It's commonplace to see lush vineyards, medieval towns and breathtaking castles gliding past your window during a European river cruise, but heading into southern Africa will provide a vastly different experience. AmaWaterways offers a number of Africa river cruises which combine land tours with a floating safari through the Chobe National Park. Here are four highlights you can look forward to when you choose one of these itineraries.

Table Mountain Cable Car

The majority of these African adventures begin in Cape Town, giving you a couple of days to explore before you head north. One of the optional excursions that are offered during this time provides the chance to travel up to the top of Table Mountain in the iconic cable car. The journey takes about five minutes and you will find yourself more than a thousand metres above this great city, with views in every direction. Once you’re at the top, you can choose to explore further by taking the hiking trails, grab a bite to eat, hunt for souvenirs in the shop or simply enjoy looking out over Table Bay. Please note the cable car will be closed for maintenance between the 25th July 2016 and the 7th August 2016.

Elephants Wallowing Up Close

All of these Africa river cruises include four nights on board the Zambezi Queen within the Chobe National Park. During this time, you will get to experience a wide range of game-viewing excursions on land and water, including trips in traditional double-decker boats. The Chobe National Park is famous for its high numbers of African elephants and watching these giant beasts is sure to be a highlight of your holiday. They can often be seen bathing in the river, squirting water over themselves and playing with the younger members of the herd. Getting to see them in such large numbers and so close to your boat is something you will never forget.

Thunderous Victoria Falls

After your river safari, you will continue onto Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. As well as coming face to face with elephants at a nearby sanctuary, you will get to see the ferocious falls for yourself and learn about this natural wonder of the world. A sunset cruise will allow you to see the area in beautiful twilight, whilst a local guide will tell you all you need to know about the flora and fauna in the Victoria Falls National Park.

Sounds Of The Serengeti

The Serengeti is perhaps the most famous game reserve in the world, with the annual migration making it a fascinating place to see Africa’s most impressive wildlife. Anyone choosing the ‘Golden Trails of East Africa’ tour will end their trip with two nights at a tented camp in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. As well as attempting to track the wildebeest as they move across the plains, you will seek out giraffes, hippos, rhinos, zebras, hyenas, leopards and more on a number of game drives.

If you would like to embark on a river cruise and land tour through Africa, call our knowledgeable team and they can talk you through your options.