Boat Safaris in Africa and River Cruises

River Cruises in Africa: Boat Safaris on the Chobe, Zambezi and Okavango

River cruises in Africa are one of the most exciting and unique ways to experience a safari.

Cruising slowly along Africa’s great rivers allows you to observe wildlife from a completely different perspective to that of a traditional 4x4 safari.

Elephants crossing the river, hippos submerged in the water, crocodiles on the banks and spectacular sunsets make a boat safari one of the most fascinating experiences in southern Africa.

With South African Dream, we incorporate river cruises and boat safaris into bespoke trips in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa, creating personalised itineraries combining lodges, safaris and river cruises.

Why choose a boat safari in Africa

A river cruise allows you to experience African nature at a completely different pace.

During the experience, you’ll be able to enjoy:

• photographic safaris from the water
• spotting elephants and hippos
• African sunsets
• cruises on the Zambezi
• Chobe River Cruise
• romantic experiences
• exclusive lodges and houseboats

It’s an ideal choice for couples, honeymoons and photography enthusiasts.

Chobe River Cruise: Botswana’s best river safari

The Chobe River is considered one of Africa’s best destinations for a river safari.

The high concentration of wildlife along the riverbanks makes for extraordinary sightings.

During a cruise on the Chobe, you can spot:

• elephants
• buffalo
• hippos
• crocodiles
• antelopes
• waterbirds

The Chobe River combines perfectly with:

• the Okavango Delta
• Victoria Falls
• a Botswana safari

Zambezi Queen: luxury cruise on the Chobe

The Zambezi Queen is one of the most exclusive river experiences in Southern Africa.

A floating boutique hotel that allows you to experience a safari directly from the river.

The experience offers:

• panoramic suites
• cruising on the Chobe
• photographic safaris
• high levels of comfort
• spectacular sunsets

It is the perfect choice for those seeking a safari experience different from traditional lodges.

Chobe Princess: boutique river safari

The Chobe Princess offers a more intimate and cosy experience.

Small houseboats ideal for those seeking:

• privacy
• relaxation
• photography
• contact with nature

An exclusive way to discover Botswana.

Cruise on the Zambezi at Victoria Falls

A sunset cruise on the Zambezi River is one of the most popular activities during a trip to Victoria Falls.

As you cruise along the river, you can spot:

• hippos
• crocodiles
• birds
• animals along the banks

An African sunset on the Zambezi is an unforgettable experience.

The Okavango Delta: a safari on the water

The Okavango Delta offers one of Africa’s most unique water-based experiences.

Here, you can experience a safari via:

• traditional mokoro
• motorboats
• natural waterways
• lagoons

A completely different perspective on Botswana.

Safaris and cruises in Southern Africa

River cruises are often part of a more comprehensive safari trip.

The most popular itineraries combine:

• Botswana and Chobe
• Victoria Falls and the Zambezi
• the Okavango Delta
• Zimbabwe
• Zambia
• South Africa

A perfect way to alternate between land-based safaris and safaris on the water.

River cruises and honeymoons

A boat safari is one of the most romantic experiences in Africa.

This is why it is often included in honeymoons.

The most popular experiences are:

• Zambezi Queen
• Chobe Princess
• Zambesi Sunset Cruise
• Okavango Delta

Perfect for combining with exclusive lodges and beach holidays.

When to go on a river cruise in Africa

The best time depends on the area you choose.

On the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, the months from May to October generally offer excellent conditions for wildlife viewing.

During the dry season, wildlife tends to congregate near watercourses, making boat safaris particularly exciting.

How much does a river cruise in Africa cost?

The cost varies depending on the type of experience:

• a simple sunset cruise
• private boat safari
• luxury houseboat
• stay on the Zambezi Queen

Cruises can be incorporated into fully bespoke safari itineraries.

Organise your safari cruise in Africa with South African Dream

With South African Dream, we create bespoke trips that combine land-based safaris and river cruises in the best areas of southern Africa.

From Chobe to Victoria Falls, from the Okavango to the Zambezi, we select the very best experiences to create a complete and unforgettable African safari.

Important note: The river cruises and boat safaris offered by South African Dream are available exclusively as part of comprehensive, bespoke travel itineraries. We do not organise individual excursions or separate activities, but integrate experiences such as the Chobe River Cruise, the Zambezi Queen and cruises on the Zambezi into bespoke safaris in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Southern Africa. This enables us to create a comprehensive trip, with well-paced itineraries, carefully selected accommodation and a seamless experience from arrival to departure.

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