Verdanti
Africa
Chundu Island wildlife
Our Heartlands

Southern Africa

Explore Victoria Falls, Chobe, and Hwange — the crown jewels of African wilderness.

Overnight Zambezi Canoe Safari

Upper Zambezi River, Zambezi National Park, above Victoria Falls
Duration1–2 nights (2–3 days)

About the Adventure

For travellers who want to go deeper than a day paddle, the overnight canoe safari turns the upper Zambezi into a multi-day wilderness expedition. You canoe roughly 18 km downstream each day through islands and channels, watching for hippo, crocodile, elephant and plentiful birdlife, then pull in to a rustic mobile bush camp for the night — the kind of quiet, off-grid African experience that's increasingly rare. Nights are spent at Kalai River Camp, a simple but comfortable tented camp ~25 km upstream with proper beds, hot showers and the sounds of the river after dark.

Best time: Late April to November (weather permitting)
Category: Adventure / wildlife / multi-day

Pricing

OptionPrice
1 day / overnightFrom ~$286
2 days / 1 nightFrom ~$462
2 days / 2 nightsFrom ~$550

Includes all meals, transfers, game drive, canoe and safety equipment, and limited drinks. River-use fees, tips and premium drinks excluded.

Good to Know

  • Camp: Kalai River Camp — walk-in tents with beds, hot bucket showers and portable toilets. Rustic but comfortable.
  • The paddling: Small Grade 1–2 rapids only; no experience needed. ~18 km per day.
  • Age: Children 7+ with a parent. Minimum 4 participants.
  • Bring: Warm clothing (winter nights are cold), sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent.

Good to Pair With

  • The day version is the Upper Zambezi Canoeing trip
  • A wilderness contrast to the town-based Falls activities; pairs with a couple of nights' lodge comfort either side

Safari Packing Guide & Etiquette

Ranger Packing Suggestions

Clothing: Wear neutral tones (khaki, beige, olive green). Avoid white (gets dusty) and dark blue/black (attracts tsetse flies).
Footwear: Enclosed, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots.
Tech: Binoculars, zoom lens camera (200mm+ recommended), sunglasses, sunscreen, hat with chin strap.

Walking Safari Safety

Always walk in single file behind the armed professional guide. Keep voices low, walk silently, and obey guide hand signals instantly if approaching wildlife.

Price range
$$
IntensityEasy

Request Availability

No charge until availability is fully confirmed.