Why Add a Cruise to Your Bucket List?
It’s that time of the year when everyone starts planning what travel adventures to go on, and what new experiences to have. We definitely think Victoria Falls should be on that travel-to list in 2020, and here’s 3 good reasons why you should add a Ra-ikane river cruise onto your itinerary when you are here:
1. Firstly, it’s relaxing!
We know that Victoria Falls is the perfect destination to add onto a safari – whether it is in Hwange, Luangwa, Chobe or even the Masai Mara – seeing the World Wonder of Victoria Falls is a great way to end a trip to Africa. Safaris are once in a lifetime adventures and can be jam-packed with game drives and walks. Coming for a cruise is your chance to completely relax, and take in the gorgeous views along the river, watch the wildlife on the banks and enjoy watching the spray of the Victoria Falls from the boat.
“This was my first evening in Zimbabwe, and it was nothing but spectacular, a not to miss experience! The boat was large, with all you can drink drinks, from soda to wine to hard liquor. Very elegant and clean, and comfortable. Also had some small snacks, very delicious. Guides were attentive and wonderful! Many various birds, from the endangered skimmers, to vultures, to many water birds. Also saw many hippos, and crocodiles. No bugs, no problems. Very nice bathroom on the boat as well. Only 12 to a boat, very nice, and very smooth! A great way to visit the river with an atmosphere of nostalgia. Quiet and serene with a fabulous sunset!”
2. It will make you happy
“Experiences, like traveling, attending an art exhibit or trying a new restaurant become a part of our identity, which brings us greater satisfaction.” There is lots of research to say that experiencing new things brings more happiness than buying new products, and if you share these moments with friends it is even more special! The Ra-ikane is a smaller cruise boat, seating a maximum of 16 guests which is perfect for couples and smaller groups of friends.
“The crew, the pilot/captain and a waitress took us on a circular trip up the Zambezi, above the Falls. What stood out for us was the really excellent wild life spotting by the pilot/captain: he saw and identified birds, hippos, crocodiles, a giant lizard, and several species of antelope often long before we noticed them. A really enjoyable cruise that finished far too soon”.
3. Experience history
The Raikane is a period boat, fashioned after David Livingstone’s exploration boat the Ma Robert. Enjoy learning about the history of this era from the briefing given by the boat’s captains as they share the adventures of David Livingstone and his instrumental guide, Lazarus Ra-ikane. The captains are also experts at spotting and identifying the local flora, birds and wildlife.
“If you are staying in Victoria Falls, I highly recommend the (Ra-ikane) sunset Zambezi cruise from Zambezi Wilderness Safaris. Sitting on a lovely period boat with a drink of your choice (mine was a gin and tonic) and a selection of high-end snacks, you sail along the Zambezi visiting the local wildlife and watching the beautiful sunset. I saw crocodile, hippos, a monitor lizard, birds and small monkeys. A perfect early evening”.