Victoria Falls: Zambezi River Sunset Cruise with Canapés & Pickup

Summary

Sunset on the Zambezi river drifting near Victoria Falls with snacks and local stories

You’ll float along the upper Zambezi River near Victoria Falls as wildlife appears along the banks and canapés are served fresh onboard. With a local guide sharing stories and hotel pickup included, you’ll settle into river life—watching colors shift across water until dusk leaves you quietly grateful for being there.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that mist over there? That’s Mosi-oa-Tunya — the smoke that thunders,” our guide Blessing said, grinning as he pointed upriver. I leaned over the rail of the Zambezi Explorer, feeling the warm air shift as we left the dock near Victoria Falls. The boat was fancier than I’d expected — hand-woven chairs with bold patterns, soft lighting that made everyone look a bit golden. There was this gentle hum from the engine and then just birdsong and laughter from a group at the next table. Someone handed me a drink before I’d even found my seat (still not sure what it was — sweet, cold, maybe ginger?).

Blessing kept popping by with little stories about the river — how it starts way up in Zambia and snakes all the way to Mozambique. We drifted past patches of mopane forest; sometimes you’d catch a whiff of woodsmoke from somewhere onshore. At one point, someone shouted “elephant!” and everyone scrambled to one side (the boat barely wobbled). There were hippos too — their ears flicking above the water like they were eavesdropping. The light changed every few minutes: gold, then pink, then suddenly everything felt blue for a second. It’s hard to describe but I still think about that view.

The canapés came out on trays — tiny things with smoked fish or something spicy tucked inside pastry. I tried asking what it was in Shona; Blessing just laughed and said I could call it “delicious.” He told us about growing up nearby and how his uncle used to fish here before sunrise. There was this moment when everyone just got quiet watching the sun drop behind a line of trees, except for some kids waving from a canoe in the distance. So yeah, if you’re looking for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River

• Board the Zambezi Explorer cruiser
• Cruise on the upper Zambezi River
• View mist rising from Victoria Falls
• Observe wildlife in Zambezi National Park
• Relax with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Zambezi River sunset cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe only.

Are drinks provided during the sunset cruise?

Yes, beverages are served onboard throughout your cruise.

What kind of food is served during the cruise?

Freshly prepared canapés are offered onboard during your trip.

Can children join this sunset cruise on the Zambezi River?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Is this cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchair access is available for guests who need it.

Will I see wildlife during this sunset cruise?

You may spot animals like hippos, elephants, crocodiles, or kudu along the riverbanks if you’re lucky.

How long is the Zambezi River where we’ll be cruising?

The Zambezi is 2,574 kilometers long; you’ll be cruising its upper section near Victoria Falls.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are permitted during this tour.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes freshly prepared canapés served right onboard as you drift along the upper Zambezi River near Victoria Falls; all beverages are included too. Hotel pickup and drop-off within Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe side) make things easy—just let them know any special dietary needs when booking so everything’s sorted before you even step aboard.