Some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing are available on the world’s rivers. A River Cruise gives guests up close and personal experiences in some of the most thriving habitats on the planet. Rivers allow sailors to journey inland where nature and culture collide and, in some cases, where society has yet to venture. From the black waters of the Peruvian Amazon to Africa’s Chobe River, we are bringing you on a safari through our favorite river cruises for wildlife viewing.
Chobe River Cruise, Botswana
Boar the Zambeze Queen by AmaWaterways and set out on the Chobe River and National Park in Botswana. This cruise is nothing less than a full-blown African safari through a region described as a cauldron of wildlife. From the decks of this beautiful river ship, you will witness one of the world’s largest remaining populations of Elephants. As if the world’s most recognizable pachyderm wasn’t enough, you will also have the opportunity of spotting hippopotamus, water buffalo, crocodiles, hyenas, and myriad species of bird life.
Amazon River Cruise, Peru
Aqua Expeditions offers an incredible opportunity to sail into the world’s largest rainforest aboard the Aqua Nera. This region is home to the world’s most extensive collection of flora and fauna. More than 1/3rd of the recorded species of animal life on the planet call the Amazon home. While sailing, you will use Aqua Nera as your base camp and tour the backwaters of the Peruvian amazon via zodiacs in search of at least 40,000 plant species, 427 mammals, 1,300 birds, 378 reptiles, more than 400 amphibians, and an estimated 3,000 freshwater fishes.
Nile River Cruise, Egypt
There are multiple options for sailing the Nile. Two of our favorites are Viking River Cruises and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. The Nile is not only home to world wonders, Egypt’s vast history, and massive temples. On its banks, you will have the opportunity to see Nile Crocodiles, Hippopotamus, Ibis, antelope, and a menagerie of African wildlife. The wildlife of the world’s longest river inspired the Crocodilopolis in the ancient Egyptian city of Fayun. The Ancient Egyptian gods were chimeras of these animals. They had the bodies of humans with the heads of falcons, Ibis, Jackals, and the list goes on.
Mekong River Cruise, Southeast Asia
The Mekong River is the heart of Southeast Asia. The local inhabitants live in harmony with the local wildlife. From the working Oxen of Vietnam to the revered Asian Elephants of Thailand, you have ample opportunities to behold wild spectacles. The region is home to countless bird species, monkeys, fish, and more. Aqua Expeditions, Uniworld Boutique Cruises, and AmaWaterways are among our favorite options for this cruise.
The small ships and shallow drafts of river vessels allow you to explore deeper inland on the iconic rivers of the World. Wildlife viewing opportunities are one of the most imagination-stirring and profound experiences available. As the global population of humans explodes, these habitats become more and more threatened. Some grim estimates suggest that we are only a generation away from a world without elephants. The more people are exposed to these wild and beautiful bastions of flora and fauna, the more emotionally invested people will be in protecting them. One thing is for sure the sooner you go, the more you will see. Schedule a free consultation knowledgeable advisor at Luxury Cruise Connections if you are ready to sail and begin your adventure today.
