Zambia Zambezi River Rafting Adventure Tour
World-Famous Whitewater & Victoria Falls
- Available: October
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Comfortable Camping, Comfortable Hotels
-
Group Size:
14 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 comfortable nights at remote and scenic riverside camps - with all meals included
Itinerary
Arrive in Livingstone, Zambia
Day 1
Welcome to Livingstone! Meet your trip leader at the airport and transfer to your beautiful riverside lodge. Enjoy the afternoon unwinding by the pool, enjoying a walking safari, or taking a cultural tour of Mukuni Village - you could even try bungee jumping! Once your entire group has arrived at the lodge, gather for a welcome orientation this evening to learn what's in store on this amazing trip.
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone Hotel
Transportation: 20-minute shuttle transfer
Experience the Exhilarating Devil's Pool
Day 2
Wake for the experience of a lifetime! Take a thrilling dip in the Devil's Pool, which laps over the edge of Victoria Falls. Float right up to the rock brim for a close-up view of the Zambezi crashing over the cliffs just a few feet away. Enjoy lunch on Livingstone Island before returning to the hotel for an afternoon of active adventure of your choice. As the sun begins to set, meet your group at the riverside dock for your sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi River, upstream of Victoria Falls. Keep an eye out for elephants, hippos, crocodiles and more local wildlife. After the cruise, delight in a gourmet meal at the hotel's riverside restaurant
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone Hotel
Activity: 3-hour Devil's Pool morning adventure and afternoon/evening river cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Raft the Mighty Zambezi
Day 3
Gear up for your first full day rafting the Zambezi. The put-in is directly below Victoria Falls. You'll emerge from the swirling mists to experience some of the most exciting rafting in the world - for more than 8 spectacular miles. End the day at your 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
Wake to a hearty breakfast on the banks of the Zambezi River, then load up for the next stretch of rafting. Today, you'll tackle some of the river's most famous rapids, including Oblivion and Overland Truck Eater. 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 before you on today's stretch, so just 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 and the Narrows.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Zambezi River
Activity: 14 miles rafting Class III-V
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience the Thunder of Moemba
Day 6
Today you'll feel the thunder of Chimambo Falls and Upper Moemba. As you begin setting up for the next day's portages, camp will be prepared at an impressive location above the 20-foot Lower Moemba waterfall.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Zambezi River
Activity: 8 miles rafting Class III-V
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Portage & Proposed Batoka Dam Site
Day 7
Wake up to run Upper Moemba, followed by the day's two portages, Lower Moemba Falls and Chibango, several miles downstream. Continue on to tackle Ghostrider after scouting the final rapid - one of the Zambezi's best and named after MT Sobek founder Richard Bangs' memorable run. Pass through the infamous proposed Batoka Dam site before settling in overnight at Ghostrider camp. Tonight, celebrate your run of the epic Zambezi River! We know the wildlife, the river and the people of Africa will stay in your heart after this unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Zambezi River
Activity: 5 miles rafting Class III-V, 2 portages
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride the Home Stretch of the Zambezi
Day 8
Your final day on the river will allow you to bid farewell to your guides as you await the helicopter. After your goodbyes, set off for the scenic 30-minute flight to the top of Victoria Falls. Enjoy your final afternoon in Livingstone, fitting in last-minute local activities or reminiscing about your days on the river.
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone Hotel
Activity: Scenic helicopter flight
Meals: Breakfast
Depart from Livingstone, Zambia
Day 9
After breakfast, transfer to Livingstone Airport for your homeward-bound flight or extend your trip with 4-day safari to Lower Zambezi National Park or South Luangwa National Park. Contact us to add a safari extension to your Zambezi adventure!
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 on river accommodations
- All on river breakfasts, lunch and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities for the shuttle company
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- Any transfers or meals or activities outside the itinerary
- Pre- and post-trip hotel accommodations
- Recommended post trip Safari
- 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 2
3-hour Devil's Pool morning adventure and afternoon/evening river cruise
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
Day 7
5 miles rafting Class III-V, 2 portages
Day 8
Scenic helicopter flight
Accommodations
Combination of comfortable hotels/river camps and riverside camping accommodations with tents and sleeping bags provides.
MT Sobek Camp Zambezi River
Paddle up to white-sandy beaches, surrounded by the Batoka Gorge's beautiful basalt rock formations on your Zambezi River adventure. Sleep in comfortable 2-person tents and enjoy freshly prepared meals riverside.
The Royal Livingstone Hotel
The Royal Livingstone Hotel in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park boasts sweeping Zambezi River and savannah views from every veranda. Wake in the morning to zebras wandering the hotel grounds. Round out a day of adventure with a glass of wine as you listen to Victoria Falls thundering nearby. Feel the explorer lifestyle of yesteryear in elegantly appointed guest rooms, with indigenous design accents and modern amenities, as well as discreet butler service. Several dining options are available, as well as the Anantara Spa and a riverfront swimming pool.
Weather
Expect warm days in September, with temperatures ranging from 85°F to 95°F.
FAQs
When will an MT Sobek representative meet me?
An MT Sobek representative will meet you on arrival at the airport on Day 1
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.
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.
Similar Trips to Zambia Zambezi River Rafting Adventure Tour
Inspiration to Explore
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