Zambia Zambezi River Rafting Adventure Tour
Classic African Rafting Trip of a Lifetime
- Available: October
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Comfortable Camping, Luxury Lodges
-
Group Size:
10-12 Guests
Min Age: 18
Highlights
- Raft fun big volume whitewater on this spectacular multi-day river trip
- Visit the famous Victoria Falls, swim in Devil's pool, and take helicopter ride over the gorge
- Relax at a luxury safari lodge, and enjoy four nights at remote and scenic camps
Itinerary
Arrive in Livingstone, Zambia
Day 1
Welcome to Livingstone! Meet your trip leader at the airport and transfer to the beautiful David Livingstone Safari Lodge. Unwind at the lodge before walking to the riverside dock and boarding the Zambezi's newest cruise boat, the Lady Livingstone. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi River, upstream of Victoria Falls, keeping an eye out for elephants, hippos, crocodiles and much more. After the cruise, delight in a gourmet meal and trip briefing at the lodge's riverside restaurant.
Accommodation: David Livingstone Safari Lodge
Transportation: 20-minute shuttle transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Experience the Iconic Devil's Pool
Day 2
Wake for an experience of a lifetime! Take a thrilling dip in the iconic Devil's Pool, which laps over the edge of Victoria Falls. Enjoy lunch on Livingstone Island before returning to David Livingstone Safari Lodge for an afternoon of active adventure. Options include a walking safari, a cultural tour of Mukuni Village, or even bungee jumping! Those who prefer a quiet alternative can sit back and relax by the pool.
Accommodation: David Livingstone Safari Lodge
Transportation: 6 hours (optional) adventures
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Raft the Mighty Zambezi
Day 3
Gear up for your first full day rafting the Zambezi. Our put-in is directly below Victoria Falls and you'll emerge from the swirling mists to experience some of the most exciting rafting in the world over 8 spectacular miles. Enjoy your first night at the riverside camp.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Zambezi River
Activity: 8 miles rafting Class III-V
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tackle Thrilling Big Drops
Day 4
Rise for a hearty breakfast on the banks of the Zambezi, before loading up for the next stretch. Today, you'll tackle some of the river's most famous rapids including Oblivion, Overland Truck Crash, Stairway to Heaven, and many more. Reach camp in time for sunset and sundowners.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Zambezi River
Activity: 12 miles rafting Class III-V
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Float the Scenic Batoka Gorge
Day 5
The rapids spread out on today's stretch, so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery and wildlife of the Batoka Gorge before another burst of action. Today's colossal rapids include Closed and Open Season, the Narrows, Chimambo Falls and Upper Moemba. Make camp at an impressive location above the 20-foot waterfall of Lower Moemba.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Zambezi River
Activity: 14 miles rafting Class III-V
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride the Home Stretch of the Zambezi
Day 6
Start the morning to the magnificent sound of the Class VI Lower Moemba and Chibango rapids, which you'll portage around before heading downstream to tackle Ghostrider - our final rapid and one of the Zambezi's best! Bid farewell to the river as you await the helicopter, which will whisk you back to the top of Victoria Falls. Enjoy a final night banquet and party to celebrate one of the greatest river trips in the world!
Accommodation: David Livingstone Safari Lodge
Activity: 8 miles rafting Class III-V
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Livingstone, Zambia
Day 7
After breakfast, transfer to Livingstone Airport for you homeward-bound flight or extended safari. Contact us for highly recommended safari extension ideas.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $5,795 price per person dbl occ+$350 single supplementAvailable
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Mandela Van Eeden
Mandela was raised on a nature reserve at the southernmost point of South Africa, and in the mountains and open plains of Montana. Over her 15-year career as a full-time professional river guide, she has led trips in Montana, Idaho, New Zealand, Morocco, the Grand Canyon and Southern Africa. Mandela also works for the National Wildlife Federation to bring awareness to wildlife conservation, protect public lands, and drive clean water acts. Through films, creative storytelling, and her podcast “The Trail Less Traveled,” Mandela brings the many wonders of the outdoors to life.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. Big volume, moderate whitewater rafting, Class III to Class V rapids up to 10 miles a day. Riverside hikes are easy to moderate with some steep and potentially slippery sections.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 3
8 miles rafting Class III-V
Day 4
12 miles rafting Class III-V
Day 5
14 miles rafting Class III-V
Day 6
8 miles rafting Class III-V
Accommodations
Combination of a comfortable hotels and riverside camping accommodations with tents and sleeping bags provided.
David Livingstone Safari Lodge
This is a 4-star lodge & spa located on the Zambezi just 10 kilometers from Victoria Falls. Travelers will enjoy healthy, delicious contemporary Afro-Arabian cuisine and have the option to enjoy the terrace and pool area, a perfect place for taking in gorgeous African sunsets. Each room is carefully furnished and very comfortable. Travelers can also enjoy the Spa & Wellness Centre, which offers various relaxing options to rest and recharge.
Weather
Expect warm days in September, with temperatures ranging from the 85°F to 95°F.
FAQs
When will an MT Sobek representative meet me?
An MT Sobek representative will meet you the evening of arrival for a pre-trip orientation at your hotel on Day 1. At this time, we will meet, share details of our trip, details regarding Day 2 and answer any questions you may have. Our group welcome dinner will follow.
How many rafts will be on the trip?
This will vary depending on the number of people on each departure. Most trips will have: oar boats to carry supplies, camp gear and guests; one - two paddle boats for more action.
What kind of camping gear is provided?
We provide comfortable dome tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. All on-river meals as well as snack throughout the day are also provided.
Is this a good trip for families?
We recommend this memorable whitewater trip for adults only.
What is the toilet situation at the campsites?
We will provide a portable seated toilet set up in a private setting at each campsite, with toilet paper and hand soap.
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Guest Reviews
"Great experience every time with some of the most knowledgeable guides in their fields. We always come home with wonderful memories of the people we meet and things we see."
Bob J.
MT Sobek Guest
"I've taken six MT Sobek trips and they have all exceeded my expectations. The staff, the food, the logistics and the communications have always been exceptional. Thank you for being my "go to" adventure travel company!"
Margaret I.
MT Sobek Guest