Ra Ikane Cruise Victoria Falls

Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Zambezi in one of the most splendid boats ever to move upstream the river, the famous Ra Ikane. Immerse yourself in luxury and comfort and be ready to navigate the channels and rapids like never before during Victoria Falls Tour.

What is Ra Ikane ?

The Ra-Ikane is a fleet of small, luxurious boats upstream of the Zambezi that provide you with a special Private River Safari. The boats travel in a circle around the islands to provide passengers a spectacular view of what the Upper Zambezi River has to offer.

The Ra Ikane Boats

• The fleet consists of 3 monohull boats called Ra Ikane I, II and III.
• Two of the boats are 16-seaters and one is a 12-seater.
• Each boat was fashioned to resemble the opulent ‘Ma Robert’ a boat that David Livingstone used in the 1800s to cross from the coast of Mozambique to the vicinity of Victoria Falls
• Aside from having a premium appearance and feel, each boat is unique and private due to its size.

Why is it called the Ra Ikane ?

The Ra Ikane is named after Lazarus Raikane, a significant guide and supporter to David Livingstone during his explorations of Africa and the eventual monumental discovery of the Victoria Falls.

What makes the Ra Ikane Cruise special ?

• The boats have been decorated in such a way as to subtly evoke the feel of a bygone period.
• Provide first-rate service, delectable meals, and premium drinks while you take in the natural splendor of the Zambezi River and its inhabitants.
• Guests get a sense of Victorian splendor
• Ra Ikane enjoys traveling through several of the tiny canals that connect the islands at different water levels
• The boats can navigate further down the river and closer to the banks allowing guests to explore more than they would in bigger boats.
• The boats make you feel at ease and allow you to travel in style.

Ra Ikane Breakfast Cruise

Time of pickup: 6:30am

Duration: 3 hours

The Breakfast cruise is a perfect opportunity to go bird watching and spot many other animals as they quench their morning thirst by the river. You will also see the beautiful sunrise as you enjoy a continental breakfast and freshly prepared coffee.

Ra Ikane Lunch Cruise

Time of Pickup: 11:45am

Minimum Number: 4

Duration: 2 hours

The lunch cruise is a beautiful way to unwind and relax on the river while enjoying lunch. Lunch is served as a buffet, and you have a variety of options to choose from. The views during the afternoon are beautiful and a variety of native spirits, wines, beers, soft drinks, mineral water, and cordials are available at the on-board bar.

Ra Ikane Sunset Cruise

Time of Pickup: 15:30pm in winter (May to August) and 16:00pm in Summer (August to April)

Minimum Number: 2

Duration: 2 hours

Guests are welcomed with cocktails upon arrival and are given a safety briefing as well as History of the river and everything you need to know. A fully stocked bar is offered as well as tasty snacks. If you prefer tea or coffee especially in the cool winters, it is available.

Ra Ikane Dinner at the Jetty

The dinner is combined with a small sunset cruise on the river first and gives you a chance to appreciate the Upper Zambezi channels. After that, you will be taken back to the Jetty side where you will dock and have dinner under the start with magnificent views of the river.

Menu Choices

• A butternut, carrot, or mushroom soup as a starter
• Steak, beef or pork sausages, and chicken breast make up the main course.
• There are three salads available for selection. Mostly potato, green, and coleslaw salads
• Dessert is an apple pie and a fruit salad with cream.
• There is also a complete bar with regional wines and beers available.
• Please note that the menu can change depending on the day and chef.

What to bring ?

If you are going for the Ra Ikane Cruise, don’t forget to pack the following items:

• Sunglasses and a hat or cap (it can get quite hot during the day, so you need sun protection)
• Sunscreen/ sunblock
• A jacket for the early mornings and late afternoons where it can get a bit cold.
• A camera (to capture every moment)
• Binoculars (they allow you to explore and discover animals quicker)
• Park fees $10 in cash if you haven’t already done so

About Safety ?

• Each boat has a captain, a professional guide and a steward
• The guide will provide the passengers with a thorough safety briefing at the start of every cruise.
• The boats have a radio link to the municipal administration
• In addition, the boats have a specific frequency to reach the Victoria Falls based Medical Air Rescue Service (MARS)
• The M.A.R.S policy covers for all guests for the duration of their activities in the event of an injury.
• The Duty Manager has a hand-held radio and keeps a "listening watch" during the cruise.

Extra Features

The Ra-Ikane has the following amenities on board:

• Toilet
• Bar
• Windows that can be lowered in case of rain on the canvas sides
• comfortable chairs

The Ra Ikane is a special kind of cruise that gives you a private and intimate river safari in style. The boats give you a sense of history and close touch with the Zambezi like the one David Livingstone had as he journeyed across the same river many years ago. It’s a perfect time to relax and unwind with family and friends.

The Ra Ikane is a small luxury cruise boat that is outfitted to suggest, in exquisite detail, the ambiance of a bygone era, paying tribute to Ra Ikane, one of the guides who first led David Livingstone to the Victoria Falls. Period decor, historic memorabilia, fine cuisine and refreshments characterize a level of comfort and grace unsurpassed on the Zambezi. Snacks, imported drinks and wine are served on the boat. Make Sure to Book Victoria Fall Tour with us.