Discover Africa
 

3 NIGHTS CAPE TOWN, 4­ NIGHT WILDLIFE CRUISE, 2 NIGHT VICTORIA FALLS

Experience the beauty and natural wonders of iconic Cape Town; get up close to animals in their natural habitat; and explore one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.” Spend three nights in Cape Town, discovering its many treasures with visits to Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach and Table Mountain. You also have a choice to visit the renowned Cape Winelands, or tour famous Robben Island. Next, fly to Victoria Falls and head west to the Botswana and Namibian borders to embark on your Chobe River safari cruise through the wondrous Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa’s densest populations of wildlife. Encounter elephants, giraffes, leopards, zebras and buffaloes on excursions by boat and open­air vehicles. Conclude your journey with two nights at the majestic Victoria Falls. You also have the option to extend your trip in Johannesburg, following in the foot­steps of Nelson Mandela.

ITINERARY DETAILS:

Day 1, CAPE TOWN. Situated amidst majestic mountains and lined with pristine beaches, Cape Town has a rich cultural heritage with extraordinary attractions. After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to your Cape Town hotel. Get to know your Tour Director at the Welcome Reception.
For more information: contact your preferred travel advisor, call 1.800.626.0126 or visit AmaWaterways.com.

Day 2, CAPE TOWN. Embark on a full­day exploration along one of the world’s most stunning routes, taking you southeast along the Atlantic seaboard past the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak. Stop at Cape Point, located in the nature reserve within Table Mountain National Park, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site. You’ll also visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins, and then be treated to lunch with drinks overlooking False Bay —one of the world’s most beautiful bays.

Day 3, CAPE TOWN. You have a choice of two excursions, depending on your interests. Take a cableway up to Table Mountain for spectacular views of the city and surrounding areas, followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands, which comprises the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl valleys. South African wine is world renowned, and you’ll get to visit two of its best vineyards, complete with wine tasting. A sumptuous lunch will be included along the way. Or choose to explore another side of Cape Town at famous Robben Island, once used as a prison for many political inmates, including Nelson Mandela. You’ll ferry over to the island where you will take a tour led by a former inmate. Back in Cape Town, enjoy lunch, and then visit the colorful historic Bo Kaap neighborhood before boarding the cableway to Table Mountain’s summit.

Day 4, CAPE TOWN ­ ZAMBEZI QUEEN ­ EMBARKATION. In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Victoria Falls. Here, you will be transferred to the Chobe River that forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. Then board tender boats that will take you to the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river. Settle into your stateroom, enjoy a mid­afternoon snack, and in the evening, be treated to a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner.

Day 5, ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Embark on an exhilarating, morning boat safari to explore the Chobe River’s diverse game viewing. Afterwards, return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch. As the Zambezi Queen cruises along the Chobe River, relax on board in the afternoon and enjoy what nature has to offer. Be sure to spend time in the splash pool or perhaps catch­up with your favorite book. Later in the day, revel in panoramic view with another thrilling boat safari.

Day 6, ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Join a full­day safari of Chobe National Park in open­top 4×4 vehicles. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffe, zebra, sable, warthog and cape buffaloes. Prides of lions, hyenas and (more rarely) cheetahs could be encountered along the way. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic.

Day 7, ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Start the day off with an unforgettable visit to a typical African village to experience the local culture first hand. Spend time with the children of the village as well as its elders, and learn about their day­to­day life. After lunch on board, you can choose between a boat safari, bird watching or fishing. Spend your last evening aboard with a festive African­themed dinner hosted by your crew—complete with singing and dancing.

Day 8, ZAMBEZI QUEEN ­ VICTORIA FALLS ­ DISEMBARKATION. Enjoy a morning cruise during breakfast and be on the lookout for wildlife. Afterward, transfer to the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Spend the afternoon exploring the town or experience one of the many activities offered at your hotel. Later this afternoon, join a cocktail reception followed by dinner aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls.

