Hollywood, CA

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Video Clip: Click to Watch

African Sun Times, the largest African Weekly in the United States, has published a feature article about AmaWaterways, the premier river cruise line in the travel industry, beginning a slate of African Safaris and Wildlife River Cruises in 2012. AmaWaterways currently operates 14 luxury river cruise ships all over Europe, in Russia, along the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia and now Africa, as the article bellows explains in detail. Below that are the detailed itineraries for all three African Safari and Wildlife River Cruises from AmaWaterways.



Top River Cruise Line Comes to Africa in 2012

AmaWaterways Launches African Safaris and Wildlife River Cruises on MS Zambezi Queen



Following ten-years of leading the river cruise industry in every aspect, AmaWaterways will begin river cruise operations that are combined with land itineraries in some of the most beautiful African National Parks. Currently operating ships all over Europe, in Russia and along the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia, AmaWaterways fourteenth ship is the luxuriously appointed MS Zambezi Queen. Founded in 2002 by three travel industry veterans, Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways has ushered in a wide-range of specialty cruises, new ship designs, standard on-board luxury amenities and environmentally friendly innovations.

"We're extremely proud to introduce our new program in Africa, one of the world's great destinations. Our exclusive combination of a safari cruise on the Zambezi Queen, three different land programs and two nights at Victoria Falls provide the most unique and exceptional African experience available," says Rudi Schreiner, President of AmaWaterways.

For wildlife safari-river cruising in Africa, the MS Zambezi Queen was specifically designed for the Chobe River and boasts innovative designs which maximize comfort and enjoyment. Fourteen balcony staterooms, decorated in contemporary style with large bay windows for viewing wildlife on the river banks and beyond, make this environmentally conscious river cruise ship a perfect addition to the AmaWaterways' fleet. The air-conditioned top deck has a lovely dining room, lounge, bar and pool area that makes for an extremely comfortable safari wildlife river cruise. Passengers can enjoy game watching from their stateroom or the various options on the top-deck. AmaWaterways, amongst other dining options, offers delectable dishes such as butternut and macadamia soup and fillet of beef with bordelaise sauce paired with a perfect wine.

Traveling along the banks of Chobe National Park, passengers of the Zambezi Queen will see one of the densest populations of wildlife in Africa. Guests will encounter elephants, leopards, lions, sable and buffalo on excursions by boat or open-air vehicles and enjoy a visit to a local village with an authentic "boma" dining experience. From the MS Zambezi Queen, a scenic 50 mile morning drive through Zambezi National Park will take you to Victoria Falls. Spend two marvelous days surrounded by the sights and sounds of Victoria Falls, perhaps Africa's most iconic destination.

Prior to your MS Zambezi Queen safari cruise and your visit to Victoria Falls, choose from three different land itineraries that include Africa's most renowned locations such as a stay at iconic safari lodges, game camps and exclusive hotels throughout Africa. Professional guides will lead daily wildlife excursions, offering the opportunity to spot elephant, rhino, hippo, and many more species that symbolize the African safari. Three extensive land itinerary options offer the expanses of the Serengeti, awe-inspiring Chobe National Park or the towering landscapes of Mt. Kilimanjaro.



The River Cruising Revolution:



The genesis of popularity of river cruising now goes back to the 1992 completion of the 162-mile Rhine-Main Canal which linked up the Rhine and Danube Rivers in the Southern Germany. This long-held dream of Europeans, going back to Charlemagne 1400 years ago, allowed cargo and passengers ships to go from the North Sea to the Black Sea across the heart of Europe. During the first eight-years Europeans took advantage of this new trend of vacation, but then as the millennium took hold companies like AmaWaterways began to design ships for consumers who required a bit more for their vacation investment.

Now, ten years later, AmaWaterways has branched out into so many different avenues, itineraries and avenues of expression impossible to enumerate here. From the beginning, AmaWaterways President and Co-Owner Rudi Schreiner has been the visionary behind what can only be described as a revolution in travel industry.

One who believed into Rudi Schreiner's vision was Jimmy Murphy, founder of Brendan Vacations and travel industry innovator since 1968. In an interesting twist of business history, Murphy believed that river cruising would be hit, that coach touring in Europe had reached a peak, and that those tourists would embrace this new form of travel. It turned out, as Murphy has stated repeatedly, it turned out he was right for the wrong reason. As it turned out, in the first five years of operation 80% of AmaWaterways' clients were big ship cruisers who had exhausted all of their options and still wanted the cruise experience, but this time in the heart of Europe.



