River Cruises

River Cruises in South Africa

South Africa's rivers are majestic and mostly serene and what better way to explore them than to sit back and relax on a river cruise! Pack the sun cream, bathing suit and binoculars and allow yourself to be taken on a slow and gentle South African river cruise. Watch the fantastic wildlife near the water's edge and soak up the sun whilst drifting along a magnificent river.

Did you know? When staying in Durban, take a sunset cruise and watch as the sun descends below the horizon as you sip on a glass of heavenly bubbly.

Within South Africa's borders, you'll find a plethora of gorgeous meandering rivers that will provide hours of relaxation and destressing. Whilst the river water might not be clear enough to watch for fishes below you, many river cruises wind their way through some incredible South Africa Game Reserves. So, as you gently and almost noiselessly float down the river, you'll be privvy to a huge variety of wildlife near the waters edge.

The salt water sanctuary of Knysna is a breathtaking example of a fantastic river cruise in South Africa. The winding rivers of Knysna allow you the opportunity to explore the magnificent lagoon and the world famous ‘Knysna Heads' - 2 large rocky cliffs at the mouth of the Knysna Lagoon. Some boat cruises even offer the opportunity to visit the unique nature reserves around the beautiful town of Knysna.

Did you know? On holiday in Cape Town you can do a sunset champagne cruise from the V&A Waterfront to Clifton Beach.

Just around the corner from Knysna, Sibuya Game Reserve in Kenton-on-Sea in the Eastern Cape offers fantastic accommodation packages which include unlimited South African boat cruises. Sibuya means ‘we will return' which gives an idea of the spectacular time you will have - it'll have you coming back for more in no time!

With close to 300 species of birds, Bontebok, Oribi, Giraffe, Zebra and 4 of the Big 5, Sibuya offers superb opportunities to witness the wonderful wild-life whilst drifting along the serene river. In summer, the boat departs daily at 9am and 2pm. In winter, the boat departs daily at 9am. This beautiful South African river cruise is 2 hours long and includes drinks and snacks.

Still in the Eastern Cape, relax on a slow river cruise down the Bushman's River. The riverine bushveld offers excellent bird watching with a good chance of seeing the majestic African Fish Eagle and all three species of Kingfisher. Amongst the game drinking at the river's edge, the rare Cape Clawless Otter might also be sighted.

Then in the Western Cape, Tides River Lodge lies on the banks of the Breede River near Malgas. A short two and a half hour trip from Cape Town and half an hour from Swellendam, on the way to the Garden Route. Privately owned, this peaceful heaven is a birdwatcher's and fisherman's dream. There is a boat house and private jetty where you can launch your own boat or hire one their boats for river cruises.

In Limpopo when you visit Sefapane Lodge for your Kruger Park Safari, you can take a cruise along the banks of the Olifants River, amongst hippos, crocodiles and a variety of other drinking game and birds. A very unique game viewing experience.

River cruises in South Africa are a perfect way to explore the magnificent scenery that South Africa has to offer whilst relaxing and unwinding. Be sure not to miss on these fantastic South African river cruising opportunities.