AmaWaterways Adds New Africa Itineraries in 2026

AmaWaterways is expanding its Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise program with four new itineraries debuting in August 2026.

Journeys range from nine to 18 nights and feature newly added destinations such as Kenya, Namibia, Zanzibar and the Skeleton Coast. The trips merge three-night Chobe River cruises aboard the 28-passenger Zambezi Queen with unique land programs. 

The shortest of the trips, From the Cape to the Falls (9 or 11 nights), features a journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls with penguin encounters at Boulders Beach, river and land safaris and an optional Johannesburg extension.

Iconic Africa (14 nights) features Cape Town, Victoria Falls and a three-night stay in Greater Kruger National Park. 

Classic Kenya & Southern Africa (14 or 18 nights) offers a cross-regional experience combining the Chobe River and Victoria Falls with Kenya’s Amboseli and Maasai Mara reserves and an optional Zanzibar extension.

African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast (15 nights) showcases the landscapes of Namibia, including NamibRand Nature Reserve, Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast.

“We’re thrilled to offer even more opportunities for our guests to experience the trip of a lifetime — seeing wildlife right on the riverbanks, connecting with amazing people and exploring the rich cultures and landscapes that make this region so special,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways.

These itineraries are available for 2026 and 2027 departures. 

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.

Contact My Journey Begins Travel to book your river cruise with AmaWaterways, including Africa Itineraries in 2026.

About AmaWaterways

Proudly celebrating 20 years on the rivers, award-winning AmaWaterways is known for their pioneering spirit, commitment to excellence, innovation and impeccable service. AmaWaterways offers unforgettable cruises with 25 ships sailing Europe’s Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Main, Seine, Saône, Rhône, Douro, Dordogne and Garonne rivers and Dutch and Belgian Waterways; Vietnam and Cambodia’s Mekong River, Africa’s Chobe River and Egypt’s iconic Nile River. Two new ships will be added in 2024: AmaLilia will join her sister ship, AmaDahlia, on the Nile River, and AmaMagdalena will debut on Colombia’s Magdalena River. AmaWaterways continues to lead the way in river cruising with their introduction of history-making Seven River Journeys in 2023.

As a family-owned and operated company dedicated solely to river cruising, AmaWaterways focuses on delivering the quintessential river cruise experience for their guests. This has led to award-winning ships offering the luxury of space and breathtaking views for an average of just 150 guests. Their innovative stateroom design features unique twin balconies with both a French balcony and outside balcony, enabling guests to enjoy fresh air and breathtaking views however they wish. There are also staterooms with connecting rooms to accommodate more than two guests for families and groups who wish to travel together. As a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the exclusive and prestigious international culinary society, AmaWaterways provides guests with one-of-a-kind gourmet dining experiences, including The Chef’s Table, an intimate specialty restaurant where the kitchen-usually hidden-becomes part of the entertainment. Other amenities include a sun-deck walking track and heated pool with swim-up bar; well-equipped fitness room; spa and hair salon and much more.

As the trendsetter in river cruising, AmaWaterways has received countless honors and accolades including being named one of “The Most Innovative Cruise Lines of the 21st Century” for 2021 by Elite Traveler Magazine, Travel + Leisure’s 2020 World’s Best Award for “Best River Cruise Line” and Departures’ 2020 Legend Award for “Best Luxury Cruising Experiences This Year.” In addition, 20 ships in AmaWaterways’ European fleet have received the prestigious Green Award certification for industry-leading safety, quality and environmental performance.