A Typical Day in the African Bush:



During safari days one will gain a profound appreciation for the rhythms of safari life. After a small morning snack, a ranger takes clients out in an open top, four wheel drive vehicle for a three to four hour morning game drive to view animals when they are most active. A full breakfast back at the lodge allows patrons to share their experiences before

a relaxing mid-day spent in quiet pursuits with a massage, relaxing at the pool, reading a book or browsing through the library.

Lunch is usually served at the Main Lodge in an outdoor restaurant where you can watch various animals or colorful birds. Late afternoons and early evenings bring another game drive into the bush. It is not untypical for rangers to follow leopard tracks or visit the recent location of a lion pack's kill. During some game drives one might encounter hundreds of large animals and on other days bird watching could be the focus.

A scenic spot for a "Sundowner" break with local snacks, refreshments and a large choice of drinks before an evening bush drive which slowly takes you back to your lodge is a fine way to end an exciting day. African vacationers then get to relive their adventures with fellow travelers during a delicious dinner under the Southern Cross with millions of other bright stars hovering silently over the African bush, followed by a nightcap at the bar under the open sky in anticipation of the next day's adventures.

Golden Trails of Africa:

1 night in Nairobi, 8 nights at game reserves in Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti, 1 night in Johannesburg, then a 4-night safari cruise & 2 nights in Victoria Falls

19 Days: Travel to Nairobi and Return from Victoria Falls

Your AmaVoyage begins with an overnight stay at Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi, the city's legendary starting point for safari adventures. The next morning drive

to Amboseli National Park, in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, you'll spend two nights at the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, enjoying unforgettable game drives. Following your stay, fly to Arusha and then drive to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its famous treeclimbing lions. Here you will overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, take a morning game drive, and then continue to the stunning Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge at the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. One of Africa's best known wildlife areas, the crater's biosphere remains as it was during pre-historic times. Your two-night stay includes memorable game drives in this remarkable crater.

From Ngorongoro, a drive takes you to the renowned Serengeti National Park. Famous for the migration of wildebeest, the park is home to Big Five game, as well as cheetah, gazelle, waterbuck antelope and giraffe. Spending three nights at the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, you'll enjoy daily game drives. Next, fly to Arusha for your connecting flights to Johannesburg, where you'll overnight and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

The following day, fly to Victoria Falls, and transfer to Kasane to begin your MS Zambezi Queen safari cruise on the Chobe River. These waters separate Namibia's Caprivi Strip from Botswana's Chobe National Park. Explore the banks of the park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent. The Chobe River

is a major watering spot for large breeding herds of elephants, as well as families of giraffe, gazelle and buffalo. Your African odyssey concludes with two nights at Victoria Falls, the largest curtain of water on earth. Enjoy a guided tour of the falls and a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

DAY 1, DEPART USA/CANADA. Board your overnight flight to Nairobi, Kenya.

DAY 2, ARRIVE IN NAIROBI (Hotel check-in date). Upon your arrival in Nairobi, transfer to your hotel where you will have the evening free.

DAY 3, NAIROBI - AMBOSELI. After breakfast, your drive to the Amboseli National Park offers a spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain

in the world. Enjoy game drives through this stunning landscape, which boasts more big game than almost anywhere in Africa. The home of the Maasai people, Amboseli offers incomparable opportunities to observe herds of elephant, cape buffalo, impala, lion, zebra and water fowl. (B,L,D)

DAY 4, AMBOSELI. Today, your morning and afternoon game drives will offer new encounters with the wildlife strolling across the plains. You will have opportunities to

see rhinos, cheetahs, wildebeests and more. You will also visit traditional manyattas settlements of the Amboseli Maasai. In the evening, enjoy a traditional feast and tribal

dancing overlooking a big game waterhole. (B,L,D)

