Victoria Falls: Zambezi River Dinner Cruise & Open Bar

Summary

Victoria Falls sunset cruise with dinner and open bar drifting past elephants and hippos

You’ll float along the upper Zambezi River near Victoria Falls as dusk settles in, enjoying a four-course dinner prepared fresh on board with unlimited drinks. Watch elephants and hippos in their element while your local guide shares stories and points out wildlife. It’s relaxed, quietly beautiful—and you might find yourself wishing you could stay out just a little longer.

What’s the experience like?

“You never know what’ll show up on the river,” our captain grinned as we stepped onto the boat at Pure Africa Waterfront. He was right—within minutes, a line of elephants wandered down to the water’s edge, their shapes dark against the pinkish sky. The air smelled faintly sweet, maybe from mopane trees? Or just the river itself. I kept thinking I’d seen it all after Victoria Falls, but this felt different—quieter, slower. Someone handed me a gin and tonic before I could even sit down properly.

The Zambezi River is huge—way bigger than I pictured—and by dusk it almost glows. Our local guide pointed out where you can sometimes see the mist from Victoria Falls rising in the distance (I squinted; maybe I saw it?). We drifted past clumps of reeds and watched hippos bobbing up, making those weird snorting sounds that always make me laugh. The staff moved around so calmly, balancing trays with starters while telling us stories about crocodiles or how far the river runs (honestly, 2,500 kilometers is wild). Somewhere between courses—can’t remember which—I realized I’d stopped checking my phone completely.

Dinner was cooked right there on board. There was something about eating grilled fish while hearing frogs start up along the shore that made everything taste better. My partner tried to name every bird we saw; I just watched the light fade over Zimbabwe and let myself be lazy for once. The open bar didn’t hurt either (I might’ve lost count after my third glass of wine). When we finally docked again, it felt like we’d been gone longer than just an evening—you know that feeling?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dinner cruise on the Zambezi River

• Embark from Pure Africa Waterfront
• Enjoy favourite drink on board
• Be seated at set table
• Savour four-course dinner with drinks
• Cruise on upper Zambezi River
• View mist rising from Victoria Falls
• Spot wildlife along Zambezi River
• See elephants and hippos at sunset

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Zambezi River dinner cruise?

Yes, complimentary transfers are provided to and from hotels or lodges in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe only.

Are drinks included during the cruise?

Yes, unlimited drinks are included with an open bar plus bottled water throughout the evening.

Is this dinner cruise suitable for people using wheelchairs?

The boat is wheelchair accessible for boarding but note that the onboard toilet does not accommodate wheelchairs.

How long is the Zambezi River dinner cruise?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect an evening experience including sunset and full dinner service.

Will we see wildlife during this Victoria Falls river cruise?

You may spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, kudus and various birds as you cruise along the riverbank.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat embarks from Pure Africa Waterfront near Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe.

Are children allowed on this dinner cruise?

No age restrictions are mentioned; check directly if traveling with young kids or infants.

Is lunch included or only dinner?

This experience includes only a four-course dinner served on board during your evening cruise.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe side), unlimited open bar drinks plus bottled water throughout your time aboard, and a freshly prepared four-course dinner served as you float along the upper Zambezi River near Victoria Falls before returning to shore later that night.