Zambezi River Canoe Safaris

For the more active and adventurous safari go-er, the canoeing safaris on the lower Zambezi River are well worth considering. These trips run from Lake Kariba, below the dam wall, all the way through to Kanyemba which marks the last point on the Zambezi River before it runs across the border into the Cabora Bassa Dam in Mozambique. There are a variety of start and finish points available, running from 2 to 9 nights in duration.

The expeditionary styled canoe safaris are semi participatory and come with a fully qualified canoe guide who will navigate you down the great Zambezi. Moving downriver guests carry their entire camp in their canoes in the same manner as the first Zambezi River explorers. The guide will take care of the cooking, washing-up and other camp tasks. Being semi participatory, guests are expected to help with setting up their sleeping tents and are encouraged to get involved with the various camp duties. Guests should note there are no ablution facilities on these safaris. Clients are provided with a spade, toilet paper and matches - with which to burn the toilet paper. Bathing is done from a bucket using water scooped out of the river.  The ethos of these trips is one of completely immersing oneself in the natural world as far as possible, whilst leaving nothing behind except your footsteps.

The various expeditionary styled canoe safaris each cover a different section on the Zambezi River, each offering a unique experience in terms of scenery and wildlife for the individual intrepid explorer. This part of the Zambezi River is very remote and way off the beaten track, and offers a truly authentic safari experience far removed from anything that could even be vaguely called a crowd!  The trips can be booked with a minimum of 2 people, and carry a maximum of 8 guests (no children under 14 years allowed for safety reasons). All meals, equipment, drinking water, cordials and table wine are included in the packages. Guests will have a chance to buy their other drinks such as soft drinks and beers etc. prior to departing on their trip.

There are other canoe safari options that offer guests a similar experience in the Mana Pools National Park and Wilderness Area with an added touch of extra comfort and luxury, meaning guest are not expected to participate in camp duties. Whether you decide to canoe on the majestic Zambezi River or to walk deep into the bush, these type of more luxurious and assisted canoe safaris allow you to see the beauty of Africa up close. They come with an experienced and knowledgeable professional guide who will lead you on your safari through the magnificent Zambezi Valley.

These type of more luxurious canoe safari camps are fully backed up, meaning you can sit back and relax in the serenity of Mana Pools and the Zambezi. Both the mobile and stationary camps have full waiter service, spacious walk-in tents with en suite toilets and hot water open-air showers. After the day’s activities, you will return to a camp already set up and waiting for you. All meals are freshly prepared on open campfires by your experienced bush cooks and are enjoyed under the expanse of the African sky, and the all-inclusive packages include all drinks as well as all your meals and activities.

These safaris allow guests to enjoy an authentic and highly personalized safari experience in one of the last truly untouched wilderness regions of Africa. 

Please contact us for further information on these safari options including private trips, and combining a canoe or walking safari with other safari destinations in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and beyond.