Full day canoeing excursion on the Upper Zambezi

Activity Snapshot

Fitness level: Occasionally sporty
Duration: full day
Spoken languages: English
Minimum age: From 7 years-old and up
Cancellation policy: moderate More info
Opening seasons:

Activity description

The canoeing trail operates above the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe on the stretch of the Zambezi River, between Siansimba Islands and the National Park entrance, running along the banks of the Zambezi National Park.

This section of the river is quite unlike the better-known section below Lake Kariba. 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.

The canoe trail passes along the banks of the Zambezi National Park, where clients have a good opportunity of viewing various species of animals, such as elephants, buffaloes, impala, kudu, hippo, crocodile etc. The birdlife is prolific with at least 50 common species of bird that can be seen from your canoe.

The Upper Zambezi River is regarded as free flow, as a dam cannot control the water flow and as such the water is subject to seasonal variation. Floods begin in November and normally peak in April/May. Therefore, throughout the season the route varies as new channels open with the rise in water level.

Course of events

Pick up from Vic Falls accommodation:
Between 6:45am - 7:00am

Drop off at Vic Falls accommodation:
Between 2:00pm - 2:30pm

Turnaround outing duration is approx 7 hours.

The canoeing trail operates above the Victoria Falls on the 15km stretch of the Zambezi River between Chundu and the Mine Fields take out point, next to the National Park entrance, running along the banks of the Zambezi National Park. 

- You will be picked up from lodging and transferred to Adventure Lodge for check in.
- You'll be able to enjoy a game drive from the National Park's entrance (approximately 40 minutes) to the canoe start point, which is upriver at the Chundu campsite.
- On arrival you're given a safety talk by a professional river guide.
- During the safety briefing, you will be served a light breakfast, with tea and coffee. You'll then practise your paddling skills before setting off on your canoe safari.
- Please note that you will paddle yourself down the river, following your professional canoe guide, who will lead you down the various channels of the Zambezi river.
- You'll then canoe the channels of the Zambezi river, exploring and discovering the diverse fauna, flora, birdlife and wildlife in this area.
- Lunch is served on the banks of the Zambezi and consists of cold meats, rolls, salad and orange juice.
- The excursion ends at the Mine fields take out point. You'll be transferred back to your respective lodging by 2:30pm (approximately 10 minutes to Vic Falls Hotels).

Included
  • Dry bags for cameras and valuables
  • Inflatable crocodile canoes
  • Double sided paddles
  • X-treme high flotation life jackets
  • Lunch and some drinks
  • Light breakfast
  • Park fees: $10/pp
Do not forget to bring
  • Shorts and t-shirt
  • Closed shoes
  • Sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat
100% secure payments
by credit card or Paypal
Meeting point
You will be picked up at your accommodation anywhere in the Victoria Falls area Zimbabwe, Not Zambia Get directions

Cancellation policy

Cancellation 10 days or more prior to the agreed activity date
You will be automatically refunded for the full amount for the activity
10 days
Cancellation between 4 and 10 days prior to the agreed activity date
You are entitled to a 50% refund
4 days
Cancellation 4 days or later prior to the agreed activity date
No refund will be possible
Weather Guarantee
Regardless of the date, if the activity is cancelled due to bad weather conditions, you will be offered a refund or the chance to reschedule

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canoe excursion down the Zambezi