AmaWaterways expands African river cruises, including Cape Town departures

AmaWaterways will expand its Africa Safaris & Wildlife cruise programme from August 2026 with four new itineraries ranging from nine to 18 nights.

Each programme, with two departures from Cape Town, combines a three-night sailing on the Chobe River aboard the 28-passenger Zambezi Queen with extended land-based travel through destinations that include Victoria Falls and newly added regions in Kenya, Namibia, Zanzibar and the Skeleton Coast.

The additions broaden the line’s geographic coverage across Southern and Eastern Africa and follow ongoing demand for multi-country itineraries that link river cruising with wildlife and cultural experiences.

“Our Africa programme is very meaningful to me, as it was one of the first cruises I experienced with AmaWaterways after becoming CEO and it truly left an unforgettable impression,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. We’re thrilled to offer even more opportunities for our guests to experience the trip of a lifetime – seeing wildlife right on the riverbanks, connecting with amazing people, and exploring the rich cultures and landscapes that make this region so special.”

“Our guests can now explore even more of Southern and Eastern Africa in comfort and style, while supporting local communities through sustainable tourism,” she added.

The four itineraries include From the Cape to the Falls (nine or 11 nights), Iconic Africa (14 nights), Classic Kenya & Southern Africa (14 or 18 nights), and African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast (15 nights).

Each itinerary is built around the Chobe River sailing and adds regional extensions that differ in scope depending on the length and destination combinations.

From the Cape to the Falls covers travel from Cape Town to Victoria Falls and incorporates wildlife viewing on both land and water, penguin encounters at Boulders Beach, and an optional two-night stay in Johannesburg. The programme is designed to follow a northbound trajectory from the Western Cape to the Zimbabwe–Zambia border, with multiple safari components included.

Iconic Africa pairs Cape Town and Victoria Falls with a three-night stay in Greater Kruger National Park. The structure places emphasis on wildlife-focused days inside one of South Africa’s most recognised reserves alongside time in urban and cross-border settings.

Classic Kenya & Southern Africa combines the Chobe River and Victoria Falls with Kenya’s Amboseli and Maasai Mara reserves, with an optional extension in Zanzibar. This itinerary links Southern and East African ecosystems, taking in regions known for elephant populations, Maasai Mara migration patterns and Indian Ocean coastal settings.

African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast centres on Namibia’s landscapes, including NamibRand Nature Reserve, Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast. The itinerary incorporates desert, savannah and coastal environments, reflecting the country’s varied ecological zones and its position on the Atlantic shoreline.

Featured itineraries

From the Cape to the Falls – 9 or 11 nights
Cape Town • Boulders Beach penguins • Chobe River cruise • Victoria Falls • Optional Johannesburg extension

Iconic Africa – 14 nights
Cape Town • Chobe River cruise • Victoria Falls • Greater Kruger National Park (3-night stay)

Classic Kenya & Southern Africa – 14 or 18 nights
Chobe River cruise • Victoria Falls • Amboseli National Reserve • Maasai Mara • Optional Zanzibar extension

African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast – 15 nights
Chobe River cruise • NamibRand Nature Reserve • Etosha National Park • Skeleton Coast