Built in
2009
Remodeled in
2019
Capacity
28
Staterooms
14
Crew
22
Crew to guests
1 : 1.3
Length
46 m
Cruising speed
24 knots
By
AmaWaterways
Designed specifically for wildlife viewing, the intimate 28-passenger Zambezi Queen made her debut in one of the world’s most captivating places, Africa’s legendary Chobe River. As she drifts along the river, animals perceive no threat, affording you with once-in-a-lifetime up-close game experiences. Additionally, to ensure no harm to the environment, the eco-friendly Zambezi Queen uses a water jet propulsion system, fuel-efficient and low-emission generators, and a solar heating system. An enclosed, air-conditioned dining room, lounge and bar grace the top deck, as well as an open-air Sun Deck complete with plunge pool. Suites feature private balconies where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the river and African landscape. Throughout the day, be treated to complimentary South African wines, beer, local spirits, soft drinks and bottled water. And on one special night, enjoy an African-themed dinner with traditional dishes and entertainment.<br>
Dining
While on board the Zambezi Queen, our guests will dine in absolute opulence whilst taking in the unique African surrounds. Situated on the 3rd level, the dining room offers unobstructed views on three sides. Experience delectable dishes such as butternut and macadamia soup and fillet of beef with bordelaise sauce paired with the perfect wine.
Complimentary
Situated on the 3rd level, the dining room offers unobstructed views on three sides. Experience delectable dishes such as butternut and macadamia soup and fillet of beef with bordelaise sauce paired with the perfect wine.
Restaurant Features:
Sailings on this ship
We'll email you the current itineraries we sell on Zambezi Queen, plus the reasons travelers book with Small Ship Travel. Reply anytime to ask about specific cabins, dates, or itineraries.
Suites
300 sq. feet · sleeps up to 2
Stateroom features include:
<ul><li>In-room temperature control and fan</li><li>Deluxe hotel-style bedding and oversized king beds (can also be configured as two single beds)</li><li>Spacious en-suite bathrooms</li><li>Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers</li><li>Floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and sliding shutters for privacy and protection from the sun</li><li>Outside balcony</li><li>Complimentary Wi-Fi and electronic safe</li><li>Complimentary bottled water replenished daily</li></ul>
235 sq. feet · sleeps up to 2
Stateroom Features
<ul><li>In-room temperature control and fan</li><li>Deluxe hotel-style bedding and oversized king beds (can also be configured as two single beds)</li><li>Spacious en-suite bathrooms</li><li>Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers</li><li>Floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and sliding shutters for privacy and protection from the sun</li><li>Outside balcony</li><li>Complimentary Wi-Fi and electronic safe</li><li>Complimentary bottled water replenished daily</li></ul>
215 sq. feet · sleeps up to 2
Stateroom features include:
<ul><li>In-room temperature control and fan</li><li>Deluxe hotel-style bedding and oversized king beds (can also be configured as two single beds)</li><li>Spacious en-suite bathrooms</li><li>Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers</li><li>Floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and sliding shutters for privacy and protection from the sun</li><li>Outside balcony</li><li>Complimentary Wi-Fi and electronic safe</li><li>Complimentary bottled water replenished daily</li></ul>
300 sq. feet · sleeps up to 2
Suite Features
<ul><li>In-room temperature control and fan</li><li>Spacious en-suite bathrooms</li><li>Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers</li><li>Floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and sliding shutters for privacy and protection from the sun</li><li>Outside balcony</li><li>Complimentary Wi-Fi and electronic safe</li><li>Complimentary bottled water replenished daily</li></ul>
On board
Good to know
All guests under the age of 18 are to be in a stateroom with an adult and must remain supervised at all times; their safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). In the case where a triple or quad occupancy stateroom is not available or not selected, children under the age of 10 at the time of embarkation may share a stateroom with two adults only in circumstances where the child is able to share the bed with the adults – no additional bed will be provided. Please be aware that balcony staterooms of any kind may be unsafe for minors if left unsupervised. There is a minimum age limit of 4 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways.
On our Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise program, due to safety precautions, there is a minimum age limit of 12 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways.
AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or child-minding facilities. Please reach out to us if you have any further questions regarding our child policy.
Comfortable, layered clothing adaptable to changing weather conditions is always advisable for daytime excursions. For the evening, “Casually elegant” attire is recommend and you may want to pack something a little dressier for the Captain’s night/Farewell Dinner – similar to how one would dress to dine at a 5-star restaurant. Comfortable shoes are recommended for excursions and workout clothing if you plan to take part in any wellness activities, active tours or use the onboard gym. Depending on the time of year, clothing that can be layered is highly recommended.
Smoking is forbidden on all internal areas on the Zambezi Queen. Smoking is only permitted on the outside area of the entertainment deck.
Please let us know prior to your departure if you have any special dietary requirements (e.g. vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, etc.). We will make every effort to accommodate your requests, with the resources available to us.
Physical Requirements
AmaWaterways' itineraries are as varied and active as you want them to be. Shore excursions and land packages require a moderate-to-challenging amount of walking and sites may have steps and/or uneven terrain. The embarkation/disembarkation points between ship and shore may not be able to accommodate guests with mobility issues.
