Africa River Cruises

Africa’s waterways are of vital importance - they bring life to otherwise infertile and barren regions of the continent, enabling people to grow crops, access fresh water and transport goods. Rivers flow through every corner of the continent but the four major waterways are the Nile River, Congo River, Niger River and the Zambesi River, all of which have attracted explorers and missionaries to the heartland.

The Nile River is Africa’s longest river. It flows for 4,130 miles through 10 countries; Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. The river has been populated for at least 6,000 years - it was once the centre of early civilisations in Egypt and Sudan and is today, an area of great cultural significance. The waters of the river have sustained agriculture, culture, transport, trade and tourism for centuries. Popular ports of call on a Nile River cruise include Aswan, Edfu, Esna, Kom Ombo and Luxor. Luxor, which is known as the world’s greatest open-air museum, is home to some of Egypt’s most famous temples, tombs and monuments. Amongst its highlights are the 3,400-year-old- Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple Complex, the necropolises of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens and the massive stone statues known as the Colossi of Menmon.

Which cruise lines sail along the rivers of Africa?