Travelers generally picture a land-based trip when dreaming of going on safari in Africa. Those seeking something a bit more off-the-beaten path, however, have discovered African river cruises. Whether planning a trip to see Egypt's great antiquities, Botswana's vast game reserves, or day-to-day life on the Saloun and Gambia Rivers in West Africa, river cruise options abound.
Sail Egypt's Nile River – Oberoi Zahra
Perhaps the most opulent Nile River cruiser in operation – and the only one in the area offering a full-service spa – Oberoi Zahra sails a seven-night itinerary between Luxor and Aswan in Egypt.
The ship has a graceful line and turns heads wherever she sails. She's outfitted with a swimming pool, four-room spa, theater, library, fitness center, cigar lounge, and dining room. Internet is available onboard.
When it comes to accommodations, Oberoi Zahra offers 25 windowed cabins with panoramic views of the Nile and two luxury suites. Cabins have either a king or double twin bedding. Suites are larger and offer a separate living room, private terrace, and Jacuzzi.
Guests enjoy private docking areas along the Nile River, small luxury coaches for sightseeing, trained English-speaking Egyptologists, and more.
Oberoi Zahra visits the High Dam and Philae Temple, the twin Temple of Komombo, a botanical garden by felucca, Temple of Edfu, Karnak Temple, Luxor Museum, Valley of the kings, Temple of Madinat Habu, Colossus of Memnon, Temple of Dendara, and Luxor Temple.
Weekly cruise fares start at US$4,144 per person, based on double occupancy.
Explore Botswana's Chobe River – Zambezi Queen River Boat
The Zambezi Queen, which launched in late 2009, is a luxury river boat that offers two- and three-night river safaris for those who wish to sail the Chobe River where the four countries of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia meet.
Visiting the banks of Botswana's Chobe National Park, game drives – on the river by boat and on land in 4x4s – introduce guests to elephants, leopards, lions, buffalo, waterbuck, eland, giraffe, and many other animals that are native to the area.
Zambezi Queen is outfitted with eight suites and six master suites, some of which have private outdoor areas. (Note: none of the suites are air-conditioned, but they do all have ceiling fans and shutters that offer relief on hot days.)
The public areas of the houseboat include a sunbathing deck with pool, a lounge with wood-burning fireplace, library, and dining room. Cruise fares start at US$388 per person/per night, based on double occupancy.
Discover West Africa's Saloun and Gambia Rivers – M/Y Pegasus
This particular itinerary from Variety Cruises is not what you'd consider a traditional river cruise and it is not in the luxury category. Still, it's a very unusual vacation and one in which intrepid travelers learn a lot about West Africa.
The eight-day Rivers of West Africa cruise embarks to Dijiffere from Dakar, Senegal and then wends its way along the Saloun and Gambia Rivers. The ship used is the 46-passenger megayacht, Pegasus, which was completely refurbished in March 2010.
Highlights of the cruise include a visit to the Kiang West National Park and the Baobolong Reserve; Kuntaur, a port village on the Gambia River; River Gambia National Park; and Gambia's capital city of Banjul. Weekly cruise fares begin at US$2,490 per person, based on double occupancy.
African River Safaris Abound
No matter which country you visit in Africa, there is likely an option to board a houseboat or join a river cruise for sightseeing and wildlife viewing. Talk with your travel agent to learn more about this unique way to see more of Africa.
Andrea Rotondo - Andrea M. Rotondo is a writer specializing in luxury travel with expertise in the areas of cruise vacations, African safari lodges, and ...
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