5 of the longest rivers in the world to cruise
Follow in the footsteps of history’s great explorers and cruise along the world’s most impressive inland waterways, with modern comforts of course.
1. Nile River, Africa
The longest river in the world flows for almost 7,000 kilometres through a dozen countries. Most famously, it runs through the centre of Egypt and that’s where you’re able to cruise it. The most popular route is a small stretch between Luxor and Aswan, giving passengers the chance to explore the famed Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple and Aswan Dam. The river is quite narrow through this section so you’ll be cruising right by towns and villages, temples and farms. Don’t miss the chance to see the Great Pyramids and Cairo’s other famous sites by extending your journey.
2. Amazon, South America
Flowing through one of the world’s last great wilderness areas, the Amazon is huge and holds one-fifth of the fresh water on the planet. Cruises run through either Brazil or Peru on small boats that carry less than 30 passengers. You’ll be sailing alongside lush rainforest filled with howling monkeys, sleepy sloths and vibrantly coloured toucans. In the water, you can see the rare endangered pink dolphin and even catch a piranha. Be prepared for rain (and mosquitos) and bring your camera.
3. Yangtze River, China
Asia’s longest river starts in the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau in central China and flows for 6,400 kilometres across the country to empty into the ocean north of Shanghai. Cruises generally travel along the short section between Chongqing and Yichang or Wuhan for three or four days. The most spectacular section of the voyage is the Three Gorges, a 200-kilometre stretch where the river flows through these beautiful rock formations. Take a shore excursion to see the impressive feat of engineering that is the Three Gorges Dam.
4. Mississippi River, USA
At just over 3,700 kilometres long the Mississippi is North America’s longest river and flows through 11 states in the southern United States. The river has been made famous by Mark Twain and countless others, and holds an important place in the national identity of America. So it makes sense that the boats operating on the river hark back to the traditional paddle steamers that have been plying the waters for hundreds of years. Set yourself up on deck with a mint julep and watch the world go by.
5. Congo River, Africa
This is one for the adventurous travellers. The Congo flows through central and west Africa and acts as a vital lifeline for the communities it passes through. It takes around a month to travel the 1,700 or so kilometres between Kisanangi and Kinshasa, with a few stops along the way to stay in safari camps or lodges. It’s one of the last great challenges left in the world of cruising, retracing the historic route of legendary explorer Henry Morton Stanley, and will certainly be something to impress the guests at your next dinner party.
Have you ever taken a cruise along any of these destinations? Or have you visited any similar ones? Let us know in the comments.
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