A new way to explore one of Southern Africa’s natural wonders is the new Zambezi Trader, a luxury river vessel. The boat belongs to Zambezi Cruise & Safaris, a tourism company in Zimbabwe specialized in luxury packages.
The ship operates multi-day itineraries between Msuna Island -reachable in three hours by road or 30 minutes by air from Victoria Falls- and Lake Kariba.
The cruise experience connects four of Southern Africa’s most iconic destinations in one seamless journey. It includes Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba, and Chobe National Park.
The Zambezi Trader features three decks and offers 29 cabins and suites, accommodating up to 66 passengers. Among the accommodations are 16 fixed twin cabins, five family suites (sleeping up to four guests), and eight luxury suites with king-sized beds. Each unit comes equipped with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, mosquito nets, and private balconies.
Public spaces onboard include a spacious lounge, bar, sun deck, and swimming pool. Guests staying in the luxury suites have exclusive access to additional amenities such as a private dining room, bar, sun deck, pool, and the captain’s wheelhouse with an observation deck. A full-service spa is expected to open in 2026.
Exclusive activities on Zambezi cruises
Cruise itineraries range from two to four nights along a 50-kilometer stretch of the Zambezi in Zimbabwe. Smaller tender boats allow for off-ship excursions into tributaries and hidden bays. Activities include game-viewing, bird-watching, fishing, and sunset cruises.
Starting in 2026, guests will also have access to guided game drives and bush walks in the adjacent Private Devil’s Gorge Conservancy. It is home to four of the “Big Five” (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino). Zambezi Cruise & Safaris holds exclusive access rights to this unfenced wilderness.
Additional cultural excursions include visits to a traditional Tongan Chiefs Kraal, a remote village. In the headquarters of a local anti-poaching initiative, travelers can learn about ongoing conservation efforts.
With its unique itinerary and all-inclusive offerings, the Zambezi Trader brings a new level of comfort and access to one of Southern Africa’s most stunning landscapes.
