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Royal Canoe Trail on the Lower Zambezi, Zambia
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Expected Zambia Safari Vacation Package Experience:
Accommodation: Safari lodges
Activities: Guided canoeing safari, game viewing, game drives / boat cruises, game walk, fishing, birding, picnics
Destinations: Kariba, Lower Zambezi National Park (between Kafue Confluence & Chakwenga Rivers)
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What you can expect from The Royal Canoe Trail:
This Zambia Canoe safari is conducted on the northern banks of the Zambezi River anywhere between the Kafue Confluence and the Chakwenga River (approximately 60km (37.2 miles) of river is covered by canoe). This area is known as the Lower Zambezi. The Royal Canoe Trail is a 5 night / 6 day trip.
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 Transfers (extra cost at published rates)Ex-Kariba (Road and Boat):
If travelling from Kariba, it is required that guests arrive in Kariba the night prior to the start of the Zambezi Canoe safaris to avoid clients being left behind due to delayed flights. The preferred meeting place and time in Kariba on the day of departure is the Cutty Sark Hotel at 9:30am. However, clients requiring pick-ups from other hotels in Kariba will be collected at approximately 9:00-9:30am.
On the last day of the Zambai canoe safari, clients are advised to make hotel reservations for that night, as they will only be dropped off in Kariba at approximately 15:30pm. Clients will not be transferred back to Kariba for any flights departing before 16:00pm.
Self Drive:
Clients self-driving from Lusaka, should be at the Kafue Pontoon launch site at 12:00pm. From here clients are transported to Royal Zambezi Lodge by motorboat (approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes).
Ex-Lusaka / Livingstone (Air):
Clients requiring charters to and from Lusaka / Livingstone for the start of the Zambezi canoe safaris should request this from their agents. This charter service can be arranged on request and at an extra cost. It is strongly recommended that clients charter into Royal Zambezi Lodge (Royal Airstrip) for the start of the Zambezi canoe safaris and out from Mwambashi River Lodge (Jeki Airstrip) at the end of the Zambezi canoe safaris. |
Basic ItineraryDay 1
Clients will be transferred from Kariba to the Kafue River launch site by vehicle, departing Kariba at 10:00am promptly. Customs and immigration formalities are necessary if transfers are from Kariba. Facilitation at both border posts has been organised and the procedure is relatively quick with the transfer across the Dam Wall being enjoyed by all clients. The vehicle transfer from the border to the Kafue River is approximately 2 hours. Clients self-driving from Lusaka, should be at the Kafue Pontoon launch site at 12:00pm.
From here clients are transported to Royal Zambezi Lodge by motorboat (approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes). Clients chartering in from Lusaka, Mfuwe or Livingstone should arrive any time after 10:00am. There will be no canoeing on day 1 of the Zambezi canoe safaris, instead clients will get to participate in one of the afternoon activities on offer at the lodge (either a game drive or walk or an afternoon’s boat cruise or fishing).
Overnight - Royal Zambezi Lodge. |
 Day 2After breakfast, clients will be transferred to Samango Point for a gentle practice canoe run back to Royal Zambezi Lodge. At the guide’s discretion there will be stops along the way on your Zambezi Canoe safaris, for leisurely viewing of the birdlife, Elephant, Crocodile, Hippo and any other wildlife. Lunch at Royal Zambezi Lodge, followed by a siesta and game drive or cruise, sundowners and dinner.
Overnight - Royal Zambezi Lodge. |
Day 3After breakfast, clients will canoe from Royal Zambezi Lodge to Mwambashi River Lodge, stopping for a picnic lunch on the way. An approximate 25km (15.5 mile) stretch of river is covered on your Zambezi canoe safaris.
Overnight - Mwambashi River Lodge. |
 Day 4Early morning departure for game viewing in open 4x4 vehicles in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch and refreshments. Return to Mwambashi River Lodge for a siesta, river cruise, sundowners and dinner.
Overnight - Mwambashi River Lodge. |
Day 5After breakfast set off in canoes from Mwambashi River Lodge to Chakwenga River stopping for a picnic lunch on the way (approximately 20km (12.4 miles) of river will be covered on your Zambezi Canoe safaris). Late afternoon / night game drive back to Mwambashi River Lodge.
