AmaWaterways wine cruises add a unique epicurean dimension to a variety of itineraries at no additional cost. Join one of these wine cruises with a special wine host and be treated to a menu of exclusive wine and culinary experiences designed to delve deeper into the wonderful flavors and tastes of Europe.
European cities transform into majestic winter wonderlands for the holiday season – and we invite you to experience all their splendor with us. In addition to our variety of daily excursions, you will also have the opportunity to visit festive Christmas Markets in select destinations and participate in nostalgic traditions.
Maximize your Christmas experience by embarking at the height of the holiday market season with daily or near-daily visits to Christmas Markets.
Get "just a taste" of the holidays in mid-November or late December with visits to one or two Christmas Markets during your river cruise.
We are pleased to offer guests the opportunity to experience Floriade in 2022 while sailing along the Rhine River and Dutch and Belgian Waterways between April 14 and October 9. Right outside Amsterdam, this rare experience calls for its visitors to “explore, touch and change” as part of their journey into Floriade – which is set to feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, talk shows, souvenirs and food stalls.
We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Rhône with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements.
Based on the overwhelmingly positive response received from the announcement of our first-ever “Soulful Experience” on the Rhône River in 2023, we are delighted to announce four new opportunities for guests to celebrate their heritage and discover Black history and culture along the rivers with us in 2024.
Join award-winning television host and travel expert, Samantha Brown, Godmother of AmaMagna, as we cruise through four countries along the Danube River. Special events and Travel Talks are included on this exclusive sailing.
Join Chef Joanne Weir, award-winning cookbook author, restaurant owner and host of PBS television series “Plates & Places” as she hosts a special 7-night Flavors of Burgundy river cruise.
We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Danube with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements.
Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey.
Based on the overwhelmingly positive response received from the announcement of our first-ever “Soulful Experience” on the Rhône River in 2023, we are delighted to announce four new opportunities for guests to celebrate their heritage and discover Black history and culture along the rivers with us in 2025
Join award-winning television host and travel expert, Samantha Brown, Godmother of AmaMagna, as we cruise through five countries along the Danube River. Special events and Travel Talks are included on this exclusive sailing.
We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Douro with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements.
We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights.
Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the iconic Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at some of the leading championship courses on the continent.
AmaWaterways’ Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Magna on the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna.
Hello! "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. Each month, I love to share with you my thoughts, personal stories, travel tips and latest news on the people and places that help turn every mile of our guests' river cruise experience into one of their most cherished memories!"
Thank you for choosing AMAWATERWAYS! Your itinerary has been carefully selected to ensure that you have a most memorable vacation to Africa. We hope you will enjoy your special journey as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Our team in Africa are experienced professionals committed to delivering outstanding service and providing you with a magnificent experience in Africa.
A valid passport is required for all AmaWaterways related travel, and it must be valid for at least 6 months after your return. All guests are required to have at least six to ten empty visa labeled pages (depending on itinerary) in their passport for travel to Africa, enough to accommodate several stamps and any required visas. It is the guest’s responsibility to ensure that your passport is valid and contains any necessary visas and empty pages.
In the event you lose your documents while traveling, we recommend that you photocopy the first pages of your passport, airline tickets, driver’s license and/or birth certificate to expedite the replacement process. Keep the originals separate from the photocopies. Another option is to scan or take a photo of your passport, airline tickets and credit card numbers and email them to yourself as attachments.
Please remember to fill out the “Emergency Next of Kin” section in your passport (in pencil).
Note: For guests purchasing visas upon entry, please make sure to bring adequate cash (US dollars). Prices listed below are in US dollars, were correct at the time of printing and are subject to change. Passport holders other than the countries below should contact their nearest embassies and consulates for entry and passport requirements.
STARS OF SOUTH AFRICA / RIVERS & RAILS / DISCOVER AFRICA / WILDLIFE & THE FALLS
South Africa: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK/EU citizens. Passport requires two empty Visa labeled pages.
Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls): Multiple-entry visa required for US/Canadian/UK /EU citizens. Visas are obtained upon entry. Below rates apply to visas purchased at entry. Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages.
Double Entry (KAZA) (US/AU/NZ/EU): $45
Single Entry (KAZA) (Canada): $75 (will enter Zimbabwe twice – double entry Visa not available) Double Entry (KAZA) (UK): $70
Botswana and Namibia: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK/EU/AU/NZ citizens. Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages. (Passports are stamped upon entry/exit between Namibia and Botswana during the Zambezi Queen cruise.)
