Victoria Falls Zambezi River Lunch Cruise: An Honest Review

If you’re planning a trip to Victoria Falls, a cruise on the Zambezi River might well be on your list, too it’s almost a no-brainer! A 2-hour lunch cruise promises breathtaking views, fantastic food, and a chance to spot wildlife. So, what’s the real experience like? I am going to break it all down for you, and I hope that this review will tell you pretty much everything you want to know!

Setting Sail on the Zambezi: Getting There and Initial Impressions

First things first, figuring out how to get to the departure point. Most cruises offer transport from hotels in Victoria Falls town, so too it’s worth confirming this when you book. That way, you can relax and enjoy the trip without stressing pretty much about directions or parking.

Arriving at the dock, that sight of the Zambezi is really calming. The boats vary, but you usually find a double-decker setup with seating on both levels. That is important because it usually lets you pick your spot – inside for shade or up top for panoramic views. The staff will greet you with a welcome drink; too it’s normally a juice or something fizzy, which starts things off nicely. Is that vibe relaxed, the anticipation of gliding on the water so thick you could almost spread it on your toast.

The Cruise Experience: Views, Food, and Wildlife

The highlight of the cruise, without a doubt, is the scenery. The Zambezi River, in that part of the world, is broad and tranquil, flanked by lush vegetation. As the boat eases away from the shore, too it’s not long before you’re seeing that spray from Victoria Falls hanging in the distance like a hazy curtain.

The food served on board tends to be a buffet-style spread, so in some respects you’re not talking gourmet dining but more of a good, filling meal. Usually, you can expect a selection of salads, grilled meats, fish, and some veggie options, like your standard crowd-pleaser that aims to satisfy everyone. That’s worth considering as to whether or not the quality can vary so much, but that’s usually the tradeoff for variety and catering to bigger crowds.

Wildlife spotting is also part of the draw, that. The Zambezi is home to a wealth of birds, crocs, and hippos. The guides usually have sharp eyes and know where to look, too it’s almost certain they’ll point out anything of interest. Seeing a pod of hippos wallowing in the water, with that occasional snort and splash, is pretty remarkable. Keep an eye out for kingfishers, fish eagles, and other water birds as they’re a delight to watch. Don’t get too close to the edge of the boat if you are leaning in for a closer look – the crocs aren’t shy!

The Ups and Downs: What to Expect

There are some great pluses of taking a Zambezi River lunch cruise but a few downsides you might well think about. That said, most people rate their trip very highly indeed.

On the positive side, the setting is stunning. The Zambezi has a special feel, and seeing the river from the water provides a whole new angle. The opportunity to view wildlife from the boat is rather special, and the staff are usually very professional. So you could be sipping your drink, tucking into your lunch, and spotting elephants on the bank. Plus, a leisurely cruise is a good way to unwind after visiting Victoria Falls, where too it’s an advantage to stand in the spray.

But a possible negative is that it can get rather crowded, depending on the time of year and that particular cruise. This might well impact how well you see wildlife and also means you have to fight your way to the buffet! Plus, the drinks are often extra, so, like your seemingly reasonable ticket price can soon increase if you fancy a couple of cocktails while you cruise. Oh, and while some boats are quite new, others can look rather tired. Do check the boat if you’re concerned.

Is that Lunch Cruise Worth It? Weighing the Pros and Cons

The Zambezi River lunch cruise at Victoria Falls, ultimately, is that kind of experience where most folk love it. Is that price always that reasonable though? Well, possibly, given that scenery and the possibility of seeing animals in their environment.

It suits lots of travelers, from couples looking for something soothing to families who’d appreciate an afternoon on the water. That’s also ideal if you have got small children because, very, very obviously, it offers them a different view from your viewing platforms at Victoria Falls.

If you’re keen on fine dining, or crave a super-exclusive wildlife encounter, then maybe this isn’t for you. But if you appreciate a relaxed, picturesque experience with food and a chance of seeing hippos and crocs, you’ll come away extremely content, very content indeed!

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