African River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through Africa
Compiled by
NadineAfrica travel expert at TourRadar
- Southern Africa aboard the African Dream: travel to the ends of the earth with extended stay at the Cape Peninsula (port-to-port cruise)
- Southern Africa aboard the Zimbabwean Dream: travel to the ends of the earth (port-to-port cruise)
- 7 Days Of Wonder In Egypt (Domestic Flight Included)
- 5 Days – 4 Nights Nile Cruise 5* From Cairo by Flight
- River Nile Cruise For 4 Nights From Luxor to Aswan (Opt. Balloon & Abu Simbel)
- Nile Cruises From Luxor to Aswan for 5 Days 4 Nights
- 4 Nights At M/S Nile Treasure Cruise From Luxor
- Package 5 Days 4 Nights Luxor to Aswan Tour by MS Mayfair Nile Cruise
- Splendors of Egypt & the Nile (2025) (Cairo to Cairo, 2025)
- Southern Africa aboard the Zimbabwean Dream: travel to the ends of the earth with extended stay at the Cape Peninsula (port-to-port cruise)
Sail Lake Kariba's 200km expanse aboard African Dream ship, weaving through hidden inlets and drowned forests. Float down Chobe River's channels to Sedudu Island, relish sunset boat safaris, and savor Zambezi River dining near Victoria Falls.
Duration 13 days Destinations South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From $10,109
19% Off- US$8,178You save $1,932
Southern Africa aboard the Zimbabwean Dream: travel to the ends of the earth (port-to-port cruise)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Accommodation was superb. Well organised with a program packed with interesting educational opportunities.”
Jeanette, traveled in August
Three nights of luxury await aboard the boutique Zimbabwean Dream on Lake Kariba's unique landscape. Private balcony views, gourmet dining, and intimate water safaris enhance your stay. Luxury lodge accommodations and scenic flights between destinations ensure ultimate comfort.
Duration 9 days Destinations South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
19% Off- US$8,145
7 Days Of Wonder In Egypt (Domestic Flight Included)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The combination of the Cruise, lying on the sun deck and riding along the nile with the cultural trips to great temples and monuments was nice!”
Hannah, traveled in February
The legendary river unfolds aboard 5-star ship visiting ancient temples. Sail from Luxor to Aswan exploring Karnak, Edfu, and Philae sanctuaries. Egyptologists share historical insights while passing traditional feluccas and riverbank ruins.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cairo, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator Itaca Holiday From
19% Off- US$925
5 Days – 4 Nights Nile Cruise 5* From Cairo by Flight
68 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Places, food, the view, and the service was nice. Everybody on board were kind and attentif.”
Karla, traveled in February
Sail Africa's mighty Nile aboard a 5-star cruise ship from Luxor to Aswan. Ancient temples and monuments await while you enjoy full-board dining and evening entertainment. Abu Simbel excursion offered as an option.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cairo, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Esna, Giza, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, Aswan, Elephantine IslandSee all destinations Age Range 3 to 88 year olds Operator Holiday In Egypt From $1,299
50% Off- US$650You save $649
River Nile Cruise For 4 Nights From Luxor to Aswan (Opt. Balloon & Abu Simbel)
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cruise itself was very good and luxurious! Highly recommend the tour!”
ANISH, traveled in January
Sail Africa's iconic Nile aboard a 5-star cruise ship from Luxor to Aswan. UNESCO sites including Valley of Kings and Karnak Temple complex await your discovery. Optional sunrise balloon rides and Abu Simbel excursions enhance this 4-night voyage rated 4.4 (50+ reviews).
Duration 5 days Destinations Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Egypt Best Holidays From
50% Off- US$590
Nile Cruises From Luxor to Aswan for 5 Days 4 Nights
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tours were excellent. I had to pay all the entrance fees that were not included.”
Luis, traveled in October
The legendary Nile beckons aboard a 5-star cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Expert guides reveal Temple of Karnak's columns, Valley of the Kings' tombs, and Philae Temple's architecture. Full-board dining features local specialties.
Duration 5 days Destinations Luxor, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Aswan Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator Ancient Egypt Tours From $750
8% Off- US$690You save $60
Sonesta St George sails Africa's legendary Nile from Luxor to Aswan. UNESCO sites including Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings await. Full-board dining and cultural entertainment complement guided shore excursions along this historic waterway.
Duration 5 days Destinations Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, Aswan Age Range 3 to 100 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian Operator Sun Pyramid Tours From
8% Off- US$631
MS Mayfair offers a premium river cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Spectacular riverside temples including Edfu and Kom Ombo dot the journey. Full-board luxury while exploring Egypt's ancient Nile monuments.
Duration 5 days Destinations Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, Aswan Age Range 3 to 100 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Sun Pyramid Tours From
8% Off- US$1,669
Luxury awaits aboard the S.S. Sphinx on Africa's legendary Nile, visiting ancient temples and UNESCO sites. Traditional felucca sailing, Valley of the Kings exploration, and sunset tea at Aswan's historic Old Cataract Hotel create unforgettable memories.
Duration 12 days Destinations Cairo, Luxor, Dendera, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Edfu Age Range 16 to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
8% Off- US$7,001
The 2020-built Zimbabwean Dream glides through Lake Kariba's mysterious landscapes. Small waterways lead into Matusadona National Park, while Zambezi River above Victoria Falls and Chobe River's marshy channels await exploration.
Duration 13 days Destinations South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
8% Off- US$12,382
River Cruises in Africa Reviews
- Southern Africa aboard the Zimbabwean Dream: travel to the ends of the earth (port-to-port cruise)
Our 9 day CroisiEurope tour from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls was excellent. Well organised with a program packed with interesting educational opportunities along with the varied safari drives. Accommodation was superb. Although most fellow tourists will be French speaking the guides were all English speaking enabling us to learn much about their country's culture and history. Downloading the Google English/French translator app helped greatly. Not a cheap holiday but well worth the money.
