Upper Zambezi Canoeing (Day Trip)

About the Adventure

A peaceful, wildlife-rich paddle on the calm upper Zambezi above the Falls — about as far from the white-water rafting downstream as you can get. In stable two-person inflatable kayaks you drift through a maze of islands and channels, gliding past hippos and crocodiles, with elephant, giraffe, buffalo, waterbuck, kudu and zebra often seen along the banks. The birdlife is exceptional, including African finfoot and several kingfisher species. No experience is needed — the water is mostly flat with a few easy Grade 2 ripples — making it a brilliant way to combine a safari and a gentle adventure in one day.

Pricing

Includes transfers, game drive into the park, breakfast, lunch, equipment and guiding.

Good to Know

• The day: ~7am hotel pick-up, a game drive through Zambezi National Park to the put-in, light breakfast and briefing, paddling with a riverside or island lunch, and return by ~2pm.
• Age: Minimum 7 years; no upper limit. Minimum 4, maximum 24 paddlers.
• What to bring: Quick-drying clothes (your feet will get wet), sunscreen year-round, and a waterproof bag for your camera. Life jackets are mandatory.
• Fitness: Beginner-friendly, though wind can make stretches harder work.

Good to Pair With

• The multi-day version is the Overnight Zambezi Canoe Safari
• A gentle wildlife day that pairs well with an afternoon Sunset Cruise the day before or after