African Waltz received top ratings from Allmusic, The Penguin Guide to Jazz and Encyclopedia of Popular Music.
The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album three stars and states: "The music on this CD reissue is better than it should be. 
The Penguin Guide to Jazz awarded the album three stars stating "'A departure from and an extension of what the Adderleys were doing in their small groups. 
