Golden Trails of Africa aboard Zambezi Queen

17 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

Your journey begins with an overnight stay in Johannesburg (option to start with 3 nights in Cape Town). Next, fly to Kasane, Botswana and board the Zambezi Queen, your wildlife river cruise vessel on the Chobe River for the next 4 nights. Enjoy two nights at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. From here, fly to Johannesburg for two nights at your intimate, all-suite hotel. Depart to Nairobi where a connecting flight brings you to your Tanzania safari. Enjoy two nights at three of the four luxury Tanzanian lodges: Tarangire Treetops, The Manor at Ngorongoro, and the luxury-tented Serengeti Migration Camp or Serengeti Pioneer Camp.

Map & Cruise Itinerary

After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to Fairlawns Hotel.

Fly to Kasane, Botswana where you’ll be transferred to the Chobe River. Tender boats will take you to the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river. Settle into your stateroom and in the evening, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. 

Embark on an exhilarating morning boat safari. Return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch. Later in the day, enjoy another thrilling boat safari. 

Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savour a delicious picnic. 

Visit a typical African village spending time with the village children as well as its elders followed by lunch on board. During the afternoon, you can go on a boat safari, bird watch or fish, and then cap the day off with a festive 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 with appetisers aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls. 

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.

 

After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel with its parklike setting and wonderful Spa.

Take a fascinating tour of Johannesburg and Soweto. Walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, visiting the Mandela House, followed by a township lunch. In the evening, enjoy a multi-course dinner. 

Fly to Kilimanjaro where you will be met by an AmaWaterways Representative and transferred to the Arusha Coffee Lodge.

Journey to Tarangire National Park, where you'll go on an adventurous safari before checking into Treetops Lodge.

Experience the wonders of Tarangire with a full day of activities, including a morning bushwalk, an afternoon safari and a sunset drive. This is home to the highest number of breeding bird species in the world along with thousands of elephants, huge herds of buffalo, stately fringe-eared oryx and the towering kudu. 

Visit a local village before enjoying a game drive through Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions, giraffes, cheetahs, monkeys, impalas and baboons. Be treated to a picnic en route to The Manor at Ngorongoro.

Go on a full-day exploration to the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater. Once a gigantic volcano, it’s the world’s largest intact caldera offering a unique environment virtually unchanged since the dawn of time. The nearly three million years old caldera shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth. Deep within the crater, some 25,000 large mammals wander the plains, lakes and forests. A picnic will be served on the crater floor, followed by further exploration before heading back to The Manor. 

Fly to the Serengeti and in the afternoon, go on a game drive to see the “Big Five.” 

Explore the vast Serengeti via an open safari cruiser during the morning and after lunch. It is not possible to say with any accuracy where the Great Migration of the Wildebeest will be located at any one time. There are several determining factors; however, one can be assured that if there is a good chance of seeing it, then this can be accomplished from the Pioneer Camp or Migration Camp. 

Take your final safari drive in the morning, and then transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Arusha. Lunch will be served in the gardens of the lodge before your final transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or extend your journey with four nights in magical Rwanda.

Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight until after 6:00 p.m.

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 

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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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