Day 9, VICTORIA FALLS. A local guide will take you on a tour of the awe­inspiring Victoria Falls. You’ll learn about its history, and 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 game while enjoying a delicious mix of tapas with drinks, followed by a special dinner with live local entertainment at the hotel.

Day 10, VICTORIA FALLS ­ JOHANNESBURG. After breakfast, bid adieu to Zimbabwe as you head to Victoria Falls Airport for your return flight to Johannesburg and onward flight home. You could also choose to extend your trip with an additional day or two in Johannesburg, or perhaps fly to Rwanda and encounter an array of primates, including the endangered mountain gorillas.

Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight before 6:30 p.m.

 
Experience More Connections
 

 
Sail along the Chobe River, where can you see the mighty hippo frolic alongside you in the water
 

Sail along the Chobe River on one of our Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises. Stare wide-eyed as the largest concentration of elephants in all of Africa freely swim and splash about. Feel yourself becoming humbled as you spot the graceful giraffe bow his elongated neck to quench his thirst at a watering hole. Listen to the nearby grunt of the rhino or the song of the lilac-breasted roller – along with scores of buffalo, lions, crocodiles, lechwe antelopes and hundreds of other species of animals and birds. But while taking in the incredible wildlife, don’t forget to breathe in the fragrant scent of African grass and shrubbery.

Rivers Within Rivers 

Fifty miles from the breathtakingly vast Victoria Falls, the game rich Chobe River runs through the northern part of Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Lending its name to the park itself, the Chobe River is in actuality part of the larger Cuando River which flows through south-central Africa – from Angolia and Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and into Botswana’s Linyati Swamp. From there, the river breaks into the Linyati River and further east, the Chobe River. The Chobe eventually flows into the Zambezi River.

Wildlife on the Chobe 

As always, the reed-lined river is a haven for wildlife (and wildlife viewing) throughout the year. But this is particularly true during the dry season from April through October, when water inland is scarce and migratory animals head towards the river. Throughout the Chobe Park — find giraffe, sable, buffalo, lions, jackals, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, crocodiles, monkeys, baboons, kudu and impalas. It is the one of the only places the puku antelope can be seen.

Close-Up Encounters 

Viewing wildlife by venturing out on a private safari boat will give you a unique and extraordinarily different perspective. Potentially get closer to certain species of wildlife. Find new perspectives for photographs and cherished memories. The river draws an abundance of different animals to its well; hippos and crocodiles are common sightings here.

The park’s roughly 500 different species of birds are particularly drawn to the river as well, including some rare species particularly sought after by photographers – from those who enjoy snapping pictures as a hobby to top professionals. Find the pied kingfish, woodland kingfisher, black heron, Egyptian geese, African sacred ibis, knob billed duck, blacksmith lapwing and the tawny eagle among others.

Exploring on the Zambezi Queen 

Of course, you are also exploring the river while aboard the illustrious (and eco-friendly) Zambezi Queen. What a unique and luxurious experience to both discover wildlife by safari boat – and then again outside your balcony and window of your floating hotel. Should you like, laze about all morning on the river like the hippopotamus – watching game from the comfort of your room. Or wake up with the birds, substituting their siren call for your alarm clock or ringtone. There is no more authentic means to travel the Chobe River than on the river itself!

Cruise the Chobe River on itineraries such as Discover Africa, Rivers & Rails of Africa, Wildlife and the Falls, Stars of South Africa and Golden Trails of Africa. 

 
Revolutionary, activist, philanthropist, Noble Peace Prize Winner, President.
 

Nelson Mandela was the first black chief executive and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election in South Africa. An icon, both in his native land and the world as a whole, he’s widely recognized as a leader in the fight for equality, democracy and peace. Uncover the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela during our Africa Safari and Wildlife Cruises.