DAY 5, AMBOSELI - LAKE MANYARA. This morning, drive to Lake Manyara National Park to see the famous tree-climbing lions, hippos, wildebeests, warthogs and giraffes. The area provides opportunities for viewing and observing over 300 migratory birds, including flamingo and grey-headed kingfisher. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, LAKE MANYARA - NGORONGORO NATIONAL PARK. Depart for an early morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park to observe a variety of animal habitats ranging from dense rain forest to swamp and open savannah. Then, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation area and visit the Ngorongoro Archaeological Museum

at Olduvai, where archeologist and anthropologist Louis and Mary Leakey found the fossilized remains of some of man's oldest ancestors. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, NGORONGORO NATIONAL PARK. Known as "the eighth wonder of the world," the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's best-known wildlife areas. Your

full day game drive to this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a truly unique environment. Deep within the Crater, enclosed by towering walls, some 25,000 large mammals wander the plains, lakes and forests of "the land that time forgot," dominated by enormous bull elephants, lions, wildebeest and buffalo. (B,L,D)

DAY 8,NGORONGORO NATIONAL PARK – SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK. After breakfast, drive to the Serengeti National Park, where you will spend the next three nights. The Serengeti National Park offers not only all the members of The Big Five but also the annual "migration" of the wildebeests, a truly awe-inspiring sight. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 & 10, SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK. Tanzania's greatest park is dominated by a spectacle of wildlife. Lion prides, leopards, cheetahs and all three species of the African jackal are found here, alongside the spotted hyena, blue wildebeest and a host of other species. Around 500-plus bird species have been recorded here including the outsized ostrich as well as the black eagles that soar effortlessly above the Lobo Hills. During your stay, enjoy daily morning and afternoon game drives. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK - ARUSHA - JOHANNESBURG. After breakfast at your lodge, you will say goodbye to Tanzania as you fly via Nairobi to

Johannesburg for your overnight stay. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure as you prepare for your upcoming voyage on the MS Zambezi Queen. (B)

DAY 12, JOHANNESBURG - MS Zambezi Queen (EMBARK). After breakfast, fly to Victoria Falls Airport and then transfer to Kasane. Here, you will board the MS Zambezi Queen, docked on the Chobe River. Late this afternoon, depart for a sunset cruise before your welcome cocktail and dinner on board. (B,D)

DAY 13, MS Zambezi Queen. This morning, disembark for a game drive in Chobe National Park, home of one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent. Encounter elephants, leopards, lions, gazelle and buffalo. Late this afternoon, venture out on a tender boat for close-up views of the wild animals gathering along the river. This evening, be our guest ashore at a delicious Boma dinner, where you will savor the distinct flavors of Africa. Afterwards, your guide will show you the African sky showing you magnificent planets and stars (weather permitting). (B,L,D)

DAY 14, MS Zambezi Queen. Begin your day with a visit to Kasenu village for a cultural interaction with the local community where you will have time to shop for local artifacts. Then board a mokoro to explore the waterways and observe African animals and abundant birdlife. Relax on the beach in colorful, rustic style tents as you are served local delicacies cooked from a traditional wood fire oven. After lunch, return to the ship for an afternoon cruise (weather permitting). The remainder of the evening is at your leisure to relax on board. (B,L,D)

DAY 15, MS Zambezi Queen. After breakfast on board, choose between a game drive in the Chobe National Park, walking tour of a traditional village, visit to a local school or fishing excursion for the famous tigerfish. Late this afternoon, travel by boat trip to observe crocodiles, hippos and elephants in their natural habitat. Experience a traditional African barbecue tonight, prepared by the local community. (B,L,D)

DAY 16, MS Zambezi Queen - VICTORIA FALLS. Bid farewell to the MS Zambezi Queen and transfer to Victoria Falls, one of the most spectacular sites in Africa. Settle into your hotel before embarking on your Sundowner Cruise along the Zambezi River. Relax on board with light snacks and wine as you observe a variety of game, including hippo, crocodile, elephant and even rhino in their local habitat. (B)

DAY 17, VICTORIA FALLS. Today, your local guide will take you on a tour of the Falls, providing a history as well as detailing the vegetation and wildlife of this unique area. Admire the grandeur of the enormous waterfall and the peacefulness of upstream lagoons where you may encounter hippos and crocodiles. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at your hotel or explore the Falls on your own. (B)

DAY 18, DEPART VICTORIA FALLS. Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

DAY 19, USA/CANADA. Arrive home.

