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Ra-Ikane River Cruise

Ra-Ikane River Cruise

Overview: Ra-Ikane River Cruise

A river cruise on the Upper Zambezi is justifiably one of the most popular activities around the Victoria Falls – and how special to experience it on a boat reminiscent of Humphrey Bogart's African Queen?

From the plethora of cruises available, we’ve picked some of our favourites, with the Ra-Ikane River Cruise really standing out from the crowd. Although it’s operated by Ilala Lodge, this cruise is available to anyone staying in the vicinity of Victoria Falls town.

The Ra-Ikane River Cruise’s 12-seater boats are much smaller than those used by many other operators in the area. As well as offering a much more personal experience, these boats have a much shallower draft, allowing them to explore the quieter side channels of the river, and get closer to the Victoria Falls themselves.

Cruise details

Starting from a pontoon at Ilala Lodge in the town of Victoria Falls, the Ra-Ikane River Cruise takes in two different sections of the river. Your boat will explore some of the upper sections of the river, where the Zambezi is flanked by the Mosi-Oa-Tunya and Zambezi national parks, taking you alongside channels and islands, and offering a fantastic chance of seeing elephants, hippo, crocodiles and some stunning birdlife. The cruise will also take you towards the Victoria Falls, with some fantastic views of the spray thrown up by the waterfall, particularly when the river is in full flood.

Choose from three different times of day for your cruise:

Breakfast cruise

Pick-up time: summer (August to April) around 6.30am; winter (May to August) around 7.30am

Starting at dawn, the breakfast cruise offers an opportunity to see the sun rise over the Zambezi River, with the golden light and clear air perfect for capturing the elephants coming down to the river for their morning drink. Fresh coffee and tea accompany a continental breakfast.

Lunch cruise

Pick-up time: around 11.45am

The Zambezi River provides a stunning backdrop for a midday meal, with a buffet of cold meats, fresh salads, and a selection of cheese and biscuits provided by Ilala Lodge's Palm Restaurant. A well-stocked bar provides cold beers, South African wines, spirits and soft drinks.

Sunset cruise

Pick-up time: summer (August to April) 4.00pm; winter (May to August) around 3.30pm

With a heightened chance of seeing wildlife coming down to the river to drink, and stunning sunsets reflecting off the Zambezi River, the evening cruise is one of the most popular options, enhanced by an array of canapés and a well-stocked bar.

Please note: Expert Africa can only arrange a choice of three possible river cruises along the Upper Zambezi, as part of a full, Expert Africa itinerary which includes a stop in Victoria Falls. See the Holiday ideas, below, for examples of such itineraries.
Start location
Any of Expert Africa's hotels or lodges in the vicinity of Victoria Falls
End location
Back at your hotel
Meals included
Breakfast, lunch or canapés - depends on tour booked
Duration
Two hours minimum
Maximum group size
16 people

Photo gallery

What to look forward to.


1 of 5
The Ra-Ikane cruise is a popular option in the Victoria Falls area
2 of 5
A smaller boat, it offers a more personal experience...
3 of 5
...with a chance to see some stunning sunsets...
4 of 5
...as well as the large wildlife...
5 of 5
...and birdlife that's prolific along the river.

The Ra-Ikane cruise is a popular option in the Victoria Falls area

A smaller boat, it offers a more personal experience...

...with a chance to see some stunning sunsets...

...as well as the large wildlife...

...and birdlife that's prolific along the river.

Ra-Ikane River Cruise reviews

45 independent first-hand comments from our travellers.


95%
35 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
29
Good
4
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
C&AfromMunich

29 Jan 2024

"Ra-Ikane River Cruise review"

"peaceful, great scenery, very friendly and knowledgeable staff …" Read C&A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

A&L PolofromUSA

24 Dec 2023

"Ra-Ikane River Cruise review"

"it was wonderful experience …" Read A&L Polo’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

MR & Mrs CfromW Sussex

20 Sep 2023

"Ra-Ikane River Cruise review"

"...just 12 people (plus two staff) on board, which was perfect. …" Read MR & Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

J & Kfromjackievokes@gmail.com

28 Jul 2023

"Ra-Ikane River Cruise review"

"comfortable and relaxing... interesting to see the size of the river …" Read J & K’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Family PfromCirencester

5 Jun 2023

"Ra-Ikane River Cruise review"

"A relaxed cruise... spectacular vistas …" Read Family P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Chained BearfromAsia

17 Jun 2023

"Ra-Ikane River Cruise review"

"The best of the sunset cruises …" Read Chained Bear’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr and Mrs LfromUSA

30 May 2023

"Ra-Ikane River Cruise review"

"We loved the sunset cruise …" Read Mr and Mrs L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr D.fromChelmsford

9 Nov 2022

"Ra-Ikane River Cruise review"

"Disappointing, ... …" Read Mr D.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Overall rating: Excellent

Steve & JoanfromCrowboro

9 Sep 2022

"Ra-Ikane River Cruise review"

"These boats were smaller than some of the others & had more character. …" Read Steve & Joan’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Ra-Ikane River Cruise reviews

Ideas for holidays which can include Ra-Ikane River Cruise

Add this experience to these trip ideas or contact us to start planning your own tailor-made safari to Zimbabwe.


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Sable Self-drive Safari

12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A great-value southern African self-drive adventure from Namibia along the Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining other-worldly landscapes, unforgettable wildlife spectacles and rarely visited places, and ending at Victoria Falls.

US$5,980 - US$8,110 per person

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Klipspringer Safari

8 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT

An outstanding-value Zimbabwe safari exploring Victoria Falls and two contrasting locations in western Zimbabwe – Hwange and the Matobo Hills – giving you a real feel for Zimbabwe, its people and wildlife.

US$2,890 - US$3,570 per person

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Nyala Safari

10 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A superb luxury safari in iconic Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, staying in a pair of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe, with a grand finale at Victoria Falls

US$10,150 - US$15,050 per person

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Great Egret Safari

12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A wonderfully varied adventure to Botswana and Zimbabwe combining three fantastic safari areas, a luxury river cruise and the mighty Victoria Falls.

US$9,200 - US$17,100 per person

Itinerary image

Rock Hare Self-drive Safari

20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.

US$5,090 - US$7,260 per person

Itinerary image

Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari

18 days • 10 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.

US$5,400 - US$8,720 per person

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Leopard Safari

13 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town – a classic southern African itinerary combining luxury, wilderness, safari and culture. We can't think of a better way to spend two weeks.

US$9,240 - US$13,060 per person

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9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT

A luxury safari combining three of Zimbabwe's top highlights. The trip uses some of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe and is perfect for a family or small group.

US$7,000 - US$10,780 per person

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17 days • 7 locations
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An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.

US$14,340 - US$18,200 per person

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