Overnight - Mwambashi River Lodge. |
 Day 6After breakfast transfer to Jeki Airstrip for your onward air charter from Jeki to Lusaka, Livingstone or Mfuwe. Alternatively, if opting for the road and boat transfer, you will enjoy a drive through the Lower Zambezi National Park to Royal Zambezi Lodge and an onward boat transfer to the launch site on the Kafue River. Clients will then transfer by road back to Lusaka (self drive) or to Kariba and will only get back at approximately 15:30pm.
No canoeing takes place on the last day! |
Please note that Mwambashi River Lodge and Royal Zambezi Lodge operate as independent lodges, so should clients wish to stay for an extra night before or after the Zambezi Canoe safaris, this is possible at an extra cost, available on request.
No endurance trips are conducted as very relaxed and leisurely pace is preferred. Due to the fact that camps and pick up points are only 20-30kms apart, time is plentiful and hence crack of dawn departures are not frequent for your Zambezi Canoe safaris.
Generally guests are ready for breakfast at approximately 07:30 to 08:00am. After breakfast, guests will pack their luggage, which is transferred to the next camp by boat or vehicle. The clients must carry personal effects on their Zambezi Canoe safaris. |
 Minimum and Maximum paxMinimum to confirm a booking:
2 Non Residents
4 Regional Residents
Maximum:
9 pax (excluding the guide)
Additional pax on request. |
Age RestrictionThe minimum age is 15 years for the Zambezi Canoe safaris. The maximum age limit is dependent on the individual’s fitness and health. |
Experience and FitnessNo previous canoeing experience is necessary for the Zambezi Canoe safaris. The first day on the river is used to familiarise clients with the stability and art of steering the canoe. The Zambezi Canoe safaris is generally relaxing and gentle and no physical exertion is required. Heavy head winds can occur which makes paddling more difficult. Winds are normally experienced in August. |
 Camps, Facilities & Equipment SuppliedThis is one of the few operators on the Zambezi River to offer a unique style of Zambezi Canoe safaris with fully serviced camps on the riverbanks between which the canoe safaris are conducted.
NOTE : There are 2 airstrips:
1. At the start of the safari (Royal Airstrip).
2. Near Mwambashi River Lodge at the end of the safari (Jeki Airstrip) |
Co-ordinates of the AirstripsRoyal Airstrip:
15 Degrees 43 Minutes South
29 Degrees 17 Minutes East
(1200M Good Airstrip)
Jeki Airstrip:
15 Degrees 38 Minutes South
29 Degrees 36 Minutes East
(100M Good Airstrip)
Landing Fees for Royal and Jeki Airstrip are for the clients' account where applicable. |
 Food & Drinks SuppliedAll food is of a high standard on your Zambezi Canoe safaris. All food, meat, fruit and vegetables are fresh and prepared by experienced kitchen staff. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements can be catered for providing staff has been notified well in advance. |
Client RequirementsValid travel and health documents needed for your Zambezi Canoe safarisUS$20.00 per person National Park Entry fees for Lower Zambezi National Park, payable direct in cashUS$5.00 per person per day fishing Permit fee, only applicable if fishing once in the Lower Zambezi National Park (i.e. Mwambashi River Lodge) payable direct in cash Guests are asked to please keep their luggage down to a minimum of +/- 10kg. Excess baggage and valuables can be kept safely at the office in Kariba to collect on your return from your Zambezi Canoe safaris |
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Page: 2 Visa Requirements
Double entry visas for people requiring visas for re-entry into Zimbabwe. It is advisable for all clients to check with the Zambian authorities whether or not they need visas for Zambia, and if necessary obtain their visas prior to departure. Where necess ...
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Notes:
- All accommodation is subject to availability
- All last minute reservations (less then 31 days prior to arrival date) are payable within 48 hours after receiving a confirmed provisional reservation via e-mail.
- As accommodation availability changes from day to day all enquiries about general availability are subject to change without notice. Accommodation availability is only guaranteed once you receive a provisional reservation confirmation. In order to secure your reservation full pre-payment is required.
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Royal Zambezi, Zambia
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This luxury Game Lodge in Zambia can be accessed by regular scheduled flight or charters. Other possibilities are by 4x4 or in a five hour boat ride.
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Zambezi River Activities
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Canoeing safaris on the Zambezi River are led by experienced guides and allow you a close view of game coming to drink, from the comfort of your canoe.
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Royal Zambezi Lodge Activities
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The surrounding area is home to Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard. The Lower Zambezi area is also a bird-watcher's paradise with over 300 different species.
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FAQ's