African Sunsets:



Enjoy 3 nights in Cape Town, 2 nights in Okavango Delta and 2 nights in Savute before

embarking on your 4-night safari cruise, ending with 2 nights in Victoria Falls

16 Days: Travel to Cape Town and Return from Victoria Falls

Begin your AmaVoyage in Africa with a 3-night stay in Cape Town, known for its magnificent natural surroundings and vibrant city life. From Cape Town fly to the Okavango Delta, one of the world's largest inland delta's. Spend two nights in an island safari camp (4-star Camp Okavango or 5-star Orient Express Eagle Island Camp) in a diverse habitat known to support wild dog, lechwe (antelope), giraffe, cheetah, leopard,

African bush elephant and white and black rhinoceros. Exciting early morning and afternoon game drives await you to view the fascinating wildlife.

From Okavango, transfer by a small charter plane to the remote Savute Safari Area for your stay at the 4-star Savute Safari Lodge or the 5-star Orient Express Savute Elephant Camp. Here you may view warthogs, kudus, impalas, zebras, wildebeests and above all elephants on your daily game drives. In the afternoon, find a relaxing vantage point to take in the luminous sunset over Botswana.

Following your stay in Savute, transfer by air to Kasane to board the beautiful MS Zambezi Queen. Spend four memorable nights on the Chobe River experiencing a ship expertly designed for comfort and game viewing. Explore the banks of Chobe National Park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent. You'll also enjoy deluxe accommodations and delicious cuisine on board.

Your AmaVoyage experience in Africa comes to a close with a visit to Victoria Falls. Spend two nights at this great natural wonder, featuring the largest waterfall in the world. Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, home to hippo, crocodile, elephant, Vervet monkeys, baboon and many bird species. You'll also enjoy a guided tour of the falls before your memorable African vacation ends.

DAY 1, DEPART USA/CANADA. Board your overnight flight to Cape Town, South Africa.

DAY 2, ARRIVE IN CAPE TOWN (Hotel check-in date). Located in a stunning setting surrounded by majestic mountains and pristine beaches, Cape Town offers a diverse array of cultural, historical and scenic attractions. After your airport greeting, transfer to your hotel.

DAY 3, CAPE TOWN. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your scenic drive through the local wine regions in Cape Town: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. You will visit two of the famous wine estates to taste the local wines produced in South Africa. Your tour also includes the Huguenot Museum in Franschhoek and the Taal monument on Paarl rock. This afternoon, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. (B,L)

DAY 4, CAPE TOWN. During your full day tour, you will see the 12 Apostles and Hout Bay, as you drive through Chapmans Peak (seasonal), a beautiful marine drive. You will then venture to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, ending at legendary Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. After lunch at a local restaurant in Simon's Town, admire the magnificent views from the sandstone plateau of Table Mountain (weather permitting). (B,L)

DAY 5, CAPE TOWN - MAUN - OKAVANGO DELTA. Early this morning, fly to Maun, where you will transfer to Okavango Delta via a small charter plane*. Okavango Delta is a unique oasis at the northern edge of the Kalahari Desert, offering an environment for hippos, crocodiles and tigerfish. Today, take a guided bush walk to the Delta's islands to track the larger species that inhabit this wilderness area, such as the African bush elephants and the white and black rhinoceros. Return to your safari camp for dinner and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, OKAVANGO DELTA. Venture out on an early morning game drive to search for lions, brown hyenas, spotted hyenas, blue wildebeest, giraffes and red lechwe. Return to camp for brunch in the boma and then spend the rest of the afternoon game viewing or bird watching. Late this afternoon, you will have some time to enjoy other game activity such as a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) excursion and fishing. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, OKAVANGO DELTA - SAVUTE. Depart on an early morning game drive in the Wildlife Reserve before enjoying a delectable brunch. This afternoon, check out of your lodge and fly to Savute via a small charter plane*. Part of the Chobe National Park, the Savute Safari Area boasts fascinating wildlife and is famous for its predators, especially lions and hyenas. After settling into your lodge, enjoy an afternoon game activity along the dry Savute Channel and Marsh. The evening is at your leisure. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, SAVUTE. Depart on an early morning game drive to the renowned Savute Safari Area where you can view warthogs, kudus, impalas, zebras and wildebeests. There is also rich bird life with nearly 450 species. Upon your return to the lodge, brunch will be served. Afterwards, enjoy an afternoon game activity to explore this wildlife haven. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, SAVUTE - MS Zambezi Queen (EMBARK). Spend your last morning in Savute on a game drive before flying to Kasane via small charter plane*. Here, you will

board the MS Zambezi Queen, docked on the Chobe River. Late this afternoon, depart for a sunset cruise followed by a welcome cocktail and dinner on board. (B,D)

