Classic Kenya and Southern Africa aboard Zambezi Queen

15 day expedition
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    Class of Ship

    Small River Ship
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    Sustainability

    Low Impact, Advanced Wastewater Treatment
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    Berths

    28
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    Ice Class

    Not applicable
/media/s4zhaf0m/ship-icon.png
Class of Ship
Small River Ship
/media/2flfscuh/leaf-icon.png
Sustainability
Low Impact, Advanced Wastewater Treatment
/media/dx3mvpdd/bed-icon.png
Berths
28
/media/jzdbslpr/iceclass_2.png
Ice Class
Not applicable

Expedition overview and highlights

Begin your journey in cosmopolitan Johannesburg. Next, take a flight to Kasane, Botswana and transfer to Namibia for a three-night wildlife adventure aboard Zambezi Queen, where unforgettable wildlife encounters in Chobe National Park await. Marvel at the beauty and power of Victoria Falls over three nights. Your adventure continues in Kenya with two nights in the capital city of Nairobi, renowned for its cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene. Then fly south to the striking landscapes of Amboseli, where vast savannahs are dotted with acacia woodlands and wetlands, and herds of elephants roam beneath the spectacular backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will also spend time immersing yourself in the beauty of the legendary Maasai Mara, considered the crown jewel of Kenyan safaris.

Map & Cruise Itinerary

On 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 neighbourhood of Johannesburg.

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.

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 favourite book. Later in the day, revel in the panoramic views with another boat safari opportunity. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

Enjoy a morning at your leisure, then cross the border into Zambia and fly from Livingstone to Nairobi, where you will be met by an AmaWaterways representative and transferred to the Serena Nairobi Hotel. 

Enjoy a mid-morning start to your day as you head just outside Nairobi to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which operates a successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation center. After lunch in the garden, visit the Giraffe Centre, home to the endangered Rothschild giraffes. Next is a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum on the site of a former coffee plantation. Blixen, a renowned author, wrote her nonfiction memoir Out of Africa, reflecting on her life in Kenya. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

This morning, a short flight transports you to Amboseli, an area known for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of 19,341-foot (5,895-meter) Mount Kilimanjaro. The name Amboseli comes from the Maa word meaning “salty, dry place.” Your destination is Tortilis Camp, where you will spend the next two nights in a luxury tent. In the afternoon, you're invited to join a game drive.

Today, you may enjoy morning and afternoon game drives. With Amboseli’s underground water springs and components from the snow and ice of Kilimanjaro, the area is ideal for game spotting. Common sightings include giraffes, lions, wildebeest and cheetahs. Keep a sharp eye alert for gazelle, zebra and hyena. Other activities during your stay include a bush breakfast and sundowners.

A morning flight transports you to the Maasai Mara via Nairobi. On arrival, transfer to Elephant Pepper Camp, located in the heart of the Maasai Mara ecosystem and its vast fertile plains. Take an afternoon game drive to spot the “Big Five”: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos.

Revel in two full days to enjoy game drives to spot the "Big Five." The camp’s remote location allows for impressive night skies and the unique experience of listening to the sounds of the wild. During your time here enjoy guided walks, evening game drives, bush breakfasts and sundowners. 

Revel in two full days to enjoy game drives to spot the "Big Five." The camp’s remote location allows for impressive night skies and the unique experience of listening to the sounds of the wild. During your time here enjoy guided walks, evening game drives, bush breakfasts and sundowners. 

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip and fly to Nairobi. Then transfer to the Eka Hotel, where your day room is available until 11pm this evening. During this time, a transfer is included to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will connect to your onward flight.

Please do not schedule onward flights before 6pm. 

