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Zambezi Queen

Glide along the Chobe River aboard the Zambezi Queen, a boutique 28-guest ship where panoramic views, wildlife at the water’s edge, and warm service create an unforgettable safari experience.

The Zambezi Queen is unlike any other in AmaWaterways’ fleet. With space for just 28 guests, she sails the Chobe River along the Botswana–Namibia border. Elephants, hippos, and abundant birdlife can be seen directly from the deck. Days include game viewing by boat, traditional mokoro safaris, and guided village tours, while evenings feature award-winning dining paired with South African wines. Designed with sustainability in mind, the ship uses environmentally friendly systems to preserve the region’s fragile ecosystem. With her boutique floating-lodge style, warm service, and seamless integration with land-based safaris, the Zambezi Queen offers a truly unique way to experience Africa.

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Accomodation Types

Zambezi Queen has 14 staterooms and suites across two decks. All feature floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, providing unobstructed views of the river and wildlife. Accommodations include climate control, en-suite bathrooms, and thoughtful touches that evoke a boutique lodge on the water.

Luxury Suite

Category SA

Category SB

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Deck Plans

Zambezi Queen has 14 staterooms and suites across two decks. All feature floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, providing unobstructed views of the river and wildlife. Accommodations include climate control, en-suite bathrooms, and thoughtful touches that evoke a boutique lodge on the water.

Upper Deck

Main Deck

Lower Deck

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Dining

The ship has one Main Restaurant where guests enjoy a mix of international favorites and locally inspired dishes, often featuring regional ingredients and South African wines. Meals are served with panoramic river views, and vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs are happily accommodated.

Main Restaurant

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Entertainment

Get a glimpse of what awaits you aboard your AmaWaterways cruise ship, where every moment on board is designed to make your journey feel effortless and memorable.

Lounge & Bar

Pool Deck

Local Entertainment

Boutique

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Enrichment

Africa provides for some of the most prolific wildlife viewing available and the chance to glimpse the idyllic landscape that has inspired many a work of art. You can combine a river cruise and safari into one adventure – with five itineraries to choose from – and discover the part of the world that is known for iconic sites like Cape Town’s Table Mountain and the home of revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela.

African Excursions

Sail through Botswana’s Chobe National Park, where elephants gather along the shoreline, hippos surface, and vibrant birdlife fills the skies. An African safari, all seen from the unique perspective of your river ship.

Morning Boat Safari Along the Chobe River

Glide at dawn in a private safari boat to see elephants drinking, hippos surfacing, and crocodiles warming on the banks.

Full-Day 4×4 Safari Through Chobe National Park

Explore deeper into Chobe in an open-top vehicle. Spot lions, buffalo, and giraffes before pausing for a picnic under the trees.

Visit a Subiya Village Along the Chobe

Meet the Subiya people, discover fishing and music traditions, and watch the colorful Seperu dance that celebrates milestones.

Afternoon Birdwatching, Fishing, or Boat Cruise
Choose a gentle river outing: watch vibrant birdlife, cast a line for local fish, or drift quietly as wildlife gathers nearby.

Special Interest Tours

From spiritual landmarks to hands-on traditions, each experience reveals the people, flavors, and stories that make this region so captivating.

Land Packages

Extend Your Journey

Stay and explore your destination a little longer before or after your cruise. AmaWaterways’ curated land extensions pair perfectly with your river itinerary, offering the same luxury, care, and sense of place found on board.

Seamless Travel from Ship to City

Your Cruise Manager continues with you on land, ensuring every detail—from transfers to luggage—runs smoothly so you can simply relax and enjoy the destination.

Hand-Selected Hotels in Prime Locations

Stay steps from world-famous landmarks in luxurious hotels chosen for their comfort, style, and connection to each destination.

Expertly Curated Experiences

Each extension includes activities like guided city tours, museum visits, and wine tastings designed to reveal the culture and character of every destination.

Daily Breakfast Included

Begin each morning with a satisfying breakfast at your hotel—an easy, thoughtful touch that adds comfort and convenience to your time on land.

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Health & Fitness

Plunge Pool

Onboard Spa

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Kids & Teens

Please Note: the ship does not feature any childrens facilities.

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Useful Information

Age Restriction

Guests must be at least 4 years old to travel with AmaWaterways, unless otherwise approved. Children under 18 must share a stateroom with an adult and remain supervised at all times, as balcony staterooms may be unsafe for unattended minors. On Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises, the minimum age is 12 due to safety considerations. AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or childcare services.

Dress Code

Dress aboard AmaWaterways ships is comfortable and casually elegant. On all ships, something a little dressier is recommended for the Welcome and Farewell dinners. Guests sailing in warmer destinations such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, and Colombia should pack breathable fabrics, sun protection, and modest attire for temple visits.