The Life of a Revolutionary

Born in 1918, a Xhosa member of the Thembu tribe, he helped to bring about an end to South African apartheid, through both peaceful protests (including opening South Africa’s first black law firm and offering free or low-cost legal counsel) and later, armed resistance (after the deadly Sharpeville Massacre). Imprisoned for decades, Mandela remained a powerful presence even behind bars and his celebrated release ultimately led to a new era of peace for South Africa, commonly referred to as the Rainbow Nation.

There are many rewarding sites to visit and pay homage to the great South African leader, including cherished murals and statues erected throughout the country and its largest cities. Here are a few must-see memorials and tributes:

A Former Prison Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a South African National Heritage Site, this island-prison just off the coast of Cape Town was once home to Nelson Mandela from 1964-1982. He was subsequently transferred to another prison before his release in 1990 – but here he was confined to a small concrete cell, without plumbing and only a straw mat for sleep. He and his fellow inmates had to do hard labor, breaking rocks into gravel and later, working in a lime quarry. Political prisoners were often jailed here, including Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma, who would also go on to the most powerful office in the land as future Presidents of South Africa.

The jail is now a museum, with tours led by former inmates who share their compelling stories. A visit inside Nelson Mandela’s cell, kept as it was during his incarceration is quite a moving experience. A multimedia exhibit encourages guests to learn more about the history of the island and prison.

Mandela in Johannesburg

Also known as Jo’burg, Jozi or even Joni as some locals like to call it. South Africa’s largest city, it is also the city the young Mandela arrived at as a young man and resided in his later years. There are a number of important sights in the surrounding areas.

Nelson Mandela Square

A public square and shopping center with fine dining, luxury boutiques and designer labels, located in the hub of one of South Africa’s most affluent neighborhoods. A statue, roughly 20 feet high, of the Mandela takes center stage. It is located in the Sandton area of Johannesburg.

The Apartheid Museum

Along with a popular exhibit on Mandela, the Apartheid Museum celebrates the resistance efforts of the entire anti-apartheid movement and shines a light on the oppressive discriminations of the past and how South Africa is working towards a future for all its citizens. Film, photography, text, audio and artifacts will leave a profound impression for all. Moving exhibits start as visitors gain entrance to the building, with two entrances labeled “White” and “Non-white.” Depending on which tickets you’re randomly issued, you’ll be ushered through one of the two.

Soweto: The Mandela House

Now a public heritage site and a national monument, this was the home of Nelson Mandela and his family from the 1946-1990’s (although Mandela himself spent many of these years on the run and as a political prisoner). This was the home he returned to after his release from incarceration. Audio-visuals, photographic galleries and live guides give an intriguing and rare glimpse into the Mandela’s family life during his years fighting apartheid. Soweto, bordering Johannesburg’s mining belt, is also the location of the 1976 Soweto Uprisings against apartheid and Desmond Tutu’s former residence.

Visit these iconic sites before or after itineraries such as Discover Africa, Rivers & Rails of Africa, Wildlife and the Falls, Stars of South Africa and Golden Trails of Africa.

 
One of the most enriching ways to ‘find Africa’ is through the cultures and traditions of its people.
 

Africa is the second-largest continent in both mass and population – spanning over 20% of the world’s land area and 6% of the total surface. It is the birthplace of the human species and is one of the most wildly diverse parts of the world – with thousands of different ethnic groups, most of which have distinct languages, dialects and cultures. Many countries incorporate this diversity and even have numerous official languages. Zimbabwe, for example, is home to 16 – including its three most popular: Shona, Ndebele and English. 

Discover more of this diverse and fascinating continent when you embark on one of our Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises.

