Zambezi River Rafting Safari

Upon arrival in Victoria Falls Village, we’ll be greeted by our LHO driver and transferred to our accommodation. Check-in is at 3 pm, but for those arriving early, a tour of Victoria Falls will be arranged. Our LHO Team Leader will meet us at the hotel to assist with the check-in process. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner hosted at our accommodation, where we’ll have a briefing about the upcoming adventures. Tonight, we will stay at our accommodation in Victoria Falls Village.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll be picked up at 9 a.m. and driven to our office for a comprehensive river safety briefing. This briefing is essential for understanding the basics of rafting, safety protocols, and what to expect on the river.

The Zambezi River is one of Africa’s most famous rivers, flowing from its source in Zambia through Angola, along the borders of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, before emptying into the Indian Ocean in Mozambique. It’s renowned for its stunning beauty, diverse ecosystems, and the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world.

Once our safety briefing is complete, we’ll board our rafts and embark on a thrilling stretch of rafting, covering the wildest section of the Zambezi River. We’ll navigate numerous class 5 rapids, including Morning Glory, Stairway to Heaven, Land of The Giants, and The Devil’s Toilet Bowl. We’ll have lunch during our rafting trip and reach our beach campsite at rapid #21 around 4 pm.

At the end of each day, the LHO team will put up the tents, and part of the experience is for us to assist with setting up the camp. There will be our sleeping tents, a mess tent, and toilet tents. Dinner will be cooked by our expedition chef each night by the river. For those of us who wish to sleep under the stars, that’s absolutely possible. Tonight, we will camp at rapid #21 on the Zambezi River.

We’ll rise early to the smell of breakfast cooking over the fire as the sun illuminates the towering canyon walls. After securing all our equipment, we’ll set off for another day of exhilarating rafting and breathtaking scenery. The day involves navigating more rapids and two portages around Moemba Falls. Portages are sections of the river where it is too dangerous to raft, so we will carry our rafts and gear around these sections.

Moemba Falls is a significant waterfall on the Zambezi River, adding a dramatic and beautiful obstacle to our journey. We’ll have lunch along the river and arrive at the dam site around 4 pm, where we’ll have another portage and set up camp near the falls.

Once again, the LHO team will put up the tents, and we’ll assist with setting up the camp. Dinner will be prepared by our expedition chef. Sleeping under the stars is an option for those who prefer it. Tonight, we will camp near the dam site.

This morning will be more relaxed as we prepare for our final day on the river. After breakfast, we’ll navigate the towering waves of Ghost Rider, the world’s largest commercially runnable roller coaster wave train. Ghost Rider is renowned for its enormous waves and powerful currents, creating a thrilling and unforgettable rafting experience. The rapid earned its name when, during the original exploratory trip on the Zambezi, one of the rafters opted not to run the rapid and pushed his empty boat off into the current. The sight of the empty raft successfully running the rapid in the twilight, after two others had flipped, inspired the name Ghost Rider.

After successfully tackling Ghost Rider, we’ll celebrate with beers from our cooler boxes as we drift through smaller rapids. We’ll have lunch along the river and exit the river around 4 pm. We’ll then be met by our private transfer and shuttled back to Victoria Falls Village for a well-deserved dinner and showers after an epic adventure.

Tonight, we will stay at our accommodation in Victoria Falls Village.

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a full-day safari at Chobe National Park. Safaris offer a unique opportunity to witness wildlife in their natural habitat, providing thrilling encounters with some of Africa’s most iconic animals. Our expert game drivers will guide us through the park, sharing their extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna and helping us spot animals.

Chobe National Park, located in northern Botswana, is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. It’s renowned for its large elephant population, which is the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. The park’s diverse ecosystems, including floodplains, swamps, and woodlands, support a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffalo, and numerous bird species.

During our safari, we’ll have the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close and learn about the park’s rich heritage and significance. Chobe National Park was established in 1968 and covers approximately 11,700 square kilometers, playing a crucial role in the conservation of Botswana’s wildlife.

Lunch will be served during our safari, allowing us to enjoy a meal amidst the stunning landscapes. In the evening, we’ll return to Victoria Falls Village for a farewell dinner, celebrating the week’s adventures and the friendships we’ve made.

Tonight, we will stay at our accommodation in Victoria Falls Village.

After breakfast, we’ll arrange transfers to the airport according to departure times. This marks the end of our incredible adventure. Safe travels!