Canoeing location on the upper Zambezi

The Canoeing Trail operates above Victoria Falls in Zambia on the 15km stretch of the Upper Zambezi River between Simonga and Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, running between the Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe and the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia.

Canoe Safari Options

Full (SPC2) and half day canoe safaris (SPC1)

Clients are collected from any hotel in Victoria Falls or Livingstone between 0700 and 0730 and are transferred across the Rhodes Bridge to Zambia. Tea, coffee and bacon & egg rolls are served at check in, followed by a safety talk by a professional river guide before the day's canoeing. Lunch is served on an island or on the banks of the Zambezi River. The morning is spent running rapids and exploring the channels. The trip ends with a drive through the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park with refreshments. Clients are dropped off in Victoria Falls at about 1630 or at their relevant drop off point in Livingstone.

Please note that NO lunch is served on a half-day safari. Clients are dropped off at approximately 14:30. Half day Safaris are only available in the mornings, unless by specific request for larger groups.

Multi day canoe safaris (SPC3)

Overnight, 2 day-1 night & 2 day-2 night safaris are on offer on a request basis only unless pre-booked and are largely water level dependent.

PLEASE NOTE: If clients participate in a Full Day Canoe Trail and Overnight at Thorntree Lodge and they wish to participate in any activities, these will be at an additional cost as the rate for Thorntree is on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis only.  Clients overnighting at the Waterfront are placed in tented accommodation on a room only basis.

Physical features of the River

This section of the river is quite unlike the better known section below Lake Kariba. The Upper Zambezi River is regarded as FREE FLOW as a dam does not control it and as such the water is subject to seasonal variation. Floods begin in December and normally peak in April/May. Therefore, throughout the season the route varies as new channels open with the rise in water level. The Upper Zambezi has numerous heavily wooded islands, which are dissected by channels that may be several kilometres in length and vary in width from one to twenty metres.

The vegetation predominately consists of ebonies, waterberries, palms and a tremendous variety of acacia and Albizia. The rapids are small and at their peak are only classed as grade two, which is the second easiest grade.

Wildlife on the Zambezi River

The Canoe Trail passes through the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, where clients have a good opportunity of viewing the endangered White Rhino, the only concentration on the Zambezi River. There are at least 50 common species of bird that can be seen from your craft.

Canoeing gear supplied

Sixteen-foot inflatable rafts and crocodile canoes are used. America's Cup high flotation life jackets are supplied to clients before the days canoeing.

Experience and fitness

No previous experience is required and clients need not be proficient swimmers.

Group bookings

Minimum number is 2 pax and maximum of 24 pax. Larger groups on request using canoes and inflatable rafts.
Minimum number on multi day trips - 2 pax.
Maximum number on multi day trips - 20 pax

Age restrictions for canoeing

The minimum age for canoe trips using crocodiles is 15 years (depending on the size of the child). The minimum age for raft floats (using 16ft inflatable rafts) is on request.  There is no maximum age.

Client requirements

The appropriate dress required is shorts, T-shirts, shoes and sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat. Dry bags are provided for cameras and valuables.

Videos and photographs

Videos and photographs will be provided on request for group bookings only and will be shown the same evening.

Passports required for entry into Zambia

The visa fee required for a day trip is included in the price of the canoe trip. Clients are usually exempt from visa payments into Zambia for overnight trips, providing they are on the Victoria Falls Safari Network manifest. Details are required 48 hours prior to date of departure.

The Passport details that are required include: name, date of birth, passport number and type (i.e. British, American etc..) date of issue and expiry and place of issue.

PLEASE NOTE: that where necessary they would then be liable for the re-entry Visa fee into Zimbabwe (unless they had already purchased a double entry visa when first arriving in Zimbabwe). If this is not clear, please check with your Saf Par office.

Guides and Safety on the Zambezi

Guides are fully trained professionals and all hold valid first aid certificates. Whilst every precaution is taken, it is essential that agents make clients aware that an indemnity form must be signed before participating on this Safari. A comprehensive first aid kit is carried on each trip. The trip leader is in radio contact with bases in Victoria Falls and Livingstone and direct with M.A.R.S. (Medical Air Rescue Service).

Find out more about the Lower Zambezi Canoe Safaris

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Zambezi Head Office
Tel: +44 (1548) 830059
Africa House, Poundwell St, Modbury, UK