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.
African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast
At A Glance
On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Day 1 | Johannesburg | Arrival transfer and hotel check-in |
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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.
Day 2 | Johannesburg | Morning flight to Kasane; transfer to the Namibian border |
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| | Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner |
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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)
Day 3 | Zambezi Queen | Chobe River safaris by boat |
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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)
Day 4 | Zambezi Queen | Morning safari by boat |
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| | Visit to local African village |
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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)
Day 5 | Zambezi Queen | DISEMBARKATION |
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| | Chobe National Park Safari with outdoor lunch |
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| | Transfer to Victoria Falls |
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| Victoria Falls | Dinner with live entertainment |
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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)
Day 6 | Victoria Falls | Guided tour of Victoria Falls |
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| | Zambezi River Sundowner cruise with drinks and tapas |
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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)
Day 7 | Victoria Falls | Visit to Zambian side of Victoria Falls |
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| | Evening rhino safari with dinner |
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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)
Day 8 | Victoria Falls | Flight to Windhoek |
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| Windhoek | Included transfer to hotel |
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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)
Day 9 | Windhoek | Drive to NamibRand Nature Reserve |
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| NamibRand Reserve | Exploring the NamibRand Reserve |
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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 Kwessi Lodge, 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)
Day 10 | NamibRand Reserve | Visit Namib Naukluft National Park |
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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)
Day 11 | NamibRand Reserve | Head west to the Skeleton Coast |
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| Swakopmund | Guided drive to Swakopmund |
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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)
Day 12 | Swakopmund | Marine catamaran excursion |
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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)
Day 13 | Etosha | Transfer to Etosha Oberland Lodge |
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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)
Day 14 | Etosha | Morning wildlife Safari in Etosha South |
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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)
Day 15 | Etosha | Driver to Outjo |
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| Outjo | Visit Himba Living Musuem followed by lunch |
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| Windhoek | Farewell dinner with local guide |
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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)
Day 16 | Windhoek | Included transfer to the airport for your onward flight |
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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)