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Zambia Zambezi River Rafting Adventure Tour

Classic African Rafting Trip of a Lifetime

 

Join us on one of the most world's memorable rafting experiences on the mighty Zambezi River. This special adventure celebrates Sobek's first rafting descent of the Zambezi back in 1981! Relive the excitement as you navigate famous Class III-V rapids and camp riverside, in awe of the river's grandeur. Start your adventure with a sunset cruise at UNESCO-listed Victoria Falls and take a dip in Devil's Pool. Then set out for your epic four-day rafting adventure, ending with a thrilling helicopter flight back to Livingstone.

  • Fill 31 Copy Raft fun big volume whitewater on this spectacular multi-day river trip

  • Fill 31 Copy Visit the famous Victoria Falls, swim in Devil's pool, and take helicopter ride over the gorge

  • Fill 31 Copy Relax at a luxury safari lodge, and enjoy four nights at remote and scenic camps

Contact an Expert

Arrive:

Livingstone, Zambia

Depart:

Livingstone, Zambia

Price: from $5,795

Duration:

7 Days

Departures:

See Dates

Group Size:

10-12 Guests

Min Age:

18 yrs

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 here.

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed 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

    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.

    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

    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.

    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

    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.

    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

    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.

    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

    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.

    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

    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.

    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

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Zambia Zambezi River Rafting Adventure

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

What to Expect

 

Why take this trip with us?

Reason #01

MT Sobek ran the first descent of the Zambezi in 1981 and we're still reliving the magic more than 40 years later!

Reason #02

We work with the best local river guides to ensure an epic experience on the Zambezi.

Reason #03

Our carefully chosen accommodations include comfortable riverside camping and the luxury David Livingstone Safari Lodge.

Meet your guides

Local Tour Guide

Local Tour Guide

We work with only the most experienced and knowledgeable local tour guides on our trip extensions. While you will not be accompanied by an MT Sobek through guide on this tour, you will be in excellent hands with a fully licensed and accredited local guide who will share their expertise in everything from history and architecture, to culture and traditions, the best local cuisine, activities and crafts, or even shopping. Local guides live, breathe, and love their trips because as locals they are an integral part of their communities. Their connections run deep and pride in their piece of the world is contagious.

Activities

Scenic canyon rafting, covering 10 to 15 miles per day, with fun big volume whitewater stretches.

Lodging

Combination of a comfortable hotels and riverside camping accommodations with tents and sleeping bags provided.

Climate

Expect warm days in September, with temperatures ranging from the 85°F to 95°F.

FAQ

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.

rafting with elephants - Zambia Zambezi River Rafting Adventure
soaking in vic falls - Zambia Zambezi River Rafting Adventure
raft at canyon entrance - Zambia Zambezi River Rafting Adventure
raft from above - Zambia Zambezi River Rafting Adventure
big drop - Zambia Zambezi River Rafting Adventure
happy rafters - Zambia Zambezi River Rafting Adventure
hippos - Zambia Zambezi River Rafting Adventure
camp at night - Zambia Zambezi River Rafting Adventure
livingstone lodge - Zambia Zambezi River Rafting Adventure
victoria falls mist - Zambia Zambezi River Rafting Adventure

Testimonials

"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

Trustpilot
  • 2023
  • Go Custom

2023

The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

Scheduled Dates

  • Oct 25 - Nov 03, 2023
    $5,795 price per person dbl occ
    +$350 single supplement
    Available
    Book Online

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

Contact An Expert

800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

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.

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