Upper Zambezi Canoeing, Zambia

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

The Zambia tour 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 when on your canoe safari in Zambia.

Equipment

Sixteen-foot inflatable rafts and crocodile canoes are used on your canoe safari in Zambia. America’s Cup high flotation life jackets are supplied to clients before the days canoeing.

Experience & Fitness

No previous experience is required and clients need not be proficient swimmers when on their canoe safari in Zambia.

Minimum and Maximum PAX

Age Restriction

The minimum age for canoe trips using crocodiles is 12 years.
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 when on your canoe safari in Zambia.

Video & Photographs

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

Visa Requirements

Passports are required to cross the Zambian border. For a half or full day trip, visas for Zambia and re-entry into Zimbabwe are not included in the price of the canoe safari in Zambia. For overnight trips, clients are usually exempt from visa payments into Zambia, providing they are on the manifest. Details are required a minimum of 72 hours prior to date of departure.

The passport details that are required include full name, date of birth, type of passport (i.e. British), passport number, date of issue and date of expiry. 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 the office.

Safari Options

Half Day Safari:

The Zambia tour operates above Victoria Falls in Zambia on the 15km (9.3 mile) 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.

Full Day Safari

The canoe safari in Zambia operates above Victoria Falls in Zambia on the 15km (9.3 mile) 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.

Multi Day Safaris

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

Guides & Safety

Guides are fully trained 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 canoe safari in Zambia. A comprehensive first aid kit is carried on each canoe safari in Zambia. 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).

Insurance

All clients are covered by Medical Air Rescue Services (MARS), however, this only covers them for emergency evacuation in life threatening situations. It does not cover their hospitalisation and medication.

As such travel and medical insurance is compulsory for all clients. Please ensure clients bring the details of their insurance policy with them. Clients will not be covered should they not have insurance.