Boating on safari
The savannas, jungles, mountains, and deserts of Africa are chock-full of beauty and adventure. But don’t underestimate the waters – there are countless lakes, rivers, and oceans to explore, too! You’ll find boating on safari is an excellent way to see otherwise inaccessible places. Take a break from the game drives, and see Africa from a whole new perspective.
Indulge in a tranquil luxury river cruise along the Zambezi River on a sunset cruise. Follow the current alongside hippos, and enjoy a bit of Victoria Falls history while you sip a traditional gin & tonic or the beverage of your choice.
Cruise Lake Kariba along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. A prime spot for nature lovers, photographers, and fishermen alike, this stunning body of water is the world’s largest man-made lake and reservoir by volume (44 cubic miles). And there’s no better way to explore it than settling in for a day or two aboard the Matusadona, featuring three spacious, air-conditioned cabins (with queen beds) and space for up to six passengers – perfect for a family or small-group escape.
Pull out all the stops with an extravagant, weeklong boating safari cruise island-hopping in the Seychelles. Soak in the pristine waters and irresistible solitude aboard a private yacht. Explore coral reefs and stunning beaches. Dive and snorkel to your heart’s content. On land, you will find a bird lover’s paradise and ancient forests of super-sized ferns that are a treasure-trove in their own right.
Spring for a quintessentially African cruise aboard a traditional Dhow. These wooden sailing vessels were originally built for carrying exotic spices and goods along the Indian Ocean trade routes. Today, you can island-hop off the coast of Mozambique or along the shores of Zanzibar. In Lamu, Kenya, you can enjoy a short evening sail from one of the dhows in the harbor, or go all-in on a multi-day Dhow safari onboard the Tusitiri Dhow.
Tanzania’s Southern boating safari circuit offers a boating experience off the beaten path and away from the crowds, especially in the Selous Game Reserve. The biggest perk of the Selous is its diversity of activities, especially since it offers the only boat-based activities in East Africa with boating safaris on the lakes and Rufiji tributaries, as well as fishing for catfish and tigerfish.
Beyond Africa, take in the dazzling sights of Sydney with a private yacht tour – spend a half day or a full day aboard a luxury vessel with passionate local guides. Explore Sydney Harbor and venture out to famous Manly Beach.
Explore the Galapagos Islands aboard an intimate vessel, like the M/V Origin or Theory, and discover the archipelago and marine reserve. For another just as impressive but very different wilderness experience, enjoy the Delfin I in Peru’s Amazon.
Meander up the Nile River in a classic dahabiya. With an Egyptologist guide accompanying you during the entire trip, this boating safari is a true cultural immersion experience. You’ll interact with fishermen, tie up near small villages, and visit monuments away from the crowds of the big cruise boats. Savor freshly-prepared food from local markets as you drift past biblical scenes along the shoreline.
Brazil‘s waterways offer some of the most splendid boating. Cruise the inky black waters of the Rio Negro in the Brazilian Amazon or navigate the Anavilhanas Archipelago. Ocean cruise off the coast of Buzios, Paratay, and Ilha Grande (located on the Green Coast), or remote Fernando de Noronha.