ra ikane luxury cruise

Our Cruises
Victoria Falls

LUXURY ZAMBEZI RIVER CRUISES

The Ra-Ikane I, II and III, offer a variety of cruises , including breakfast, lunch and sunset, as well as private charters. These boats represent the grace of a bygone era and honour the rich history of Victoria Falls and its explorers, adventurers and heroes. The Ra-Ikane fleet is owned and operated by Ilala Lodge Hotel , and provides unique and unsurpassed river cruises on the mighty Zambezi River.

Fashioned after David Livingstone’s exploration boat, the Ma-Robert , the Ra-Ikane boats are named after the instrumental guide, Lazarus Ra-Ikane, who accompanied and assisted Livingstone in his monumental discovery of the natural wonder, Victoria Falls. The monohull design of the Ra-Ikane boats enables them to navigate further up the Zambezi River and bring guests closer to the banks in the shallow water and, therefore, closer to all the action! With lots of space on the flat deck and a maximum of 16 passengers, there is plenty room to make yourself comfortable.

The well-appointed Ra-Ikane fleet was built to ensure that each guest is able to experience the wild beauty of the Zambezi River with ease and style. Our boats take a circular route around the islands to provide guests with a panoramic view of the upper and lower Zambezi River and the wildlife and birdlife it offers . Each Ra-Ikane boat has its own crew, made up of a friendly and knowledgeable captain, guide and waiter to ensure that you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

OUR CRUISES

Breakfast Cruise

$85 per person.

Have breakfast with bathing elephants and busy birds in the buzz of the early morning African bush! A perfect start to any day is cruising up the Zambezi River immersed in the early morning activity aboard the Ra-Ikane Breakfast Cruise. The small boat set up will allow you to silently immerse yourself in your surroundings with ease whilst enjoying aromatic freshly brewed coffee and tea, juices and spring water to accompany your continental breakfast, fresh fruits platters and other delicious breakfast treats.

Breakfast Cruise pick-up/drop-off times From Ilala Lodge Hotel: 6:45am From Victoria Falls town: 6:30am from hotels in Victoria Falls Drop-Off: 9:30am Duration of cruise: 2 hours

Birdwatching Cruise

The Zambezi River is well-known for its legendary bird watching safaris as the meandering river supports a lively riverine ecosystem along its banks, drawing in a wide variety of birds. And what better way to enjoy a birding safari, than serenely cruising along the Zambezi River on a birdwatching cruise. This cruise includes a delicious continental breakfast with fresh pastries, platters of fruits, cheese and biscuits accompanied by local fresh quality coffees, teas, juices and water.

Birdwatching Cruise pick-up/drop-off times From Ilala Lodge Hotel: 6:45am From Victoria Falls town: 6:30am from hotels in Victoria Falls Drop-Off: 9:30am Duration of cruise: 2 hours

Lunch Cruise

Find peace and solace in the midday heat cruising in comfortable luxury aboard the Ra-Ikane Lunch Cruise. Lunch is an abundant buffet of cold meats, fresh salads and other delicacies prepared by the chefs from the highly acclaimed Palm Restaurant. Drinks are bottomless and the service is impeccable aboard one of the most beautiful boats on the Zambezi River. An afternoon delight for the body, soul and mind.

Lunch Cruise pick-up/drop-off times From Ilala Lodge Hotel: 11:45am From Victoria Falls town: 11.30am to 11.50am from hotels in Victoria Falls Drop-Off: 2:15pm to 2:20pm Duration of cruise: 2 hours

Sunset Cruise

$92 per person.

There is no better way to end a day of adventuring in Victoria Falls, than sitting back and relaxing with an ice cold sun-downer in hand and soaking up your surroundings. Our Sunset Cruise includes unlimited premium drinks, gourmet snacks and an abundance of wildlife and birdlife sightings. To top it all off, the cruise will end with a spectacular sunset over the Zambezi River.

Sunset Cruise pick-up/drop-off times From Ilala Lodge Hotel: 3:15pm in Winter (May-August), 4:15pm in Summer (September-April) From Victoria Falls town: 3:30pm from hotels in Victoria Falls Drop-Off: 6:30pm Duration of cruise: 2 hours

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There are three mono-hull boats in the fleet, each one designed to look like the elegant Ma Robert vessel that David Livingstone and his crew used to attempt to navigate the Zambezi River from the coast in Mozambique up to the Victoria Falls area - yes, upstream!