Soweto’s Global Impact

Soweto, short for “South Western Township,” is a predominantly Black neighborhood in Johannesburg, South Africa. This community gained prominence almost half a century ago as the epicenter of the struggle against South Africa’s Apartheid regime. The Soweto Uprising, a protest led by students, was ignited in response to the government’s mandate that specific subjects be taught in Afrikaans, even though many students hadn’t been instructed in the language until then. On June 16, 1976, around 10,000 students marched through Soweto’s streets, encountering a group of police officers who attempted to quell the protest with tear gas. This resulted in a violent clash, causing about 600 casualties, including the tragic loss of 13-year-old Hector Pieterson, whose memory is preserved at the Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto.

Despite the tragic outcome, this protest marked a pivotal moment in South African history, ultimately leading to the dismantling of the Apartheid regime in the early 1990s.

During our Stars of South Africa, Wildlife & the Falls, and Golden Trails of East Africa itineraries, you will have the opportunity to visit Soweto, delving into the profound historical significance of this unforgettable neighborhood. Additionally, you will have the privilege of enjoying a meal at Nelson Mandela’s former residence, where his favorite dishes are expertly prepared by his long-time personal chef, Xoliswa Ndoyiya.

Heritage Along the Chobe

All our Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise itineraries offer a cruise along the Chobe River on board Zambezi Queen, taking you through the vast and ecologically diverse Chobe National Park situated between Namibia and Botswana.

Among the communities that have established their roots in this area are the Subiya people. This South African ethnic group settled in the Chobe River region roughly four centuries ago. Their traditional way of life centers around fishing, agriculture, and a symbiotic connection with the surrounding natural world. The Subiya people continue to pass down their cultural heritage through oral narratives, music, and dance, often showcasing the customary Seperu folk dances which are used to commemorate significant life milestones.

Our itineraries include a visit to a Subiya village, providing you with the chance to meet the tribe’s members and get a glimpse into their daily lives along the Chobe. Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time with residents of these Subiya villages on board Zambezi Queen, as many of the ship’s crew members hail from these local villages.

The Colors of Bo Kaap

Bo Kaap, nestled in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, is a captivating neighborhood that stands as a living testament to the city’s multicultural history. Characterized by its vibrantly colored houses lining narrow streets, Bo Kaap holds a rich cultural significance as the home of the Cape Malay people, many of whom are descendants of slaves brought to the cape by the Dutch in the 17th century. The area’s unique architecture, steeped in Islamic influence, reflects the community’s heritage and faith. Bo Kaap’s cobblestone streets and quaint cafes—along with the backdrop of Table Mountain—create an enchanting atmosphere, drawing in locals and visitors alike to appreciate its beauty and embrace its cultural fusion.

You will have the opportunity to enjoy time in this culturally rich and colorful neighborhood on our Rivers and Rails of Africa, Stars of South Africa, and Discover Africa itineraries as part of your tour of Cape Town.

‘Find Africa’ for yourself on AmaWaterways’ itineraries such as Discover Africa, Rivers & Rails of Africa, Wildlife and the Falls, Stars of South Africa and Golden Trails of Africa. 

 
Upon seeing Victoria Falls for the first time, 19th century Scottish missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone exclaimed…
 

“No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. It had never been seen before by European eyes; but scenes so lovely they must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”

Now why settle for just ‘imagining’ such beauty when you too can enjoy it for yourself? See the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls on our Discover Africa, Wildlife and the Falls, Stars of South Africa and Golden Trails of Africa itineraries.

The Smoke That Thunders

Recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the combined height and width of Victoria Falls makes it the largest waterfall in the world. At twice the height of Niagara Falls, the spray and mists rise upwards to about 260 miles and can be seen from over 30 miles. Millions of cubic liters of water crash upon the ground every minute. These thunderous echoes give the UNESCO World Heritage Site its local name – Mosi-oa-Tunya, which literally translates as “The Smoke That Thunders.” The roars can be heard for many more miles.

I Spy a Moonbow 

Spectacular wildlife are also drawn to the Falls. Herds of elephants, hippos, crocodiles and impalas populate the area — along with beautiful florals and fauna. Vibrant rainbows are often spotted as well – at both daytime and nighttime. Victoria Falls is one of the few places in the world where this elusive nighttime moonbow can be seen.