Note: Guests starting in Johannesburg will fly into Kasane, Botswana on Embarkation Day, transfer to Namibia Immigration and board the Zambezi Queen moored in Namibia. On Disembarkation Day (5 days later), guests will be transferred to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe for a two-night stay.
Note: Children under the age of 18 are required to produce an original Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the particulars of both parents) when entering and exiting Botswana. All prices are subject to change.
GOLDEN TRAILS OF EAST AFRICA (with or without Cape Town)
South Africa: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK/EU/AU/NZ citizens. Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages.
Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls): Multiple-entry visa required for US/Canadian/UK citizens. Visas are obtained upon entry. Below rates apply to visas purchased at entry. Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages.
Botswana and Namibia: No visa required for US/Canadian/UK citizens. Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages. (Passports are stamped upon entry/exit between Namibia and Botswana during the Zambezi Queen cruise.) All prices are subject to change.
Tanzania: Visa is required for US/Canadian/UK/EU citizens. You can obtain a visa on arrival or by completing an online application. You will be required to make payment during the online application process. Go to https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ to apply and learn more. Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages.
Multiple Entry (US): $100 (single entry not available) Single Entry (Canada/UK/EU/AU/NZ): $50
Note: All prices are subject to change.
RWANDA EXTENSION
Visa is required and can be obtained on arrival. Passport requires two empty visa labeled pages.
Single Entry (US): $50
Single Entry (Canada/AU/NZ): No charge Single Entry (EU): $50
AmaWaterways’ online Cruise Check-In process is intended for the convenience of our valued guests. We require that each step of your Cruise Check-In is completed to board our ships. To complete, visit our website at www.amawaterways.com/welcome-check-in. In addition to providing the information required for embarkation, the Cruise Check-In process:
Your Essential Africa River Cruise Packing Guide
When traveling through Africa, it is always advised to travel light. On some itineraries, baggage size and weight are strictly limited. The best advice is “if in doubt, leave it out.”
A safari calls for casual, easy-care clothing that includes some long-sleeved items for protection from mosquitoes and the sun. If you plan on dining at a fine restaurant in a city such as Cape Town or Johannesburg, “smart casual” is the norm – no ties for men or evening dresses for women are necessary. For those traveling to South Africa during the winter months (April - September), it is recommended to bring some warm clothes for chilly early morning and late-night temperatures. Dressing in layers is also recommended, as temperatures rise quickly during the day. Please note plastic bags are discouraged in Botswana and banned in Tanzania and may not be brought into the country. However, Ziploc plastic bags are acceptable for carrying toiletries and medication.
Some recommended items to pack:
Tips for Long Flights
Travel ProtectionIf you have not yet taken out travel protection/insurance, please contact your travel agent, independent Insurance broker or AmaWaterways in advance of your trip. Foreign medical care is often paid for in cash prior to treatment and medical evacuation can be very expensive. Travel protection/insurance is STRONGLY recommended for all trips to Africa.
Airport Security and Check-inIt is important to arrive at least three hours before international flights, and no later than two hours before domestic flights. This will allow ample time to check-in and get through Customs.Current security regulations require that all liquid items in your carry-on luggage must be no larger than 3 oz. and contained in a clear quart-sized plastic bag. Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you may need and copies of your prescriptions, along with the telephone number of your physician. Some countries require that prescription drugs be kept in their original containers with the prescription label intact
Luggage Restrictions
For the most part, standard airline luggage restrictions apply: 17 kg/44 lbs. for checked luggage on most flights and 8 kg/17 lbs. for carry-on bags. Exceptions are flight sectors: Cape Town/Johannesburg, Victoria Falls/Johannesburg and Johannesburg/Kilimanjaro, Tanzania where maximum luggage restrictions are 23 kg/50 lbs. for checked luggage and 8 kg/17 lbs. for carry-on. For ease of travel at airports, we strongly recommend checked luggage remain under 44 lbs. for your whole journey.
All guests will connect at Johannesburg Airport during one point on their journey. In order to increase operational efficiency and on-time performance, the airport has introduced new baggage restrictions. The acceptable baggage rules are as follows:
Should your baggage not comply with the rules above, guests can visit a baggage-wrapping station to wrap their bags. A fee of R100 will be charged (subject to change). Furthermore, should a guest’s suitcase require the insertion of a flat surface base, there will be no additional charge other than the R100 wrapping fee.
