Summer may not be the best time for game viewing in Zimbabwe, but it’s a great opportunity for one of the Zambezi River’s biggest attractions. White water rafting normally picks up from September to February every year, but this year, fans have enjoyed a longer window of opportunity thanks to unusually low water levels.
Typically, the Zambezi is off-limits from March to August every year, but prolonged drought means that rafting has taken off earlier than usual for 2019.
A Great Start
Rapid 1 is usually only used for rafting from late September, but this year, enthusiasts have been launching from this spot since July, thanks to the absence of high winter waters.
Unfortunately, you’ve already missed the boat if you wanted to get an early start, but there’s still time to join in the fun for the rest of the season.
The low-water day trip among these turbulent waters has been described as the best one-day white water experience in the world.
How it Works
Low water season on the Zambezi is the best time for river rafting, simply because high water levels means that the rocks which make up the rapids are submerged. Also, it’s a little easier to navigate the Zambezi when the raging waters are slightly subdued.
Rafting on the Zambezi takes place below Victoria Falls and consists of several sections of rocky waters labelled from 1 to 19 on the Zimbabwe side of the river and 1 to 22 on Zambia’s shores.
You don’t need any previous experience to take part in white water rafting as all the necessary safety gear, and training is provided. A reasonable level of fitness is a must though – it’s a strenuous activity, and there’s a long, steep climb back up the gorge afterwards.
During the usual trip down the river, you’ll take on a 120m drop in just 24km, and will come across a new set of rapids about every 100m. If you’re not up to this extreme challenge, there are a few more sedentary ways to enjoy the Zambezi River, such as guided canoe trips from Royal Chundu.
Are you Ready to Try Zambezi River Rafting?
There are a handful of tour operators around Victoria Falls that offer white water rafting excursions. Most of them will transport you to and from your accommodation as part of the deal too.
Get in touch and we’ll make all the arrangements for Zambezi River Rafting and any other Victoria Falls attractions and activities you’d like to enjoy.