Fear of the Falls 

Skirting the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, and along the Zambezi River, there was a time when locals would not dare venture towards the wonder, having a sacral fear of it for centuries. In David Livingstone’s time, despite traveling through the continent with a large team, only two tribal members dared accompany the explorer. Even Europeans rarely braved the adventure – but this all started to change in 1905 with the construction of a new railway, making travel here easier. 

The Honor in a Name 

It is interesting to note that Victoria Falls, whom Livingstone named after his then-current queen, Queen Victoria, is one of the few areas in Africa which retained its British name after gaining independence. Livingstone was an ardent abolitionist and strongly believed that the slave trade could be stopped by promoting trade and Christianity in Africa. As he explained, his explorations were fueled solely to get this message across to Westerners. When he died in 1873, loyal attendants transported his body thousands of miles to the coast so he could be returned to England and be buried in Westminster Abbey. Other areas with a Livingstone attribution include Livingstone Island, the city of Livingstone and the city of Blantyre (the name of Livingstone’s birthplace). The names of most other townships and places were restored to their original African roots. A symbol of the great respect towards the explorer.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Victoria Falls each year. No doubt a symbol of their own awe, fascination and respect.

Glimpse this breathtaking natural wonder on itineraries such as Discover Africa, Wildlife and the Falls, Stars of South Africa and Golden Trails of Africa.

 
Lions, leopards, rhinos, wildebeests, elephants and… penguins?

That’s right, penguins aren’t only found in Antarctica. South Africa is home to a veritable sanctuary of these tuxedoed birds – and it is one of the few places in the world where you can get up-close to them in their natural habitat and perhaps even join in for a swim! See the penguins of South Africa for yourself on our Discover Africa, Rivers & Rails of Africa and Wildlife and the Falls itineraries. 

The Boulders Beach Penguins 

Over 2000 South African penguins make Boulders Beach their home. It is a marine protected area and is part of the scenic Cape Point Peninsula near Cape Town and the Table Mountains National Park. Set in a rugged peninsula with beautiful inlets on the southernmost coast of the continent, the beach has always been a popular destination. Wooden boardwalks stretch through dense vegetation and granite boulders that are over 540 million years old.

Wandering tourists can pose for photos with the waddling penguins, who often let people approach as close to three feet. It is the only spot in Africa to see penguins like this. Just don’t try to touch them – they have sharp beaks. Sometimes called the “Jackass” penguin for its loud donkey-like bray, you may hear them before you see them as you first enter the beach.

Odd Birds in the Sand 

The bird differentiates itself from its Antarctic, Australian and South American cousins with a distinctive black facial mask and pink patches of skin above the eyes. They are also one of the few penguins to live in non-icy waters. Most African penguins live on the much cooler Atlantic side of the ocean. Their traditional black and white plumage – as unique to each individual as a fingerprint – is the perfect camouflaging foil for predators. A white chest and belly hides them from aquatic threats – and their black feathers protect them from any perils above.

Recent Arrivals

It wasn’t until 1983 that the first pair of penguins were spotted here, thought to have migrated from one of 24 island colonies between Namibia and Algoa Bay (including the aptly-named Penguin Islands). Warmer temperatures, a reduction of nearby predators and a dwindling food supply (penguins feed primarily on squid and fish) probably first brought the penguins here, closer inland than False Bay, known for its Great White Sharks.

A Mate for Life

Still, African penguins are currently an endangered species. The numbers of their decline in the wild are staggering. Overall populations have declined by as much as 95% since pre-industrial times. At the beginning of the 19th century, roughly 4 million penguins existed. A century later, in 1910, only 1.5 million were left. In the last fifty years alone, the population’s suffered an eighty-percent loss of breeding pairs. And ‘breeding pairs’ are important because penguins are monogamous animals and pair for life with their chosen mate. Romance is alive and well in the penguin kingdom.

