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Take a game drive in the Masai Mara region of Kenya

Classic Kenya & Southern Africa

Johannesburg - Nairobi - Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Zambezi Queen
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Embark on a 15-day cruise aboard Zambezi Queen. Begin in Johannesburg before taking a flight to Kasane. Transfer to Namibia for a three-night wildlife adventure, experiencing animal encounters in Chobe National Park. Next, marvel at Victoria Falls during a three-night stay. Continue in Kenya with two nights in the capital city of Nairobi, renowned for its cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene. Then, fly south to the landscapes of Amboseli. Here, vast savannahs feature acacia woodlands and wetlands, and large herds of elephants roam beneath the spectacular backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Finally, spend time immersing yourself in the majestic beauty of the legendary Maasai Mara, widely considered the crown jewel of Kenyan safaris today. This complete journey brings the best of southern and eastern Africa to you.
Nelson Mandela Square, JohannesburgA herd of elephants on the move—Kenya’s wildlife always leaves you in awe, no matter the distance traveled.Sunrise over Victoria FallsElephants swimming the Chobe River from Botswana to NamibiaLook for lions on a game driveGiraffes on the savanna surrounding Mt. KilimanjaroJohannesburgTake a game drive in the Masai Mara region of Kenya
Highlights
  • Explore the scenic Chobe River by tender boat
  • Visit Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see rescue elephants in Nairobi
  • Spot lions and giraffes during morning game drives in Amboseli
  • Seek out the famous Big Five on game drives in the Maasai Mara
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa

Upon arrival, a local AmaWaterways host greets you and assists with a seamless transfer to the lovely Fairlawns Boutique Hotel. Settle into this inviting property, perfectly situated within a tranquil, parklike setting in the Sandton neighborhood of Johannesburg.

Day 2: Kasane, Botswana | Embark

In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Kasane. Upon arrival, travel to the Chobe River, which forms the natural border between Botswana and Namibia. Board a tender boat for the short crossing to the Zambezi Queen, moored on the Namibian side of the waterway. Settle into your stateroom and enjoy a mid-afternoon snack while taking in the surrounding views. As evening approaches, celebrate the beginning of this river safari with a festive Welcome Cocktail Reception and a delicious dinner.

Day 3: Chobe River

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.

Day 4: Chobe River

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.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
  • Morning safari by boat on the Chobe River
  • Morning Visit to Local African Village
  • Afternoon Safari by Boat
  • Bird Watching
  • Fishing

Day 5: Chobe River | Disembark | Victoria Falls

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.

Day 6: Victoria Falls

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.

Day 7: Victoria Falls

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.

Day 8: Victoria Falls | Livingstone | Nairobi

Enjoy a morning at your leisure, then cross the border into Zambia and fly from Livingstone to Nairobi, where you be met by an AmaWaterways representative and transferred to the Serena Nairobi Hotel.

Day 9: Nairobi, Kenya

Enjoy a mid-morning start to your day as you head just outside Nairobi to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which operates a successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation center. After lunch in the garden, visit the Giraffe Center, home to the endangered Rothschild giraffes. Next is a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum on the site of a former coffee plantation. Blixen, a renowned author, wrote her nonfiction memoir Out of Africa, reflecting on her life in Kenya. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
  • Visit Sheldrick Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Giraffe Center
  • Karen Blixen Museum

Day 10: Nairobi | Amboseli

This morning, a short flight transports you to Amboseli, an area known for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of 19,341-foot (5,895-meter) Mount Kilimanjaro. The name Amboseli comes from the Maa word meaning “salty, dry place.” Your destination is Tortilis Camp, where you spend the next two nights in a luxury tent. In the afternoon, you're invited to join a game drive.

Day 11: Amboseli

Today, you may enjoy morning and afternoon game drives. With Amboseli’s underground water springs and components from the snow and ice of Kilimanjaro, the area is ideal for game spotting. Common sightings include giraffes, lions, wildebeest and cheetahs. Keep a sharp eye alert for gazelle, zebra and hyena. Other activities during your stay include a bush breakfast and sundowners.

Day 12: Amboseli | Maasai Mara

A morning flight transports you to the Maasai Mara via Nairobi. On arrival, transfer to Elephant Pepper Camp, located in the heart of the Maasai Mara ecosystem and its vast fertile plains. Take an afternoon game drive to spot the “Big Five”: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos.

    Day 13: Maasai Mara

    Revel in two full days to enjoy game drives to spot the "Big Five." The camp’s remote location allows for impressive night skies and the unique experience of listening to the sounds of the wild. During your time here enjoy guided walks, evening game drives, bush breakfasts and sundowners.

    Day 14: Maasai Mara

    Revel in two full days to enjoy game drives to spot the "Big Five." The camp’s remote location allows for impressive night skies and the unique experience of listening to the sounds of the wild. During your time here enjoy guided walks, evening game drives, bush breakfasts and sundowners.

    Day 15: Maasai Mara | Nairobi | Return Home

    • 1 Breakfast
    After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip and fly to Nairobi. Then transfer to the Eka Hotel, where your day room is available until 11pm this evening. During this time, a transfer is included to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you connect to your onward flight. Please do not schedule your homebound flight before 5 pm. Day room available until 8pm.

    Ship/Hotel

    Zambezi Queen

    Relax on the Zambezi Queen
    Relax on the Zambezi Queen
    Zambezi Queen

    Victoria Falls Town - Hotels

    Johannesburg - Hotels

    Nairobi - Hotels

    Amboseli National Park - Hotels

    Amboseli National Park - Campsites

    Kenya - Hotels

    Victoria Falls - Hotels

    Dates & Prices

    My Preferred Start Date

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    Per person starting at
    $20,645 2-3 travelers
    Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
    Suite B
    Upper Deck, 215 sq feet. Private bath facilities, separate sitting area, balcony.
    Suite A
    Upper Deck, 235 sq feet. Private bath facilities, separate sitting area, balcony.
    Luxury Suite
    Upper Deck, 300 sq feet. Private bath facilities, separate sitting area, balcony.
    Included
    • 12 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
    • 14 Nights Accommodations
    • Accommodations as listed
    • Ground transportation as listed
    • Activities as listed
    • Meals as listed
    • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
    • Port Fees
    • Onboard Entertainment 
    • Bottled water replenished daily
    • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
    • Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
    • Beverages: Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
    • Personal headset for excursions. 
    • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
    • Knowledgeable guides
    • Internet and Wi-Fi access
    • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
    Excluded
    • Gratuities
    • Travel Insurance
    • Personal Expenses
    • Flight costs (please request a quote)
    • Additional excursions during free time
    • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
    • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
    • Laundry 

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    Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
    Meyer Smolen

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