DAY 10, MS Zambezi Queen. This morning, disembark for a game drive in Chobe National Park, home of one of the most substantial populations of wildlife on the African continent. Encounter elephants, leopards, lions, gazelle and buffalo. Return to the ship and leisurely cruise during lunch to Luguba. Late this afternoon, enjoy a tender boat excursion that will give you a close up view of the wild animals gathering at the water. This evening, be our guest ashore at the delicious African Boma Dinner, where you will savor the distinct flavors of Africa. Afterwards, your guide will show you the African sky using a laser pointer, showing you magnificent planets and stars (weather permitting). (B,L,D)

DAY 11, MS Zambezi Queen. Begin your day with a visit to Kasenu village for a cultural interaction with the local community. You will have free time to shop for local artifacts. Then board a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) to explore the waterways and observe African animals and abundant birdlife up close. Relax on the beach in quaint, rustic-style tents as you are served delicacies cooked over a traditional wood fire oven. After lunch, return to the ship for an afternoon cruise. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure

to relax on board. (B,L,D)

DAY 12, MS Zambezi Queen. After breakfast on board, choose between a game ride in the Chobe National Park, a walking tour of a traditional Maasai village, visit to a local school or try a fishing excursion to catch a tigerfish. Late this afternoon, venture by boat to observe crocodiles, hippos and elephants in their natural habitat. Experience a traditional African barbecue tonight, prepared by the local community. (B,L,D)

DAY 13, MS Zambezi Queen – VICTORIA FALLS. Bid farewell to the MS Zambezi Queen and transfer to Victoria Falls, one of the world's most awe-inspiring wonders. Settle into your hotel before embarking on your Sundowner cruise along the Zambezi River. Relax on board with light snacks and wine as you observe a variety of game, including hippo and rhino. There are great photo opportunities with spectacular African sunsets. (B)

DAY 14, VICTORIA FALLS. Today, your local guide will take you on a tour of the amazing Victoria Falls providing a history as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird and wildlife that makes this area so unique. Witness the towering column of spray when the river is high, listen to the thunder of the falling water and experience the tranquil lagoons upstream where you may find hippos and crocodiles. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at your hotel or explore the Falls on your own. (B)

DAY 15, DEPART VICTORIA FALLS. Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

DAY 16, USA/CANADA. Arrive home.

*Note: There are strict luggage restrictions on all small charter flights. Max 44 lbs (20kg) luggage per person (soft bags with no frame or wheels). All lodges in Botswana offer complimentary laundry services. Mokoro excursion on the Chobe.

Stars of Africa:



Enjoy 3 nights in Cape Town, 3 nights in Kruger National Park Area and 1 night in Johannesburg before embarking on your 4-night safari cruise, ending with 2 nights in Victoria Falls

16 Days: Travel to Cape Town and Return from Victoria Falls

Your unique vacation begins with a three-night stay in picturesque Cape Town. After Cape Town, fly to Hoedspruit, in the midst of game-rich country near Kruger National Park. Spend three nights at the 4-star Makalali Game Lodge or the 5-star Kapama River Lodge in this premier eco-tourist destination known for some of the best Big Five viewing in South Africa. Experience the thrill of early morning and late afternoon game drives in a private game reserve while enjoying the pampered setting of your lodge. In the evening you'll marvel at the breathtaking number of stars in the sky highlighted

by the magnificent Southern Cross.

Next, you'll fly to Johannesburg for a relaxing stay at the 4-star Crowne Plaza or the 5-star Sandton Sun Hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore on your own. The following day, fly to Victoria Falls and transfer to Kasane to begin your MS Zambezi Queen safari cruise on the Chobe River. Explore the banks of Chobe National Park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent. Encounter elephants, leopards, lions, gazelles and buffalos on excursions by boat or open-air vehicle.

