AmaWaterways will broaden its Africa portfolio in 2026 with four new Safaris & Wildlife Cruise journeys pairing a three-night Chobe River sailing aboard the intimate Zambezi Queen with immersive land programmes across Southern and Eastern Africa. The additions available for 2026 and 2027 departures introduce fresh combinations featuring Kenya, Namibia, Zanzibar and the Skeleton Coast, alongside Victoria Falls and established safari hubs.
“Our Africa programme is very meaningful to me… we’re thrilled to offer even more opportunities for our guests to experience the trip of a lifetime,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways, noting the blend of riverbank wildlife encounters, cultural connection and sustainable tourism.
The new line-up (9–18 nights):
- From the Cape to the Falls (9 or 11 nights): Cape Town to Victoria Falls with penguins at Boulders Beach, multiple river and land safaris, plus an optional two-night Johannesburg extension.
- Iconic Africa (14 nights): Cape Town, Victoria Falls and a three-night stay in Greater Kruger National Park for Big Five viewing.
- Classic Kenya & Southern Africa (14 or 18 nights): Chobe and Victoria Falls combined with Amboseli and the Maasai Mara; optional Zanzibar add-on.
- African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast (15 nights): Namibia’s NamibRand Nature Reserve, Etosha National Park and the dramatic Skeleton Coast.
At the heart of each journey is the 28-passenger Zambezi Queen, purpose-built for close-up game viewing on the Chobe. Eco-features include solar heating, low-emission generators and water-jet propulsion. Guests enjoy private balcony suites, an open-air Sun Deck with plunge pool, and complimentary South African wines, beer, spirits and soft drinks throughout the day.
For the trade, the expansion delivers:
- Broader regional coverage enabling cross-border, multi-park itineraries that appeal to repeat Africa travellers and first-timers seeking depth beyond a single country.
- Flexible trip lengths (9–18 nights) and modular extensions (Johannesburg, Zanzibar) to tailor for time, budget and interests.
- A strong luxury-with-purpose message via small-ship capacity, boutique stays, expert local guides and sustainability credentials on the river.
Positioned squarely at the high-touch end of the market, the new journeys give advisors fresh inventory to meet demand for experiential, conservation-minded Africa travel—combining the serenity of a Chobe cruise with headline wildlife and culture across multiple iconic landscapes.