GOLDEN TRAILS OF EAST AFRICA / WILDLIFE & THE FALLS / STARS OF SOUTH AFRICA
Standard airline luggage restrictions of 17 kg/44 lbs. for checked luggage and 8 kg/17 lbs. for carry-on bags.
Exception: If traveling on the Golden Trails of East Africa, small bush planes are used to travel to certain remote safari locations in Tanzania. Guests must travel with soft-sided luggage for these Intra-Tanzania flights, as there are strict size and weight limitations on luggage (17 kg/44 lbs.). Any excess luggage can be stored at the Arusha Coffee Lodge at no charge.
RIVERS & RAILS OF AFRICA / DISCOVER AFRICA / GOLDEN TRAILS OF EAST AFRICA WITH CAPE TOWN
Exception: If traveling on the Golden Trails of East Africa with Cape Town, small bush planes are used to travel to certain remote safari locations in Tanzania. Guests must travel with soft-sided luggage for these Intra-Tanzania flights, as there are strict size and weight limitations on luggage (17 kg/44 lbs.). Any excess luggage can be stored at the Arusha Coffee Lodge at no charge
Vaccinations & Medications
IMPORTANT: Please check with your doctor and local consulates for any applicable vaccination requirements based upon your itinerary destinations and past travel history. Ultimately, vaccination requirements rest with the traveler.
All Itineraries: Passengers going on safari are STRONGLY urged to get a prescription for malaria pills. Depending on your health history, your physician may also recommend certain booster shots such as tetanus and/or Hepatitis A and B. Be sure to bring a sufficient supply of any medications you may require during your trip, as you will have limited access to pharmacies. Please note that in some locations local doctors often expect payment in cash at the time of service.
For guests traveling to Rwanda, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. If your doctor has recommended against a yellow fever vaccination, a letter from the doctor must be provided to immigration officials on arrival.
Travel Protection If you have not yet taken out travel protection/insurance, please contact your travel agent, independent Insurance broker or AmaWaterways in advance of your trip. Foreign medical care is often paid for in cash prior to treatment and medical evacuation can be very expensive. Travel protection/insurance is STRONGLY recommended for all trips to Africa.
Health & Safety Protocols
Our teams are experienced with enhanced health and safety protocols and are ready and eager to safely welcome you on board. Our experienced Cruise Managers and crew have undergone special training and will be advised and guided by a Public Health Officer. As always, our crew will be on hand to take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your much-anticipated river cruise vacation.
Physical RequirementsAmaWaterways itineraries are as active as you want them to be. While your days on the river give ample opportunity to relax on board, land programs and excursions to places such as Cape Town, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg require a moderate amount of walking. Facilities and services for passengers with disabilities differ depending on the destination and, in some cases, may be limited or non-existent. Passengers requiring special assistance must be accompanied by someone who is physically able to provide such support. In fairness to other guests, transfers and shore excursions adhere to a set schedule and cannot be delayed to accommodate those with physical limitations. AmaWaterways and its affiliates are not responsible for any denial of services by airline carriers, cruise vessels, hotels, lodges, coaches, local guides or operators, or any other independent suppliers.
Handicapped FacilitiesThe Zambezi Queen and lodges are not equipped with handicapped facilities such as ramps or elevators, and hallways and doors may not be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs or scooters. Motor coaches, minibuses, small charter planes, private tender boats and vehicles used for transfers, game drives and shore excursions may also lack handicapped access.
MedicalPlease consult your physician prior to travel if you have a medical condition that might pose limitations during your AmaWaterways safari and cruise vacation. Any condition requiring special attention must be reported to AmaWaterways at the time of booking.
Health PrecautionsWe recommend that passengers drink only bottled water, which will be readily available the duration of your trip. Applying insect repellent is also strongly advised.
Special DietsIf you have any special dietary requirements, please advise AmaWaterways prior to your departure. We will make every effort to accommodate your requests, although local supplies and seasonality may sometimes limit our ability to do so
It may be helpful to do some research on the places you plan to visit in Africa and the amazing animals that live there. You might wish to learn a few key words and phrases, especially if you wish to explore a bit on your own. Be careful when venturing alone into unfamiliar areas and avoid excessive displays of jewelry and/or money. All of us who travel abroad should be goodwill ambassadors.
