The African continent is blessed with some of the greatest waterways on Earth, including the Congo, the Nile, and the Zambezi rivers. Also, it has several large, while the coastal archipelagos are as appealing they are diverse.
African Boat Tours and Safaris
I have rounded up 5 of the best African boat cruises and safaris, you can hop into to experience the might of these waterways.
1. Royal Cleopatra, River Nile
Although there are hundreds of Nile cruises to opt for, if you are on a budget, selecting the Royal Cleopatra is the best option. It’s a traditional sailboat, or dahabiya, aptly outfitted to highlight the grandeur of the Victorian era. Accommodating only seven tourists, it offers a more intimate experience than many of the larger Nile cruise ships. Its six-day itinerary takes you to Luxor, Edfu, Esna, Aswan and Kom Ombo, with a professional Egyptologist acting as your guide.
2. Dhow Safari, Quirimbas Archipelago
If you want to watch out the white sand beaches, swaying palms and turquoise waters of Quirimbas Archipelago, better to hop safari from Ibo Island Lodge. It’s a traditional Arabic dhow, motorized for added power to travel in between deserted sandbanks and paradise islands. At every stop, you can go for kayaking, snorkeling or scuba diving on crystal clear reefs populated by shoals of colorful tropical fish.
3. Bou El Mogdad, Senegal River
4. Zambezi Queen, Chobe River
Between Mauritania and Senegal, the Bou El Mogdad has steadily sailed these waters for more than 5 decades. It’s a lovely old-fashioned ferry that plies its route between Saint Louis, the old capital of French West Africa, and Podor at the end of the Sahara Desert. This six-day cruise takes you past old French forts; Tukolor, Wolof and Maure villages; and the amazing Parc d’Oiseaux de Djoudj filled with birdlife. You can soak up Senegal’s scenic landscapes and the history of the boat itself during your journey.
4. Zambezi Queen, Chobe River
You should enjoy your trip in a luxurious houseboat the Zambezi Queen for an unforgettable water safari along the Chobe River. The Chobe river flows between Namibia and Botswana and is known for an incredible variety of animal and birdlife. This boat has 14 air-conditioned cabins with private balcony, from which you can see elephants drinking at the river’s edge, or colorful birds nesting in the banks. It also features a swimming pool on the upper deck for cooling off after a busy day and a restaurant that serves gourmet cuisine.
You should enjoy your trip in a luxurious houseboat the Zambezi Queen for an unforgettable water safari along the Chobe River. The Chobe river flows between Namibia and Botswana and is known for an incredible variety of animal and birdlife. This boat has 14 air-conditioned cabins with private balcony, from which you can see elephants drinking at the river’s edge, or colorful birds nesting in the banks. It also features a swimming pool on the upper deck for cooling off after a busy day and a restaurant that serves gourmet cuisine.
5. MV Ilala, Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi, in the Malawi area, is a popular destination for watersports, fishing and relaxing at the beach. To enjoy this, you can opt for MV Ilala, which is a local icon, offering a ferry service that crosses the lake once a week, halting at various points along the way. You can disembark anywhere you like. A 620-ton vessel can accommodate 450 passengers. This is not a luxury cruiser, although it does offer the classic African adventure.
Synopsis
These are some of the most promising and popular African Boat tours and safaris that can make you experience the mighty waterways found in South Africa.
