Paddling the Zambezi

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The Zambezi is the Everest of rivers, but it’s an Everest even first time paddlers can have a bash at (under good supervision.). It’s a big volume, big white water river trip with waves up to 24ft (which you’re tackling in a 16ft raft.) and the added bonus being surrounded by astounding African scenery, meeting some of the more exotic locals and the comfort of sunshine and warm water (around 24 degrees.). This is a proper adventure: from dropping in under the gaspingly thunderous Victoria Falls, riding rapids with names like ‘Oblivion’, ’Devils Toilet Bowl, ’Creamy White Buttocks’ and ‘Stairway to Heaven’, camping in comfort on pristine sandy beaches and being flown out by helicopter at the end of your escapade for an aerial appraisal of your achievement.

A one day trip is like paddlers Disneyland and a four to seven day journey (with a few portages) just keeps getting better. After the initial excitement and scenery of the falls, the rapids are mostly class three and four and well spaced to keep you interested and you’ll rest your paddles overnight on white sandy beaches which look like they‘ve never been dented by footprints. Apart from the falls one of the scenic highlights is 750ft deep gorge of towering black basalt and bush, but it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled along the whole trip for you chance to see hippos, baboons, crocodiles and other wildlife.

Beginners to intermediates can attempt this trip as long as you’re going with a guide. The best time of year for a Zambezi trip is in the low water season between August and October.

Water By Nature Information on The Zambezi

5 / 5 Review by expert member Hamish McMaster

‘Adventure and then some’

The rafting company we went with was very helpful and fun. The experience was amazing. We went during the low flow, big rapid season. I have rafted a number ... Read more »

4 / 5 Review by member yinandyang

‘Navigate the Zambezi’

In 1855 the famous missionary, David Livingstone came upon Mosi-oa-Tunya or “the smoke that thunders” and promptly named them Victoria Falls. These ... Read more »

5 / 5 Review by expert member Ben Mason

‘Difficult and Beautiful’

I've never done this one, but it is known as a very difficult and beautiful river. It begins below the famous Victoria Falls in Africa and is full of big Class ... Read more »

5 / 5 Review by expert member Zach Collier