Africa, But Make It Small Ship:
Exploring Southern Africa by River, Road & Rail
When most people think about travelling to Africa, they probably picture a safari vehicle bumping along a dusty track, searching for lions, elephants and leopards, and too be honest, that is pretty spectacular, and you can still do that, but what if you could experience Africa from the water too?
Not from a huge cruise ship with thousands of passengers, waterslides and a queue for the buffet, I'm talking about 28 guests, a tiny purpose-built luxury ship, wildlife along the riverbank and the Chobe River slowly carrying you through one of the most extraordinary parts of Southern Africa.
Now this is what I call a safari.
So, where exactly are we going?
This isn't technically a “South Africa river cruise” in the traditional sense. The river section takes place on the Chobe River, which forms part of the border between Namibia and Botswana, aboard AmaWaterways' wonderfully tiny ‘Zambezi Queen.’
With just 14 staterooms and a maximum of 28 guests, the ship feels more like a boutique safari-lodge that happens to float. This is about as far removed from mainstream cruising as you can get. But, the river cruise is just one part of a much bigger African adventure.
Depending on the itinerary, you could combine Cape Town, the Chobe River, Victoria Falls and South Africa's Kruger region, with opportunities to experience wildlife, local communities, landscapes and some of the continent's most iconic sights.
One of the current itineraries, Stars of South Africa, is a 14-night journey travelling from Cape Town through the Chobe River and Victoria Falls before finishing with safari experiences in the Kruger area.
So, calling it a “river cruise” seems like a bit of an understatement.
The Zambezi Queen
What is it actually like cruising the Chobe?
Imagine waking up, opening your curtains and looking out over the African landscape, watching as elephants, buffalo, antelopes, giraffes, and the occasional big cat come down to drink, just across from where you are standing on your balcony.
But you do get off the ship to explore too. During the river portion, you'll have opportunities to experience wildlife from the water as well as from land-based safari activities.
You're not just ticking off places on a map. You're experiencing Africa from different perspectives.
What Else Can I Do In Africa?
Cape Town
Starting in Cape Town gives you a completely different side of South Africa before you head into the wilderness.
Think mountains, coastline, food, wine, history and culture. Tours are available to enable you to experience all of this.
Victoria Falls
One of the world's great natural wonders and, one of those places where photographs simply don't do it justice.
AmaWaterways' Southern Africa itineraries include time around the falls, with opportunities to experience them from different perspectives.
It's also possible to add experiences such as a sunset cruise and a vintage steam-train journey.
Victoria Falls
Kruger National Park
And then there's the safari.
AmaWaterways' Southern Africa itineraries can take you into the Greater Kruger area, where you'll have opportunities for game drives and the chance to encounter Africa's famous wildlife in its natural environment.
This is the bit that turns a lovely river cruise into something much bigger, as you're not choosing between river or safari - You can have both.
And if you really want to push the boat out...
There are even itineraries that combine river, road and rail.
The Rivers & Rails of Africa journey takes you from Cape Town to Victoria Falls, incorporating the Chobe River and a multi-night train journey. Depending on the departure, the rail section is either three or four nights.
And we're not talking about catching the 10:42 from Reading to London here - This is Rovos Rail.
The journey between Victoria Falls and Pretoria gives you yet another way to experience the African landscape, with elegant accommodation, meals, drinks and excursions included.
Honestly, if you're going to do Africa, you might as well do it properly.
Who is this holiday actually for?
This isn't necessarily the obvious choice for someone looking for their first ever “cruise” and that's a good thing.
I'd particularly recommend this type of African adventure for:
Couples looking for something different – perhaps you've done the Caribbean, Mediterranean or European river cruises and you're ready for something rather more adventurous.
Wildlife lovers – especially if the idea of combining a safari with wildlife viewing from the water appeals.
Luxury travellers who don't want big ships – 28 guests is a very different experience from being onboard with several thousand people.
