African Horizons Expand on AmaWaterways’ Luxury River Cruising
AmaWaterways is broadening its prized Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise program with four new itineraries set to debut in August 2026. The expansion reflects the line’s commitment to blending luxury river cruising with immersive wildlife experiences, offering travelers a seamless blend of safari-style adventures and the comfort of a floating hotel on Africa’s most scenic waterways.
Four New Itineraries to Explore the Continent in Depth
The newly announced itineraries span nine to 18 nights, providing a range of options for first-time visitors and seasoned Africa enthusiasts alike. Each journey balances days on the river with carefully curated overland excursions designed to maximize wildlife viewing and cultural immersion while maintaining AmaWaterways’ hallmark levels of service and cuisine.
New destinations include Kenya, Namibia, Zanzibar and the Skeleton Coast—places that broaden the scope of Africa’s safari spectrum and allow guests to witness varied landscapes, from game-rich savannas to remote, windswept coastlines. The Kenya add-on emphasizes iconic wildlife experiences in the Maasai Mara region and surrounding reserves, while Namibia showcases dramatic desert scenery and sightings of desert-adapted wildlife. Zanzibar offers spice island charm and pristine beaches, providing a relaxing counterpoint to inland safaris. The Skeleton Coast brings a rugged, otherworldly coastline into the itinerary, with opportunities to observe wildlife against stark Atlantic vistas.
Signature Experiences and Onboard Comfort
As with other AmaWaterways cruises, guests can expect thoughtfully designed itineraries that integrate river cruising with immersive excursions. On the Kenya-focused legs, safaris are paired with culturally rich village visits and guided game drives that aim to minimize disruption to wildlife while maximizing opportunities for close encounters with elephants, lions, cheetahs and their ecosystems.
Namibia’s portion emphasizes landscapes as much as wildlife, with travel through the country’s famous national parks and lesser-known reserves that reveal the charm of the region’s red dunes and stark deserts. Zanzibar combines island culture, spice tours and turquoise seas, offering diverse ways to explore the archipelago beyond traditional safaris. The Skeleton Coast excursion provides a rare chance to study the coastline’s fog, seal colonies and coastal birdlife while traveling aboard a vessel designed for quiet, upscale exploration.
Why These Additions Matter for Travelers
For travelers seeking a multi-faceted African adventure, AmaWaterways’ Africa Collection now offers deeper geographic variety and more flexible scheduling. The nine- to 18-night options enable guests to tailor their experiences—from shorter introductory itineraries that hit key wildlife locales to extended journeys that traverse deserts, coasts and cultural hubs. The inclusion of both inland safaris and coastal experiences means families, couples and solo explorers can find an itinerary that matches their pace and interests.
What to Expect on Booking and Planning
Bookings for the 2026 itineraries are anticipated to open in the coming months, with AmaWaterways aiming to provide comprehensive pre- and post-cruise extensions to help guests maximize their time in East Africa, Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. The itineraries are designed to pair with AmaWaterways’ river ships, offering refined dining, wellness options and expert regional guides who bring context to wildlife behavior, conservation efforts and local histories.
What This Means for Africa Tourism
These new itineraries come as Africa’s wildlife tourism rebounds post-pandemic, with cruise lines offering more flexible, experience-rich options. By weaving together coastal adventures, expansive safaris and cultural immersion, AmaWaterways is positioning itself as a leading operator for travelers who want the convenience of river cruising without sacrificing the thrill of authentic safari encounters.
Bottom Line
With four new itineraries launching in August 2026, AmaWaterways expands its Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise lineup to Kenya, Namibia, Zanzibar and the Skeleton Coast. The blend of wildlife expeditions, coastal exploration and premium on-board comfort presents an attractive package for travelers seeking a comprehensive, well-curated African experience on a single journey.
