Victoria Falls: Zambezi River Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Pickup

Summary

Sunset wildlife cruise on the Zambezi with snacks and local stories

You’ll float along the Zambezi River at sunset with drinks in hand, spotting elephants or hippos near Siloka Island as your local guide shares stories and points out birds overhead. With snacks served onboard and hotel pickup included, this sunset cruise is all about slowing down and soaking up those changing African skies.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the river to feel so quiet at first. We’d just left Livingstone — our driver joked about “African time” as we waited for a few late arrivals — and then suddenly we were gliding out onto the Zambezi. The boat was bigger than I thought, with these polished wooden rails you could lean on, and there was this faint smell of citrus from someone’s drink mixing with the warm river air. Our guide, Chipo, pointed out a cluster of hippos barely moving in the reeds. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just stared — their ears twitching above the water made me laugh.

We drifted along the edge of Mosi-oa-Tunya, right by Siloka Island. It’s weird how close you get to wildlife here; one minute you’re sipping a cold Mosi beer (included, which is nice), next thing there’s an elephant wading in slow motion not twenty meters away. Chipo knew all the bird names — bee-eaters, fish eagles — though honestly I lost track after a while. The light changed so quickly; one second it was gold, then suddenly everything looked purple and blue. Someone dropped a snack on the deck and a waiter just grinned and swept it up like it happened every day.

The whole sunset cruise lasted about two hours but felt shorter. There was this moment when everyone went quiet at once — just river sounds and distant splashes from buffalo crossing somewhere upstream. I still think about that view sometimes; not sure any photo would do it justice. When we finally turned back toward shore, I realized my hands were sticky from holding my drink too long but I didn’t really care. If you’re looking for Victoria Falls activities that don’t involve getting soaked or hiking, this felt pretty perfect… even if I never did get a good shot of those hippos.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River

• Board the Africa Queen cruise
• Cruise along Zambezi River boundary
• View wildlife and birds
• Enjoy sunset photography
• Have complimentary drinks and snacks
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How long does the Zambezi River sunset cruise last?

The sunset cruise lasts about two hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for the Victoria Falls sunset cruise?

Yes, return road transfers from hotels or lodges within Livingstone or Zambia border are included.

What wildlife might I see during the Zambezi River cruise?

You may spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelope, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, bee-eaters, and fish eagles along the way.

Are drinks and snacks provided on board?

Yes, mineral water, soft drinks, selected local beers, and light meals or snacks are served during the cruise.

Is this cruise suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels as most of the time is spent relaxing on board.

Where does the cruise take place in relation to Victoria Falls?

The cruise takes place on the upper Zambezi River above Victoria Falls along Mosi-oa-Tunya’s river boundary.

Are guides available during the sunset cruise?

Yes, professional guides are present throughout to share information and point out wildlife.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup from Livingstone or Zambia border lodges, a two-hour Zambezi River sunset cruise with complimentary drinks (soft drinks, mineral water, local beers), light snacks served onboard by attentive staff, plus guidance from knowledgeable local guides before returning you safely at dusk.