Celebration trips – milestone birthdays, anniversaries, retirement, significant wedding anniversaries or simply that long-awaited “we're finally going to Africa” trip.
Multi-generational families – particularly families with older teenagers who are interested in wildlife, nature and seeing somewhere completely different.
And perhaps most importantly...
People who want to experience Africa rather than simply visit it.
Because this isn't a holiday where you sit beside a pool for two weeks and occasionally wander off to look at something.
You're going to see, hear, taste and experience a lot.
Can children go?
Yes, but before anyone gets too excited about bringing the entire family, there's a rather important bit to know:
AmaWaterways' current UK terms state that the minimum age for its African cruise programmes is 12 years old, unless AmaWaterways agrees otherwise. There are also no child-specific programmes or child-minding facilities.
So no, this isn't an African version of a family resort with a kids' club to deposit your offspring in while you enjoy a gin and tonic, but for the right teenager, this could be an extraordinary family holiday.
Imagine giving a 13-, 15- or 17-year-old the chance to see elephants from the river, experience Victoria Falls, go on safari and explore Cape Town. That's a pretty impressive geography lesson, and one they might actually remember.
How long should you go for?
This is where I would say: Don't rush it.
Africa is not somewhere I'd want to fly thousands of miles to visit for five minutes before racing back to Heathrow.
The beauty of these itineraries is that you can build something much more substantial around the river cruise: Cape Town, the Chobe, Victoria Falls, safari, and perhaps rail.
And, depending on your interests and available time, there are even further extensions.
AmaWaterways currently offers options including a Rwanda extension, where you can explore Kigali and Volcanoes National Park, with opportunities for gorilla or golden monkey trekking, as well as a Greater Kruger extension focusing on safari and wildlife.
And for the really adventurous traveller, there are longer African itineraries that take the journey further into East Africa.
So, how much time have you got?
Is this luxury?
Yes, but it's a different kind of luxury, as it's not about having the biggest ship, the biggest suite or a dozen restaurants.
It's about space, privacy, scenery, service and access to experiences that you simply can't replicate on a conventional cruise ship. There are only 28 guests onboard the Zambezi Queen. There are no ports of call, and only a rough timetable. Watching the animals, getting closer by zodiac, photographing them, and enjoying the scenery is your entertainment.
My take...
I've always believed that the best holidays aren't necessarily the ones where you spend the most money, but the ones where you come home thinking: “Bloody hell. Did we really just do that?”
And I think an African river and safari adventure could very easily fall into that category.
This isn't a cruise I'd recommend because I think everyone should go on one, but I'd recommend it because for the right traveller, it could be extraordinary.
If you've always dreamed of seeing Africa, but the idea of a traditional safari doesn't quite feel like enough, combining the river, safari, cities, wildlife and perhaps even a luxury train journey could give you a completely different way of experiencing the continent.
And if you're asking me whether I'd just do the river cruise and fly home...
Absolutely not, because if you're going all the way to Africa..I’d be fitting in as much as humanly possible.
Thinking about Africa?
If you're wondering whether an AmaWaterways African journey is right for you, what to add before or after it, or whether there might be another African adventure that suits you better, that's exactly where I come in.
I don't believe in simply finding you a cruise and sending you a booking confirmation.
I'll help you look at the whole journey – flights, hotels, extensions, safari experiences, transfers and the little details that turn a good holiday into an unforgettable one - Because Africa deserves more than a tick on a bucket list.
So… are we going to Africa or what?
If you've got Africa on your bucket list, this could be the year to stop talking about it and actually go.
And please don't worry if you have absolutely no idea where to start, because, that's my bit.
Tell me what makes you tick: wildlife, wine, luxury, adventure, food, trains, small ships, spectacular scenery… preferably all of the above, and I'll help you put together an African adventure that works for you.
Because you don't need another holiday, you need a bloody good story to come home with.
