Conquer the World’s Best One-Day Rafting Thrill

Zambezi River is celebrated as the world’s premier one-day rafting adventure. This exhilarating experience is often described as a rite of passage for anyone seeking an adrenaline-pumping journey of a lifetime.

With a minimum age requirement of 15 years, this heart-pounding escapade promises to be one of the most memorable experiences you’ll ever have. The Zambezi’s rapids sport evocative names like “The Terminator,” “Oblivion,” and “The Devil’s Toilet Bowl,” hinting at the wild ride that awaits.

What makes Zambezi rafting truly remarkable is the river itself. Its warm water, immense volume, and the pool-drop nature of each rapid create a practically tailor-made environment for rafting. This unique combination ensures that after navigating the heart-pounding rapids, you’ll find yourself in calm waters, catching your breath and eagerly anticipating the next thrilling challenge.

Low-water season, from late August through December, is the prime time for rafting on the Zambezi, with the full complement of rapids open for commercial runs. For those seeking an even more immersive adventure, multi-day rafting trips range from overnight excursions to week-long odysseys. Picture yourself camping on the sandy beaches of the Batoka Gorge beneath a canopy of stars and falling asleep to the gentle sounds of the river.

A Very Warm Welcome

Victoria Falls is a paradise for adventurers and a sanctuary for those seeking relaxation and sunshine. Picture yourself enjoying the warm weather and spending quality family time by the pool, sipping cocktails under the African sun, or indulging in leisurely moments on a sunbed with a great book.

The allure of Victoria Falls is not limited to its natural wonders; it’s also about embracing the tranquil moments that come with the territory. Treat yourself to sundowners with the most epic views
as the evenings draw in, and create memories with loved ones that will last a lifetime. Victoria Falls offers adventure and relaxation, ensuring your visit strikes the perfect balance between discovery and enjoyment.

Kayaker’s Paradise

For kayaking enthusiasts, the Zambezi River is nothing short of a paradise. From October through January, this world-class river attracts kayakers from every corner of the globe, transforming its waters into a bustling hub of activity. Here, the world’s elite white-water kayakers, sponsored extreme athletes, and the next generation of kayaking enthusiasts converge.

What sets the Zambezi apart for kayakers is the presence of standing waves—those unique, stationary surges of water that don’t break like ocean waves. These waves offer kayakers an exceptional opportunity to practice and perfect their tricks, flips, and manoeuvres in a (somewhat) controlled environment.

Wildlife Extravaganza

The proximity of Victoria Falls to multiple national parks, including the Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe, Mosi-oa-tunya National Park in Zambia, and Chobe National Park in Botswana, offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating world of African wildlife.

During the dry season, the landscape transforms into an open canvas, with sparse vegetation that ensures unobstructed views of the incredible creatures that inhabit these pristine wilderness areas. Wildlife congregates around the remaining watering holes and you’ll have front-row seats to a remarkable natural theatre.

To maximize your wildlife encounters, get up early as the African sun bathes the landscape in golden light and when animals are most active. As the sun climbs higher and the heat intensifies, it’s the perfect moment to retreat for a rejuvenating siesta or lounge by the pool.

Text By Kim Barnett
Images by Suzanne Smith

From DESTINATION ZW EDITION 5