Recently launched boat the Ra- Ikane named after one of David Livingston’s guide, who led him to the Victoria Falls.
This boat was hand made to our specifications to resemble a turn of the century riverboat and is luxuriously finished with teak superstructure, brass fittings and club chairs giving our guests a taste of Victorian splendour in the heart of Africa.
RA- IKANE
Mono Hull Fiberglass boat, 10,4m x 3,5m with a maximum capacity of 14 Pax plus crew.
2 x 40 hp outboard motors
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
The boat carries the following safety equipment and is surveyed, licensed and insured annually in accordance with the Zimbabwe Inland Waterways and Shipping Act.
Twin Engines
Fire Extinguishers
VHF Radio
Life Rings
Life Jackets
Emergency Exits
First Aid Kit
Running Lights
Hooter
Paddles
SAFETY PROCEDURE
At the outset of the cruise the guide gives the guests a comprehensive safety briefing.
Our boats have a radio link to the town office as well as a dedicated frequency to contact Medical Air Rescue Service (MARS), a private ambulance service based in Victoria Falls. All our guests are covered in case of injury for the duration of their activity by our policy with M.A.R.S. In addition the Duty Manager is equipped with a hand held radio and maintains a “listening watch” while the cruise is in progress.
OTHER FEATURES
Ra-Ikane is equipped with the following features on board:
Toilet
Bar
Canvas sides with windows that can be lowered in the event of rain.
THE PRODUCT
The area of the Zambezi that we conduct our cruises on is one of outstanding natural, scenic beauty with a wide diversity of game and bird life. Large animals such as elephants, hippo and crocodiles are frequent sightings, as this area lies within Zambezi National Park. Being a mono hull, the boat has a low profile in the water and guests are comfortably seated closer to the water line than on the conventional pontoon cruise boats. The boat has a carpeted deck with comfortable club chairs and teak topped tables each seating a maximum of 3 PAX. The boat is staffed with a boat captain; guide, hostess and waiter to ensure that all the guests needs are taken care of. With a flat deck there is plenty of room to get up and move around during the cruise, in fact, this is encouraged so that the guest’s experience is maximized.
RA-IKANE LUNCH CRUISE
Pick Up Time: 11:45
Duration: 2 Hours
Includes: Transfer, full bar, cold meats and salads buffet Lunch, Tea/coffee, cheese and biscuits.
Minimum No: 4
On this trip guests are offered drinks at the outset and during the course of the cruise. The tables are set out with condiments and a buffet meal. The bar on board is fully stocked with a range of local spirits, wine, beer, soft drinks, mineral water and cordials.
RA-IKANE SUNSET CRUISE
Pick Up Time: 6:00 winter (May to August) 15:30 Summer (August to April) 1
Duration: 2 Hours
Includes: Transfer, tea/coffee, full bar and snacks.
Minimum Pax: 2
On this cruise the guests are welcomed with a cocktail on the boat whilst given a safety talk and a brief history of the river on the outset of the trip. Whilst on the cruise the guests are offered drinks from the fully stocked bar and a range of mouth watering snacks.
SUNSET CRUISE:
Pick up Times: Summer (Aug – April) – 16h00 Winter (May – Aug) – 15h30
Duration: 2 hours
Includes: Transfer, Full local bar and Snacks.
Excludes: River usage fees
Guests are picked up from their hotel in Victoria Falls and transferred to the boat jetty. On arrival
guests are welcomed onto the boat. Upon seating, you will be given a safety briefing and a brief
history of the river on the outset of the trip. You then cruise on the Zambezi River downstream
towards the Falls down to Palm Island before turning around and cruising back upstream. You will
get to view hippos, crocodiles as well as an abundance of birdlife. Whilst on the cruise the guests
are offered drinks from the fully stocked bar and a range of mouth watering snacks. After
watching the sun set over the river, you will cruise back downstream to the jetty. After
disembarking, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
DINNER CRUISE – while docked at the jetty:
Guests are picked up from their hotel in Victoria Falls and transferred to the boat jetty. On arrival
guests are welcomed onto the boat. Upon seating, you will be given a safety briefing and a brief
history of the river on the outset of the trip. You then cruise on the Zambezi River downstream
towards the Falls down to Palm Island before turning around and cruising back upstream. You will
get to view hippos, crocodiles as well as an abundance of birdlife. Whilst on the cruise the guests
are offered drinks from the fully stocked bar and a range of mouth watering snacks. After
watching the sun set over the river, you will cruise back downstream to the jetty where you will
dock on the jetty have enjoy your dinner. After disembarking, you will be transferred back to your
hotel.
Menu Options:
- A starter of butternut, carrot or mushroom soup
,li>Main course consists of chicken breast, beef or pork sausages and steak
- A election of three salads are provided mainly potato salad, green salad and coleslaw salad
- An apple pie and fruit salad with cream are served as dessert
- A full bar with local wines and beers are also provided
Transfers are included in the rate.
Park fees are excluded in the rate.
Minimum of 6 clients
Dinner Cruise – while cruising on the boat:
Min pax of two
Max pax of twenty eight.
Pick up times – Summer – 17.45pm from the hotel. Winter – 17.00pm from the
hotel.
Cruise returns approx 20h30 (summer) Cruise returns approx 20h00 (winter)
The dinner menu is a set menu:
Dry Snacks for sundowners
Starter: Butternut (winter) Gazpacho (cold) soup (summer)
Main Course: Pan Fried Zambezi Bream – served with tarter sauce, baby potatoes in an herb
butter sauce and fresh vegetables in season.
Dessert: Apple pie and hot brandy custard (winter) Fresh Fruit Salad and Cream (summer)
Please note that dietary requirements are essential
DRINKS: Local drinks which are included in the price.(Specials can be requested at a surcharge)
LUNCH CRUISE
Pick up Times: 11h45 Duration: 2 hours
Min number: 6
Includes: Transfer, Full local bar, cold meats and salads buffet Lunch, Tea/coffee, cheese and
biscuits.
Lunch Menu is the same as the dinner.
SUNRISE CRUISE:
Guests are picked up from their hotel in Victoria Falls and transferred to the jetty. On arrival
guests are welcomed onto the boat and given a safety briefing and a brief history of the river on
the outset of the trip. You then cruise on the Zambezi River downstream towards the Falls down
to Palm Island. Watch the sun rise over the horizon as you drift along the Zambezi River listening
to the sounds of nature. After the sun rise, you will cruise back upstream close to the islands
looking for an early rising game before proceeding to the jetty. After disembarking, you will be
transferred back to your hotel.
Pick up Times: 05h30 (06h00 – winter)
Duration: 1.5 hours Min number: 4
Includes: Transfers, tea, coffee, mineral water, rusks
Excludes: National Park fees
Route: A’Zambezi jetty towards Palm Island return round Kalundu Island (birdlife)
Dock 07h30 (Winter – 08h00)
BREAKFAST CRUISE
Pick up Times:
Summer (Aug – April) – 06h30
Winter (May – Aug) – 07h00
Duration: 2 hours
Includes: Transfer, Tea/coffee, pastries and full English breakfast
Min Number: 4