Zambezi River Cruises. Availability & Offers 2024/2025

About the Zambezi River

The Zambezi River, an intriguing and beautiful destination, is Africa’s fourth-largest river system, stretching over 2,574 kilometres. Flowing through six countries, including Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, the river is ringed with some of the continent’s most stunning scenery.

Its presence is a vital lifeline for countless wildlife. From basking hippos in the shallow waters to eager crocodiles on the river banks, it is teeming with wildlife interest. Explorations in this area promise a symphony of exotic animal sightings.

As a remarkable gift from nature, the river is resplendent with multiple points of intrigue. Its upper Zambezi comes with striking floodplains. The middle portion is where you’ll find the unparalleled beauty of the Victoria Falls. The lower Zambezi is recognised for its breathtaking floodplains.

Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall, is an unforgettable sight on the Zambezi River. More than a mile wide and 108 metres (354 feet) in height, it generates a thunderous sound that can be heard from miles away and creates a cloud of spray that can rise to a height of over 400 metres (1312 feet).

Historically, the river has served as a crucial route for local tribes and European explorers. David Livingstone, the famed Scottish explorer, even named the Victoria Falls after the UK’s queen during his exploration from 1852-56.

Enthusiasts seeking a thrilling holiday amid serene landscapes and a touch of wilderness mustn’t miss out on the Zambezi River. Its perfect blend of calm serenity and exhilarating excitement is sure to leave one craving more. Every turn, every rivulet, every glance of the Zambezi River promises you a memorable escape.

Plan your journey and enquire today for an exhilarating cruise experience on the Zambezi River, and we will help plan the perfect yet fulfilling trip for you.

Our top 10 points of interest along the Zambezi River

Victoria Falls

Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the most famous and breathtaking sights on the Zambezi River. It’s one of the world’s biggest waterfalls, in fact, it’s twice the height of Niagara Falls! Known as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ or ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ by locals due to the vast spray produced by the falling water.

Mana Pools National Park

Located in the far north of Zimbabwe, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a hotspot for wildlife viewing. Its name “Mana” means “four” in Shona, referring to the four large pools inland from the Zambezi River. Here, you can see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a great variety of bird species.

Lower Zambezi National Park

This Park offers stunning landscapes and a rich variety of wildlife. Owing to its location on the Zambezi floodplains, it’s a haven for water-loving animals including elephants, buffaloes, zebras and numerous bird species.

Kariba Dam

A remarkable feat of engineering, the Kariba Dam supplies hydroelectric power to much of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The dam has formed Lake Kariba, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world and a popular spot for fishing and watersports.

Chobe River

The Chobe River, a major tributary of the Zambezi, offers excellent opportunities to view wildlife, especially in Botswana’s Chobe National Park where you can see one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa.

Sioma Ngwezi National Park

This park is in the southwestern part of Zambia. It’s often overlooked by tourists but offers a chance to see a large variety of wildlife, including several antelope species, lions, and a profusion of birdlife.

Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA)

This Conservation Area is the largest of its kind in the world. It spans five countries and includes numerous national parks, including Victoria Falls. It’s a critical region for African wild dog, African elephant, and Cape buffalo conservation.

Livingstone

Named after the famous explorer Dr. David Livingstone, this historic city is the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Zambia. It offers a variety of activities, including bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge and white-water rafting on the Zambezi River.

Tributaries of the Zambezi

The Zambezi River has a number of significant tributaries, which include the Kafue River, the largest and longest river lying wholly within Zambia, and the Luangwa River, known for its big game like hippos, elephants and crocodiles.

Gonarezhou National Park

Located in Zimbabwe, The name “Gonarezhou” means “Place of many Elephants”. It’s part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park that links Gonarezhou with the Kruger National Park in South Africa and the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique.