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African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast

African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast

About This Cruise

Begin your journey in cosmopolitan Johannesburg. Next, take a flight to Kasane, Botswana and transfer to Namibia, where a three-night wildlife adventure aboard Zambezi Queen awaits, with incredible wildlife encounters throughout Chobe National Park. Immerse yourself in the beauty and power of Victoria Falls for three nights, then venture to Namibia’s most captivating landscapes. Begin in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, where endless red dunes and golden grasslands offer striking vistas by day and some of the world’s most spectacular stargazing by night. On the Skeleton Coast, windswept shores are dotted with remnants of stories past. In Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s top safari destinations, you can look for elephants, rhinos, lions and countless antelopes. In each destination, you will experience the deep cultural heritage and immersive wildlife encounters that make this journey unforgettable.

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

Zambezi Queen

Departure Date

1 June 2028

Cruise Line

AmaWaterways

Duration

15 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

South Africa

Johannesburg

ARRIVE IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. n arrival, you will be met by your local AmaWaterways host and transferred to the lovely Fairlawns Boutique Hotel situated in a parklike setting in the Sandton neighborhood of Johannesburg.

South Africa

Johannesburg

JOHANNESBURG – KASANE, BOTSWANA – ZAMBEZI QUEEN – EMBARKATION. In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Kasane. Here, you will be transferred to the Chobe River that forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. Tender boats will transport you to Zambezi Queen, moored on the Namibia side of the river. Settle into your stateroom, enjoy a mid-afternoon snack, and in the evening, be treated to a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. (B,D)

Botswana

Kasane

No summary for this day yet.

Botswana

Chobe National Park

ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Embark on a morning boat safari and experience the Chobe River’s diverse game viewing. Afterwards, return to Zambezi Queen for lunch. As the ship cruises along the Chobe River, you can spend time in the splash pool, visit the spa or perhaps catch up with your favorite book. Later in the day, revel in the panoramic views with another boat safari opportunity. (B,L,D)

Botswana

Chobe National Park

ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Start your day off with a boat safari. Later, a local African village invites you to experience the local culture firsthand. 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 reveling in a festive African-themed dinner hosted by your crew—complete with singing and dancing. (B,L,D)

Botswana

Chobe National Park

ZAMBEZI QUEEN – DISEMBARKATION – VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE. Disembark and join a wildlife safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffes, zebras, sable, warthogs and cape buffaloes. Prides of lions, hyenas and (more rarely) cheetahs may also appear along the way. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic. Later this afternoon, transfer to Victoria Falls, then enjoy a special dinner with live local entertainment at your hotel. (B,L,D)

Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls

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Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls

VICTORIA FALLS. Join a local guide for a tour of Victoria Falls. Learn about its history as well as 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 wildlife while enjoying a delicious mix of tapas with drinks. (B)

Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls

VICTORIA FALLS. This morning, you are invited on a leisurely guided walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge, which connects the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Once in Zambia, explore the more intimate side of the Falls and visit the historic town of Livingstone. Later, head back to Zimbabwe for a free afternoon. As a special treat tonight, head out on a safari to seek out the elusive Black Rhino and other nocturnal animals, followed by a three-course bush dinner. (B,D)

Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls

FLY TO WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA. Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport and fly to Windhoek. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Windhoek, translated from the Afrikaans language to mean “Wind Corner,” is Namibia’s capital and largest city. The influence of the German colonial period can still be seen today in architecture, street names and cuisine. This evening, your local guide will meet you for dinner at your hotel and brief you on your upcoming adventure, as well as answer any questions. (B,D)

Namibia

Windhoek

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Namibia

Windhoek

WINDHOEK – NAMIBRAND RESERVE. This morning, depart from Windhoek, driving southwest through the scenic Khomas Hochland Highlands before heading down the Great Escarpment into the Namib Desert below. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. At more than 825 sq miles (2,150 square km), the NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of the largest reserves in southern Africa. Established in the 1980s when Albi Bruckner integrated several livestock farms into a protected wilderness area, the reserve now stands as a model of conservation success. Here, you will check in at Namib Outpost, with its stunning desert and red dune views. Following check-in, be treated to a shared sundowner nature drive within the NamibRand Nature Reserve. (B,L,D)

Namibia

NamibRand Nature Reserve

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Namibia

NamibRand Nature Reserve

NAMIBRAND RESERVE. Early risers can join an excursion into the Namib Naukluft National Park, entering the park gates at sunrise to capture the dunes while the light is soft, and the shadows accentuate their towering shapes and curves. This area boasts some of the highest free-standing sand dunes in the world. Once you have explored the areas around Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, return to your lodge in the early afternoon for lunch. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, either relaxing in your luxurious accommodation or participating in a variety of guided activities such as biking, scenic drives and walks. (B,L,D)