Your African odyssey concludes with two nights at magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the world's great natural wonders. The falls make up the largest curtain of water on earth before dropping dramatically into the Zambezi Gorge. You'll take a sunset cruise on the

Zambezi River and view hippo, crocodile, elephant and perhaps rhino, as well as a variety of bird species. Enjoy a guided tour of the falls on your last full day in Africa, capturing photographs and memories that will last a lifetime.

DAY 1, DEPART USA/CANADA. Board your overnight flight to Cape Town, South Africa.

DAY 2, ARRIVE IN CAPE TOWN (Hotel check-in date). Situated amidst majestic mountains and surrounded by pristine white beaches, Cape Town is home to a rich cultural and historical heritage with vibrant restaurants and remarkable sightseeing activities. After your airport greeting, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.

DAY 3, CAPE TOWN. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing on a scenic drive through the local wine regions of Cape Town: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. Visit two of the famous wine estates to savor various wines produced in South Africa. Your tour also includes the Huguenot Museum in Franschhoek and the Taal monument on Paarl rock. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. (B,L)

DAY 4, CAPE TOWN. During your full day tour, you will see the 12 Apostles and Hout Bay along your drive through Chapmans Peak, one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world (seasonal). Continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, ending at majestic Cape Point where you will see the Atlantic and the Indian oceans meet. After lunch at a local restaurant in Simon's Town, admire magnificent views from the sandstone plateau of Table Mountain (weather permitting). (B,L)

DAY 5, CAPE TOWN - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA . After breakfast, fly to Hoedspruit. Upon arrival in the premier eco-tourist destination of the Lowveld, transfer to your private game lodge. Set out on an afternoon game drive in search of the country's Big Five and other native wildlife. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 & 7, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. Begin your mornings with an early game drive in your open-air vehicle for three or four hours. Explore your private game reserve, located a stone's throw away from the Kruger National Park and surrounded by game-rich country. The rest of the mornings are at your leisure to enjoy the facilities at your lodge. The afternoons bring another game drive into the bush where you may encounter South Africa's top predators: cheetahs, hyenas and lions. This region is also home to the majority of South African raptors including eagles which you will find soaring in the skies above. Return to your lodge in the evenings for dinner and relax as you game watch from the terrace in your guest room. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA - JOHANNESBURG. Early this morning, depart for your final game drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Johannesburg, the biggest city in South

Africa. The remainder of your day is at leisure. (B)

DAY 9, JOHANNESBURG - MS Zambezi Queen (EMBARK). After breakfast, fly to Victoria Falls Airport and then transfer to Kasane. Here, you will board the MS Zambezi Queen docked on the Chobe River. Late this afternoon, depart for a sunset cruise before your welcome cocktail and dinner on board. (B,D)

DAY 10, MS Zambezi Queen. This morning, disembark for a game drive in Chobe National Park, home of one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent and best known for its spectacular elephant population. Encounter families of giraffe, gazelle and buffalo. Late this afternoon, venture out on a tender boat excursion that will give you a close up view of the wild animals. This evening, be our guest ashore at the delicious African Boma Dinner, where you will savor the distinct local flavors in this unique vibrant setting. Afterwards, your guide will show you the African sky using a laser pointer, showing you magnificent stars and planets (weather permitting). (B,L,D)

DAY 11, MS Zambezi Queen. Begin your day with a visit to Kasenu village for a cultural interaction with the local community. You will have free time to shop for local artifacts. Then board a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) to explore the waterways and observe African animals and abundant birdlife from close proximity. Relax on the beach in quaint and colorful rustic-style tents as you are served delicacies cooked from a traditional wood fire oven. After lunch, return to the ship for an afternoon cruise. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure to relax on board and enjoy unobstructed views of river and floodplain from the upper deck's lounge and bar areas. (B,L,D)

DAY 12, MS Zambezi Queen. After breakfast on board, choose between a game drive in the Chobe National Park, a walking tour of a traditional village, a local school visit or a fishing excursion to catch the ferocious tigerfish. Late this afternoon after lunch, travel by boat to observe crocodiles, hippos and elephants in their natural habitat. Experience a

traditional African barbecue tonight. (B,L,D)

