Flowing between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Zambezi is a lifeline for some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. On this active adventure, you’ll explore its channels by canoe, sharing the water with elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a tour leader who knows all the animals’ favourite hiding spots. Each evening, you camp wild on secluded beaches, gathering around the campfire to share stories with the group and gaze into the star-sprinkled sky. If you want to experience African wildlife as it should be – truly wild – this is the trip for you.
Activity Areas
Kayaking & Canoeing
Safaris
Wildlife Holidays
Region & Country & City
Africa: Zambezi River, Zambia
Included in the Price
— All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners
— All accommodation
— All transport and listed activities
— Tour leader throughout
— Group arrival and departure transfers available
Not Included In The Price
— Travel insurance
— Single accommodation (available on request)
— Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation Information
— Accommodation: 7 Simple nights (semi-participatory camping, 4 wild camping and 3 tented camp)
— Travel by open canoes (no previous experience needed)
— Group normally 4 to 12, plus tour leader. Minimum age: 16
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Start Lusaka • To the Zambezi
We meet at Lusaka Airport, where we begin our transfer (3hr 30min) to the shores of the Zambezi. Most of this journey is on tar road with the last section along a bumpy dirt track, meaning a change to a 4×4 vehicle is necessary.
En route, we stop at a supermarket, where you can pick up snacks and drinks for the adventure – there are no shops on the wild banks of the river!
Depending on the time we arrive at the Zambezi, we cross over to our evening campsite on Nyamumba island by canoe or motorboat.
Your tour leader then prepares a welcome dinner, where we can get to know each other a little better.
Please note: If you’re booking your own flights, do not book one arriving after 1.30pm.
Accommodation: Wild camping (semi-participatory)
Day 2 - 4 Three days of canoeing and wildlife watching on the Zambezi, camping on remote islands
Spend three glorious days canoeing the Zambezi. This is a safari adventure, so you can expect to see many iconic African animals. We frequently pass hippo pods basking in the deeper water, who will no doubt keep an eye on us, and look for elephants feeding on the banks, basking crocodiles and numerous colourful bird species, including the magnificent African fish eagle.
Each day, we start early to avoid the hottest hours and to catch the easterly headwind at its weakest. The pace is moderate, which allows us to make the most of our wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Lunches and breakfasts are either taken on islands or on the riverbanks, while nights are spent at our wild camps, gazing at the African sky and sharing tales from the day.
Accommodation: Wild camping (semi-participatory)
Day 5 Canoe to our fly camp • Night drive in Chiawa Game Management Area
This morning, we paddle to our fly camp in the Chiawa Game Management Area. After three days of wild camping, the hot showers and chance to relax will be welcome. Our site also overlooks the Mana Pools, where wildlife regularly comes to drink – there’s even a lookout point for an excellent view!
Later, after the sun has set, we embark on a 4x4 game drive, on which we hope to spot nocturnal animals, such as genets, civets, hyenas, porcupines, aardvarks and, if we’re really lucky, the elusive leopard.
Accommodation: Fly camp in Chiawa Game Management Area
Day 6 Ranger-led nature walk in the Lower Zambezi National Park
Hop in a motorboat and cruise along the river to the Lower Zambezi National Park. Here, we join a local ranger for an insightful nature walk, in which our guides take us on a loop, sharing their expertise on the animals tracks, plant life and wildlife found here.
After lunch, we return to our fly camp and enjoy the rest of the day to relax, watching the animals who come to drink at the Mana Pools.
Accommodation: Fly camp in Game Management Area
Day 7 To Zambezi Breezes • Farewell dinner
Bid farewell to our fly camp hosts and take the motorboat to Zambezi Breezes, enjoying a lunch stop en route. Our new camp has a lovely riverside location, plus a cash bar serving cold drinks, a swimming pool and a toilet and showers block.
It’s the ideal spot to spend our final evening, gathering with the group around a table and retelling the adventures we’ve shared together (and perhaps start planning the next!).
Accommodation: Zambezi Breezes or similar (semi-participatory)
Upgrade to a chalet with private bathroom today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 8 To Lusaka Airport
You’ve canoed a long stretch of the Zambezi, gazed up at the twinkling Zambian night sky and spotted countless animals, but today the journey ends and we transfer (four to five hours) back to Lusaka Airport to catch our onwards flights.
Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.
