Zambezi Cruise & Safaris have introduced new 2 or 3-night set departure cruises in 2025 so that groups or individual travellers visiting Victoria Falls, can enjoy the water and land-based delights of the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba as a weekend escape or an extension to their safari itinerary.
Guests transfer (by air or by road) to Msuna Island located in the Zambezi River downstream of Victoria Falls, to board the Zambezi Trader cruise boat.
The vessel then embarks on a leisurely exploration of the river’s bays, estuaries and islands as it journeys towards the upper (western) reaches of Lake Kariba and back (see sample itinerary below).
Accommodation: The Zambezi Trader has 3 main decks and a 4th wheelhouse and viewing deck. A Deck has 16 standard twin cabins and the Spa.
B Deck has the main dining area, bar/lounge, reception desk, curio shop, large pool, plus 5 ensuite family cabins sleeping 4 pax each.
C Deck has 8 luxury cabins either twin or with king-sized double beds. C Deck also has its own private dining, bar and pool facilities with access to the wheelhouse deck /viewing area.
All cabins on all decks are en-suite, airconditioned with private balconies.
Activities: A range of land and water-based activities are on offer daily, in the company of experienced crew members. They include guided walks, game drives, village cultural tours, and sundowners, game-viewing, birdwatching and fishing from tender boats.
Transfers: Air transfers depart from Victoria Falls International Airport, with a 35 min flight to Deka Drum Airstrip, followed by a 25 min road transfer to Msuna Island. The journey by road is approximately 3 hrs from Victoria Falls Town, 2hrs 30 mins from Victoria Falls International Airport and 3 hrs from Hwange Main Camp.
Cruise dates: These new cruises run from May to November 2025 on set departure dates. In 2026 the cruise schedule will run from Feb to November with additional cruise dates added when required. The vessel is also available on a block booking basis for MICE and Conference bookings as well as Group series, weddings and other functions.
Itinerary: A typical 3-Night Zambezi River and Lake Kariba Cruise Itinerary consists of the following:
DAY 1:
- Arrive at Msuna Island Harbour and board tender boats.
- Cruise to main vessel and board the Zambezi Trader
- Cruise 4-5 hrs to the islands of Elephant Bay
- Lunch on board followed by an afternoon tender boat activity exploring Elephant Bay and its wildlife/birdlife and or fishing.
- Sundowners and return to the main vessel at sunset. Dinner onboard.
DAY 2:
- Wakeup call and breakfast
- Morning tender boat activity exploring inlets and bays for wildlife/bird spotting/fishing or set off on a game drive and visit to the local community and the Chief’s Kraal
- Return to the main vessel and cruise to the Gwaai River estuary.
- Lunch on board the main vessel
- Board the tender boats for afternoon game viewing/fishing
- Sundowners or a walking safari along the Gwaai River shoreline.
- Head back to the main vessel for a beach barbecue dinner (weather permitting and subject to water-levels)
DAY 3:
- Wakeup call and breakfast
- Morning activities of game viewing/birding and fishing and/or a walk or game drive in the surrounding areas
- Lunch on board before exploring the birding and wildlife of the “Little Kariba” area.
- Sundowners & return to main vessel
- Dinner on Board the main vessel
DAY 4:
- Wakeup call and breakfast on board as the cruise heads back.
- Disembark at Msuna Island by 9am.
Bookings: For further information and booking inquiries and Trade enquiries, contact Zambezi Cruise & Safaris.