 
Discover the Winelands of Cape Town
Bordeaux, Provence, Porto, Tuscany, Napa Valley and the Cape Winelands of South Africa.
 

 
Bordeaux, Provence, Porto, Tuscany, Napa Valley and the Cape Winelands of South Africa.
 

Treat your tastebuds on one of our Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises in the Cape Winelands: one of the world’s wine capitals! Where else can you drink some of the world’s best wines and possibly hear – or even see – monkeys and other wildlife nearby?

Non-Traditional Pairings 

Producing over 264 million gallons of wine, South Africa is a thriving wine scene. Centuries-old wine estates in classic Cape-Dutch homesteads share their grand heritage with wine connoisseurs from all over the globe. A visit provides a truly unique opportunity to try different wines with varietals you can only find in South Africa. The approach to winetasting here is also distinctive and special. Ever paired a cupcake with wine? Or specialty salts? Here, they often go beyond traditional European pairings. Of course, wine isn’t all you should drink up in the majestic Winelands. South African wineries are also some of the most picturesque in the world. Nestled between rugged mountains and oak-lined streets, the winelands are always a hotspot for weddings, conferences and receptions.

The Wineries of Cape Town

The Winelands near Cape Town are comprised of the Stellenbach, Franschhoek and Paarl valleys and take advantage of the coastal influences of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Stellenbach is often considered the heart of the South African wine industry and their many vineyards are known for red wines with terroir distinction – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage and Shiraz. The fortified wines produced in the Paarl valley is terroir-driven as well. Franschhoek is known for its full-flavored white wines with noticeable acidity levels. Visiting two wineries here will be a special treat!

When Wine Came to Africa 

South Africa has been home to some of the world’s loveliest – and most delicious – wineries ever since the days of European settlers bringing along such grapes as the Chenin blanc back in the 1600s. In 1652, Dutch settlers may have been the ones to originally bring the grapes over when they established South Africa as their midway point to India. At the time, the prosperous Dutch East India Company saw a perfect spot for a way station here and a place for its ships to fuel up with fresh food and drink.

Or perhaps it was a few years later, in 1688, when French Huguenots were fleeing religious persecution but didn’t forget to bring the grapes. (Nothing says home like a good glass of vino!) Or it may be some combination thereof, with the French (and later, the Germans) working with the Dutch to start the local wine industry.

Nowadays, excellent restaurants, antique stores and enchanting galleries full of history and charm have sprung up nearby. A visit to the Winelands is a delightful way to experience South Africa.

 
What to See & Do in Cape Town
From Table Mountain to the Cape of Good Hope, Discover our favorite sights in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is often considered one of the world’s most beautiful, romantic and intriguing cities – between its historical importance, stunning coastline and its landmark sights. Of course, like any bustling metropolitan city, it’s also a mecca for culture, shopping and cuisine. Discover Cape Town on our Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises and explore a few of our favorite spots: 

Picture-Perfect Views 

The dramatic backdrop of flat-topped Table Mountain is one of the most iconic (and photographed) sights in South Africa. It is featured on the city’s official flag and other local government insignia. Its cable car has taken more than 24 million visitors and locals to the top, over 3,500 feet above sea level! Along with the stunning views, find roughly 2,200 species of plants and 1,470 floral species, many of which are endemic to the mountain. Legend attributes the usual cloud cover of the flat top of the mountain (colloquially called the ‘tablecloth’) to a smoking contest between the Devil and a local Dutch pirate named Van Hunks.

A (Hopeful) Rocky Cape 

The nearby Cape of Good Hope, once assumed to be the southern-most point of Africa, continues to hold special historical significance. Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias’ milestone rounding of the Cape in 1488 opened the way for more seafaring expeditions to the Far East. When traveling westward from the Atlantic Ocean, the jagged Cape marks the point where ships begin traveling more eastward (hence, why it was long assumed to be the southern-most tip). The rocky cape was originally named the Cape of Storms by Dias but was later changed by King John II of Portugal to its current name, signifying the great optimism and excitement in discovering what would ultimately become the Dutch East India Company’s famous sea route.

