New African River and Wildlife Journeys Elevate Multi-Destination Safari Experiences for 2026
The AmaWaterways Africa Safaris & Wildlife cruise programme is set for a notable expansion in August 2026, unveiling four fresh itineraries ranging from nine to 18 nights. This development promises to reshape the landscape for premium safari and river cruise offerings across Southern and Eastern Africa, introducing a richer blend of wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and luxury travel—key elements that continue to drive demand among Africa-focused tourism professionals.
Each of the new packages will launch with two departures from Cape Town, seamlessly integrating a three-night cruise along the Chobe River on the exclusive 28-passenger Zambezi Queen. This river journey serves as the anchor point for multi-country explorations extending to Victoria Falls and, for the first time, new destinations such as Kenya, Namibia, Zanzibar, and the Skeleton Coast. These additions reflect an intentional push to broaden the geographic spectrum covered by AmaWaterways, responding directly to the evolving preferences of global and regional travellers who seek deeper, more immersive itineraries.
This strategic move by AmaWaterways comes at a time when the appetite for multi-country journeys—combining river cruising with land-based wildlife and cultural adventures—is at an all-time high. The inclusion of iconic and less-traversed destinations will undoubtedly draw attention from Africa’s travel industry, offering a fresh array of product options that can attract discerning clientele and support enhanced regional cooperation within the continent’s tourism value chain.
AmaWaterways' CEO, Catherine Powell, has underscored the personal and professional significance of these African programmes, recalling her early experiences with the line’s original Chobe River cruise. Powell emphasised the transformative nature of these journeys, describing them as “the trip of a lifetime”—where guests witness wildlife at the water’s edge, connect with diverse communities, and explore the complex cultural and natural heritage that distinguishes Africa’s tourism landscape. The expansion, she noted, allows travellers to discover even more of Southern and Eastern Africa “in comfort and style, while supporting local communities through sustainable tourism.”
The newly introduced itineraries—From the Cape to the Falls, Iconic Africa, Classic Kenya & Southern Africa, and African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast—are meticulously designed to showcase the region’s diversity. Each option revolves around the Chobe River cruise but expands into unique land-based explorations that differ in length and focus, providing flexibility for both first-time visitors and seasoned Africa specialists.
From the Cape to the Falls offers a nine or eleven-night journey that begins in vibrant Cape Town, weaving northward to the legendary Victoria Falls at the Zimbabwe-Zambia border. Along the way, guests enjoy wildlife-rich riverbanks, close-up encounters with the famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach, and the option to extend their stay with two nights in Johannesburg. This itinerary is crafted to deliver a comprehensive northbound safari experience, intertwining land and river adventures for a multifaceted perspective on Southern Africa’s ecosystems and urban hubs.
Iconic Africa takes travellers on a 14-night odyssey pairing Cape Town and Victoria Falls with a transformative three-night stay in Greater Kruger National Park. This combination is set to appeal to those who prioritise wildlife immersion, offering extended days within one of South Africa’s most celebrated reserves, while also balancing the itinerary with time spent in cosmopolitan and cross-border locales. The inclusion of Kruger, a globally recognised game reserve, highlights the growing importance of integrating classic safari destinations with broader travel circuits—a trend that local industry players may wish to leverage for higher-value bookings.
For those seeking a seamless connection between iconic Southern and East African landscapes, Classic Kenya & Southern Africa offers itineraries of either 14 or 18 nights. This journey links the Chobe River and Victoria Falls with Kenya’s Amboseli and Maasai Mara reserves, and introduces an optional extension to Zanzibar. By combining these famed wildlife and migration hotspots with Indian Ocean coastal retreats, the programme delivers an unrivalled blend of game viewing and relaxation. The route’s emphasis on elephant-rich territories and the Maasai Mara’s annual migration presents an opportunity for agents to target travellers interested in both spectacle and serenity.
The final addition, African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast, spotlights Namibia’s dramatic and varied geography. Spanning 15 nights, this itinerary highlights the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Etosha National Park, and the wild, windswept Skeleton Coast. Travellers can expect to traverse desert landscapes, savannah plains, and Atlantic shorelines, encountering unique flora and fauna along the way. Namibia’s growing appeal as an eco-tourism destination is evident in the itinerary’s design, offering a chance for the African travel sector to attract clients drawn to adventure, sustainability, and discovery beyond the traditional safari circuit.
What sets these new AmaWaterways journeys apart is the deliberate focus on fostering connections between distinctive African regions, encouraging a pan-continental approach to exploration. By weaving together multiple countries and ecosystems, the itineraries serve as a blueprint for future growth in Africa’s luxury and experiential tourism segments. The offering also supports the principles of responsible tourism, as highlighted by Powell, with an emphasis on supporting local communities and promoting sustainable practices throughout the journey.
For Africa’s tourism professionals, these expanded river and safari programmes open up new avenues for product differentiation, cross-selling, and partnership building. The integration of classic and emerging destinations aligns with the continent’s broader trajectory towards diversified travel experiences, catering to a discerning clientele eager for authenticity, exclusivity, and transformative encounters. The expectation is that such innovative itineraries will not only attract new business but also help reposition Africa as a top-tier destination for luxury and experiential travel on the global stage.
Looking ahead, the success of multi-country, multi-modal journeys like these could signal a wider shift in Africa’s tourism industry. As international and intra-African travellers seek more comprehensive, value-rich experiences, travel professionals are well-positioned to curate bespoke journeys that reflect the continent’s extraordinary diversity and potential. The introduction of AmaWaterways’ new African programmes offers a timely reminder of the importance of adaptation, collaboration, and vision in shaping the future of tourism across the region.