WEATHER Average Temperatures and Rainfall*
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
BOTSWANA - Kasane
Hi/Lo (F)
88/65
86/65
84/60
82/55
79/48
74/50
75/50
79/54
86/60
90/65
Rainfall
5
3
1
0.1
0
2.5
SOUTH AFRICA - Johannesburg
78/58
75/58
75/55
72/50
66/48
62/42
63/46
73/48
75/53
77/55
78/57
4
2
0.5
0.2
SOUTH AFRICA – Cape Town
78/60
79/60
77/58
72/53
65/42
63/48
65/51
69/54
72/58
75/60
0.6
0.7
1.5
SOUTH AFRICA – Kruger Park Area
86/73
86/70
81/63
77/54
75/46
73/46
79/52
84/61
84/64
90/70
86/72
6.6
1.6
1.4
0.3
4.6
4.5
TANZANIA - Arusha
84/50
84/51
81/53
77/57
72/52
70/48
69/49
72/48
76/47
80/51
81/51
81/50
3.3
8
0.8
ZIMBABWE – Victoria Falls
90/71
85/57
77/45
76/45
82/48
89/55
92/63
85/65
91/70
6
7
RWANDA – Kigali
82/63
81/62
77/64
79/64
79/63
81/61
2.7
3.9
4.2
7.2
3.6
0.4
1.3
3.4
*Temperatures in Fahrenheit and rainfall measurements are in inches.
For current weather conditions in Africa, check out www.weather.com or www.accuweather.com
Time Zones
South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe – UTC + 2 hours
East Africa: Tanzania – UTC + 3 hours; Rwanda – UTC + 2 hours
*UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TRANSFERS
Cape Town International Airport (CPT), South Africa Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, passengers will proceed towards the exit and complete Customs formalities. An AmaWaterways representative will meet you at the Arrivals Hall with a sign with your name and AmaWaterways logo and will transfer you to the hotel. The airport is approximately 14 miles (23km) from your hotel in the V & A Waterfront; an approximate 25-30 minute drive.
Johannesburg International Airport (JNB), South Africa After completing Customs formalities at Johannesburg International Airport, you will exit towards the Arrivals Hall area where you will be met by an AmaWaterways representative and be transferred to your hotel. The airport is approximately 16 miles (25km) from your hotel in the Sandton neighborhood; an approximate 35-40 minute drive.
Guests With Their Own Transfer Arrangements If you have arranged for your own airport transfer, please proceed to the appropriate hotel set forth in your detailed itinerary and check-in.
International Airport Transfers (Departures) Guests with AmaWaterways arranged departure transfers will be informed of their pick up times prior to departing. Guests without a pre-arranged transfer can contact the hotel concierge to schedule a ride to the airport by taxi or other local transport. However all itineraries except for Rivers and Rails of Africa and Golden Trails of East Africa will conclude with an Intra-Africa air flight unless extra nights are purchased.
Late of Missed Flights In the unfortunate event that you miss your flight to South Africa, immediately notify an airline representative that you are bound for a specific location/date/ time to embark on a cruise or check-in to a pre or post-cruise hotel. Airlines typically will do everything in their power to get you on the next available flight.
Lost Baggage Luggage can sometimes be delayed during air transport, so be sure to have a change of clothing in your carry-on bag or in your traveling companion’s bag. Placing a copy of your itinerary and contact info inside each piece of checked luggage will help the airline return any lost bags to you while you are traveling. Reimbursement claims for delayed luggage should be submitted directly to the airline. To expedite this process, fill out a claim form at the appropriate airline desk before you leave the airport and head to your hotel.
ARRIVING IN KRUGER PARK (STARS OF SOUTH AFRICA AND WILDLIFE & THE FALLS)
ARRIVING IN EAST AFRICA (GOLDEN TRAILS OF EAST AFRICA)
Embarkation
After two nights in Victoria Falls, you will transfer to Namibia where Zambezi Queen will be waiting for you. Transfer time will take approximately two hours.
Disembarkation
Disembarkation time will be late morning. All guests will be transferred via private tender boat back to Kasane Immigration and on to Kasane Airport for the two-hour flight to Johannesburg.
Hotel Arrival & Departure Information The official hotel check-in time for the Cape Grace Hotel & Fairlawns Boutique Hotel is 2:00 PM local time. If your flight arrives in the morning, luggage can be dropped off at the hotel before check-in and delivered to your room later.
