A Birdwatcher’s Delight Onboard The Ra-Ikane River Cruise

Ra-Ikane — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 11:09:00 +0000

2018 has been marked ‘The year of the Bird’ to honour the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In celebration of this, we’d like to share with you the very best way to experience the magnificent birdlife that Zimbabwe has to offer, while on board Ilala Lodge Hotel’s luxury fleet of river boats, Ra-Ikane.

With over 600 confirmed species of birds to be seen in Zimbabwe – over 400 can be found in Victoria Falls. Many of which are extremely rare and can only be spotted in select locations, such as along the banks of the Zambezi River – making it a bird lover’s paradise!

Carmine bee-eaters tunnelling in banks of the Zambezi River – Lesanne Dunlop

The best time for bird watching is during the rainy season from November through to April, this is when birdlife thrives against a beautiful flora that surrounds the river’s edge. This is also the best time to spot the migratory birds that have returned home with their full breeding plumage – a spectacular sight to behold. The colder winter months also offer great opportunities to spot eagles and a variety of birds of prey as they appear to perform their fascinating courtship displays.

A Black Heron using its wings to mimic shade to capture the small fish which are lured into a false shelter, and then eaten!

Commonly sighted birds include the African Fish eagle – Zimbabwe’s national bird, the Rock Pratincole – a localised intra-African migrant found on the rocky islands above Victoria Falls. The Red Eyed dove, Black Heron and the White Crowned lapwing.

If luck is on your side, you may also get to see an African skimmer, a rare and endangered species, of which Victoria Falls is fortunate enough to host up to 20 breeding pairs within the area! Also less frequently spotted is a Pel’s Fishing owl which inhabits dense riverine vegetation and only hunts for fish at night. The owl is one of only three species of fishing owl found in Africa.

A rare sighting of a trio of African Skimmers

The lesser-spotted Pel’s Fishing owl

Birdwatching while on board Ra-Ikane is a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Our boats are carefully manoeuvred by experienced and skilled captains, who take you closer to the river’s edge and into narrow river channels to get right up close for the best view of the flurry of birdlife. Guests on board the Ra-Ikane can pick up the Ra-Ikane birding booklet, which details a checklist of bird species which can be spotted within the area.

African skimmers and crocodile on the banks of the Zambezi River

As every bird lover will know, the time of day is a crucial factor when deciding to go birdwatching. That’s why we offer a morning Birdwatching Cruise which promises magnificent sightings of birds awakening as the dawn of a new day begins over the calm waters of the Zambezi River. While board our Birdwatching Cruise, enjoy a selection of delicious teas, coffees and freshly baked croissants, while keeping an eye out for the rich assortment of birdlife flying around you.

Coffee and croissants served on board the Ra-Ikane Birdwatching cruise

Our guests are guaranteed sightings of the wide selection of birdlife while on board any of our Breakfast, Lunch or Sunset Cruises. To book your bird watching cruise with Ilala Lodge and Ra-Ikane, simply click here or email us at [email protected].

Cruise With Us

Ra-Ikane — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 10:45:00 +0000

The Ra-Ikane River boats – owned by Ilala Lodge Hotel – are a fleet of monohulled boats that originate from a rich history of David Livingstone’s extraordinary expeditions along the Zambezi River. Comprising of three luxury river cruise boats, the Ra-Ikane exudes a grace of a bygone era. If you are wondering where the name came from for the Ra-Ikane I, II and III, it was in honour of the instrumental guide, Lazarus Ra-Ikane, who accompanied Livingstone in his monumental discovery of the majestic Victoria Falls.

The Ra-Ikane Fleet on the Zambezi River

Furnished with a sense of old-world charm

A voyage onboard Ra-Ikane consists of a selection of luxurious cruises. These include a breakfast, lunch, birdwatching and sunset cruise. The boats can also be hired for private charter, should you desire a more personal cruise or would like to celebrate a special and memorable occasion along the Zambezi River.

Each vessel is 10.4 metres long, 3.5 metres wide and comfortably holds up to 16 guests and a welcoming crew. Furnished with the finest quality teak chairs and tables, the boat exudes a sense of old-world charm. Seats can be arranged to suit your party size, while collapsible tables ensure you are poised for the best viewing spot – so you won’t miss out on the exceptional wildlife that can be viewed along the way.

The low profile and slim structure of the boats allow effortless gliding through the water. Drifting gently in and out of narrow channels on the river – bringing you closer to the flora and fauna scattered along its banks. Two outboard motors supply ample power for the boats to cruise against the current of the Zambezi River. The small motors are quiet enough to soundlessly approach both wildlife and birdlife, bringing you closer to the action, without ever disturbing the animals in their natural habitat.

Ra-Ikane Boat Captains

Each Ra-Ikane River Cruise boat is staffed with a professional and knowledgeable Boat Captain, equipped with vast experience of the area as well as the animals that inhabit it. Accompanying him, is a helpful and welcoming waiter who delivers exceptional service to ensure you experience utmost indulgence as you sit back, relax and soak in the wild surroundings.

A selection of delicious food and beverages can be enjoyed on all of our cruises, no matter the time or day! For early-risers and keen bird lovers, the Birdwatching Cruise promises exceptional sightings of feathered-wildlife as you cruise along the river. It can also be combined with our Breakfast Cruise, which offers a full continental breakfast and a variety of freshly brewed teas, coffees and juices. A feast awaits you onboard the Lunch Cruise with an abundant buffet of cold meats, fresh salads and other delicacies prepared by The Palm Restaurant which was recently awarded a TripAdvisor 2018 – Certificate of Excellence. A bottomless-selection of ice-cold beverages will keep you feeling refreshed and hydrated while out in the midday sun. Take some time out from your busy safari itinerary to join our Sunset Cruise, where a wide array of gourmet snacks accompanied by a selection of premium drinks will be served, as you soak up the last rays of sunshine for the day.

Gourmet meal selection on board the Ra-Ikane Lunch Cruise

Elephant spotted roaming the edge of the Zambezi River bank

Whichever cruise you choose, remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring along a light jacket and of course your camera or binoculars, a hat and sunglasses, and remember to be on the lookout during your two-hour journey exploring the river for the amazing birdlife and wildlife dispersed along the banks.

For further information on how to book your Ra-Ikane River Cruise today, stop by the Guest Activities Desk at Ilala Lodge Hotel, send us an email at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

A Ra-Ikane Sunset Cruise