 buffalo. 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 where you'll spend time with the village children as well as its elders. Back on board and following lunch, you'll have a choice to take a boat safari, bird watch or fish. Enjoy your last evening aboard with a festive African- themed dinner hosted by your crew. (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, followed by dinner

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

Enjoy a leisurely morning before touring the town of Victoria Falls and being treated to a home-hosted lunch. Later in the day, head to the Victoria Falls colonial-era rail station where you'll board the Rovos Rail. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Town of Victoria Falls tour with lunch
  • Embark the Rovos Rail luxury train
  • Travel by rail to Hwange Game Reserve

Start the morning with a safari to the Hwange Game Reserve, Zimbabwe's largest national park, boasting a tremendous selection of wildlife with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 different birds. The elephants of Hwange are world famous and the park's elephant population is one of the largest in the world. After your safari, return to the train for a lovely brunch as you travel through the vast landscapes of central Zimbabwe on the way to the border town of Beitbridge. Take in the southern African landscape from the lounge, observation cars or your deluxe suite. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Morning safari in Hwange Game Reserve
  • Continue your journey south

Stop in the village of Gwanda with time to stroll. Travel through baobab tree country and cross the Limpopo River and enter South Africa in the town of Musina for border formalities. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Stop village of Gwanda
  • Cross the Limpopo River and onwards into South Africa

Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and then visit the Polokwane Nature Reserve home to more than 20 species of wildlife including the white rhino. Continue your journey south through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela) and onto Pyramid. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Cross Tropic of Capricorn
  • Visit Polokwane Nature Reserve
  • Continue south

Disembark the train in Pretoria where you will be transferred to the airport in Johannesburg for your onward flight home or extend your trip with four nights in Rwanda. (B) Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight before 4:00 p.m.

Excursions:

  • Arrive in Pretoria mid-morning
  • Transfer to Johannesburg Airport

Life On Board

AmaWaterways
 (5) Reviews
Total No. of River Cruises 192
From the moment you step aboard AmaWaterways award-winning ships you'll be welcomed by a dedicated crew committed to making your voyage unforgettable. Sail through the heart of Europe, Asia, or Africa and explore enchanting destinations while indulging in exquisite, locally inspired cuisine and world-class amenities. AmaWaterways more thoughtfully designed excursions immerse you in the rich culture and history of each port with every detail of your itinerary crafted to exceed your expectations and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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 River Cruises (2026) Brochure

AmaWaterways River Cruises (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.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $18,354
From $19,823
Friday 08 May 2026 08 May 26 Cape Town
Thursday 21 May 2026 21 May 26 Johannesburg
Details
Zambezi Queen
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$18,354
Save $765
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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