African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast

Upon landing, meet an AmaWaterways Representative for a seamless transfer to the Fairlawns Hotel in Johannesburg. Settle into the accommodations and take time to relax before the broader journey begins. Enjoy a quiet evening to rest, dine directly at the hotel, or explore the nearby areas at a comfortable, leisurely pace.

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Kasane, Botswana. Upon landing, proceed to the Chobe River and board a tender boat for the crossing to the Zambezi Queen. Settle into your stateroom upon arrival and enjoy a mid-afternoon snack, taking time to relax and embrace the beginning of this scenic river safari experience.

As evening approaches, gather with fellow travelers for a warm welcome aboard the vessel. Savor a lively cocktail reception followed by a delicious dinner, officially marking the start of the adventure.

Watch the nature around you come alive on an exciting morning safari by boat along the Chobe River, one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich waterways. Keep an eye out for elephants, hippos, buffalo, and a wide range of birdlife as you glide through this remarkable ecosystem.

Return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch, then enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the river. Spend time on the sun deck or in the splash pool, or simply take in the scenery as the ship cruises along the Chobe.

As the light softens, head out for another thrilling safari by boat. Sunset is an ideal time to observe wildlife gathering along the riverbanks.

Begin the day with a morning boat safari followed by an enriching visit to a local African village on the Chobe River. Spend time with community members, including children and village elders, and learn about local traditions and culture.

After lunch on board, choose how you’d like to spend the afternoon. Head out on another boat safari, join a guided bird-watching experience, or try your hand at fishing on the river.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

• Afternoon Safari by Boat
• Bird Watching
• Fishing

Enjoy your final evening on the Zambezi Queen with a festive African-themed dinner hosted by the crew, complete with singing, dancing, and celebration.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

• African Themed Dinner

Set out on a full-day safari through Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. This region is known for having one of Africa’s densest concentrations of wildlife, offering opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, sable, warthogs, and Cape buffalo. Keep watch for prides of lions, hyenas, and (on rare occasions) cheetahs. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the trees before continuing your journey through the park’s diverse landscapes.

Leave the Zambezi Queen and travel to Victoria Falls. Settle into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the town or enjoying one of the many activities available. Then, enjoy a special dinner with live local entertainment at your hotel.

Enjoy your final evening on the Zambezi Queen with a festive African-themed dinner hosted by the crew, complete with singing, dancing, and celebration.

Join your guide for a walking tour of Victoria Falls, learning about its history and the rich plant and animal life that thrives in the surrounding rainforest.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure, relaxing at your hotel or exploring the town of Victoria Falls.

In the evening, embark on a private sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Watch for wildlife along the water’s edge while enjoying drinks and tapas. Return to your hotel for a special dinner with live local entertainment.

Take a guided walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge, explore the Zambia side of the Falls, and visit the historic town of Livingstone.

Return to Zimbabwe for a relaxed afternoon with free time to enjoy the hotel or explore Victoria Falls town at your own pace.

In the evening head out on a safari to seek out the elusive Black Rhino and other nocturnal animals. Your safari is followed by a three-course bush dinner in a protected wildlife area.

Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport and fly to Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. The influence of the German colonial period can still be seen today in architecture, street names and cuisine. On arrival, you be met and transferred to your hotel.

Meet your local guide for dinner at your hotel where they will brief you on your upcoming adventure, as well as answer any questions.

Meet your local guide for breakfast at your hotel where they will brief you on your upcoming adventure, as well as answer any questions.

Next, reach the NamibRand Nature Reserve, 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 check in at Namib Lodge, with its stunning desert and red dune views.

After settling into your room, enjoy a shared sundowner nature drive within the NamibRand Nature Reserve followed by dinner back at the lodge.

Join an excursion to Namib-Naukluft National Park at sunrise to see the towering dunes—some of the highest free­standing sand dunes in the world—while the light is soft. Explore the areas around Sossusvlei and Deadvlei before returning to the lodge.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure, relaxing at the lodge or joining guided activities such as biking, scenic drives, or walks within the surrounding desert landscape.

Enjoy dinner at the lodge and take in the quiet desert evening after a full day exploring this remarkable landscape.

Bid farewell to NamibRand and travel northwest through the desert landscapes of Namib-Naukluft National Park. Along the way, take in striking vistas, including the impressive Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons.

Reach the Atlantic coast at Walvis Bay, once a whaling station and major stopover point in the 18th century for sea travel between South Africa and the Netherlands. Then, continue to Swakopmund for a two-night stay. Enjoy free time to explore the town center or wander along the waterfront before dinner.

Dine at one of Swakopmund’s favorite seafood restaurants, hosted by your local guide.

Set out on a catamaran cruise to discover the vibrant marine life off the coast. Keep watch for seals, dolphins, and—depending on the season—Southern Right and Humpback whales.

Spend the afternoon however you choose. Your AmaWaterways guide will offer suggestions on what to see and do in Swakopmund.

Enjoy dinner at your lodge or in town, with ample time to relax.

After breakfast, transfer to Swakopmund Airport for your flight to Etosha. Arrive at your secluded lodge overlooking the savannah.

If time allows, join a guided game drive in Etosha National Park where you can look for elephants, lions, springbok, zebras, and the elusive black rhino. Lunch is included.

After returning to your lodge, enjoy a peaceful dinner with views over the surrounding savannah.

Begin the day with an exciting wildlife safari into the heart of Etosha National Park to seek out more of its remarkable animal and bird species.

After lunch, enjoy some free time where you can take a dip in the refreshing infinity pool while keeping an eye out for wildlife at the nearby watering holes. Then, 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.

Relax over dinner and savor the evening in Etosha.

Drive east through magnificent Namibian landscapes and stop in Outjo to visit the Himba Living Museum. The Himbas are an Indigenous semi­nomadic people who adhere to their ancestors’ way of life and traditions. Connect with the community as they go about their daily routines and learn about their traditions, including the distinctive red ochre paste applied to their hair and skin.

Travel onward to Windhoek and settle into your hotel.

Conclude the day with a farewell dinner with your local AmaWaterways guide.

Join your scheduled transfer to Windhoek Airport for your onward flight. You can schedule your homebound flight anytime. Checkout time is 12 noon.