A river cruise through Chobe National Park is a safari from the water. The Zambezi Queen doubles up as a floating lodge for 3 or 4 nights, positioned on the Chobe River where huge concentrations of wildlife gather along the banks. Elephants are the stars, drawn to the river during the dry winter months, alongside hippos, Cape buffalo, crocodiles and rare antelope species. This is not a cruise in the traditional sense. It is a safari that happens to be on a boat.
Luxury Chobe River Cruise & Safari
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Our top picks
AmaWaterways
Discover Africa
From Cape Town to Johannesburg
17 Jul - 26 Jul 2026 (9 Nights)
From £12,577 per guest
AmaWaterways
Stars of South Africa
From Cape Town to Johannesburg
17 Jul - 31 Jul 2026 (14 Nights)
From £16,308 per guest
AmaWaterways
Rivers & Rails of Africa 13 Nights
From Cape Town to Johannesburg
17 Jul - 30 Jul 2026 (13 Nights)
From £16,462 per guest
AmaWaterways
Wildlife & the Falls
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
19 Jul - 31 Jul 2026 (12 Nights)
From £15,327 per guest
Our Insight
Highlights of a luxury Chobe River cruise and safari
The Chobe River forms the border between Botswana and Namibia, running through one of Africa's greatest wildlife areas. During the dry season, elephants gather along the riverbanks in extraordinary numbers, sometimes hundreds at a time. From the water, you watch them drink, bathe and cross the river at close range. Hippos surface nearby. Crocodiles bask on the banks. Cape buffalo move through the floodplains.
Game viewing happens twice daily, in the early morning and late afternoon, aboard smaller tender boats that bring you closer to the wildlife. Between excursions, the Zambezi Queen sits at anchor on the river, with the African bush as the backdrop. Sundowners on deck as the light fades. The sounds of the bush at night. This is a different pace from a land safari, and for many it becomes the highlight of a longer African journey.
Victoria Falls is the natural pairing. Most itineraries include two or three nights at the Falls, either before or after the river cruise. The Falls are extraordinary in their own right, and the combination of river safari and one of the world's great natural wonders completes the journey.
The Zambezi Queen
The Zambezi Queen carries just 28 guests in 14 suites, each with a private balcony facing the river. The ship is purpose-built for this environment, sitting low on the water with shallow draft to navigate the Chobe. On board, the atmosphere is that of a luxury safari lodge: excellent food, attentive service, open-air decks for wildlife watching. Game drives by boat replace the traditional 4x4, but the rhythm of early starts and afternoon excursions follows the same pattern as a land-based safari.
Luxury Chobe River cruise and safari itineraries
All Chobe River cruises are operated by AmaWaterways and combine the river experience with touring and safari on land. The river cruise itself is typically three or four nights, with the rest of the itinerary spent at Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Johannesburg or on safari.
- 9-10 nights: River cruise with Victoria Falls and Cape Town - The core itinerary. Three nights on the Zambezi Queen, 2 or 3 nights at Victoria Falls, and time in Cape Town exploring the city and Winelands. A complete introduction to Southern Africa.
- 12-14 nights: Adding Rovos Rail - A favourite combination. The Chobe river cruise and Victoria Falls paired with a journey on Rovos Rail, one of the world's great luxury trains. The train travels through South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, connecting the experiences by rail rather than air.
- 14+ nights: Adding Kruger National Park - Extended itineraries include a land-based safari in Kruger, South Africa's flagship game reserve. This adds the Big Five experience on land to complement the river wildlife.
- East Africa extensions - Longer programmes connect Southern Africa with East Africa, adding the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater or gorilla trekking in Rwanda. These are significant journeys of three weeks or more, combining multiple safari experiences across the continent.
Cruise lines sailing the Chobe River
AmaWaterways is the only luxury cruise partner operating on the Chobe River. They run the Zambezi Queen, a 28-guest ship designed specifically for this environment. The itineraries are cruise tours rather than standalone cruises, blending the river experience with Victoria Falls, Cape Town and safari extensions. AmaWaterways handles all logistics, transfers and guiding, making what could be a complex journey feel seamless.
The best way to explore options is to view our Chobe River cruises or speak to us for tailored recommendations.
When is the best time for a Chobe River cruise?
May to October, the dry season. As water sources elsewhere dry up, wildlife concentrates along the Chobe River in huge numbers. Elephant sightings are at their peak. The weather is cooler and drier, with clear skies. The wet season (November to April) brings lush green landscapes and birdlife but fewer large mammals along the river.
Travel tips and FAQs for Chobe River cruising
How does this compare to a land-based safari?
Different rather than better or worse. On the river, you watch wildlife from the water, which offers unique perspectives, especially for elephants and hippos. The pace is more relaxed, with time on deck between game-viewing excursions. A land safari covers more ground and typically offers better predator sightings. Many travellers combine both, adding Kruger or the Serengeti to their Chobe itinerary.
Is Victoria Falls included?
On most itineraries, yes. We highly recommend choosing an itinerary that includes Victoria Falls. 2 or 3 nights at the Falls allows time to see them from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, plus optional activities like helicopter flights and river cruises above the Falls.
What is Rovos Rail?
Rovos Rail is one of the world's great luxury train journeys, travelling through South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Combining it with a Chobe river cruise creates a journey that moves between train, river and land safari. It is a slower, more romantic way to travel between destinations rather than flying.
How long should I allow?
The river cruise itself is three or four nights, but we recommend at least nine nights for the full experience including Victoria Falls and Cape Town. 12 to 14 nights allows you to add Rovos Rail or Kruger. Three weeks or more opens up East Africa extensions.
What wildlife will I see on the Chobe River?
Elephants are the main draw, often in herds of dozens or hundreds. Hippos and crocodiles are present year-round. Cape buffalo, giraffe, zebra and various antelope species are regularly seen. Birdlife is exceptional, with fish eagles, kingfishers and herons along the banks. Predators like lions and leopards are occasionally spotted but are more reliably seen on land safaris.
What should I pack for a Chobe River cruise?
Neutral-coloured clothing for game viewing (khaki, olive, beige). Layers for cool mornings and evenings. Sun protection and a hat. Binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens. Comfortable closed-toe shoes for any land excursions. Smart-casual for evenings on board.
Do I need vaccinations or visas?
Requirements vary by itinerary and the countries visited. Yellow fever vaccination may be required depending on your routing. Visas are needed for some nationalities visiting Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Your Mundy consultant can advise on current requirements for your specific journey.
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