Water plays a crucial role in Africa’s ecosystems and in most cases controls the movement and density of wildlife in its key game viewing destinations. The continent’s rivers, deltas, and seasonal rainfall attract wildlife from far and wide providing an incredible opportunity for game viewing on the water.

The seasonal flooding of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, transforms the landscape into a lush oasis, drawing in wildlife from miles around offering some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa. Guests can take to the waters on motorised boat safaris and mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursions to enjoy your safari from a whole new perspective.

The mighty Zambezi River provides another opportunity for thrilling water-based experiences, with fishing and canoe excursions in the Lower Zambezi among some of the continent’s best river safaris. Downstream, the waters at Victoria Falls fluctuate significantly, allowing the opportunity for adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting and relaxing sundowner cruises; while upstream, Houseboats provide another fascinating way to experience the river system, spending 2 or 3 nights aboard a floating luxury hotel.

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Our River Safaris Guide

Unique Safari Experiences for 2026-2027: On Foot and on Water

While the classic safari vehicle remains a powerful way to explore Africa, the most profound experiences often come from shifting your perspective. It’s in the quiet moments on a river, or the adrenaline-fuelled discovery on foot, that you truly connect with the wild. We believe the future of safari lies not just in what you see, but in how you see it. This is a guide to two transformative safari experiences that go beyond the game drive: a houseboat journey on the Chobe River and a walking safari in the South Luangwa Valley.
Discover River Safaris
A houseboat moored in sight of dramatic scenery.

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