- 7 Days Of Wonder In Egypt (Domestic Flight Included)
The combination of the Cruise, lying on the sun deck and riding along the nile with the cultural trips to great temples and monuments was nice! The things we saw were great and the relaxation on the deck was great! The service personal on the ship was very nice! The ship was outdated but the crew made the best of what they had! Cairo Pass tour was available all the time and answered to all of our needs if we needed something! That was impressive! But we did not get an itinerary and that is very important to have at the beginning of the trip with information about what time to get up, what time the ship leaves, what time lunch is, when there is free time, when we would go where etc... So we can relax and prepare ourselves. He also tried to organise as much as possible for us with extra trips without really asking us which combination or what kind of vacation or what trips were better suited for us. It was just assumed that we want to see as much as possible and he didnt give us advice if the extra trip, we paid for extra!, were actually worth it or if we could have done less and then more relaxing.. We did not get free water as it was written on the website. Cairo Pass tour did drive us to places to buy water but we still thought we would get free water, which was not the case. The drinks on the boat are too expensive! Cairo Pass tour is a very great trip organiser and was there for us for everything! But we were just too ill informed and felt like we were pushed into extra trips and costs we didnt necessarily need or at least not in the way or in the time slot that he wanted us to go, wich led to an unrelaxing and expensive vacation for us. Also the fact that one expects us to tip everyone although everything was already paid for, was unexplicable to us. But Cairo Pass Tour is a great guy!! And the sights we saw were amazing! My friend and me always had our own guide, so we werent in a big group, which was also very nice and special.
- 5 Days – 4 Nights Nile Cruise 5* From Cairo by Flight
Just do it. Alaa was a brilliant tour guide offering small group ( just 3 of us) personalised, high quality guide through Egypt. His in-depth knowledge which he delivered in excellent English - gave us insight into the history of this amazing country. His courteous manner and ability to cater to all our requests and changing plans was most appreciated.
What our customers ask about African River Cruises
What are the best times of year to take a Nile River cruise in Africa?
The Nile River cruise season peaks from October to April when Egypt's weather is most favorable for sightseeing. During September and October travelers find fewer crowds and better rates while December through February brings comfortable daytime temperatures averaging 25°C (77°F). A TourRadar traveler noted: "Our February cruise had perfect weather for exploring temples and enjoying the sundeck making every moment memorable." Most experienced travelers avoid June through August when Upper Egypt temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F).
What are the main destinations and highlights visited on Africa river cruises?
The classic Nile River route connects Luxor and Aswan taking passengers to key archaeological treasures including the Valley of the Kings Karnak Temple and the temples of Luxor Edfu and Philae. Many routes offer Abu Simbel as an add-on excursion. A TourRadar traveler shared "The highlights were Abu Simbel—absolutely breathtaking. The hot air balloon ride over Luxor was magical offering stunning views of ancient temples" from their trip with Egypt Tours Club.
How much do African river cruises typically cost?
The price range for Nile River voyages spans from basic to ultra-luxury experiences. A 4-night journey starts at 550 USD while deluxe 7-night cruises reach 1850 USD. Premium experiences like AmaWaterways' South African cruise command 16280 USD for 17 days. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our 5-star Nile cruise including Abu Simbel was excellent value at 920 USD for 7 nights with all meals and guided tours included."
What wildlife can I expect to see on African river cruises?
Each river offers distinct wildlife encounters. The Zambezi River draws elephants hippos and crocodiles while Chobe River cruises showcase large herds of elephants and buffalo. Nile cruises emphasize historical sites though water birds and occasional crocodiles make appearances. A TourRadar traveler on the Zambezi Queen reported: "The morning wildlife viewing from the boat was incredible - we saw entire herds of elephants coming to drink at the river's edge."
How long are typical Africa river cruise itineraries?
Nile River journeys commonly run 4-8 days with many travelers choosing 4-night trips between Luxor and Aswan. Extended programs like Uniworld's 12-day "Splendors of Egypt & the Nile" blend river cruising with land exploration. Statistics show 5-day itineraries are most popular with one TourRadar traveler commenting "The 5-day cruise was perfect to see all the major sites along the Nile."
What types of cultural experiences are available on Africa river cruises?
These river voyages connect travelers with local life through visits to Nubian villages traditional markets and archaeological wonders. Evening entertainment features belly dancing and regional music while vessels like the Zimbabwean Dream stop at authentic villages on Impalila Island. A TourRadar traveler observed: "Our guide Hassan made both sightseeing visits in Aswan & Luxor so enjoyable and aroused curiosity with his knowledge of local culture."
What are the typical cabin options available on Africa river cruises?
Nile River ships provide accommodations ranging from standard rooms to premium suites. The S.S. Sphinx offers four room categories from deluxe cabins to royal suites each with river views. Ships like the Princess Sarah feature 5-star rooms with private balconies. According to a TourRadar traveler "The Nile cruise was memorable with stunning landscapes and a tranquil Nile view from our room" during their 5-day Luxor to Aswan journey.
More about Africa
Zimbabwean Dream from CroisiEurope River CruisesMS Mayfair from Sun Pyramid ToursAfrican Dream from CroisiEurope River CruisesZambezi Queen from MEIERS WELTREISENS.S. Sphinx from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise CollectionAmaDahlia from AmaWaterwaysSonesta St George from Sun Pyramid ToursAmaLilia from AmaWaterwaysZambezi Queen from AmaWaterwaysOberoi Philae from Sun Pyramid ToursViking Ra from Viking CruisesMS Antares from Viking Cruises