Zambezi 2 Day River Rafting from 300 US$D per person.

 2 Day – 1 Night Zambezi Rafting Package

This is a true reflection of adventure, adrenaline and the sheer beauty of the Batoka Gorge. Clearly suitable for the more adventurous travelers and visitors.

 

The Zambezi River is classified as a high volume, pool-drop River i.e. there is little exposed rock either in the rapids or the pools below the rapids.  The distance between rapids varies from 100 meters to 2 kms.  The Gorge itself is approximately 400ft deep at the put-in point and 750ft at the take out point.  The river drops about 400ft over the 24km covered in this two – day rafting trip and the depth of the river can reach 200ft.  Day 1 on the river is classified as Grade 5 “extremely difficult, long and violent rapids, steep gradients, big drops and pressure areas”. Whilst Day 2 is slightly less challenging and is of a lower grade and more relaxing.

 

 

How does this trip works. 

Day 1

• Pick up from your Livingstone accommodation is at 09h30
• Personal belongings required for the camp to be deposited with the Trip Leader
• Initial “Safety Brief”
• Equipment Introduction
• Transfer to the Victoria Falls and the Batoka Gorge

• Upon arrival at the Batoka Gorge clients are divided into Rafting Crews before commencing the walk down the gorge – this has a gradient of 1 in 3, and a person of average fitness can manage this in approximately 15 minutes.

• On reaching the bottom of the Gorge all equipment is then checked again before an “in boat” safety brief is given, only then when everybody is comfortable and happy does your journey beneath “The Smoke that Thunders” begin.

• After a short paddle we reach our first portage of the day before joining our rafts again to paddle below the mighty Victoria Falls. Known locally as the “Minus Rapids” and due to time constraints not normally visited by the commercial “One Day” rafting trips this experience is second to none, visited by few it is undoubtedly one of the most dramatic spots you will encounter. Here we have time to explore the surroundings, enjoy a light lunch, before packing up to experience the sheer thrill and adrenalin rush of what is the best white water rafting the world has to offer.

• En route to our Overnight camp at rapid #10 you will be tested by class 3 – 5 rapids with names such as “Morning Glory”, “Stairway to Heaven”, “The Devils Toilet Bowl” and the “Mighty Muncher” before our second portage of the day around the class 6 rapid #9.

• Arrival in camp at rapid #10 brings a well-earned rest, with plenty of time to chill out over a nice cool beer and reminisce on what will have been an adrenalin pumped day. As the light begins to fade and the aroma of a freshly cooked dinner takes over the Batoka Gorge is all ours.  (Included: Lunch and Dinner)

Day 2

• As Africa awakes to the sounds of Fish Eagles eager to start the day, we are again in no hurry as time is on our side, this is another chance to capture the beauty that is the Batoka Gorge whilst enjoying a hearty freshly cooked breakfast with plenty of time for that extra cup of coffee.

• After breakfast its time to prepare our lunch for the day, pack up again ensuring we leave minimal trace of our overnight camp before continuing on our journey along the mighty Zambezi River en-route to our take out point at rapid #25.

• The section of river covered today is a little less challenging than Day 1. Rapids tend to be a little more forgiving or so the river leads us to believe as the air of tranquility is soon broken by the sounds of the “Three Ugly Sisters” closely followed by the “Washing Machine”, “Terminator 1 and 2” and wait for it rapid #18 “Oblivion”.

• Lunch today is a relaxed affair as we gently float downstream en-route to our take out point at rapid #25 where a Gondola Cable Car will quickly whisk us up the 750ft to the top of the gorge, before we begin our 45 minute road transfer back through the villages that border the Batoka Gorge as it winds its way back to Livingstone.

 

Arriving back at our River Base at the Zambezi Waterfront our video grapher will quickly begin the edit of the journey down the Zambezi whilst dinner is being served. Once completed we can view, purchase a copy, say goodbye to the team and the memories will last forever.  (Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Transfer back to your Livingstone accommodation +/- 17h30

 

FAQ’s

 

• DOES THIS TRIP LEAVE EVERYDAY? – Every Friday during low season

• WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CLIENTS? – min 6 clients

• DO YOU HAVE AN AGE RESTRICTION? – min 15 years

• WHAT LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE AND FITNESS DO I NEED?

A - No previous rafting experience is required, average fitness is necessary as at the beginning clients have to negotiate a steep path into the gorge the ability to swim is essential.

 

• DO WE NEED TO TAKE WATER ON THE RAFTS? – All is provided

• WILL THERE BE VIDEOS AND PHOTOGRAPHS? – Yes 

• CAN I TAKE MY CAMERA ON THE RAFT? – if it is waterproof

• DO I NEED TO TAKE MY PASSPORT, WILL I NEED ANY MONEY?  - No

• WHAT ABOUT THE RAFTS AND EQUIPMENT? – Best available equipment in Africa.

• GUIDES AND SAFETY?

A - All river guides are fully trained professionals certified by the International Rafting Federation, all hold valid advanced first aid certificates.  Whilst every precaution is taken, it is essential that agents make clients aware that there is a risk of injury associated with the activity of rafting on the Zambezi.  A comprehensive first aid kit and skid stretcher is carried on each trip.  Each client is required to sign the White Water Rafting indemnity form prior to departure.  Each trip leader is in radio contact with our bases in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Livingstone, Zambia and covered by S.E.S (Specilaised Emergency Services) based in Livingstone Zambia.

 

• WHAT INSURANCE DO I NEED?

A – All clients are covered by Specialised Emergency Services (S.E.S) through Safari Par Excellence; however this only covers them for emergency evacuation in life threatening situations.  It does not cover hospitalisation and medication.  As such travel and medical insurance is compulsory for all clients.  Please ensure all clients bring the details of their insurance policy with them.  The operator will not cover clients should they not have insurance.

 

That’s fine count me in, What do I need to bring with me??

 

      Whilst on the River

• A pair of Sandals (with straps to attach to your feet) or trainers.
• A pair of River shorts or swimming costume.
• A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off.
• Personal water bottle.
• Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF15 minimum.
• Any medication you may be taking.

     For Overnight Camp

• Lightweight long trousers.
• Lightweight Long Sleeved shirt.
• Fleece jacket.
• Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
• Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
• Moisturizer or an “After Sun”
• Hand wipes
• A 2-season sleeping bag.
• Small pack towel.
• Headlamp or head torch and spare batteries.
• Insect Repellent.
• Bring a spare memory card or plenty of film. Also bring spare batteries for your camera.

 

NB: REMEMBER YOU DON’T NEED TO PACK THE “KITCHEN SINK” EVERYBODY IS SUPPLIED WITH 1 x MEDIUM SIZE DRY BAG EACH, SO DON’T OVER DO IT!!