Our story
A family company on the Upper Zambezi, built on the work of one of Zimbabwe’s best-known river guides.
Shacks’ legacy
Victoria Falls Canoeing Company is the legacy of Misheck Ngwenya, a river guide known to everyone on the Zambezi as “Shacks”.
He started the company to share the Upper Zambezi and the Falls with guests from around the world. Shacks passed away unexpectedly in 2019. His wife and his son, Prince, now run the company and carry on the way he guided: unhurried, safe, and always looking out for what’s on the bank.
Many of our guests mention Prince and the team by name. That is the kind of company we want to keep being.
Safety on every trip
We want guests to have the time of their lives and feel safe from the first minute. Safety is the foundation of everything we do on the river.
Briefing and training first
A full safety briefing before every trip, with paddle training on dry land before we practise on the water.
Guides never paddle alone
Every guide is accompanied by a trainee, with a full first aid kit on board.
Communications on the river
We carry communications equipment on every trip, so help is a call away.
24-hour evacuation cover
Staff and guests are registered with Ace Air and Ambulance (Medical Air Rescue Services), with road and air evacuation to the nearest private hospital.
Insured nationally and internationally
Public liability insurance through Zenith South Africa, underwritten by Western National Insurance Company Limited (FSP 9465).
Licensed and registered
Members of Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife, Africa’s Eden and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
How we work
Small groups
Guests share a canoe in pairs, with guides alongside. It keeps the river quiet and means everyone gets their guide’s attention.
Light on the land
We see ourselves as a conservation company as much as a tour operator. Our safaris are run to leave as little trace as possible.
Wildlife comes first
We rely on this river and the animals that live along it. Their needs come before ours, and our business should always be a credit to Zimbabwe.
Guest reviews
Come paddle with us
Send us your dates and we’ll check availability.