The World’s Best River Cruise Safari
Where the wildlife comes to the water — and you watch from the deck.
Get Free River Cruise QuotesOn a river cruise safari the wildlife comes to the water — and you watch from the deck. Here are the rivers that do it best.
The Chobe: Africa’s River Safari
The Chobe River forms part of the border between Botswana and Namibia, flowing past Chobe National Park, which is famous for its elephant herds. A handful of small houseboats sail short voyages here, and their tender boats take guests close to elephants coming down to drink, hippos and crocodiles in the shallows, and a remarkable range of birds. Many travelers combine a Chobe cruise with Victoria Falls and a few nights at safari lodges. The dry season, when animals concentrate along the river, is the classic time to go. Chobe Riverboat Cruises and Africa River Cruising explain routes, seasons and logistics.
Other Great Wildlife Rivers
Amazon
Expedition ships in Peru and Brazil send skiffs into flooded forest for pink river dolphins, monkeys, sloths and birds. See Amazon River Cruising.
Brahmaputra
Voyages in Assam pair the river with visits to Kaziranga National Park, home of the greater one-horned rhinoceros.
Mekong
Less about big game and more about birdlife, wetlands and river communities.
Columbia and Snake
In the Pacific Northwest, the landscape and history take center stage, with wildlife along the way.
Getting a River Safari Right
- Go in the right season — on the Chobe, the dry months bring animals to the river.
- Book early: there are very few houseboats, with few cabins each.
- Plan the land pieces: airports, border crossings and lodges.
- Prepare for health: malaria prevention and vaccines as advised by a travel clinic.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.
River Safari Questions
What is the world’s best river cruise safari?
The Chobe River, on the border of Botswana and Namibia, is the classic choice: small houseboats drift past some of Africa’s largest elephant herds, with tender boats for close viewing. The Amazon and the Brahmaputra offer river-based wildlife journeys of a very different kind.
How long is a Chobe river cruise?
Usually a few nights, often combined with Victoria Falls and land-based safari lodges. Our sister sites Chobe Riverboat Cruises and Africa River Cruising explain how the pieces fit together.
Plan a River Safari
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will put together a Chobe, Amazon or Brahmaputra journey with the right land arrangements and send free quotes.
Get Free River Cruise Quotes