Victoria Falls: Zambezi River Sunset Cruise with Local Guide

Summary

Sunset cruise on the Zambezi with wildlife views & snacks

You’ll float down the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls as sunset colors spill across the water. With a local guide pointing out hippos and wildlife on both shores, you’ll snack on local treats and sip drinks while soaking up river breezes. Includes hotel pickup — it’s one of those evenings you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the light hit the water — not gold, exactly, but something softer, like honey melting into the river. We’d barely stepped onto the Royal Zambezi Cruise boat when a staff member handed me a cold drink (local beer, I think — tasted sharp and earthy) and welcomed us with this big, easy smile. There was a bit of a breeze, enough to ruffle my shirt and carry over the smell of river reeds. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed so quickly.

Our guide — I think his name was Tinashe — pointed out shapes along both banks as we drifted between Zambia and Zimbabwe. He had this way of spotting things before anyone else did; suddenly he’d say “look there” and sure enough, hippos would surface in slow motion, their ears twitching above the water. Someone tried to get a photo but ended up laughing instead because the hippo just sank again. The snacks were simple but good — salty peanuts, something fried that I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it). There’s something about eating outside on a boat that makes everything taste better.

I kept thinking I’d get used to how wide the river feels here, but every time we rounded a bend there was another stretch of open water, birds skimming low or just silence except for the engine humming quietly. The sun dropped lower and everyone got quiet for a minute — not in a dramatic way, just… watching. It’s strange how you can be surrounded by strangers but feel like you’re all sharing something private. We headed back after dark started creeping in, still picking at snacks and swapping stories about what we’d seen. I still think about that light sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset Cruise on Zambezi River

• Board Royal Zambezi Cruise
• Enjoy sunset with drinks and snacks
• Return to hotel after cruise

Top questions

What time does the Zambezi River sunset cruise depart?

The cruise departs daily from hotels or lodges at 15:30 in winter and 16:00 in summer.

How long is the sunset cruise on the Zambezi River?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this Victoria Falls sunset cruise?

Yes, hotel or lodge pickup is included before your cruise.

Are drinks provided during the Zambezi River cruise?

Yes, local alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are included onboard.

Will we see wildlife like hippos during this cruise?

You have a high chance of seeing hippos and other animals along both riverbanks.

Are snacks served during the sunset cruise?

Yes, light snacks are served during your time on board.

Is there a restroom available on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom on board for guests’ convenience.

Is this sunset cruise suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and return transfer to your lodge or hotel, all local drinks (including beer), bottled water, light snacks served onboard as you drift along both sides of the river with an experienced local guide, plus access to restrooms on board throughout your 2.5-hour journey.