Overview: Ra-Ikane River Cruise
From the plethora of cruises available, we’ve picked some of our favourites, with the Ra-Ikane River Cruise really standing out from the crowd. Although it’s operated by Ilala Lodge, this cruise is available to anyone staying in the vicinity of Victoria Falls town.
The Ra-Ikane River Cruise’s 12-seater boats are much smaller than those used by many other operators in the area. As well as offering a much more personal experience, these boats have a much shallower draft, allowing them to explore the quieter side channels of the river, and get closer to the Victoria Falls themselves.
Cruise details
Starting from a pontoon at Ilala Lodge in the town of Victoria Falls, the Ra-Ikane River Cruise takes in two different sections of the river. Your boat will explore some of the upper sections of the river, where the Zambezi is flanked by the Mosi-Oa-Tunya and Zambezi national parks, taking you alongside channels and islands, and offering a fantastic chance of seeing elephants, hippo, crocodiles and some stunning birdlife. The cruise will also take you towards the Victoria Falls, with some fantastic views of the spray thrown up by the waterfall, particularly when the river is in full flood.Choose from three different times of day for your cruise:
Breakfast cruise
Pick-up time: summer (August to April) around 6.30am; winter (May to August) around 7.30amStarting at dawn, the breakfast cruise offers an opportunity to see the sun rise over the Zambezi River, with the golden light and clear air perfect for capturing the elephants coming down to the river for their morning drink. Fresh coffee and tea accompany a continental breakfast.
Lunch cruise
Pick-up time: around 11.45amThe Zambezi River provides a stunning backdrop for a midday meal, with a buffet of cold meats, fresh salads, and a selection of cheese and biscuits provided by Ilala Lodge's Palm Restaurant. A well-stocked bar provides cold beers, South African wines, spirits and soft drinks.
Sunset cruise
Pick-up time: summer (August to April) 4.00pm; winter (May to August) around 3.30pmWith a heightened chance of seeing wildlife coming down to the river to drink, and stunning sunsets reflecting off the Zambezi River, the evening cruise is one of the most popular options, enhanced by an array of canapés and a well-stocked bar.
Please note: Expert Africa can only arrange a choice of three possible river cruises along the Upper Zambezi, as part of a full, Expert Africa itinerary which includes a stop in Victoria Falls. See the Holiday ideas, below, for examples of such itineraries.
- Start location
- Any of Expert Africa's hotels or lodges in the vicinity of Victoria Falls
- End location
- Back at your hotel
- Meals included
- Breakfast, lunch or canapés - depends on tour booked
- Duration
- Two hours minimum
- Maximum group size
- 16 people
Photo gallery
What to look forward to.
The Ra-Ikane cruise is a popular option in the Victoria Falls area
A smaller boat, it offers a more personal experience...
...with a chance to see some stunning sunsets...
...as well as the large wildlife...
...and birdlife that's prolific along the river.
Ra-Ikane River Cruise reviews
45 independent first-hand comments from our travellers.
Ideas for holidays which can include Ra-Ikane River Cruise
Add this experience to these trip ideas or contact us to start planning your own tailor-made safari to Zimbabwe.
Sable Self-drive Safari
12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A great-value southern African self-drive adventure from Namibia along the Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining other-worldly landscapes, unforgettable wildlife spectacles and rarely visited places, and ending at Victoria Falls.
US$6,160 - US$9,320 per person
Klipspringer Safari
8 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT
An outstanding-value Zimbabwe safari exploring Victoria Falls and two contrasting locations in western Zimbabwe – Hwange and the Matobo Hills – giving you a real feel for Zimbabwe, its people and wildlife.
US$2,890 - US$3,570 per person
Nyala Safari
10 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A superb luxury safari in iconic Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, staying in a pair of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe, with a grand finale at Victoria Falls
US$10,150 - US$16,260 per person
Great Egret Safari
12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
This wonderfully varied adventure combines Botswana's Okavango Delta and a live-aboard houseboat safari on the Chobe River, with big game in Zimbabwe's dry Hwange National Park and the stupendous Victoria Falls.
US$9,260 - US$17,170 per person
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.
US$5,260 - US$8,380 per person
Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari
18 days • 10 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.
US$6,210 - US$10,450 per person
Leopard Safari
13 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town – a classic southern African itinerary combining luxury, wilderness, safari and culture. We can't think of a better way to spend two weeks.
US$12,240 - US$18,030 per person
Pied Kingfisher Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
A luxury safari combining three of Zimbabwe's top highlights. The trip uses some of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe and is perfect for a family or small group.
US$7,000 - US$11,860 per person
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.
US$14,360 - US$19,690 per person
Other excursions in Zimbabwe
Inspiration and great ideas for other experiences in Zimbabwe to include in your safari.
Helicopter Flight - Zimbabwe
Shortest flight is 12-25 minutes
While viewing the Victoria Falls from the ground is a stunning experience, seen the world’s largest waterfall from the air allows for a completely different perspective, historically said to have been so beautiful as to have been seen by ‘angels in flight’.
More about Helicopter Flight
Guided tour of Victoria Falls
Two hours - AM & PM departures
One of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls has to be seen to be believed. Why not take an expertly guided trip to learn about the history, geology, flora and fauna of one of Africa's most spectacular sites?
More about Tour of the Falls
Elephant Encounter
Three hours
For a very personal encounter with elephants, head to The Elephant Camp near Victoria Falls. From its sanctuary for orphaned elephants, it offers close interaction with one of Africa's most iconic species, including the chance to feed the elephants by hand, and talk to the guides who have raised and trained them.
More about Elephant Encounter
Zambezi Explorer River Cruise
Two hours
Watching the sunset from the middle of the Zambezi River, with the spray of the falls behind you, is an incredibly popular activity. A large variety of cruises are on offer, ranging from cheap and boozy directed towards the backpacker crowd, to much more luxurious and serene experiences. A great option for the latter style is the Zambezi Explorer.
More about Zambezi Explorer
Historical Bridge Tour
Two hours - AM & PM departures
A feat of engineering the Victoria Falls Bridge was built in 1905 as part of Cecil Rhodes' vision to link the Cape to Cairo. With an expert guide and the appropriate safety equipment you'll not only discover the wonders of this Victorian marvel but also gain a unique perspective of the Victoria Falls themselves.
More about Bridge Tour
Bushtracks Express
Generally four and a half hours
The Bushtracks Express Train starts its journey at Zimbabwe’s iconic Victoria Falls Station before departing on its route through Victoria Falls National Park the Victoria Falls Bridge, where guests enjoy the stunning view of the Falls. Afterwards, the train will depart for a siding out of town, for dinner.
More about Bushtracks Express
Cookery Course & Activity
Six hours - afternoon activity
Make a traditional Southern African ‘potjie dinner’ on the banks of the Zambezi River. You’ll be guided through the preparation process by professional chefs before embarking on an afternoon activity while your dinner cooks. The activity is followed by a 3-course meal, including your self-made Pot as the main course.
More about Cookery Course
Elephant Art Experience
Three hours
The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Art of Africa have teamed up to create a unique experience in the bush, with private tutors running painting workshops and habituated elephants provision impressive models, standing just metres away from your easel.
More about Elephant Art ExperienceZimbabwe fact file
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