DAY 13, MS Zambezi Queen - VICTORIA FALLS. Bid farewell to the MS Zambezi Queen and transfer to Victoria Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders on earth. Settle into your hotel before embarking on your Sundowner Cruise along the Zambezi River. Relax on board as you observe a variety of game, including hippos and rhinos. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure. (B)

DAY 14, VICTORIA FALLS. Today, your local guide will take you on a tour of the remarkable Victoria Falls providing a history as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird and wildlife that makes this area so unique. Witness the towering column of spray when the river is high, listen to the thunder of the falling water and experience the tranquil lagoons upstream where you may find hippos and crocodiles. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at your hotel or explore the town and Falls on your own. (B)

DAY 15, DEPART VICTORIA FALLS. Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

DAY 16, USA/CANADA. Arrive home.





About AmaWaterways



AmaWaterways is celebrating its 10th Anniversary by looking back on an award winning 2011 which saw their fleet expanded to 14 of the most luxurious river cruise ships in the industry. In 2012 they will add the MS AmaCerto, with a host of amazing new design features, and the MS Zambezi Queen, which will ply the waters of the Chobe River in the Chobe National Park during AmaWaterways African Safaris and Wildlife River Cruises.

While adding new ships every year, AmaWaterways is always retrofitting existing ships with the latest amenities, upgrades and inventions. With a commitment to bring the best in river cruise vacations, AmaWaterways' had always and will always lead the way in unparalleled on-board services that are constantly fine-tuned for the highest customer satisfaction. These factors, combined with a slate of new itineraries and specialty programs such as extremely popular Wine River Cruises, which were launched in 2010, had made AmaWaterways the front runner in this burgeoning new segment of the travel business.

Over the years AmaWaterways garnered a number of Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly, picked up an Award of Excellence form Luxury Travel Advisor, a Cruise Passenger Readers Choice Award in Australia for Best River Ship and was recognized for its Twitter account that put AmaWaterways on the list of "The Top 25 Online Cruise Vacation Influencers" by Influencers in Travel.

Award-winning AmaWaterways provides luxurious, all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the world's great waterways. Founded in 2002 by cruise industry pioneer Rudi Schreiner, cruise line executive Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, founder of Brendan Vacations, AmaWaterways operates its innovative, custom-designed vessels on the Danube, Rhine, Main and Mosel rivers in Europe; the Volga-Baltic Waterway in Russia and the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia.

The AmaWaterways fleet in Europe features amenities such as spacious staterooms with French balconies or revolutionary "Twin Balconies"; plush down bedding, marble-appointed baths; complimentary high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi; first-run hit Hollywood movies; complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, complimentary bottled water; gourmet dining in multiple venues (MS AmaBella); nightly entertainment; complimentary small group shore excursions tailored to passengers' desired walking pace; guided bicycle tours and much more.

In 2011 AmaWaterways introduced the new 161-passenger MS AmaVerde in Europe, the newly-redesigned 212-passenger MS AmaKatarina on the Volga-Baltic Waterway in Russia and the new 124-passenger MS AmaLotus on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, increasing its luxurious fleet of river cruise vessels to 14 after the 2012 addition of the MS AmaCerto and MS Zambezi Queen.

AmaWaterways Included Features:

7 Nights Deluxe Cruise Accommodations in an Outside Stateroom; Most staterooms with large French Balconies;Jewish Heritage Tours with specialized guides; Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary; Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Free Internet, Hollywood Hit Movies, Music Library and English Language TV Stations; Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms; Superb Dining with all Meals included on board; Free-flowing Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions, beer and soft drinks with every Dinner on board the Ship; Bottled Water in every stateroom replenished daily; Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner; Special Highlights including Folklore, Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music; Use of Bicycles to explore on your own; Services of a Professional Cruise Manager; All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck); All Transfers included with the Purchase of Cruise, Land & Air package; All local Taxes

For more info about river cruising with AmaWaterways in Europe, Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Africa go to www.AmaWatewaysPR.com

For media interviews contact Promotion in Motion at 323-461-3921 or brad@promotioninmotion.net

Brad Butler

Promotion in Motion

Hollywood, CA

323-461-3921

First Url: African Safaris and Wildlife River Cruising from AmaWaterways

Second Url: African Sun Times