White water rafting
Commercial rafting first started on the Zambezi River in 1981 and since then this activity has grown in popularity to the point where a rafting trip on the Zambezi is now a regular feature in many tourist itineraries. Spectacular scenery, sunshine, warm water and superb rapids all make this one of the greatest white water rafting venues in the world.
The Zambezi River is classified as a high volume; pool-drop river i.e. there is little exposed rock either in the rapids or the pools below the rapids. The distance between rapids varies from 100 meters to 2 km’s. The river drops about 400ft over the 24km covered in the one-day raft trip and the depth of the river can reach 200ft.
Details
Good to know
General Information
- Minimum age is 15 years – there is no child rate. Proof may be requested
- The top section of the Batoka Gorge, rapids 1 – 10, includes the highest concentration of grade 4 and 5 rapids anywhere in the world. (Morning and full day trips)
- Rapids 11 - 25 is slightly less challenging and is of a lower grade (afternoon and full day trips). However, depending on water levels this section can also produce several grade 5 rapids as well.
- Average fitness is required for rafting - no previous experience is required
- Being able to swim is not essential but preferable.
- Clients are advised not take any valuables with them on the river.
- Please note that rafting can close between January and June for safety reasons due to water levels being too high.
- All clients are covered by Specialty Emergency Services (S.E.S) through the operator; however this only covers them for emergency evacuation in life threatening situations. It does not cover hospitalisation and medication. As such travel and medical insurance is compulsory for all clients. Please ensure all clients bring the details of their insurance policy with them. The Operators will not cover clients should they not have insurance
OPTION: HIGH WATER– Rapids #11 - #25
- The “High Water” rafting season runs approximately from the middle of January to middle of July, depending upon the water level each year.
- Guest hike down into the gorge at rapid #7, #10 or #14 (this has a gradient of 1 in 3, it is fairly steep and tricky) a person of average fitness can manage this in approximately 20 minutes.
- At the end of the trip at rapid #25 a gondola cable car will transfer guests up the 750ft Batoka Gorge
OPTION: LOW WATER– Rapids #1 - #25
- The “Low Water” Rafting Season runs approximately from the middle of July to the middle of January, depending upon the water level - each year this can change as and when levels increase or decrease.
OPTION: Low water full day – Rapids #1 - #25
- Guest hike down into the gorge at rapid #1 to the Boiling Pot.
- At the end of the trip at rapid #25 a gondola cable car will transfer guest up the 750ft Batoka Gorge
OPTION: Low water morning half day – Rapids #1 - #10
- Guest hike down into the gorge at rapid #1 to the boiling pot.
- Guest hike out of the gorge at rapid #10 (this has a gradient of 1 in 3, it is fairly steep and tricky) a person of average fitness can manage this in approximately 30 minutes.
OPTION: Low water afternoon half day– Rapids #11 - #25
- Guest hike down into the gorge at rapid #10 (this has a gradient of 1 in 3, it is fairly steep and tricky) a person of average fitness can manage this in approximately 20 minutes.
- At the end of the trip at rapid #25 a gondola cable car will transfer guest up the 750ft Batoka Gorge
Meeting Point
Picking up from any hotel in Livingstone
Upcoming Availibilities
Organized By
Tafika Travel Advisor
Tafika Travel Advisor is an owner run Tour Operator based in Zambia.
We specialize in tailor-making itineraries and travel packages within Zambia and other Southern African Countries. Putting together an itinerary or a trip to this part of the world can be very discouraging as there is so much to choose and so many different aspects to the trip.
Based on our in-depth experience, knowledge of the destinations and facilities as well as our personal relationship with the hotels, lodges and activity providers, we are able to advise and guide you to put together a tailored safari taking into considerations your interests and passion and your budget.
We have a deep passion for Zambia and the other Southern African countries – it’s a friendly people its many wonderful cultures and its still, beautiful and unforgettable nature!
We give a dedicated advise and offer the highest standard of services to our clients by ensuring that expectations are always met and exceeded and that no special needs are ever overlooked.
