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Yoliswa Dube recently in Victoria Falls
FOR the taste of the finer things in life and an invigorating experience, get on board a five star Zambezi Explorer luxury vessel as it cruises upstream the Zambezi River, above the Victoria Falls. A brilliant opportunity to harvest some energy and gather your thoughts, the cruise provides a stunning setting and perhaps one of the most spectacular river scenes to be experienced in Africa.

The sunset’s rays from the signature deck and its reflection on the river as the cruise meanders through the islands are soothing. The cruise is a luxury safari on water as you get a close-up of nature while you cruise the tranquil scenery of the unspoilt river with frequent sightings of pods of hippo, buffalo and other wildlife.

The air just smells much fresher when you arrive at the Zambezi River Cruise Terminal, and are welcomed with a refreshing towel and a glass of iced tea. Once on board the boat, all you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy Zambezi style gourmet cuisine, excellent service and the remarkable scenery. It was a pleasant discovery that the cruise charge was on an “all you can drink and eat” basis.

I sat back, relaxed and ordered my way up the river as I took in the fresh air and admired the scenery. I thought of nothing else and for two hours all my worries peeled away as the waiter offered me some beef carpaccio, the most perfect Italian starter. The recipe uses thinly sliced raw beef tenderloin.

The platters kept coming – crocodile and vegetable kebabs, salmon, sushi, chicken, venison, fine cheese and a wide range of cured and smoked meats and accompanying condiments. My glass never ran dry as waiters kept asking, “Are you okay?” or “Can I get you anything else?” On offer were some of the world’s most premium beverages. A good friend of mine calls it the “booze cruise” — it is certainly a comfortable one.

The boat is a great place to network. Different people from different parts of the world meet and have an opportunity to form lasting relationships as well as engage in progressive discussions. It is ideal for business meetings or simply an opportunity for one to cut themselves some slack after a busy day in the resort town.

I was a sad trooper after the sun had set and the cruise was over but I was definitely the most relaxed I have been in a long time. The Zambezi Explorer comprises three decks, the Signature Deck and two luxury decks. Each cruise leaves from the Zambezi River Cruise Terminal and takes approximately two hours.

The cruises are scheduled every breakfast, lunch, sunset and dinner and reservations may be done in advance. The Zambezi Explorer is also available for private hire for corporate or social events, complete with Wi-Fi and audio visual support. Alternatively, a deck can be reserved for a private function and will be solely for your use. It is a custom designed five-star cruise boat which renders relaxation and reflection to its discerning passengers.

The Zambezi Explorer is a beautifully crafted work of marine engineering. The vessel accommodates up to 140 passengers, each with an outward view of the river. Wide stairways link three decks which all have full bars and toilet facilities. The lower luxury deck allows wheelchair access.

In the galley, a state of the art kitchen serves a healthy selection of canapés while catering for varying, specialised dietary requirements using the freshest of ingredients. All onboard electrical functions are powered by solar energy through an intricate network of photo-voltaic cells in an attempt to promote a greener destination. The Zambezi Explorer luxury deck costs $55 per person while the Signature Deck costs $80 per person.

But once the Zambezi Explorer has docked after the sunset cruise at approximately 6.30PM, passengers on the boat may elect to stay on board to enjoy dinner and drinks. The Signature Lounge opens its doors to walk in guests, subject to availability. As the sun sinks into the Zambezi River, the Signature Lounge comes to life as the serenity turns into an A-list party.

Music fills the airways to provide a relaxed atmosphere in this beautiful setting as platters, wine and signature cocktails are served. Guests on board the Signature Lounge are served a range of cocktails including, Martinis, Long Island iced tea, Cosmopolitans and Pina Coladas. The Lounge has become famous for its range of signature Mojito cocktails.

The Signature Lounge is the only night time venue on the river and offers a scheduled transfer service to Victoria Falls at 8.30PM, thereafter an approved taxi service is available.

The Luxury Deck sunset cruise and Signature Lounge combination costs $85 per person while the Signature Deck sunset cruise and Signature Lounge combination costs $110 per person.