The Most Beautiful Places to River Cruise in South Africa
South Africa’s rivers are spread far and wide and most have an abundant wildlife presence, along with fantastic photographic opportunities. Whether you simply want to unwind on a wine tasting cruise or experiment with your latest camera lens, there’s a South African river cruise for you.
Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga
The Blyde River Canyon is known for its panoramic views, sub-tropical vegetation and many geological wonders.
Breede River, Viljoensdrift
Knysna, Western Cape
Visiting Knysna must include a cruise on the lagoon, which is home to the famous Knysna Heads. Make sure to keep an eye out for the different bird species and marine life.
Olifants River, Mpumalanga
This extraordinary river safari journeys along the banks of the Klaserie Game Reserve that borders the Kruger National Park, ensuring amazing wildlife sightings.
Orange river, Northern Cape
Upington in the Northern Cape is the ideal stopover between South Africa and Namibia, and a boat cruise is the ultimate way to unwind after a long day of travelling.
St Lucia Estuary, Kwazulu-Natal
When cruising up the St Lucia Estuary you’re guaranteed to see African Fish eagles, hippos and Nile crocodiles lounging on the shores.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.