Epic Journeys on the World’s Longest Rivers

Do you want to feel the pulse of ancient civilizations? Traveling the world’s longest rivers is an exhilarating way to experience the lifeblood of Egypt, Brazil, China, and many more, gliding past some of their most imposing sights. These three inspiring voyages allow travelers to connect the past and present on the world’s longest rivers.

The Nile

Boarding a vessel on the Nile allows you to peel back millennia while slowing down to river speed as ancient temples, oxcarts, and palm trees – unchanged since the Pharaohs ruled – pass by. The Nile is not only the lifeblood of Egypt; it embodies Egypt. Without its generous overspill, this parched nation could not exist. Though it comprises just 4% of Egypt’s surface area, the Nile Valley is home to 95% of its population.

However, there’s no easy way to link together a long, continuous river run. No worries, as the accessible portions of the Nile offer much, including leafy islands (Egypt’s Temple of Isis on Agilkia Island) and noisy churn (Rusomo Falls, a distant headwater between Tanzania and Rwanda). Simplify your planning by choosing from several well-organized Nile cruises that also visit Egypt’s most famous sites on land.

A sail from Aswan to Luxor is the most straightforward and delightful introduction to life on the world’s longest river. It takes you past eternal desert scenes, as well as iconic monuments such as the temple of Kom Ombo, well-preserved Edfu, and Karnak’s mighty Hypostyle Hall. The Egyptian government no longer allows tourists to sail further north than Abydos. In the south, however, you can continue from Aswan by ferry across Lake Nasser into Sudan; after docking, you’ll likely transfer to a train or bus. From Khartoum, enjoy a bumpy drive into Ethiopia to trace the Blue Nile to Lake Tana. Alternatively, fly to Kampala to experience the wild White Nile in Uganda.

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Consider taking an overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan, then sail the temple-laden stretch from Aswan to Luxor – a journey lasting around three to six days. Sailing northwards is quicker, as you are riding the current, which is especially important if traveling by wind-powered felucca.

Distance: 6680km
Ideal time commitment: 3 weeks
Best time of year: March to April, September to November
Essential tip: Don’t drink the tap water.

The Amazon

The Amazon spans over 6200km and contains a fifth of the world’s fresh water. When considering its numerous tributaries, the Amazon flows through seven countries from its unassuming source in the Peruvian highlands to its mouth near Belém in Brazil. Nonetheless, travelers’ expectations can often exceed the reality.

Many arrive hoping for casual encounters with jaguars, anacondas, and locals. Adventurous Amazon survival tours promise such experiences, tapping into that Indiana Jones fantasy. However, the Amazon offers more sublime experiences. The river is vast and relentless, a living entity embodying the plants and animals that depend upon it. Spotting wildlife can be challenging; yet, those moments when nature reveals itself are truly special. Indigenous tribes are predominantly secluded, but the Caboclo (people of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry) residing along the riverbanks offer a glimpse into local culture.

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The beauty of an Amazon adventure rests in its flexibility; it can range from a few days to several weeks. Most travelers complete the journey between Brazilian cities Belém and Manaus in four to six days, yet options for three-night Amazon cruises or six-week excursions are available, too. The extended tours incorporate stopovers and diversions, potentially crossing into countries like Colombia.

Distance: 1300km
Ideal time commitment: 1 week
Best time of year: May to September
Essential tip: Opt to sleep in your hammock to save money and add a touch of adventure.

The Yangzi

A cruise down the Yangzi, the world’s third-longest river, is among the most memorable water-borne journeys available. When the river flows through the stunning Three Gorges, the experience becomes almost magical. These gorges are among China’s most spectacular wonders, as few river vistas can compare to these vast chasms, sculpted over the ages by the relentless flow of the Yangzi.

The 6300km river begins its journey as melting snow in southwestern Qinghai, spilling from Tibet and flowing through seven provinces. It passes major cities such as Chóngqìng, Wuhan, and Nanjing. Although today’s journey may feel void of the silence of nature, the overwhelming beauty of the unfolding panorama never fails to captivate. The Three Gorges also host China’s largest engineering marvel since the Great Wall: the controversial Three Gorges Dam.

Yangzi river cruises are available to suit varying trip lengths, spanning from four-day runs from Chóngqìng to Yichang up to six-day Yangzi cruises starting in Xi’an while including stops at the Terra Cotta Warriors. Comprehensive 11-day adventures include visits to Beijing and Shanghai.

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Hydrofoil journeys provide the quickest way through the gorges, taking about 11 hours: three hours for the bus trip from Chóngqìng to Wanzhou, followed by a seven-hour hydrofoil journey from Wanzhou to Yichang and finally an hour by bus from the Yichang hydrofoil terminal into the town. Remember, hydrofoils are passenger vessels, so there’s limited outside seating; standing by the door offers the best views.

Distance: 6300km
Ideal time commitment: 3 nights and 4 days
Best time of year: The off-season, away from crowds, allows for a serene trip while appreciating life along the river from a relaxed perspective.
Essential tip: Bring a good pair of binoculars.

Inspired to embark on your own epic voyage? Discover an abundance of river rides, rail routes, and road trips through iBestTravel’s resources.

This article was first published on December 12, 2011, and updated on September 24, 2020.