Zambezi River: Whitewater Rafting & Safari

This eight-day journey centres on a four-day rafting expedition through Batoka Gorge, with riverside camping, an included helicopter flight above the rapids and a wildlife safari in Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Begin with a sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi and, if river levels allow, stop for lunch beneath Victoria Falls.

The Zambezi through the Batoka Gorge features predominantly Grade III–V whitewater and is regarded as one of the world's great rafting rivers.

While some of the rapids are graded IV and V, the character of the river makes it surprisingly accessible to adventurous first-time rafters. The major rapids are generally separated by large, calm pools, giving plenty of time to regroup, relax and prepare for the next section.

You don't need previous rafting experience to join the trip. Our experienced river guides provide comprehensive safety and paddle briefings before getting on the water and coach the crew throughout the journey.

It's actually quite rare for one of our guests to fall out of the raft. In the unlikely event that someone does take a swim, we always have safety kayakers accompanying the group, as well as a dedicated safety cataraft. Combined with the large pools below most of the major rapids, this means our team is well positioned to assist swimmers and get them safely back aboard.

Our guides continually assess water levels and conditions, choose the appropriate lines through each rapid and portage where required. Our local Zambezi team has decades of experience on this river, with established communication and evacuation procedures in place.

The result is an exciting big-water rafting experience that is suitable for adventurous first-time rafters as well as experienced paddlers.

Yes. An included helicopter flight through Batoka Gorge is one of the standout experiences at the end of the four-day rafting journey. After travelling the Zambezi from river level, you’ll soar above the gorge for a bird’s-eye view of the rapids and landscape you’ve just rafted through.

Lunch beneath Victoria Falls is one of the most distinctive moments of the rafting journey. If river levels allow, you’ll stop at the Boiling Pot directly beneath the Falls before continuing downstream into Batoka Gorge. As access depends on river levels and conditions, this experience cannot be guaranteed on every departure.

Chobe National Park is the main wildlife focus of the journey, with opportunities to see elephants and, depending on conditions and luck, lions, leopards and other wildlife on game drives and boat safaris. On Day 1, the sunset cruise on the calmer upper Zambezi offers opportunities to spot hippos, while during the rafting journey you may also see birdlife such as fish eagles soaring above the gorge. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

Hippos are not a feature of the whitewater rafting section through Batoka Gorge. Your best opportunity to see them is during the Day 1 sunset cruise on the calmer upper Zambezi. During the rafting journey, you’re more likely to notice birdlife such as fish eagles above the gorge.

Absolutely not for the upper end! Age alone shouldn’t put you off. What matters most is your fitness, confidence and comfort with an active outdoor adventure.

If you’re considering the trip with family, just keep in mind that the minimum age is 16 years. There is no stated upper age limit, so if you’re active, reasonably fit and excited by the idea of four days on the Zambezi, this can be a fantastic adventure at many stages of life.

No previous whitewater rafting experience is required. Before you get on the river, the guides provide a comprehensive safety and paddle briefing, teach the key paddle strokes and explain what to do if you enter the water. Throughout the journey, they continue coaching the group through each section of the river.

You don’t need elite fitness, but a reasonable level of general fitness will help you enjoy the four days on the river. The rafting team recommends regular exercise such as walking, running or swimming for at least a month or two before departure so you’re better prepared for the active days and time spent paddling.

You should be comfortable in the water for this rafting journey. While you’ll wear a high-float buoyancy aid and the river team includes safety kayakers, whitewater rafting still involves the possibility of entering the water. The guides explain exactly what to do if that happens before you begin.

Whitewater rafting involves inherent risk, and the Zambezi is a powerful river. The rafting team manages that risk with experienced guides, safety kayakers, advanced first aid capability, a group first aid kit and satellite communications on the river. Guides also assess water levels and conditions throughout the journey and portage sections when required.

No. Responsible river running sometimes means getting out and portaging a section rather than rafting it. Our local guides assess water levels and conditions throughout the journey and may portage sections where required for safety.

There are standard portages during the journey, including Rapid No. 9, Lower Moemba and the dam site. Narrows 1 may also be portaged at higher water levels, while other sections may be portaged if the guides consider it necessary for safety.

The rafting section travels through a remote environment, so the river team carries first aid equipment and satellite communications throughout the journey. Guides hold advanced first aid qualifications and are trained to respond to incidents in the field. Travellers also need appropriate travel insurance that covers whitewater rafting and emergency evacuation.

Not necessarily. Falling out can happen on any whitewater journey, but the guides brief you beforehand on what to do if you enter the water. Safety kayakers accompany the group, and the team is positioned to assist if needed.

The Zambezi’s Batoka Gorge is known for memorable rapids including Morning Glory, Stairway to Heaven, Creamy White Buttocks, The Mother, Oblivion and Ghostrider. Each has a different character, from big rolling waves to more technical sections, and your guides will brief you before each major rapid.

They certainly are! The Zambezi’s rapids have acquired some memorable names over the years, including Morning Glory, Stairway to Heaven, Creamy White Buttocks, The Mother, Oblivion and Ghostrider. Part of the fun is hearing the stories behind the names from your guides as you make your way down the river.

Camping on the Zambezi is part of the expedition experience, with nights spent on sandy beaches deep within Batoka Gorge beside the river. Tents, sleeping mats and camp chairs are provided, and evenings are spent relaxing at camp before waking to the gorge and continuing downstream the next morning.

Not on the river. Wi-Fi and charging are available at the hotels, but there is no phone signal or charging during the river section, so bring a portable power bank for your devices.

It’s also a rare opportunity to switch off from your phone, enjoy the surroundings and spend the evenings getting to know your fellow travellers around camp.

The specialist rafting and camping equipment is provided, including buoyancy aids, helmets, tents, sleeping mats, camp chairs and waterproof storage for your belongings. You’ll need to bring a warm sleeping bag or pre-book a sleep kit for the river section. A detailed personal equipment list is provided before departure.

Lightweight, quick-drying clothing and good sun protection are recommended for days on the Zambezi, along with secure footwear that will stay on your feet in the water. Bring warmer layers for evenings at camp, particularly on cooler departures. A detailed equipment list is provided before departure so you’ll know exactly what to pack.

Groups are kept small, with a maximum of 16 guests. This creates a more personal river experience and gives you plenty of opportunity to get to know your guides and fellow travellers during the rafting journey and evenings together at camp.

Yes. Our local team can cater for dietary requirements with advance notice. Please advise us of any dietary requirements prior to departure so arrangements can be made.

Any clothing or baggage you don’t require for the river section can be left at your hotel in Livingstone. Valuables can be securely stored in the hotel safe, rather than taken onto the river.

If the Zambezi has sparked your interest in river adventures, take a look at our Morocco Rafting Adventure. It offers a very different African rafting experience, combining river action with dramatic landscapes and a strong sense of place.