Tourists to Enjoy Luxury Night Cruises as Zambia Launches Zambezi Experience
The Government of the Republic of Zambia has officially launched the Lady Livingstone Dinner Cruise on the Zambezi River, in a move aimed at diversifying the country’s tourism offerings and enhancing premium visitor experiences.
The event, officiated by Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba, was held at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa and attracted senior government officials, diplomats and key tourism stakeholders.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Sikumba described the dinner cruise as a strategic addition to Zambia’s tourism portfolio, highlighting growing investor confidence in Livingstone.
“This dinner cruise represents more than a new tourism product, it reflects the evolution of tourism experiences on the Zambezi River. It demonstrates our commitment to product diversification, enhancing visitor experiences and increasing tourism value,” he said.
He added that the initiative aligns with the Government’s vision of building a 24-hour tourism economy, enabling visitors to enjoy both daytime cultural activities and premium night-time experiences.
Meanwhile, Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali highlighted the importance of efficient infrastructure in supporting tourism investments.
“Efficient transport and logistics systems are critical to unlocking the full potential of tourism investments such as this. Government remains committed to improving connectivity and ensuring seamless access to key destinations,” he said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Evans Muhanga, noted that the launch reflects growing momentum in the sector, driven by collaboration between Government and the private sector.
“This development demonstrates what can be achieved through partnership. It is a testament to our shared vision of transforming Livingstone into a world-class tourism destination,” he said.
Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai welcomed the investment, citing its potential to stimulate local economic growth and job creation.
“This initiative will enhance Livingstone’s tourism appeal while creating opportunities for our people through employment and increased business activity,” she said.
General Manager of the lodge, Chris Stander, said the cruise has been designed to deliver a unique and immersive experience on the river, meeting international hospitality standards.
The introduction of the dinner cruise builds on existing offerings such as breakfast and lunch cruises, forming part of a broader strategy to diversify tourism products, increase visitor spending and extend stays.
Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting the sector through infrastructure development and initiatives such as the Green, Resilient and Transformational Tourism Development Project (GREAT-TDP).
