CHALLENGE SUMMARY
Expect a rough ride, with blistered hands, sweltering heat, humidity and harsh conditions – and not to mention the crocs and hippos! We'll be paddling along the border with Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, heading steadily for Victoria Falls where we'll raft the most turbulent rapids in the world.
Highlights
- Paddle over 100km down the mighty Zambezi River
- Experience inflatable kayaks, traditional dugout canoes and rafts
- Witness the awesome Victoria Falls
- Paddle past crocodiles, hippos and elephants
- Camp under the beautiful night sky on the banks of the Zambezi
What others say
"I had such a fantastic time in Zambia that I didn't want to come home. I loved the rafting, and the ground crew were outstanding. It was so hot and dusty that the trek was extremely hard, but the group I was part of became a family over the course of the week and everyone was encouraged to make sure we had the support to finish." - Carla Rodbard
Itinerary
Day 1: International departure from London.
Day 2: Arrive in Livingstone, Zambia.
Day 3: Transfer to the launch point and start of our challenge! - approx. 25km paddling.
After a full safety briefing, we'll start off by paddling in a
makoro (traditional dug-out canoe) for a few hours. Later on, we'll transfer to
two-person kayaks. We'll be spending most of the day on the water, travelling along the borders of Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Following lunch, we'll confront the upper section of the
Katombora Rapids, then enjoy a calmer paddle to our campsite.
Day 4: Canoe Katombora to Siankaba Area - approx. 25km paddling.
We'll begin today on flat waters towards the
Siankaba Islands area. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for lions and other wildlife as we pass a densely forested national park in
Zimbabwe. Lunch will be served on the Zambian river bank or an island, while dinner will be at our charming riverside campsite.
Day 5: Kayak from Siankaba Area to Elephant Boma - approx. 24km paddling.
This morning we'll be negotiating the braided river - look out for
crocs along the way here! Today our new skills and teamwork will be tested as the landscape grows rockier, causing more rapids. Tonight we'll be camping very near to hippos and elephants - it could be a noisy night!
Day 6: Rafting towards Victoria Falls - approx. 16km paddling.
We'll be travelling in bigger rafts today, as we approach the incredible
Victoria Falls surrounded by spray. Our efforts will be rewarded with a drive around the spectacular national park to view the wildlife. Our final campsite is located at the top of the stunning gorge - perfect for contemplating the ferocious rapids below Victoria Falls.
Day 7: White water rafting.
After making the steep descent back into the gorge, we'll clamber into the last boat for our final challenge:
white water rafting. The Batoka Gorge is ranked a grade five and has been dubbed
The Terminator. Afterwards, we'll transfer by minibus to the lodge for a well-earned sundowner. Enjoy a celebratory team meal this evening and check out Livingstone’s nightlife.
Day 8: Victoria Falls tour.
After a leisurely start, we'll transfer to
Victoria Falls for a spectacular guided tour. Twice the height of Niagara, Victoria Falls is actually made up of five different waterfalls - four of which are situated in
Zimbabwe and one in
Zambia. Celebrate over a final team dinner tonight.
Day 9: Depart Livingstone for the UK.
Day 10: Arrive back in the UK.
What's included
BEFORE YOU GO
- Discounts at Outdoorhire, Nomad Travel Stores, Cotswold Outdoor, The Outdoor Shop & Cycle Surgery
- Fundraising advice + A-Z of fundraising ideas
- Support materials
- Template press release
- Sponsorship forms (online & hard copy)
- Fitness training schedules
- Access to our "ask the expert" tool
- Public liability insurance
- Risk assessment & emergency management planning
- Password protected online account
ON YOUR CHALLENGE
- International return flights (including UK air taxes)
- All accommodation
- Three meals a day
- All transfers
- English speaking guide, drivers, porters and cooks
- Challenge T-Shirt
- A contribution to Climate Care’s portfolio of award winning projects
- A donation to a community project in one of the many countries in which we operate
- All activity equipment
- Full backup support with first-aid qualified staff and supplies
- Entrance fees to national parks and places of interest visited on the itinerary
- Drinking water on challenge days
- All challenge management
Age
16 and 17-year-olds may participate in this challenge with the agreement of, and when accompanied by, a parent or guardian on the challenge who is of legal age.
Responsible tourism
We are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place.