Overview: Zambezi Explorer River Cruise
Typically lasting around two hours, a cruise on the Zambezi Explorer takes in sections of the upper Zambezi close to the falls, and also further upstream where the Zambezi and Mosi-Oa-Tunya national parks flank the river. The Zambezi Explorer has to stick to the deeper channels in the middle of the river, so you shouldn’t think of this as a wildlife viewing cruise where you can get close up sightings of large wildlife, although elephants, crocodiles, hippo and giraffe may make a pleasant backdrop to your cruise.
The two lower decks on the Zambezi Explorer offer a luxurious setting for your cruise, but the more expensive upper deck ratchets up the levels of luxury with a signature lounge offering incredible style and comfort and unbeatable views over the river.
There are four different cruises offered:
Breakfast Cruise
Pick up time: around 06:00Setting off at dawn this cruise offers views of the sun rising over the Zambezi River at the vest time of day for bird watching, accompanied by a breakfast of pastries, cereals, fresh fruit, tea and coffee.
Lunch Cruise
Pick up time: around 12:00A more scenic alternative to many of the restaurants in town, this cruise explores the islands of the upper Zambezi with drinks and a gourmet lunch prepared on board.
Sunset Cruise
Pick up time: Summer (August to April) around 16:30; Winter (May to August) around 16:00The most popular option, the sunset cruise offers the best chance of seeing large wildlife as it comes down to the riverbank to drink, as well as stunning views of the sun setting over the Zambezi. Cocktails and canapés are served throughout the cruise.
Dinner Cruise
Pick up time: Summer (August to April) around 16:30; Winter (May to August) around 16:00Available only on the upper deck of the Zambezi Explorer, this cruise combines a three-course dinner and drinks with a sunset cruise along the river.
<Please note: Expert Africa can only arrange a choice of four splendid boat cruises along the 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
- Drinks and meals depend on cruise booked
- Duration
- Two hours
Photo gallery
What to look forward to.
The Zambezi Explorer is one of the most luxurious river cruises on offer in the Victoria Falls area.
Zambezi Explorer River Cruise reviews
52 independent first-hand comments from our travellers.
Ideas for holidays which can include Zambezi Explorer 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.
Ra-Ikane River Cruise
Two hours minimum
Cruising the upper sections of the Zambezi reveals another dimension to the river's beauty, adding a sense of serenity to the thrill of watching it cascade over the Victoria Falls. On a Ra-Ikane river cruise, experience the river’s islands and channels, keeping an eye out for wildlife, and the spray from the Falls.
More about Ra-Ikane River Cruise
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
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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