The vessels resemble a turn of the century riverboat and boast a teak superstructure and brass fittings that epitomise Victorian splendour in Africa. Teak tables are dotted around the carpeted floor to fit three people at each, but the open plan allows guests to roam easily between them.

Two of the boats in the fleet are 16-seaters, and the one boat is a smaller 12-seater. Apart from the luxurious look and feel of each boat, their size makes them special and intimate. At certain water levels, the Ra Ikane likes to cruise through many of the smaller channels between the islands.

On each boat is a crew of three - the knowledgeable captain, the guide, and the waiter.

Ra Ikane River Cruises

The river cruises not only offer a personal river safari, but also top service and delicious meals, which are served with premium drinks while you enjoy the scenic beauty of the Zambezi River and its inhabitants.

"Our boats take a circular route around the islands to provide guests with a panoramic view of the upper Zambezi River and the wildlife and birdlife it offers" - Ra-Ikane cruises.

Each cruise lasts about 2 hours and comes with meals and/or snacks, as well as the beverages. Pickup and drop off at your hotel/town lodge as well as national parks fee (river usage fee) are included in the rate.

Breakfast Cruise From about 6:30 am, guests are picked up from their Victoria Falls hotels and lodges and transferred to Ilala's jetty site to board the Ra-Ikane. Watch the sunrise over the Zambezi and capture moments as elephants and other animals come to the river to quench their morning thirst. A continental breakfast and freshly brewed coffee is included in the experience. Eats such as pastries, freshly baked bread, fruit platters, yoghurts, jams and cheeses, are served with your teas and coffees. This cruise drops off at about 9:30 am.

Lunch Cruise Pickups begin at 11:30 am from the various hotels/lodges to Ilala's jetty. On this cruise, refreshing drinks are served while the Ra Ikane takes you along the banks of the Zambezi. A buffet of fresh cold meats, salads and cheeses are provided by The Palm Restaurant. A fine selection of beers, spirits, wines and soft-drinks are provided in a fully stocked bar. After the cruise, guests are dropped off at around 2:15 pm.

Sunset Cruise This is usually when most wildlife come down to the river. Hippos and crocodiles are ever-present but it is not unusual to spot elephants playing in the water or giraffe , buffalo and waterbuck grazing near the river banks. Canapés are served, along with a large range of beverages from the bar. Pickup begins at 4 pm (summer) or 3:30 pm (winter), and guests are dropped off at about 18:30 pm.

Birding Cruise For the bird-lovers - the Zambezi River is home to about 460 bird species, some of which are unique to the Victoria Falls area. The early morning Ra Ikane birding cruise provides an opportunity to relax and spot species such as the malachite kingfisher, the rare African finfoot, white-backed night-heron or the African Fish eagle. This is a very quiet time on the river, and there aren't very many boats around. Teas and freshly made pastries are on the menu, along with fruit platters, cheeses and biscuits. Pickup is from 6:30 am, and drop-off is at about 9:30 am.

What you will need to bring

• Comfortable shoes such as sneakers or shoes with a bit of grip • Activity voucher/ticket from your agent • Sunglasses • Warm clothes during winter months, particularly if you are going for the early morning trips • Camera and/or binoculars

Children under 12 years of age pay 50% of the adult rate

Here is a video of the Ra-Ikane experience

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Ra Ikane Cruise Victoria Falls

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Ra ikane cruise.

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 .

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What is ra ikane , time of travel, length of stay, type of safari you choose, mode of transport, why is it called the ra ikane , what makes the ra ikane cruise special , what to bring , about safety , extra features.

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.

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 .

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

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.

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
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.

The Ra-Ikane has the following amenities on board:

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.

Arrangements

Where: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Weather: Weather permitting

Things to Bring: Clients are advised to bring the following with: · Sunscreen · Mosquito repellent · Hiking/running shoes

When: All year round

Guests or Spectators: No spectators allowed

What to Wear: Clients are advised to bring the following with: · Comfortable attire that provides sun protection. · Hiking/running shoes · Warm clothing in winter (April to August)

Inclusions And Exclusions

Inclusions Refreshments, local brand beverages and finger snacks, transfers from all Victoria Falls hotels within a 5km radius of the jetty are included in the rate.

Exclusions Items of a personal nature. Parks River Usage Fee which is currently US$10.00/person.