Sight guide · Victoria Falls · Zimbabwe
Visiting Zambezi sunset cruise
Boats sail the calm upper Zambezi above the falls in the late afternoon, passing islands where hippos, crocodiles, elephants and many birds are often seen, with drinks and snacks on board as the sun sets over the river.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Zambezi sunset cruise is an experience in Upper Zambezi riverfront, Victoria Falls. Allow 2–3 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- Upper Zambezi riverfront
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- couples, kids, nature and photo spot
- Best months
- May–July
About Zambezi sunset cruise
Boats sail the calm upper Zambezi above the falls in the late afternoon, passing islands where hippos, crocodiles, elephants and many birds are often seen, with drinks and snacks on board as the sun sets over the river.
Tip: Choose a smaller boat for better wildlife viewing and a quieter experience than the large party cruises.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Upper Zambezi riverfront, riverside lodges among trees upstream of the falls along Zambezi Drive.
Best time to visit Zambezi sunset cruise
Zambezi sunset cruise is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- June: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, busy crowds.
- July: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- May: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Victoria Falls has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Victoria Falls itinerary visits Zambezi sunset cruise on day 2, together with The Big Tree, Zambezi National Park and The Boma dinner and drum show.
- No. 3 of the 14 sights in our Victoria Falls things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Victoria Falls.
- A family favourite in Victoria Falls with kids.
Near Zambezi sunset cruise
Also in Upper Zambezi riverfront, so you can walk between them:
- The Big Tree — 20 minutes, free
- Zambezi National Park — 3–4 hours, mid-priced
- Upper Zambezi canoeing — half a day, expensive
If you like Zambezi sunset cruise
- Victoria Falls rainforest (Zimbabwe side) — Victoria Falls Hotel and the bridge, 2–3 hours
- Helicopter 'Flight of Angels' — Victoria Falls town centre, 1–1.5 hours including transfers
- White-water rafting in the Batoka Gorge — Batoka Gorge, Full day
- Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island — Livingstone riverfront (Zambia), 2–3 hours
Staying near Zambezi sunset cruise
Stay in Upper Zambezi riverfront ($$$) to walk here: riverside lodges among trees upstream of the falls along Zambezi Drive. All areas to stay in Victoria Falls.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Zambezi sunset cruise?
Plan 2–3 hours. With The Big Tree nearby, it fits a half-day in Upper Zambezi riverfront.
+Is Zambezi sunset cruise free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Zambezi sunset cruise?
May–July for the most comfortable weather. Choose a smaller boat for better wildlife viewing and a quieter experience than the large party cruises.
+Do I need to book Zambezi sunset cruise in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Zambezi sunset cruise good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls works well for families with school-age children: the rainforest walk, river cruises, game drives and The Boma are all family-friendly, although many adventure activities have minimum ages.