Fares & Departure Dates

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 Luxury Suite 

Zambezi Queen Room Luxury Suite King Photogam 8565 Edit
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The ideal choice for your river cruise expedition holiday.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Over-size king or twin configuration
Rooms 1 room
Footage 300 sq ft.
Windows Yes
Balcony Yes
View River
Location Lower and Middle Deck
Suitable for Couples
Accessibility None
Amenities In-room temperature control and fan, deluxe hotel-style bedding and oversized king beds (can also be configured as two single beds), spacious en-suite bathrooms, large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and sliding shutters for privacy and protection from the sun, outside balcony, complimentary Wi-Fi and electronic safe, complimentary bottled water replenished daily.
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 Category SA 

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Comfortable and stylish, these cabins are ideal for river cruising and offer ample river views.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Queen or twin configuration
Rooms 1 room
Footage 235 sq ft.
Windows Yes
Balcony Yes
View River
Location Lower and Middle Deck
Suitable for Couples and Solo Travellers
Accessibility None
Amenities In-room temperature control and fan, deluxe hotel-style bedding and oversized king beds (can also be configured as two single beds), spacious en-suite bathrooms, large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and sliding shutters for privacy and protection from the sun, outside balcony, complimentary Wi-Fi and electronic safe, complimentary bottled water replenished daily.
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 Category SB 

Zambezi Queen Room Suite King Photogam 9073 Edit (1)
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These Category SB Staterooms offer great comfort and modern luxury.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Queen or twin configuration
Rooms 1 room
Footage 215 sq ft.
Windows Yes
Balcony Yes
View River
Location Middle Deck
Suitable for Couples and Solo Travellers
Accessibility None
Amenities In-room temperature control and fan, deluxe hotel-style bedding and oversized king beds (can also be configured as two single beds), spacious en-suite bathrooms, large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and sliding shutters for privacy and protection from the sun, outside balcony, complimentary Wi-Fi and electronic safe, complimentary bottled water replenished daily.
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About the Ship

Zambezi Queen Exterior DSC 3313 (1)

Designed specifically for wildlife viewing, the intimate 28-passenger Zambezi Queen made her debut in one of the world’s most captivating places, Africa’s legendary Chobe River. As she drifts along the river, animals perceive no threat, affording you with once-in-a-lifetime up-close game experiences. Additionally, to ensure no harm to the environment, the eco-friendly Zambezi Queen uses a water jet propulsion system, fuel-efficient and low-emission generators, and a solar heating system. An enclosed, air-conditioned dining room, lounge and bar grace the top deck, as well as an open-air Sun Deck complete with plunge pool. Suites feature private balconies where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the river and African landscape. Throughout the day, be treated to complimentary South African wines, beer, local spirits, soft drinks and bottled water. And on one special night, enjoy an African-themed dinner with traditional dishes and entertainment.

Zambezi Queen Room Luxury Suite King Photogam 8565 Edit

Thoughtfully designed

Your lavish suite with an outside balcony is perfect for game-viewing and enjoying the scenery on the Chobe River.

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A Sustainable Journey

Built with sustainability and community engagement in mind, the Zambezi Queen incorporates eco-conscious technologies and supports local economies through guided excursions and onboard cultural experiences.

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Sun Deck Plunge Pool

Luxuriate and take a refreshing dip in the intimate plunge pool while marvelling at the incredible scenery before you – one of the best views on the entire ship!

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Inviting Public Spaces

With panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the boat, everywhere you go you can take advantage of magnificent wildlife viewing.

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While on board the Zambezi Queen, our guests will dine in absolute opulence whilst taking in the unique African surrounds. Situated on the 3rd level, the dining room offers unobstructed views on three sides. Experience delectable dishes such as butternut and macadamia soup and fillet of beef with bordelaise sauce paired with the perfect wine.

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Award Winning Dining

The ship can accommodate special dietary requirements, including vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. Guests can enjoy complimentary beverages such as water, tea, coffee, fruit juices and soft drinks throughout the day.

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Upper Deck

  • 1 Dining Room
  • 2 Lounge
  • 3 Pool Deck

 

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Main Deck

  • Luxury Suites 20 & 21
  • Category SA Staterooms 22/23/24/26/28/29
  • Category SB Staterooms 25 & 27

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Lower Deck

  • 4 Gift Shop
  • 5 Cruise Manager's Desk
  • 6 Boarding Area
  • Luxury Suites 10 & 11
  • Category SA Staterooms 12 & 13

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