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Victoria Falls White Water Rafting

Considered the best One Day White Water Rafting in the World.....

Victoria Falls White Water Rafting was really the first of the adrenaline activities to start in Victoria Falls in the early 1980's. It was through this sport that adrenaline addicts travelled from all over the world to have a go on what is rated as one of the best rafting trips in the world.

Rafting Trips run from both the Zimbabwe and Zambian sides, and operators on both sides are highly professional. Trips are typically half day (12 rapids) or full day trips (23 rapids). The shorter trips simply mean that you exit the gorge at a different place. Exiting the gorge involves a steep climb of about 250m, although helicopter lifts are available, at a cost.

Contrary to what some people think, it's not one long rapid there are calm stretches of water in between these monster grade 5 rapids. This gives you plenty of time to chat and laugh with your fellow rafters, take in the breathtaking scenery, and view birds and other wildlife.

A Day you will remember for the rest of your life...

I guarantee this will be one of those days that you will remember for the rest of your life.

The intensity of rafting varies throughout the year due to the fluctuating levels of water plunging through the gorges. On the whole lower water levels means higher thrill levels. This is because when the water levels are very high, they flood the rocks and outcrops which are the formation of the rapids. As water levels drop rocks get closer to the surface and the white water starts to really boil and crash through the gorge.

Your safety is of high importance...

Safety is of paramount importance to these operators and they are extremely experienced in judging the safety of water levels.

Whatever time of year you go you are going to get wet.. very wet. But the low water runs from August through to early January are by far the most thrilling.

Please note here that this differs from year to year as it is totally dictated by rainfall. I was there in December this year and due to the heavy rainfall the river had risen so much that they had already changed to the high water run. This is not nearly as exciting, so please be aware that if rafting is your main focus plan on coming between August and November.

Names of rapids like Stairway to Heaven, The Terminators, Deep Throat, Devils Toilet Bowl and Oblivion, give you a small insight of what to expect.

Appropriate clothing would be swimming shorts and a T shirt a base ball style cap and some old footwear. You will be supplied with safety gear such as life jackets and helmets.

Its like spending the day in the dishwasher so don't think of taking and any valuables, including cameras and spectacles, unless they are absolutely vital.

Links to the 2 main Victoria falls white water rafting companies are listed below. 2 or 3 other licences have been issued and these companies are in their infancy and have yet to prove their safety records.

I used to work for Shearwater and went on a trip with them in December 08. I could not find fault with anything - Our guide Sean was brilliant, the equipment was good and so were the safety standards, I would highly recommend them for your Victoria Falls White Water rafting trip.