Boating safari experiences

Down Africa's mightiest river, the Nile, you'll take to the water for a boat trip in search of the elusive and animated Shoebill. Ironically, they grow up to 1.5m in height). Helmed by an expert captain (and wildlife-spotter), your boat will navigate the enormous papyrus delta where incredible birdlife flutters amongst the greenery. Along the way, you might spy a Rothschild's giraffe swooping to drink or elephant splashing at the water's edge. If you time it just right, you'll make your return journey as the sun sets.

Zimbabwe may be landlocked but that hasn't stopped it from creating Lake Kariba, a sprawling inland sea fed by the brimming waters of the Zambezi River. When it comes to boating safaris in Zimbabwe, there's little competition with spectacular wildlife on its shores, luxury houseboats to recline on (some even have a jacuzzi) and fantastic fishing. Enjoy a cruise across the water, navigating the bleached leadwood trees and pods of hippo, and finding secluded inlets to explore. The summers get notoriously hot but the best time for dry, calm and cooler weather is between May and July. Make the most out of your Lake Kariba experience and book a houseboat for a couple of nights!

A mere hop, skip and a jump from Victoria Falls is the spectacular Chobe National Park. It’s famed for magnificent elephant sightings, but there’s plenty more in the way of wildlife to spot, making for a wonderful day of game-viewing. In the morning, you’ll head for the border and meet your Botswana guide for the day. Then, it’s straight to the river for a morning boat cruise and eye-level encounters with the watery wildlife and of course, the iconic herds of elephant that line the banks. You’ll enjoy lunch in a nearby hotel before hopping on a vehicle for an afternoon game drive and (hopefully) some predator action, before returning to the border and crossing back into Zimbabwe.

The rushing Zambezi River just begs to be explored and on a scenic boating safari, you'll see it in all its glory. With a seasoned skipper at the helm, you'll get the 411 on the wildlife who reside in the water and drink on its shores. The boat is specially designed and propeller-free so you'll have no problem gliding over the rapids and meandering into the near-unaccessible coves. Keep your eyes wide open to see wallowing hippos and beady-eyed crocodile, while games plain line the river bank. In between snapping pics, enjoy light refreshments!

Travel the tranquil waterways and lagoons of the sprawling Okavango Delta in style with a boat safari. Leave the jetty as your guide weaves past tall pockets of papyrus where jewel-bright kingfishers wait to speed after a fish and banks where the wildest of creatures stop to quench their thirst - think lions, elephant and red lechwe alike. Hear the legends of the Delta and learn all about its four-legged residents from your knowledgeable skipper. Faster and more comfortable than a mokoro, exploring the Delta by boat is always a winning choice, especially in the dry season (July to October). Enjoy the delightful views in the early morning or in the golden hours before sunset when you'll finish with feet-in-the-water sundowners.

Get ready for an incredible beach day in Majagua beach club. You will be pick up at your lodging to transfer to the dock at 8:30AM to share a boat to this place. Located at the Rosario islands, 45 minutes from Cartagena, Majagua is a place where you can enjoy the crystal clear water of the Caribbean Sea. Have an incredible sunny day with the best service of the island and try the typical food of the Caribbean. Length: 8 hours Includes: Private transportation, shared boat, welcome drink, typical lunch, sunbed and towels.

It may not be the Okavango Delta, but Linyanti has some shining waterways to enjoy a mokoro ride. There is only a smattering of water-based lodges that offer a scenic ride on these traditional dugout canoes, so you won't be joined by crowds. Depart in the early morning or as dusk approaches to traverse the liquid passageways with your guide at the helm. No one knows the water better! Take this time away from the rumble of a 4x4 to spot the smaller creatures of Linyanti, from tiny, emerald frogs clinging to the reeds and vivid birdlife flitting between the papyrus. You'll also navigate round palm islands and see members of the Big Five drinking on the banks. The dry season months of July to October are when the waterways and lagoons are at their fullest.