Due to uneven terrain, cobblestones, stairs, temples, dirt roads and a lack of accessible facilities, our itineraries are not recommended for guests with limited mobility requiring the use of mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters or any other mechanical devices. We kindly request guests requiring special assistance be accompanied by a companion who is physically able to provide such assistance, as AmaWaterways crew is unable to assist guests with personal tasks or hygiene needs. If there is uncertainty of a prospective guest’s fitness to travel or ability to independently care for their personal needs, please inform AmaWaterways as soon as possible. This will allow us to consider and discuss possible accommodations to ensure your safety and comfort during the cruise.
Throughout your river cruise it is likely the ship will be docked next to one or two other river ships. It is important to note that in these cases, disembarkation/embarkation may include walking up the stairs and through the adjacent ship(s) lobby or Sun Deck to reach the shore. You may also need to embark or disembark via a narrow gangway or occasionally cross an uneven surface to enter or exit the ship. These are typical situations that are beyond the control of AmaWaterways.
Accessible Facilities
Due to lack of space and facilities, shipboard accommodations and storage for mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters or any other mechanical devices are unavailable and accessible facilities are extremely limited in most destinations. In addition, motorcoaches, boats and minibuses used for transfers and shore excursions are not equipped with the devices and tools necessary for full accessibility.
Mobility Devices
Guests may bring personal mobility devices (wheelchairs, electric scooters and walking frames) onboard our ships. However, devices must be stored in the guest’s stateroom and cannot be used in the dining room or lounge and must adhere to local standards and limitations. AmaWaterways Cruise Directors, crew and guides are unable to push wheelchairs on board or on shore.
Transfers and shore excursions adhere to a set schedule and cannot be adjusted for unexpected delays due to physical limitations. AmaWaterways and its affiliates are not responsible for any denial of services by airline carriers, cruise vessels, hotels, motorcoaches, local guides/operators or other independent suppliers.
There is no doctor or nurse aboard your cruise. Please consult your physician prior to traveling if you have a medical condition that might pose limitations during your trip. Please advise us at time of the booking if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip.
Free Wi Fi is available but may be limited and sporadic during certain times of the day due to the ships isolated location.
Laundry services are available on board for a fee. Price lists are available in your stateroom. Please note that clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board.
Africa Cruise & Land Safari: All excursions are included.
Your Essential Africa River Cruise Packing Guide
When traveling through Africa, it is always advised to travel light. On some itineraries, baggage size and weight are strictly limited. The best advice is “if in doubt, leave it out.”
A safari calls for casual, easy-care clothing that includes some long-sleeved items for protection from mosquitoes and the sun. If you plan on dining at a fine restaurant in a city such as Cape Town or Johannesburg, “smart casual” is the norm – no ties for men or evening dresses for women are necessary. For those traveling to South Africa during the winter months (April - September), it is recommended to bring some warm clothes for chilly early morning and late-night temperatures. Dressing in layers is also recommended, as temperatures rise quickly during the day. Please note plastic bags are discouraged in Botswana and banned in Tanzania and may not be brought into the country. However, Ziploc plastic bags are acceptable for carrying toiletries and medication.
Some recommended items to pack:
AFRICA
Safari Lodge Stay
no_kids
AmaWaterways offers award-winning river cruises that pair cultural depth with personal service and elegant comfort. A leader in river cruising, the line is known for inventive ship design, immersive itineraries, and real attention to guests. Whether you sail the rivers of Europe, the Nile in Egypt, or the Mekong in Southeast Asia, each voyage is built to reveal the heart of its destination.
AmaWaterways' European river cruises take you to historic cities, small villages, and storied landscapes along the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhone, Moselle, and Douro. These all-inclusive voyages are a comfortable way to connect with Europe's culture and cuisine, backed by award-winning service on board.
From fairy-tale castles in Germany to vineyards in Portugal and festive markets in Austria, AmaWaterways brings Europe's cultural treasures to life on every cruise.
Beyond Europe, AmaWaterways sails some of the world's most storied rivers, including the Mekong in Southeast Asia, the Nile in Egypt, and the Chobe in Africa. These cruises deepen your connection to each region, blending history, spirituality, and vibrant local culture.
Whether you are exploring Angkor Wat, sailing past Egyptian temples, or watching wildlife in Botswana, AmaWaterways opens up access to remarkable places.
AmaWaterways is a pioneer in bringing wellness to river cruising. Each ship has a professionally trained Wellness Host who leads group classes such as yoga, stretching, and cardio. Active excursions add hiking and biking, while spa services and a fitness room offer ways to relax and recover.
Together these keep travelers active, engaged, and refreshed throughout the journey.
At Small Ship Travel we work with only the river cruise lines that meet our standards for authenticity, comfort, and cultural depth. AmaWaterways stands out in our portfolio for its thoughtful itineraries, award-winning ships, and steady focus on guest service.
We work closely with AmaWaterways to tailor itineraries so each guest enjoys a smooth, enriching voyage. Whether you are planning a romantic Rhine getaway, a culinary Seine voyage, or a culturally rich Nile cruise, Small Ship Travel has the expertise to put it all together.
Booking with Small Ship Travel gives you personalized planning, added perks, and concierge-level service from start to finish. From choosing the right itinerary to arranging pre- and post-cruise experiences, we make sure every detail is handled.
consultation
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.