Sunset Cruise Zambezi River Livingstone: Game Viewing & Open Bar

Watch hippos and eagles from the deck while the sun drops over Zimbabwe

A sunset cruise on the Zambezi River from Livingstone combines a slow-paced game-viewing boat ride with a stop for refreshments, then transfers you upstream to the African Queen or African Princess for sunset drinks and views from the water. Pickup and return transfers within Livingstone are included. The full outing runs roughly two and a half hours, with an open bar throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Leisurely Zambezi sunset cruise

• Pickup from accommodation
• Board luxurious vessel
• Enjoy close-up game viewing
• Stop for refreshments on river
• Cruise upstream near Siloka Island
• Toast sunset on African Queen or Princess
• Return to Royal Landing
• Drop off at accommodation

The experience

The Zambezi at dusk is when the animals move. You start with a leisurely cruise on a river safari boat, staying low and quiet to catch hippos, fish eagles and whatever else the water holds at that hour. The pace is slow enough to watch and listen without rushing past. After an hour on the water, the boat pulls in to one of the islands for a break: snacks, drinks and the chance to step out and look around before heading back to the main channel.

From there you transfer upstream to the African Queen or the African Princess (two larger vessels moored on the Zimbabwean side of Siloka Island), where you settle in for the actual sunset. The open bar runs the whole time: beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water are all included, along with a wine tasting if you want it. The light fades over the water, the temperature drops, and you drift back downstream toward the Royal Landing as the day closes. Return transfers to your Livingstone hotel are arranged, with pickup around 6 p.m. in winter or 6:30 p.m. in summer.

What’s included

• Light refreshments and snacks.
• unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks throughout.
• bottled water.
• wine tasting.
• hotel pickup and return transfers within Livingstone and the Victoria Falls area.
• a live English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 16:00

AgesAdult (18 to 49 years) · Senior (50 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 10 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Owen's Taxi and Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary and the wildlife spotting without translation. Groups stay small, no more than twenty people, which keeps the boat quiet enough to hear the birds and see the animals without crowding the deck.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals might I see on the Zambezi at sunset?

Hippos and fish eagles are the most common sightings during the evening cruise, especially during the slow-paced first hour when the boat stays quiet and low on the water.

Is the open bar included in the price?

Yes, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are included throughout the cruise, along with bottled water, snacks and a wine tasting.

How do I get to the boat and back to my hotel?

Free transfers are provided from your Livingstone or Victoria Falls area hotel. Pickup is at 4:30 p.m. in winter or 4 p.m. in summer, and you are dropped back at your accommodation around 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

What is the difference between the river safari boat and the African Queen?

The first hour is spent on a smaller river safari boat for close-up game viewing. You then transfer to the larger African Queen or African Princess moored upstream for the sunset portion of the cruise.