Victoria Falls Canoeing

 Canoe on the mighty Zambezi River above Victoria Falls - single and multi-day trips available...

Two-man inflatable kayaks are highly buoyant, easy to maneuver and have a very shallow draft - ideal for this river.

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, tranquility and beauty of the Zambezi River. This section on the Zambezi River from Kazangula to Victoria Falls is slow moving in some sections but has fast flowing white-water in others. It has an incredible beauty, with crystal clear waters and a myriad of islands and channels to explore.

Canoe along the Zambezi
 

It's Wild and Wonderful...

The entire Zimbabwean bank, on this section of river is National Park. There is the occasional Safari Lodge along the way but it is mostly wild and wonderful. The birdlife is fantastic, with rare beauties like the African Finfoot, half collared kingfisher and collared palm thrush, to name just a few.

Naturally, being the Zambezi, there is an abundance of hippos and crocodiles. Your river guide is well trained and experienced in how to navigate these wild animals safely. Elephant, giraffe, buffalo, waterbuck, kudu, zebra, baboon and impala, along with other species of game are often seen on the Zimbabwean river bank.

So whether you are an avid bird watcher, wildlife fanatic or just want to experience the peace and tranquility of this mighty river, an “Above the Victoria Falls Canoeing Trip” it’s a great way to get to know this beautiful part of the world.

There is a variety of scenery along the Zambezi River

Some sections of the upper river have 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, which cover different parts of the river, so make sure when booking you are clear on what you prefer. For information about overnight canoe trips click here.

Some sections of the river have class 2 rapids

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  inflatable kayaks, following their experienced river guide. You don't have to be a canoeing expert and basic training is given if needed. Life-jackets are provided and are mandatory.

Sometimes the wind can pick-up a bit and the paddling gets tough, so a degree of fitness is helpful. At other times of year it's breathless and you can find yourself effortlessly gliding downstream with the current. I really do recommend contacting us for more details on these canoe / kayak trips along the upper Zambezi. The times of year and your expectations can dramatically affect your experience.

Day trips start with a 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 light breakfast is served while your river 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 get into your inflatable kayak and familiarize yourself with maneuvering it around. Then paddle out into the current and start experiencing the Zambezi River.

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 14h00.

What You Need to Know About Victoria Falls Canoeing

• No previous kayaking experience is required and clients do NOT need to be proficient swimmers.
• There are hippos and crocodiles in this river. The river guides are trained and experienced to navigate them, but if you are very nervous of wild animals then this trip is not suited for you.
• At certain times of year, the wind can pick-up and paddling gets a bit tough, so a degree of fitness is an advantage.
• 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 inflatable kayaks are self-bailing, meaning if water does come over the side into the kayak, it will drain out by itself. However, your feet or shoes will get wet. (hence the need for sandals and quick drying clothes.
• The appropriate dress required is quick-drying shorts, T-Shirts (warm clothes during winter - April to August), shoes (sandals), polarised sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat.
• The sun is intense throughout the year so sunscreen is essentail.
• If you are doing an overnight trip then some mosquito repellent is essential.
• Dry bags are provided for cameras and valuables.

Overnight Canoeing Trips

For overnight canoeing trips, please click here.



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