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Cruise on the Zambezi

  • Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe

Last updated: 04 April, 2024

While most of your Victoria Falls trip will be spent on adventure and adrenalin, a cruise on the upper Zambezi is all about relaxing with a few drinks.

Cruises take place throughout the day, but the sundowner trip is hard to beat: while the sun burnishes the waters of the Zambezi, keep an eye open for elephant swimming between the banks, and an ear alert for the ‘ho-ho-ho’ of a grumpy hippo.

Logistics

Price from: £35
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 1+ hours

Getting there & doing it

Local tour operators offer river cruises, with boats large and small, basic and luxury, and a range of departure times. Cruises depart from both banks of the Zambezi.

Transfers are usually included, along with drinks and snacks depending on the time of departure. If spotting game is your priority, opt for a smaller boat that can get closer to the wildlife. Take mosquito repellent along, especially on summer evenings.

When to do it

Cruises run all year round, seven days a week. Start times vary by operator, but cruises depart from dawn to sunset.

Sunset is the far and away the best time to go, but if that’s not an option, early morning cruises yield good bird and game sightings.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Victoria Falls

Our Dinner Cruise offers everything and more. Not only the magical colours of the Zambezi River at dusk but a truly unique four-course dinner served as you savour the splendour of the setting sun. Ideal for food and nature lovers wanting it all. Embark from the Pure Africa Waterfront and head off into the evening. After your favourite drink is poured, you’ll be ushered to your set table where a delectable series of dishes freshly prepared on the boat and paired to premium drinks are served. Silhouettes of elephants against the sunset and hippos noisily grunting in the distance will most certainly add to the ambience.

Price $92

Min age 0

Rating 4.81 / 5 [415 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Victoria Falls

A visit to Victoria Falls isn’t complete without a mesmerising Sunset Cruise and The Zambezi Explorer, Pure Africa’s flagship sunset cruiser, brings a welcome level of sophistication to the river. A recent upgrade saw newly crafted furniture, hand-woven Ndebele-patterned chairs and mood-enhancing light fittings all adding to the contemporary design elements. There are three decks on board, the 'Signature Deck' on the uppermost level is pure extravagance with gourmet hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and premium beverages served by a dedicated mixologist. The two lower ‘Luxury Decks’ offer inviting lounge seating and a range of beverages, as well as delicious snacks to savour while relaxing into the setting and service

Price $92

Min age 0

Rating 4.74 / 5 [147 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Victoria Falls

Enjoy a 3 hour dinner cruise in Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River, with a Zambezi style gourmet light dinner prepared on board by the executive chef using the finest fresh ingredients, in our on-board kitchens. A Dinner Cruise is an excellent dinner option while on safari in Victoria Falls. The dinner cruise is an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend your evening in Victoria Falls. It truly is a luxury safari on water.

Price $90

Min age 3

Rating 4.76 / 5 [139 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Victoria Falls

The Zambezi Sunset cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the Spectacular beauty of the Zambezi River. There are great photo opportunities against often-spectacular African sunsets. Flocks of birds skim the waterline as the sun sets behind the African skyline. Clients may have the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, and elephant as well as enjoy the many different bird species. The Sunset cruise is very popular and includes finger snacks, beer, wine, local spirits and soft drinks.

Price $55

Min age 3

Rating 4.63 / 5 [44 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Victoria Falls

The Zambezi River Sunset Cruise is simply one the best activities you can do in Victoria Falls, you are served freshly prepared snacks throughout the cruise and the friendly staff are there to ensure that you are perfectly looked after throughout this tranquil cruise. A Victoria Falls sunset cruise on the Zambezi River is a must do activity when on safari in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, perfect relaxation for your first evening of arrival after a long flight. Celebrate the setting African Sun as you cruise the Zambezi River in luxury. First you will cruise downstream towards the Victoria Falls. From here you will be able to see the spray of the Victoria Falls. You will then cruise upstream to catch the sun setting over the Zambezi River. Be sure not to miss the fantastic photo opportunities as a Victoria Falls sunset is one of the best you will ever witness. A perfect and serene way to wind down the day.

Price $67

Min age 3

Rating 4.66 / 5 [42 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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