Nights on the riverbank
On camping trips our chef, waiter and camp hands set up camp and cook while you paddle.
- Two-person stand-up dome tents
- Mattresses, sleeping bags and liners
- All meals cooked at camp
- Chef, waiter and camp hands on every trip
The Ultimate Zambezi Experience
Guided canoe safaris, raft floats and riverside camping on the Upper Zambezi, above Victoria Falls.
4.8
Tripadvisor rating
59
Tripadvisor reviews
6
trips to choose from
9+
minimum age
A quieter way to see the river
We paddle the stretch of the Zambezi above the Falls, inside the Zambezi National Park. You sit two to an inflatable canoe, with a guide alongside, through channels, islands and small rapids.
Elephants come down to drink, hippos surface nearby and the birdlife is constant. No canoeing experience is needed, only reasonable fitness and a sense of adventure.
- Where
- Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe
- Trips
- Canoeing, raft floats and camping
- Group
- From 2 guests, larger groups by arrangement
- Age
- 9 years and up
- Pickup
- From your accommodation in Victoria Falls
Our trips
Every trip starts and ends in Victoria Falls town.
Upper Zambezi canoeing
Day trip, about 6 hoursA game drive to the launch site, breakfast by the water, then a morning paddling channels and small rapids. Lunch on the riverbank.
Price on request
Upper Zambezi raft float
Day tripA gentle float past ebony, palm and acacia-lined banks, with elephant, giraffe and zebra often seen along the way.
Price on request
Overnight camping
1 day, 1 nightA night on the riverbank in the national park, with our camp team cooking around the fire.
Price on request
Two days, one night
2 days, 1 nightTwo days on the water with one night at camp.
Price on request
Two days, two nights
2 days, 2 nightsTwo days of paddling with two nights under canvas.
Price on request
Three days, two nights
3 days, 2 nightsOur longest trip, for guests who want to slow right down and spend real time on the water.
Price on request
A day on the river
Here is how the Upper Zambezi day trip runs, from pickup to drop-off.
- 07:00–07:45
Pickup and briefing
We collect you from where you’re staying and talk you through the day.
- Park gate
Into the national park
A stop at the Zambezi National Park gate to pay park fees.
- About 1.5 hrs
Game drive to the launch site
Waterbuck, buffalo, elephant and giraffe are often seen on the way in. The drive takes as long as the animals make it.
- Launch site
Breakfast and safety talk
Tea, coffee and a light breakfast while the canoes are set up, then a safety briefing and paddling lesson on dry land.
- On the water
Channels and rapids
We paddle through scenic channels and a few small rapids, stopping when there’s something to see.
- 13:30–14:00
Lunch, then back to town
Lunch is ready on the riverbank when you come off the water, then we drive you back.
Who you might share the river with
Wildlife is wild, so we can’t promise sightings. Our guides know this river well and know where to look.
- Elephant
- Hippo
- Crocodile
- Buffalo
- Waterbuck
- Impala
- Kudu
- Zebra
- Giraffe
- Bushbuck
- Lion, leopard and hyena, rarely
- Plenty of birdlife
Staying longer? We can book the rest of your trip
Add a sunset cruise, a helicopter flight over the Falls or a day in Chobe. Tell us what you’d like to do and we’ll arrange it around your time on the river.
What guests say
“This was the best activity I did while in Vic Falls. It was so peaceful out there as it was just us, the hippos and the birds.”
Sean MSolo traveller, March 2026
“2 out of 3 of our group were scared because of the hippos, and to give them peace of mind they were offered a guide to go with each of them. The anxiety was lifted immediately.”
Natasha DSeptember 2026
“Very well organised from beginning to end. Timely pick up, smooth border transfer, clear instructions.”
Phil MCouple, September 2026
Pick a date and we’ll do the rest
Send us your dates and group size. We’ll confirm availability and price, then collect you from your accommodation on the day.