Water Tours
BOAT RIDES &
CRUISES
A safari doesn’t always have to be on land, and a boat ride offers a peaceful new perspective. Glide past hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along Africa’s rivers and lakes on your Kenya & Tanzania safari.
Our Services
Why Choose Us?
Scenic Water Journeys
Cruise across tranquil lakes and rivers while taking in breathtaking landscapes from a completely different perspective.
Wildlife & Nature Encounters
Spot hippos, crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife along the water while enjoying the peaceful rhythm of the journey.
Relaxing Boat Experiences
Unwind on the water with leisurely cruises, stunning views, and unforgettable moments surrounded by nature.
Safe & Professional
Enjoy 24/7 professional service, guidance, and support from your tour guides and accommodation staff for a comfortable experience.
Boat Rides & Cruises
Activities and Experiences Included
Chobe River Cruise
Glide along the Chobe River in Botswana and watch large herds of elephants come down to drink and swim, along with hippos, crocodiles, buffalo and an impressive variety of water birds.
Mokoro Excursions
Explore the quiet channels of the Okavango Delta in a traditional dugout canoe, poled by a local guide. It is a peaceful way to see reed frogs, water lilies, birdlife and wildlife at eye level.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
End your day aboard a traditional wooden dhow off Zanzibar or Kenya’s coast, sailing past palm-lined beaches as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, with light snacks and drinks served on board.
Chobe River Cruise
Afternoon cruises are especially rewarding in the dry season, when elephants, buffalo and antelope come down to the river to drink and bathe, while hippos and crocodiles rest along the banks.
Mokoro Excursions
Guided by an experienced poler, you can see reed frogs, water lilies, kingfishers and other wetland birds up close, in one of the most peaceful, low-impact ways to explore the delta.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Watch the sun dip below the Indian Ocean horizon with refreshments on board, with the option of snorkelling stops or a seafood lunch on longer trips.
What Type of Boat Rides & Cruises are Chosen
Africa offers several options if you want to explore this wonderful continent by water. You can choose private boats for a more intimate tour, guided wildlife tours to spot animals while enjoying the scenery, or sunset tours to relax amid the beautiful surroundings. Depending on the location, you can also join fishing tours, kayaking, canoeing, traditional boat tours, or river/lake tours lasting from a few hours to a few days.
Where to Go on Boat Rides and Cruise Adventures
In Africa, you can take a boat ride on a range of water bodies for an unforgettable safari experience. In Tanzania, options include a visit to Lake Manyara to see waterside landscapes and birdlife, a boating journey on Lake Victoria, or exploring the waterways in Nyerere National Park, with a chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and many birds on the Rufiji River. Dhow cruises in Zanzibar, Tanzania, are one of the most popular water-based experiences. Mokoro Rides (in traditional canoes) are a popular, slow, eco-friendly boat ride along the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Places like Milda Creek, Lake Naivasha and Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park in Kenya offer boat rides.
What is Included in Boat Rides and Cruises
Boat ride and cruise inclusions vary by destination, length of stay, and the experience you choose. For example, a standard experience includes a sightseeing boat, a guide or boat captain well-versed in the area, safety gear, and a guided tour of the waterways. In some cases, the package may also include drinking water, snacks, beverages, or a sundowner. Wildlife-focused experiences also include time to view animals and birds along the shorelines. On a private cruise, inclusions can be tailored to individual preferences.
Why Book a Boat or Cruise Tour With Us
Safarizo offers handpicked boat rides and cruise experiences across African destinations. Get closer to Africa’s aquatic landscapes and observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants, birds, and other wildlife from the water. Travel with experienced local guides and boat operators who know the waterways, wildlife, and surrounding landscapes. From a short scenic cruise to a private multi-hour adventure, Safarizo helps create a water experience that fits naturally into your African journey.
Boat Rides & Cruises
What’s Included/Excluded
Included
- Professional Tour Guide
- Experienced Boat Captain
- Boat & Cruise Experience
- Safety Equipment
- Air & Road Transfers
- Water Refreshments
Exclude
- International & Domestic Flights
- Visa & Passport Fees
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Tips & Gratuities
- Photography Equipment & Personal Gear
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Boat Rides & Cruises
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Boat Rides & Cruises
Frequently Asked Questions.
The best time depends on the destination, weather, water levels, wildlife activity, and the type of experience you want. Safarizo can recommend suitable options based on your itinerary.
Depending on the destination, you may see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, waterbirds, kingfishers, and other wildlife along the water and surrounding banks.
Boat excursions follow appropriate safety procedures, use trained boat operators, and include required safety equipment such as life jackets.
Children may be able to participate, but age restrictions can vary depending on the destination, boat operator, water conditions, and type of excursion.
Yes, private boat rides can be arranged at selected destinations, subject to availability and the local operator's requirements.