Namibia

NamibRand Nature Reserve

NAMIBRAND RESERVE – SWAKOPMUND. Bid farewell to the reserve and continue northwest through the ever-changing desert landscapes of the Namib Naukluft National Park, including the impressive Gaub and Kuiseb canyons. You will reach the Atlantic coast at the port town of Walvis Bay, once a whaling station and major stopover point in the 18th century for sea travel between South Africa and the Netherlands. Continue north to the seaside town of Swakopmund, where you will stay for the next two nights. You will have time this afternoon to explore the town center and wander along the waterfront before enjoying dinner at a favorite local seafood restaurant. (B,L,D)

Namibia

Swakopmund

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Namibia

Swakopmund

SWAKOPMUND. This morning, join a catamaran cruise, where you may be able to see the aquatic mammals that thrive off the coast of Swakopmund, including seals, dolphins, and—between mid-summer and fall—Southern Right and Humpback Whales. The afternoon is at your leisure, and your AmaWaterways guide will have suggestions on what to see and do. (B,L,D)

Namibia

Etosha National Park

SWAKOPMUND – ETOSHA. After breakfast, transfer to Swakopmund Airport and fly to Etosha, where you will arrive at your secluded lodge with lovely savannah views. If time allows, you may join a guided game drive within the renowned Etosha National Park. Be on the lookout for elephants, lions, springbok, zebras and the elusive black rhino. (B,L,D)

Namibia

Etosha National Park

ETOSHA. Start the day with an exciting game drive into the heart of Etosha National Park to see more of the region’s game and bird species. After lunch, enjoy ample free time where you can take a dip in the refreshing infinity pool and keep an eye out for wildlife at the neighboring watering holes. Later, join an afternoon game drive. You may also opt to spend the entire day exploring the National Park and its wildlife, with a picnic lunch included. (B,L,D)

Namibia

Outjo

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Namibia

Etosha National Park

ETOSHA – WINDHOEK. This morning, head east through the magnificent Namibian landscapes and villages. Along the route, you will stop in Outju and visit the Himba Living Museum. The Himbas are an Indigenous semi-nomadic people who adhere to their ancestors’ way of life and traditions. Connect with the villagers as they continue with their daily routines and learn about the unique distinctive red ochre paste they apply to their skin and hair. Following this experience, continue onward to Windhoek. The day concludes with a farewell dinner with your local AmaWaterways guide. (B,L,D)

Namibia

Windhoek

No summary for this day yet.

Namibia

Windhoek

DEPART WINDHOEK. Join your scheduled transfer to Windhoek’s airport for your onward flight. Please be mindful that your check-out time is at 10:00am. (B)

Overview

Begin your journey in cosmopolitan Johannesburg. Next, take a flight to Kasane, Botswana and transfer to Namibia, where a three-night wildlife adventure aboard Zambezi Queen awaits, with incredible wildlife encounters throughout Chobe National Park. Immerse yourself in the beauty and power of Victoria Falls for three nights, then venture to Namibia’s most captivating landscapes. Begin in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, where endless red dunes and golden grasslands offer striking vistas by day and some of the world’s most spectacular stargazing by night. On the Skeleton Coast, windswept shores are dotted with remnants of stories past. In Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s top safari destinations, you can look for elephants, rhinos, lions and countless antelopes. In each destination, you will experience the deep cultural heritage and immersive wildlife encounters that make this journey unforgettable.

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Suite

Luxury Suite

Spacious Staterooms and Suites
Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Lower Deck
  • Luxury Suite
  • Private Balcony with Sitting Area

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    Suite

    Category SA

    Spacious Staterooms and Suites

    Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

    Comfort and Understated Luxury

    Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

    • Lower Deck
    • Luxury Suite
    • Private Balcony with Sitting Area

    View More Images
    Suite

    Category SB

    Spacious Staterooms and Suites
    Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

    Comfort and Understated Luxury

    Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

    • Main Deck
    • Category SB
    • Private Balcony

    regional

    Main Restaurant

    The ship has one Main Restaurant where guests enjoy a mix of international favorites and locally inspired dishes, often featuring regional ingredients and South African wines. Meals are served with panoramic river views, and vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs are happily accommodated.

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    Bar, Lounge

    Lounge & Bar

    This versatile space hosts a bar, dance floor, plenty of comfortable couches and big windows on three sides and is used for everything from the morning port talks, daytime reading and chatting to scenic cruising, afternoon tea and evening entertainment.

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    Pool Deck

    Pool Deck

    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.

    Local Entertainment

    Local Entertainment

    Onboard Performances and Musical Evenings
    Throughout many voyages, the ship’s lounge transforms into a stage for local ensembles, jazz duos, and classical quartets

    Select sailings have Music Hosts, conductors and musicians who guide you through historical context, lead onboard performances, and deepen your connection with the region’s musical heritage.

    Live Regional Performances On Ship

    Even on non-themed sailings, enjoy musical offerings like local performances, curated playlists, and connections to the musical stories of the rivers you traverse.

    Shop

    Boutique

    The onboard boutique offers a variety of souvenirs for purchase.

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    Whirlpool/Jacuzzi

    Plunge Pool

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

    Spa

    Onboard Spa

    Indulge in the ultimate in relaxation by pampering yourself with a variety of massage and facial treatments while cruising the Chobe River, available for a nominal fee.