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Classic Kenya &
Southern Africa
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Classic Kenya & Southern Africa River Cruise
This is a different kind of AmaWaterways trip: 14 nights that combine a stay aboard the Zambezi Queen on the Chobe River with land safaris across Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kenya, taking in Victoria Falls, Nairobi, Amboseli and the Maasai Mara before it’s done. Wildlife is the constant thread, from boat safaris spotting elephants at the water’s edge to 4×4 game drives in search of the Big Five, with boutique hotels and tented camps linking each stage of the journey.
4.87
from
96 reviews
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Cruise Line: AmaWaterways -
Ship: Zambezi Queen -
Duration: 16 Nights
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Departure: Mar - Nov
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Classic Kenya & Southern Africa Itinerary
Here’s how the fortnight unfolds, starting in Johannesburg and finishing in Nairobi, with river cruising, safari camps and two of Africa’s most famous landmarks along the way.
Day 1
Johannesburg, South Africa
Arrive in Johannesburg, where you’ll be met by a local AmaWaterways host and transferred to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel, set in parkland in the Sandton neighbourhood.
Day 2
Johannesburg to the Chobe River, Botswana
Fly to Kasane, then transfer to the Chobe River, the natural border between Botswana and Namibia, where tender boats carry you out to the Zambezi Queen, moored on the Namibian side. After settling into your stateroom and a mid-afternoon snack, the evening brings a Welcome Cocktail Reception and dinner.
Day 3
Chobe River, Botswana
A morning boat safari gets things started, with the Chobe River known for its diverse game viewing. Back on board, the rest of the day is yours, whether that’s the splash pool, the spa or a book on deck, before a second boat safari in the afternoon brings another chance at wildlife sightings.
Day 4
Chobe River, Botswana
Another boat safari opens the day, followed by a visit to a local African village to meet its children and elders and learn about daily life there. The afternoon offers a choice of a further boat safari, bird watching or fishing, and the day closes with a festive African-themed farewell dinner on board, complete with singing and dancing from the crew.
Day 5
Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls
Disembark and head into Chobe National Park for a full-day safari in open-top 4×4 vehicles, keeping an eye out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, sable, warthogs, buffaloes and, with luck, lions, hyenas or even a cheetah. Lunch is a picnic under the trees, before the afternoon transfer to Victoria Falls and a dinner with live local entertainment at your hotel.
Day 6
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
A local guide leads a tour of Victoria Falls, covering its history along with the flora and fauna that make the area so distinctive. The afternoon is free, and the evening brings a private sunset cruise along the Zambezi, with tapas and drinks as the wildlife comes out along the banks.
Day 7
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
A leisurely guided walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge takes you into Zambia, where you’ll explore a more intimate side of the falls and visit the historic town of Livingstone, before heading back to Zimbabwe for a free afternoon. As a special treat, the evening offers a safari in search of the elusive Black Rhino and other nocturnal animals, followed by a three-course bush dinner.
Day 8
Victoria Falls to Nairobi, Kenya
Enjoy a morning at leisure before crossing into Zambia to fly from Livingstone to Nairobi, where an AmaWaterways representative meets you for the transfer to the Serena Nairobi Hotel.
Day 9
Nairobi, Kenya
A mid-morning start takes you just outside Nairobi to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, home to a well-known orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre. After lunch in the garden, visit the Giraffe Centre, home to the endangered Rothschild giraffes, before a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum. The evening is free.
Day 10
Nairobi to Amboseli, Kenya
A short flight brings you to Amboseli, known for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll spend the next two nights in a luxury tent at Tortilis Camp, with an afternoon game drive to start things off.
Day 11
Amboseli, Kenya
Morning and afternoon game drives take advantage of Amboseli’s underground water springs, fed in part by the snow and ice of Kilimanjaro, which make it a reliable spot for giraffes, lions, wildebeest and cheetahs, along with gazelle, zebra and hyena if you look closely. A bush breakfast and sundowners are also on offer.
Day 12
Amboseli to the Maasai Mara, Kenya
A morning flight via Nairobi brings you to the Maasai Mara, where you’ll transfer to Elephant Pepper Camp in the heart of the ecosystem’s fertile plains. An afternoon game drive gives you your first shot at the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos.
Day 13
Maasai Mara, Kenya
A full day in the Mara means more game drives in search of the Big Five, with the camp’s remote setting offering impressive night skies and the sounds of the wild after dark. Guided walks, evening game drives, bush breakfasts and sundowners are all on offer.
Day 14
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Your final full day in the Mara continues in much the same spirit, with safaris, game drives, bush breakfasts and sundowners filling out the time.
Day 15
Maasai Mara to Nairobi, Kenya
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for the flight back to Nairobi, then on to the Eka Hotel, where a day room is available for a final freshen-up before your transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and your onward flight home.
Note: Please do not schedule your homebound flight before 5 pm. Day room available until 8pm.
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Classic Kenya & Southern Africa FAQs
Do I need a visa for this trip?
Yes, visas are required for travel to Africa, and requirements vary by country and can change, so it’s worth checking with the relevant consulate for South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Kenya well ahead of travel. Bear in mind this itinerary crosses several borders, including a day trip into Zambia from Victoria Falls, so it’s worth confirming exactly which entries and exits your visa needs to cover.
What is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and is the visit worth it?
It’s an elephant orphanage and rehabilitation centre just outside Nairobi, known for rescuing and hand-rearing baby elephants that have lost their mothers, often to poaching or drought, before eventually releasing them back into the wild. The visit is a highlight for a lot of guests precisely because it offers a glimpse into the hard work that goes into the conservation of one of Africa’s most beloved animals.
What's the difference between the Chobe River boat safaris and the Chobe National Park safari?
The boat safaris on days 3 and 4 are gentle, on-water outings from the Zambezi Queen, ideal for spotting elephants, hippos and birdlife along the riverbanks. The Chobe National Park safari on day 5 is a different experience altogether, a full day in open-top 4×4 vehicles covering more ground on land, with a wider range of wildlife including lions and, on a good day, cheetahs.
What are the Big Five, and where on this trip will I see them?
The Big Five, lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos, were originally named by big-game hunters as the most dangerous animals to track on foot, and the term has since become shorthand for Africa’s most sought-after sightings. This itinerary gives you the best shot at all five in the Maasai Mara on days 12 to 14, though elephants and buffalo also turn up regularly around Chobe and Amboseli.
What happens if the river levels are too low or high?
With over 20 years of river cruise experience, AmaWaterways closely monitors river conditions and has contingency plans in place should water levels affect navigation. Adjustments may include alternate docking locations, modified excursions, or ship swaps, ensuring your journey continues smoothly.
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