Check-out times vary, but are typically between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon. This mainly applies to guests who have booked extra nights with AmaWaterways. If you have a late afternoon or evening flight, you can ask your hotel to store your bags in their luggage room until you depart for the airport.
CAPE TOWN Cape Grace Hotel West Quay Road Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Cape Town, South Africa Tel: +27 21 410 7100
VICTORIA FALLS Victoria Falls Hotel 1 Mallet Drive Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Tel: +263 13 44751
JOHANNESBURG Fairlawns Boutique Hotel 1 Alma Road Morningside Manor Sandton 2004, South Africa Tel: +27 11 804 2540
ARUSHA Arusha Coffee Lodge Dodoma Road Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 758 306 252
KRUGER NAT’L PARK AREA Tintswalo Safari Lodge Kruger Park, 1350 South Africa Tel: +27 15 793 9013
Currency per Country
*Credit card charges will be in USD. USD currency issued later than 2011 may be accepted at certain establishments.
Tipping Currency
ATM Machines
Throughout South Africa, ATM machines are available in all major cities and towns, at airports, and often in shopping malls and hotel lobbies.
In Botswana, ATMs are not widely available, even in urban areas.
In Tanzania, ATMs are only available at branches of major banks, so guests should bring sufficient US currency for incidentals and gratuities.
In Zimbabwe, there are ATM machines within a short distance of the Victoria Falls Hotel and all cash withdrawals are made in US dollars. However, ATMs are notorious for running out of cash or limit the amount of withdrawal to $50 or less.
Credit Cards
Throughout South Africa, credit cards are generally accepted at all lodges, hotels, restaurants and shops on our itineraries. In Zimbabwe, credit cards are, for the most part, accepted at major hotels, restaurants and shops and should be considered the preferred way of payment. The hotels and lodges being used in Tanzania also accept all major credit cards. Regardless of your destination, we recommend using MasterCard or Visa to ensure no complications.
Language The onboard language is English. All staff, crew and local guides are completely fluent.
Reception There are no fixed reception hours on board; however the ship’s Cruise Manager will be available to guests throughout their stay.
Smoking Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the ship. Smoking is only permitted outside on the Entertainment Deck (upper deck).
Ship Schedule There is no fixed sailing schedule on the Chobe River. During your river safari days you will explore 13.5 miles/22 kilometers of remote river under wide, open skies. Each day explore the surrounding area via smaller boats or go on fishing excursions or safari game drives. The Zambezi Queen cruises at certain hours of the day to offer the best wildlife viewing and scenery; guests can enjoy unobstructed views from the upper deck as well as their private suites.
The captain will use his discretion in regards to current weather conditions when cruising along the Chobe. Due to local laws the ship does not cruise after 6:00 pm.
Telephone While staterooms are not equipped with telephones, there is an onboard phone that can be used in case of emergency.
Climate Control Staterooms have circulating fans and air-conditioners. The large open balconies have screens designed to let cool breezes in and keep bugs out.
Electricity Electricity on board is 220v. Adapters are available.
Stateroom Amenities Each stateroom provides bathrobes, slippers, a hair dryer, soap, body wash and conditioning shampoo.
In-room Safe All staterooms have a safe for your personal use. We recommend placing your passport and valuables in the safe whenever you are away from your room.
Medical Facilities Doctors and nurses are not employed on board the Zambezi Queen. In the event medical assistance is needed, the closest hospital will be contacted (either in Kasane or Victoria Falls). Passengers are strongly urged to secure adequate travel insurance for medical emergencies.
Gift Shop The gift shop stocks African curios, sunglasses, clothing, hats and other basic necessities.
Laundry If you require laundry services, simply notify our crew. Items will be taken ashore for service and returned within 24 hours. Please inquire about the prices on board.
Your Leisure Time The Zambezi Queen has a small collection of books, board games and binoculars for viewing scenery and wildlife
Bar Due to the private setting and schedule of early morning activities, the onboard bar closes at 10:00 PM every night. At this time the lights on the top deck will shut off. Beer, wine, spirits, soda and bottled water are complimentary. Premium brands have an additional charge.
Entertainment Deck The third-floor Entertainment Deck has a dining room, lounge, bar and a sunbathing area with a small pool for a cool, refreshing dip.
Eco-Friendly Pool The Sun Deck has a small environmentally-friendly pool for your enjoyment. This pool is filled with filtered water from the Chobe River and is drained and refilled each day. No harmful chemicals are ever added to the water in order to protect the wildlife living in and along the river.
