Zambezi River Rapids Rafting Experience – Victoria Falls, Zambia

Zambezi River Rapids Rafting Experience, Victoria Falls, Zambia surely has to be on top of your things-to-do list. If it’s not, then by the end of this article it will be. The powerful Zambezi river is the fourth largest river in Africa, just after the Nile, the Congo, and the Niger.

Waters sprout from a black swamp and gather to form a small stream. Then, like a naughty little boy, the current rises and falls, tumbles, jumps and runs on the rocks. As it grows, it generates power, energy, majesty and, finally, it meanders until it gets swallowed by the Indian Ocean.

Things to do

The Rapids Rafting Experience

The mighty Zambezi River, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, has the most amazing rapids on the planet. Indeed the perfect destination if you are looking for a place that will soak you with excitement and adrenaline. If you decide to embark on this journey through the Zambezi, for sure it will be an adventure you will never forget.

According to the British Canoe Union, Zimbazi rafting is classified as Grade 5 which means, and I quote, “extremely difficult, long and violent rapids, steep gradients, big drops, and pressure areas”.

Victoria Falls

Located in northeastern Zambia, Zambezi travels for over 2,500 kilometers, crossing six countries on its way to the Indian Ocean. It is impossible not to be perplexed with its beauty; the river travels its way with force and vigor, indomitable.

Along its way, it creates the spectacular Victoria Falls. Here, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, you lose sight of the 2 kilometers wide and 100 meters tall structure. And there, in Batoka Gorge, you will find the perfect place for rafting.

The Victoria Falls are locally called Mosioa-tunya (the smoke that thunders). When they rush down and collide with the rocks in George, it creates a spectacle that looks like spray going up 500 meters, visible from 70 kilometers away. It is definitely one of the best landscape you can see in your life.

Zimbazi’s fauna

The river is home to giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocodiles and countless species of birds. The tranquility that surrounds it makes the animals feel safe in their territory. However, that tranquility comes to an end near the majestic waterfalls of the Zambezi, where the Whitewater rapids begin. 

The Whitewater Rapids

The Whitewater rapids are an amazing 550,000 cubic meters of water, rumbling on the edge every minute. The big drops and the whirlpools make you feel like there is no escape. You will find without a doubt that the rafting in the Zambezi River is unique in its class.

The names of some of the rapids are “The Terminator”, “Oblivion” and “Stairway to Heaven”, do they say something to you? There is no doubt that this can be a challenge, even for the most experienced extreme athlete.

A more relaxing side…

If you have no knowledge of rafting, do not worry! You can live this experience too, exploring the lower and quieter stretches of the river to Lake Kariba. You will have qualified guides who will explain all the necessary techniques to enjoy this incredible moment.

Another perfect plan if you need to relax and gather some energy for the rapids is taking a cruise upriver, and finish admiring a safari with the sunset view. When you get to know this calm side of the Zambezi, it is difficult to think about how crazy the Victoria Falls area is. However, don’t get too comfortable and keep your eyes wide open, you might have a close encounter with some hippos and crocodiles. Even among the calmness, you can still have an adventure.

How to get there

The Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, Zambia, is the closest to the Victoria Falls. Of course, a new tar road connects Livingstone and the outlying Zambezi Lodges.