When most of us think about safaris, it’s usually a picture of a classic game drive, complete with a lot of khakis and a Landrover, that comes to mind!
But did you know that river safaris in Africa also offer amazing ways to spot wildlife?
An ideal way to get up close and personal with an array of animals across both East and southern Africa, river safaris usually allow for more relaxed game-viewing opportunities thanks to the reduced noise of a water vessel (versus a vehicle) and the sense of peace imparted by the flowing water around.
Moving at a slower pace, river safaris often allow you to get more intimate animal encounters too, as many animals descend to the water to both bathe and grab a drink.
In these vulnerable moments, it’s possible to glimpse even some of Africa’s wildest predators in a different and more considered light.
Light is a key word here, as river safaris often take place at sunset, giving an altogether more gentle and soft sense to the African animal-spotting experience.
Ideal for those wanting a unique experience, as well as those keen on spotting African birds and animals in a more intimate setting, here’s our list of the 6 best river safaris to give you some fantastic trip inspiration…
But first, we thought it might be a good idea to give a bit more information about exactly what river safaris in Africa entail – making sure your expectations for the trip are met is key to a great holiday after all!
River safaris is a broad term, but generally refers to a short trip, in a water vessel, that allows you to spot wildlife over the course of a few hours.
From canoes to kayaks, and rafts to small boats, a river safari usually takes the place of a game drive, often at sunset, as the peaceful waterways lead themselves to softer, golden-hour animal encounters.
On the other hand, river cruises tend to be multi-day safaris onboard a larger ship.
Usually a lot more luxurious in their look, feel and price tag, guests stay aboard these cruises, so everything from food to accommodation to activities are thrown in.
To be clear, it’s river safaris that we will focus on in this article and the 6 best places to enjoy them across East and southern Africa…
Coming in at number 1 on this list of the best river safari locations, we have the amazing Chobe River National Park in Botswana.
Renowned for its huge elephant populations - one of the greatest concentrations across the whole continent in fact - river safaris are a must-do activity in this amazing park, especially at sunset.
At dusk, many boats set off down the Chobe River and treat their guests to some seriously incredible wildlife encounters.
From elegant giraffes striding down to the river, before straddling like gymnasts to lower their enormous necks for a drink, to baby elephants rinsing off after a long hard day keeping up with the herd, it’s all on offer here.
Of course, those of you seeking buffalo, crocodiles and lions won’t be disappointed either and, for keen birdwatchers, a river safari in Chobe really is a must, with over 460 species resident here.
Next up we travel to another of Botswana’s most famous wildlife areas and that is the incredible Okavango Delta.
A UNESO-listed gem and one of Africa’s seven natural wonders, over a year, some 11 cubic km of water fans itself out of this huge area, transforming the landscape into an epic watery spectacle.
So it’s perhaps no surprise that enjoying a river safari here is one of the best ways to experience this incredible landscape and its resident wildlife.
Usually taking place in traditional wooden canoes known as mokoro, these pole-steered vessels offer a totally silent and incredibly peaceful way to travel the waterways of the Delta, reaching remote islands via thin waterways and passing tons of wallowing animals and birds on the way.
Guided by local people, mokoro river safaris are not only a way to take in the enchanting flora and fauna of the Okavango Delta, but also the traditional way of life of its indigenous communities.
Home to the Big 5, the Delta is a wildlife paradise, with large predators, hippos, African wild dogs, warthogs, crocodiles and hyenas, along with over 400 bird species (including the African jacana, the malachite kingfisher and the pygmy goose) among them.
Best enjoyed during April and May, when water levels are high, a river safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta is an African bucket list must!
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Another fab spot in southern Africa for a river safari is the Lower Zambezi.
The 4th largest river in Africa, this watery playground offers some of the most diverse river safari experiences across the continent.
From canoe rides to kayak adventures and even white-water rafting, not to mention traditional boat safaris, it’s all on offer in this amazing part of Zambia.
Located below Victoria Falls, there are safari camps along the Zambezi too, meaning if you’re looking for a longer water-based time, this is a great spot.
Elephants, buffalo, hippos, African wild dogs, zebra, hyenas, lions and leopards are all regularly spotted here - either stopping for a drink or taking a swim between the patchwork of islands that make up the amazing landscape.
The dry season, which runs from May through October, is the best time to head here, as fewer alternative water holes in the area mean animals from all around flock to the year-round flowing Zambezi.
And of course, while we’re in the area, we couldn’t get through this list of top river safaris in Africa and not mention Victoria Falls - the world’s largest waterfall.
This thundering giant straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and offers all types of water-based activities, including some epic white-water rafting down Grade 5 rapids.
You can also cross the bridge in front of the Falls, place one foot in both Zambia and Zimbabwe and even enjoy bathing at the very top of the Falls in a spot known as Devil’s Pool, where you can sit by the edge and take in the roar of the water plummeting over the precipice.
But perhaps best for those keen on a river safari, are the boat tours you can enjoy to the islands in the Upper Zambezi, which lies to the north of the Falls.
Ideal for uncrowded wildlife spotting, as well as sunset cruises closer to the Falls – taking in the majestic setting here, especially during the golden hour hues, is irresistible.
And sticking in southern Africa, another of the best places for a river safari that lies further along the Zambezi River is Lake Kariba.
Formed by a huge dam opened in 1960, the lake here extends some 280km and lies south of Victoria Falls.
An important source of water for both human and animal populations in the area, the Matusadona National Park on the lake’s shores provides an incredible habitat for the latter.
And when it comes to water-based activities, houseboat stays on the lake are a common way to experience this part of Zimbabwe to its fullest.
Otherwise, boat trips on the lake will get you up close and personal with an amazing array of birdlife, Nile crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, antelope and even mighty rhinos, which have quite healthy populations here.
And last but not least we come to one of the top places to enjoy a river safari in East Africa.
Jinja in Uganda, on the shores of Lake Victoria, actually marks the start of the White Nile, which joins the Blue Nile in Sudan before flowing down into Egypt.
And here in Jinja, this river allows for a huge range of water-based activities - from white water rafting to kayaking and even tubing.
Indeed life in this Ugandan town revolves around the water… and not just for tourists!
Animals, of course, flock to the river, and boat tours often include epic birdwatching opportunities along with a journey to the source of the Nile.
Nearby Lake Victoria, one of Africa’s great lakes, is actually home to over 400 bird species, including seven globally threatened ones like the papyrus yellow warbler.
Otters, hippos, mongooses, turtles, crocodiles and waterbucks also call this place home, so don’t miss this part of Uganda, or Murchison Falls National Park in the north of the country, if you’re looking for epic water-based safari adventures.
Hopefully, this article has convinced you to consider a river safari for your next African adventure.
Offering amazing opportunities across East and Southern Africa, these peaceful and relaxing safaris are the perfect option for ornithologists and wildlife lovers alike.
If you’re interested in heading on a river safari in Africa and are looking for further advice, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our African travel experts today.
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