Victoria Falls Sunset Cruise: An Expert Review

The Victoria Falls Zambezi River Sunset Cruise, well, it’s something that’s become a must-do for people hitting up southern Africa. That golden hour on the water, like your camera roll will never forgive you if you don’t go! I figured I’d share my experience and insights, things that are, pretty sure, helpful for planning your own trip. From what you can expect to see to a couple, just a few, tips that make it even better, let’s get into it. Oh, and keep in mind, there are a bunch of different operators, so what’s, sort of, written below is just based on the average experience, yet most offer something very similar. Anyway, getting out on the Zambezi for sunset, could be, is pure magic.

What’s the Big Deal About This Cruise Anyway?

Picture this: you’re chilling on a boat, cold drink in hand, and, you know, the sun is doing that crazy thing where it turns everything to gold? The Zambezi River is so incredibly wide and it feels as though you’re in the center of everything, really something! That kind of vibe. As a matter of fact, you’re floating above one of Africa’s most mighty rivers while sipping on, like, a gin and tonic; that, arguably, is pretty spectacular. You get glimpses of wildlife, and, in fact, the spray from Victoria Falls itself is somewhat within eyesight on a clear day. The sunset cruise provides an idyllic view and a chill way to wrap up the day after, often, high-energy adventures at the falls. What’s super special is, I’d say, that it’s incredibly peaceful. No rush, no crazy stunts, it’s just there, a moment to soak in the quiet power of nature.

A Bit About the River

The Zambezi, more or less, is the fourth-longest river in Africa. It runs for around 2,574 kilometers, roughly 1,600 miles. I mean, seriously, that’s long! It starts in Zambia and, sort of, flows through Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique before getting to the Indian Ocean. A river that big means it supports so many different ecosystems and communities. People, really, rely on it for fishing, agriculture, and transportation, so to speak. But it’s the beauty that gets me, alright? Seeing that water reflect the sky as the sun sets, might be, that’s something else.

What Can You Expect on the Cruise?

Typically, the cruise will take somewhere about two to three hours, could be! They normally kick off in the late afternoon, that gives you, I suppose, the prime sunset viewing time. All your drinks are usually included. Yup, like, that means beer, wine, soft drinks, and often a selection of cocktails. Some cruises, more or less, they’ll even have snacks or appetizers; just something to nibble on as you watch the sunset. As you go down the river, a really awesome thing is that you’re keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife on the shores. And yes, so much opportunity to have the perfect picture. In that case, expect, often, a guide on board who can tell you a bit about the area and point out the animals. The boats themselves, just something to note, are various sizes. Some are larger with multiple decks, and, as a matter of fact, some are smaller and more intimate. Depends on what kind of vibe that your looking for. That, still, is dependent on choosing the correct operating company.

Wildlife Encounters

Keep your eyes peeled because you never know what you, really, might see along the Zambezi’s banks. I, anyway, have spotted elephants coming down to drink, crocodiles chilling in the sun, and tons of different types of birds flying about. Hippos, might be, they are super common. You’ll usually see them wallowing in the water, that makes them such a fun sighting. Your guide will help you spot them. I mean, really, these animals know how to steal the show!

The Sunset Spectacle

Here it is, that thing everyone came to see: sunset. It, actually, is one of the more special sights out there. As the sun begins to drop, that’s when it happens, you see the sky transforming. You know, colours go wild from brilliant oranges and pinks to purples and deep reds. It’s this wash of warmth that, very, blankets the Zambezi. That kind of moment that makes you feel so grateful to, say, just be there experiencing that bit of beauty. As I was saying, remember to bring your camera!

Choosing the Right Cruise

Lots of, say, local tour operators offer sunset cruises, so shop around! You need to consider what’s important to you when picking one, obviously. Are you wanting something more intimate or something a bit more lively with a larger group? Are there free snacks included in your choice? In that case, think about these factors, so it’s much easier for your choosing! Here, in effect, are just a couple of things you should consider:

Small Group or Larger Vessel?

Do you prefer the idea of chilling on a more intimate boat with fewer people, so, too it’s quieter and more personal? Or are you good to be on a bigger boat where, for instance, it can be more of a party vibe? Smaller boats usually get you closer to the shoreline, if that, arguably, matters to you, giving better views of wildlife. The larger boats, though, have more space to move around and, say, mingle.

Included Perks

Check, clearly, what’s included in the cruise price! Are drinks included, or will you need to buy them on board? Is there food, and if there is, is it just basic snacks or something a bit more substantial? I mean, really, these might not seem important, yet it all adds to the whole experience.

Eco-Friendly Practices

This matters to a lot of, frankly, folks now, me included. Try and pick an operator who is committed to responsible practices. A lot of companies take strides to limit their footprint on the river. It makes that view, basically, all the more awesome.

Making the Most of Your Sunset Cruise

Okay, you booked your cruise, yet how can you make it just that a little extra special? Let me drop just a couple, maybe a handful, of tips!

Timing Is Everything

Victoria Falls is a hot destination all year round, with peak visiting times correlating to, often, the dry season. The dry season, between May and October, anyway, generally provides clearer skies. But guess what, that usually also means more fellow tourists! The wet season can, maybe, offer dramatic landscapes, and fewer crowds, but, I’d say, also means possible rain interruptions. Consider the month that you might want to choose so that you, usually, are less likely to see any issues.

Dress Comfortably

The weather could be pretty warm during the day. Then it gets cooler as the sun dips, so bringing layers is the best strategy. That way you are totally comfortable. Comfy clothing so that, I’d say, you have no itches, and light layers for the evening breeze!

Don’t Forget Essentials

Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, that type of thing, because you’re still going to, for instance, need it, especially during the earlier part of the cruise. You know, to see the beautiful sites you will require your eyes. Oh, and you would not want to lose out on a photo opportunity by the burning sun in your eye sockets, trust you me!

Charge Your Camera

Oh this might sound incredibly obvious. Anyway, I cannot begin to tell you the folks I see in this day and age who don’t have the ability to charge, more or less, their gear. You will want to snap a bunch of pics, so make certain your camera or phone is charged. Or you brought a spare battery. That view. I’d say, anyway, that is worth capturing!

Victoria Falls and Sunset Cruises: Is It Worth It?

In my estimation? 100% yes. More or less, the Victoria Falls Zambezi River Sunset Cruise does something magical to you, really! Getting out on the water after a day of taking in the awesome sights, might be, that’s how to make memories. Those colours, that wildlife, a peaceful boat drifting through, it, in fact, is a great combination. I mean, seriously, it is what makes traveling special. Give it a whirl, because, frankly, it could be the best part of your trip. Plus, hey, there is always the next bar.