In primarily Muslim countries like Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE, guests should dress respectfully, with women covering shoulders and arms and men wearing collared shirts and lightweight pants.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is not permitted inside any AmaWaterways ship. It is only allowed in designated areas located at the aft of the Sun Deck. For the comfort and safety of all guests, we kindly ask that you observe this no-smoking policy while on board.

Dietary Requirements

Please advise your Travel Agent or call us directly to advise if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies prior to embarkation. In most cases, we will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests and food allergies, but with one exception: Kosher. This diet has specific rules regarding food and its preparation and the shipboard environment does have limitations that prevent us from being able to adequately cater to this dietary need. Please note, though we can provide options to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities, we cannot guarantee there will not be any cross-contamination.

Limited Mobility

The ship does not have an elevator, and some areas involve stairs or uneven ground during excursions. While the crew provides assistance, the ship and activities may not suit guests with significant mobility challenges. Guests with limited mobility are encouraged to contact AmaWaterways’ reservations team for guidance before booking.

Medical Facilities

AmaWaterways ships do not have onboard medical facilities or medical staff. In the event that assistance is needed, appropriate medical services can be contacted from shore, though response times may vary depending on the ship’s location. In Europe, medical services can easily be called from shore if required. Response times elsewhere can vary. Guests are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for medical treatment and evacuation while overseas.

Internet Access

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available in your room and in all public areas, making it easy to stay connected, share photos, or check in with loved ones during your journey.

Laundry

Laundry services are available on all AmaWaterways ships for an additional fee, with price lists provided in your stateroom. Please note that dry cleaning is not available on board.

Excursions

The ship sails exclusively on the Chobe River along the Botswana–Namibia border, a region famed for its high concentration of elephants and diverse wildlife, complementing AmaWaterways’ Africa safari programs.

Each itinerary features a variety of guided excursions designed to showcase local culture, history, and cuisine. Choose from gentle walking tours, active hikes or bike rides, and immersive experiences such as wine or beer tastings, cooking classes, and visits to local artisans.

What's Included

Your journey includes all meals, soft drinks, local beer and wine, daily wildlife excursions, and Wi-Fi where available. Premium beverages, gratuities, and some optional activities may be additional, but the core safari-river experience is included.

All ships in Europe, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Egypt have a fitness center with exercise equipment (hours vary by ship).

Every ship also offers a gift shop with accessories, souvenirs, and essential items for your convenience.

Many ships include spa or salon services—Europe offers hair treatments, beauty services, and massages; Portugal and the AmaDara in Vietnam & Cambodia each feature an onboard spa; and Egypt offers similar massage services upon request.

Guests can also enjoy refreshing pools across destinations: whirlpools or heated pools in Europe (with saunas on select ships)

Language

The official language on board all AmaWaterways ships is English, and most crew members, guides, and Cruise Managers are fluent. Announcements and lectures are conducted in English. On Latin Experience cruises, a bilingual atmosphere is offered, with both English and Spanish spoken.

Payment Methods

Onboard payments vary by region. In Europe, charges are in euros and may be paid in cash or by credit card. In Vietnam & Cambodia, payments are accepted in Vietnamese dong or U.S. dollars.

Solo Travellers

We warmly welcome solo travellers who wish to explore the world, meet kindred cruisers and become a part of our extended AmaWaterways family. With a variety of itineraries in fascinating destinations, you have every reason to take advantage of special savings reserved exclusively for solo travellers.

A Warm Welcome

Begin your river cruise with a guided ship tour created for solo travelers, offering a friendly introduction that helps you feel comfortable and confident from the very start.

Social Time, Your Way

Select invitations to cocktail gatherings or the Captain’s Table offer friendly ways to meet others, but you always have the freedom to enjoy time independently.

Small Groups, Big Connections

Our small onshore experience groups make it easier to meet fellow travelers and connect with knowledgeable local guides, creating meaningful opportunities to explore and learn at your own pace.

Dining That Feels Natural

Select dining tables are thoughtfully set for five, offering comfortable spaces that encourage easy conversation without the pressure of joining a larger group on your own.

Care That Feels Personal

Our Cruise Manager and crew offer thoughtful attention to solo travelers, providing warm guidance and support to ensure you feel comfortable and welcome throughout your journey.

Single Occupancy Staterooms

On select European ships like AmaCello, AmaDante, AmaDolce, and AmaLyra, enjoy our Waived Single Supplement. These ships feature a few specially designed single occupancy staterooms with French balconies (140 sq. ft.). Just pay the standard cruise fare, no extra fees.