Wi-fi Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship. Please note that because of the ship’s isolated position, access can be sporadic.
Laundry services are available at all lodges free of charge. Hotel laundry services are also available for a small fee at hotels and on the Zambezi Queen.
All meals on board the Zambezi Queen are included in your tour price and are served in the dining area on the top deck. Open seating allows you to sit at different tables for each meal if you wish to meet fellow guests.
Breakfast is served buffet style, along with a variety of cooked to order options such as eggs and omelettes. Lunches and dinners are a mix of order from a menu and buffet-style meals in the dining area. An African themed dinner will be served on one of the evenings.
Complimentary soft drinks, bottled water, beer, spirits and wine are included. Coffee is available at the bar or can be ordered from the wait staff. Premium brand alcohol is available at an additional charge.
The staff consists of approximately 20 English-speaking Namibian crew members, most of whom do not stay overnight on the boat.
Key personnel include the Captain, Cruise Manager and boat guides. All AmaWaterways crewmembers, from the nautical crew to stateroom stewards, are thoroughly trained to ensure you enjoy the best vacation possible
Daily Activities The ship’s printed Program features updated information about daily activities. Different onshore activities and excursions are offered to passengers each day, such as game drives, private boat cruises, village walking tours, and fishing excursions. During inclement weather, including high winds, the Zambezi Queen may need to stay put in one place for longer than usual. Never fear – the boat will be tendered in an area with scenic views and weather should not adversely impact most planned activities. Alternative activities may be offered.
Vehicle and Boat Safety To avoid serious injury, passengers must remain seated whenever their game drive vehicle, minibus or private boat is in motion. Game drives offer an exhilarating opportunity to observe many different wild animals from a very close distance. These animals are accustomed to game viewing vehicles; even so, do not exit the vehicle unless directed to do so by your guide. Be sure not to leave any valuable items in any transfer vehicle, game vehicle or private boat; watch your step if you are being transferred in a motor coach with stairs; take time to note any available emergency exits; and always check for traffic when exiting any vehicle.
Other Game Drive Guidelines Another reason to remain seated in your game vehicle is that it is important not to “break the shape” of the vehicle; animals view the vehicle as a single object. Upon standing up they will realize you are separate and may decide to flee! Your guides will be happy to explain this in greater detail. Feel free to ask your guides any questions you may have, as they are experts of the area and can provide well informed answers.
In respect of your surroundings, do not smoke or litter on any game drive. We are grateful stewards of the wild and wish to maintain Africa’s unspoiled natural beauty
Although we leave gratuities to your discretion, many of our guests have asked for general tipping guidelines. Gratuities may be charged on a credit card or given in cash.
For your convenience, gratuities for transfer drivers, porters, hotel staff as well as local guides throughout your trip have been covered by AmaWaterways. Below you will find the list of those people who gratuities have not been included. If your AmaWaterways Tour Director, Cruise Manager and Zambezi Queen staff leave a great impression on you, then in turn we hope you will embrace this with the gratuity you see fit. For this reason, it’s important that each guest has realistic expectations and guidelines for tipping.
Safari Lodge Stay As a general rule, you should tip all game lodge and camp personnel on the last day of your stay. The lodge should provide a tipping box in the lobby for gratuities. If not, you can hand the tip to the lodge manager.
Our representatives are available to help with any needs that may arise during your vacation. If for any reason you require assistance, please use the appropriate contact information below.
SOUTH AFRICA & ZIMBABWE Tel: +27 21 713 0296 Emergency: +27 72 798 3265
ZAMBEZI QUEEN Tel: + 27 21 715 2412 Mobile: + 27 83 431 7399
TANZANIA 24-Hour Emergency Contact: Tel: +255 75 478 6409 or +255 75 478 6405
Please refer to the phone numbers below and/or on your travel documents and advise the ship of any delays or changes to your schedule. If for any reason you require assistance, our representatives are at your service.
AmaWaterways Headquarters 1-800-626-0126 or 1-818-428-6198 Monday-Friday: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Pacific Standard Time Saturday: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
Helpful Calling Information
Telephone dialing instructions for international calls: Replace the “+” symbol with the international access number for the country you are in (e.g., for international calls from North America, dial 011+ country + city code + number)
AmaWaterways - UK* 44 (0) 333 305 3909 Monday-Friday: 09h00-17h30 Saturday: 09h00 -17h00 After hours number (for extreme emergencies only): 44 (0) 333 305 3930