We cap off two days in Victoria Falls with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. It’s a popular activity and maybe a dozen boats go out each night — my tour mates Klaus & Renate have signed up too, and we are on the same vessel. They’ve quickly become two of my favorite people and I’m so glad to share this with them.

A drummer and group of dancers perform on the path leading to the boat launching area.

I’m pleased to see that we’re on a small vessel. It’s a nice mix of families and couples, not a giant rowdy booze cruise — the drinks are certainly flowing but it’s a relaxed vibe instead of a party atmosphere.

Right out of the gate we spot an elephant on the banks of the river. He emerges from the bush and doesn’t seem bothered by our proximity.

Beverage service is provided throughout the cruise and everyone gets a small plate of snacks.

Here’s a few of the other boats out on the river tonight:

We take our time meandering around the topography of the river, floating past reeds and tiny islands and bloats of hippos. (A group of hippos is called a pod, herd, dale, or bloat. Thanks Wikipedia.)

First we see the mama hippo… and then three babies stick their heads out of the water! Baby hippos are my favorite.

The ferocious hippo yawn — I can’t believe their jaws open that wide:

More hippo heads checking us out:

Almost sunset time.

Here are some shots of Klaus & Renate from Germany. They are major travelers — he recently got back from a motorcycle trip in Vietnam, and they are both down in Nicaragua as I type this. In addition to their adventurous spirits, they are two if the kindest and most generous souls and I am so grateful to know them.

Once the sun has officially set, the sky turns the most delicious color of pink and purple.

Back on land we pass by the same group of dancers… only this time, they’ve added fire to their repertoire.

This was a lovely way to spend two hours.

Thanks to Adventure Zone and Tourism Services Zimbabwe for hosting my Zambezi River Sunset Cruise. Opinions are my own.