Wildlife in the Cape

The Cape of Good Hope is home to various species of animals (most commonly, chacma baboons) and at least 250 species of birds – including African penguins, sunbirds and sugarbirds. Bontebok antelope, eland antelope, red hartebeest are sometimes spotted. While quite rare – grey rhebok, klipspringer, zebra have also been observed here. Or perhaps you might catch a glimpse of the southern right whale, humpback whale, Bryde’s whale, seals, dusky dolphins or killer whales.

The Surf of South Africa 

No visit to Cape Town is complete without a drive through some of the most scenic ocean views in the world. See Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak and False Bay among other stunning spots.

The picturesque fishing village of Hout Bay is world renowned for its incredible surf and, in particular, the Big Wave known as ‘Dungeons.’ One of only sixteen recognized big wave spots in the world, the swells of Hout Bay have been recorded at up to 47 feet – although it is believed that there may one day be a swell of up to 100 feet here! Chapman’s Peak is a mountain opposite Hout Bay which is known for Chapman’s Peak Drive and offers more incredible views. A favorite of cyclists, it is part of the route of two well-known races. Nearby False Bay is one of the most scenic, charming bays in the world.

 
Wildlife in Chobe National Park
Known as ‘the Land of the Giants,’ Chobe National Park is home to Africa’s largest elephant population.
 

Chobe National Park is in the northern part of beautiful Botswana and is home to Africa’s largest elephant population and one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in the world. Embark on a safari of Chobe National Park on our Africa Safari and Wildlife Cruises.  

Botswana’s National Park 

Stretching over 4500 square miles of rich landscapes, the Chobe National Park takes its name from the renowned Chobe River which flows along the park’s northeast border. It is both Botswana’s largest park and holds the honor of becoming the country’s first national park in 1967. Along with visiting the breathtaking Victoria Falls nearby, legendary explorer David Livingstone visited the region in the 1850s. Millions of safari-goers have followed his lead ever since, making it one of the most visited areas in all of Africa. 

Catch Sight of African Wildlife 

Spot a pride of lions and leopards grazing or a pack of hyenas in their den. Find zebras lunching on their diet of grass and twigs — or perhaps an entire herd of buffalo roaming. You may even catch a glimpse of the elusive cheetah, the fastest land animal in the world. Cape buffalo, sable, warthogs, kudus, lechwes, wild dogs, jackals, gnus, roan antelopes, bat-eared fox and waterbucks are among the other hundreds of other animals roaming the national park. It is also one of the only areas one can find puku antelopes in their natural habitat.  

Birdlife is huge here too, with close to 500 different species including the fish eagle, marabou stork, carmine bee-eater, helmeted guineafowl, grey lourie, great egret, African openbill and the jacana. But while the wildlife and birdlife are one of the park’s main thrills, be sure to enjoy the sights and smells of the iconic African bush, sandy terrain and lush green riverbanks.  

An All-Day Safari 

After a full day of exploring the park through the Chobe River, AmaWaterways takes guests along other parts of the park via open-top 4×4 vehicles (the open-tops offering a chance for optimal, unobstructed photographs). 

Each method of safari will give you a distinctive perspective and all-around feel for the park. Naturally, driving through the park allows the safari to search a wider span and more easily follow game in motion. It also gives closer consideration to the flora and fauna. The park is so massive it is usually categorized into four subdivisions. The Serondola area of the park, also known as the Chobe Riverfront, is flush with a dense woodland of mahogany, teak and other hardwoods – along with the lush floodplains near the Chobe River.  

Another fun feature of this trip is enjoying a delicious picnic-lunch served up under the trees. And you never know, perhaps a few small local guests may be seen nearby or overhead!