Features Of The Zambezi

Kayaks & Equipment

Clients will be taken down the rapids in Topolino Duos - the only 2-person white water kayak in the world. Paddles, lifejackets and helmets will be issued to them before the days kayaking. Wetsuits or spray jackets will be used in the colder months.

Experience

No previous kayaking or white water experience is required. Each kayak is piloted by an experienced white water kayaker who will steer the boat through the rapids and Eskimo roll should there be a capsize.

A comprehensive safety talk and practice session will be done at the bottom of the gorge before the days kayaking. A reasonable level of fitness is required to paddle the approximate 25kms (15.5 miles) and negotiate the 750-foot (228.6 metre) climb at the end of the day.

Client Requirements

Recommended dress for a day’s kayaking is light tight fitting shoes, swimming costume, shorts and T-Shirt. A cap can also work beneath the helmet. Clients should not take any valuables with them on the river. Valuables may be placed in a secure container and will be looked after by Safari Par Excellence for the duration of the day’s activity. On your return to Victoria Falls your valuables can be reclaimed. The guides also carry a dry bag to hold T-Shirts, sunblock, etc.

Safety

Kayakers are highly trained and experienced and all hold valid first aid certificates. The kayaking trip will be run in conjunction with a daily rafting trip for added safety. Each trip carries a comprehensive first aid kit and stretcher. Each trip leader is in radio communication with our bases in Victoria Falls and Livingstone and with M.A.R.S. (Medical Air Rescue Service) in Victoria Falls. Clients are automatically covered by M.A.R.S. on their day’s trip.

Meeting Places & Times

ZAMBIA

Kayaking Options

Maximum PAX

We can accommodate a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 2 clients a day.

Restrictions

Minimum age is 15. There is no maximum age limit but a good state of health and physical fitness is required. As the kayak may need to be Eskimo rolled, there is a maximum weight limit of 90kg.

Refreshments

Early morning tea, coffee and egg and bacon rolls will be provided at check-in on the Zambian side with tea and coffee on the Zimbabwean side. Orange juice and water is also carried on the rafts. A full lunch with drinks is provided after rapid no 10. After the climb to the top of the gorge, clients will be offered a full braai (only on the Zambian side at the Waterfront) with ice-cold beers and soft drinks.

Videos & Photographs

Videos and photos will be taken daily. Videos will be part of the days rafting tape. The video can be seen straight after the trip at the Waterfront or later that evening at the designated show venue and copies of both the video and photographs are available for purchase.