River Cruises Rides

A Serene Exploration of Africa's Waterways

River Cruises Rides

River cruises provide an idyllic and leisurely way to explore Africa’s riverine ecosystems, offering a unique perspective of the continent’s wildlife and natural beauty. Whether gliding along the Zambezi River, or drifting through the Chobe River, river cruises allow visitors to experience Africa’s landscapes and wildlife from the comfort of a boat. These cruises offer a slower, more relaxed pace compared to traditional game drives, enabling passengers to fully appreciate the beauty of the waterways and their surrounding environments. River cruises often provide fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, as many animals, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species, congregate along the banks to drink, bathe, and feed.

In addition to the incredible wildlife sightings, river cruises also provide guests with an opportunity to experience the African wilderness from a different angle. As you float along the river, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the landscapes and wildlife, including sightings of animals in their natural habitats, sometimes even approaching the river to quench their thirst. The experience is often enhanced by the surrounding sounds of nature, such as the call of birds, the splash of water, and the occasional roar of a distant lion or elephant. These cruises also provide a more intimate and peaceful safari experience, ideal for those who prefer a tranquil and less active way to experience Africa’s wild places.

River cruises vary in length, from a few hours to multi-day expeditions, and often include amenities such as onboard refreshments, gourmet meals, and expert guides who provide in-depth knowledge of the area’s ecology, wildlife, and local cultures. These water based safaris provide an unforgettable opportunity to experience Africa’s wilderness in style and comfort.

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Best Places for River Cruises Rides

Africa is home to some of the world’s most iconic rivers, offering exceptional river cruise experiences. From the mighty Zambezi to the legendary Nile, river cruises provide unparalleled opportunities to explore diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Here are some of the best places for river cruises in Africa:

The Zambezi River is one of Africa’s most famous waterways, providing incredible river cruise experiences. Victoria Falls, where the river thunders over the waterfall, is a top destination for river cruises, offering scenic views of the surrounding rainforest and the falls themselves. A Zambezi River cruise below the falls offers visitors the opportunity to see wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the riverbanks, as well as a variety of birds. Cruises along the Zambezi are often timed to coincide with the stunning sunsets, providing a serene and unforgettable experience. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia offers boat safaris where guests can see elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife, as well as abundant birdlife along the river.

The Chobe River forms the border between Botswana and Namibia and is one of the best places in Africa for boat safaris. The river is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa, and a river cruise here offers the chance to see these magnificent creatures along with a variety of other wildlife, such as buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Many river cruises in Chobe National Park depart from Kasane and offer half-day or full-day trips. The sight of elephants and other animals coming down to the river to drink, bathe, and graze is one of the most memorable aspects of these cruises. The Chobe River is also known for its remarkable birdlife, including species like the African Fish Eagle and pelicans.

The Okavango Delta, known for its vast network of waterways and lush landscapes, is a unique destination for river cruises, especially motorized boat safaris. The delta is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of bird species. While mokoro rides (traditional dugout canoes) are common in the delta, motorized river cruises are also popular, allowing visitors to cover greater distances and explore deeper into the delta’s maze of channels and islands. Cruises offer a peaceful way to observe wildlife and enjoy the beautiful scenery, from dense reeds and wetlands to lush floodplains.

In Uganda, the Victoria Nile offers boat cruises that take guests from Murchison Falls National Park to the base of the famous Murchison Falls, where the river plunges dramatically into a gorge. These cruises allow guests to view wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a range of bird species while enjoying the awe-inspiring scenery.

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park

The Chobe National Park, located in northern Botswana, is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. It

Murchison Falls in Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park

The Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda is part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA),

Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is located in Botswana and is considered one of the world’s largest inland

Charges and Rates for River Cruises Rides

The cost of river cruises in Africa can vary depending on the location, duration of the cruise, and level of luxury. In Zimbabwe, a half-day Zambezi River cruise typically costs between $50 and $150 per person, while multi-day cruises or luxury experiences can go up to $500 per person or more. In Botswana, a river cruise along the Chobe River can cost between $100 and $250 for a half-day cruise, with full-day trips or private charters costing upwards of $300. In Uganda, boat cruises along the Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park are priced at approximately $30 to $60 per person for a half-day trip, while longer or private tours may cost more.

River cruises offer a leisurely, scenic, and memorable way to explore Africa’s iconic rivers, providing close-up views of wildlife and landscapes that are often missed on traditional safaris. Whether you’re cruising the Zambezi or drifting through the Okavango Delta, these water-based experiences offer a unique perspective of Africa’s wild places.

Gallery for River Cruises Rides

Pack For a Purpose

Cheetah Safaris is a serious advocate of sustainable safari practices in Africa. As part of our efforts and initiative, we engage and support schools and children who need knowledge to better their lives. The best gift a child can be given is education, skills, and creativity. 

In this case, we request our guests booking with us, to bring an extra back of supplies. This can be in terms of books, sports materials, and any other items that would change the lives of these kids. 

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