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Victoria Falls Canoeing

Excellent game and bird watching on the Zambezi River whilst feasting on the beautiful scenery...

Victoria Falls canoeing above the Falls on the upper Zambezi is the perfect activity for those who not only want to see the abundant bird and animal life but also want to experience the peace, tranquillity and beauty of the Zambezi River. The river is a kilometre wide and in places a bit more. It has an indescribable beauty with crystal clear waters and a myriad of islands and channels to explore.

No Previous Experience Needed...

The birdlife is phenomenal with rare beauties like the African Finfoot, half collared kingfisher, palm thrush and numerous others species. Elephants and other game is often encountered on the Zimbabwean side so whether you are an avid bird watcher, wildlife fan or just want to experience the peace and tranquillity of this mighty river, I would highly recommend an “Above the Victoria Falls Canoeing Trip” it’s a great way to get to know this outstanding location.

Sections of the upper river do have some white water rapids, nothing like the rapids below the falls but enough to get your heart racing. There are days trips and overnight canoe trips on offer so make sure when booking you are clear on what you prefer. For information about overnight canoe trips click here.

Cameras and videos can be taken on the trip with the guides keeping them safe in a waterproof bag in the wetter sections.

On these canoe trips, guests paddle their own canoes/kayaks following their experienced canoe guide. You don't have to be a canoeing expert and a life-jacket will be provided.

The trip starts with pickup from your hotel or lodge at around 7am and an early morning game drive through the Zambezi National Park. At the put-in point, a continental breakfast is served while your canoe guide gives you a safety briefing, instructions and information on the condition of the river and what to expect.

After breakfast and the briefing, it's time to experience the Zambezi River. Today's trip explores 18kms of this amazing river, it's surroundings and channels whilst game viewing and bird watching.

A tasty lunch will be served either by the river's edge or on an island and then continue further down the river. At the take-out point at the end of the canoe trip, refreshments will be served and an open game drive vehicle will transfer you out of the Zambezi National Park and to your accommodation at around 14h30.

Canoe Float

Canoe floats are shorter trips exploring heavily wooded islands and the channels that run through them. A picnic and drinks are served on one of the islands during the trip, which lasts about 3 hours including the return road transfers.

There are morning and afternoon canoe float trips, and they are great way to just get out for a few hours if you don't wish to go for half a day or more, to experience the Zambezi River. You will not experience rapids on this trip, but you will see various game along the banks of the river the likes of elephants, hippos, kudu, and impala.

The minimum age for a canoe float is 10 years.

What You Need to Know About Victoria Falls Canoeing

• No previous experience is required and clients do NOT need to be proficient swimmers
• Minimum number is 4 people and maximum of 24 people. Larger groups on request using canoes and inflatable rafts.
• The minimum age for canoe trips is 7 years (accompanied by a parent/guardian). There is no maximum age.
• The appropriate dress required is shorts, T-Shirts (warm clothes during winter - April to August), shoes, sunscreen, polarised sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat
• You may want to slap on some mosquito repellent as well
• Dry bags are provided for cameras and valuables.

Overnight Canoeing Trips

For overnight canoeing trips, please click here.

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