Whitewater Rafting

It's the wildest one-day white-water rafting trip in the world! Better still, multi-day expeditions are run down the Batoka Gorge.

Acclaimed as the "wildest one-day white-water run in the World" and recognised by rafting enthusiasts as one of the top ten paddling rivers on the planet! If you don't immediately associate the terms "Stairway to Heaven" and "Oblivion" with adventure, then you haven't experienced Zambezi Whitewater!

Go on a one-day Zambezi white-water trip or for best value and the best kick: join us on a multi-day rafting expedition through the Batoka Gorge.

No previous experience is required, and you don't need to be a proficient swimmer. At the beginning and at the end of any of the raft trips, you'll need to negotiate a steep path out of the gorge. The walk out is 750 vertical feet up a gradient of 1 in 3. A person of average fitness can manage this in about 20 minutes.

We have one-day trips for those who are short on time or who just want to experience the "commercial rapids" upstream. Multi-day trips continue downstream through the Batoka Gorge. They last from two and half days to a full week on the river.

Our rafting trips are run on both sides of the river - Zimbabwe or Zambia (all prices exclude parks fees)

PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE RIVER

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 metres to 2 kms. The Gorge itself is approximately 400ft deep at the put-in point and 750ft at the take-out point. The river drops about 400ft over the 24km covered in the one-day raft trip and the depth of the river can reach 200ft. The British Canoe Union has classified the river Grade 5 “extremely difficult, long and violent rapids, steep gradients, big drops and pressure areas”. Nearly half of the rapids negotiated are Grade 5. (Grade 6 is unruinable – rapid number 9, “Commercial Suicide” is a Grade 6 rapid and we porter around this rapid).

RAFTING OPTIONS

These trips run year-round subject to river levels.

High Water run – approximately 5 January to 10 July (stopping in between if river too high, the river peaks in May).

Low Water run – approximately 10 July to 5 January.

AGE RESTRICTION

The minimum age is 15 years. The maximum age limit is dependent on the individual’s general state of health and physical fitness.

FOOD AND DRINKS SUPPLIED

Tea and coffee with Biscuits and fruit is supplied at the meeting point, prior to departure. On the river each raft carries water. For both High and Low water trips, lunch is served at the end of the raft trip at the top of the Gorge together with complimentary soft drinks, cordials and beers.

DEPARTURE TIMES AND MEETING PLACES

ZIMBABWE – ZAT Town Office

Low Water – 07h00 (Rapids 1-19) – You will get back to your Hotels by 15h00 latest.

High Water – 07h00 (Rapids 11-23) – You will get back to your Hotel by 14h00 latest.

VIDEOS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Whilst on the river, videos and photographs will be taken by “Zambezi Memories”. Rafting videos and photographs will be shown in the Adventure Zone office. Copies of DVD’s and Photo CD’s shown and merchandise on display are all available for purchase.

EXPERIENCE AND FITNESS

No previous rafting experience is required, and you need not be proficient swimmers. At the beginning and at the end of the white-water rafting trip, you must negotiate a steep path in and out of the gorge. The walk out is 750 vertical feet up a gradient of 1 in 3, and a person of average fitness can manage this in about 20 minutes.

RAFTS AND EQUIPMENT

Our company uses some of the finest equipment on the market to ensure that the trip is a safe and enjoyable one. Rafts are purchased from Ark in South Africa and are the tried and tested river rafts required for the Zambezi River. Xtreme high flotation life jackets and Protec safety helmets are issued to everyone before the day’s rafting. Wet suits are provided and usually used by everyone during the colder months (June / July).

GUIDES AND SAFETY

Guides are fully trained professionals, and all hold valid advanced first aid certificates. Whilst every precaution is taken, it is essential that you are aware that there is a risk of injury associated with the activity of rafting on the Zambezi. A comprehensive first aid kit and skid stretcher are carried on each trip. Everyone is required to sign the White-Water Rafting indemnity form prior to departure. Each trip leader is in radio contact with our bases in Victoria Falls and direct with M.A.R.S. (Medical Air Rescue Service).

INSURANCE

Everyone is covered by Medical Air Rescue Services [MARS], however this only covers you for emergency evacuation in life threatening situations. It does not cover your hospitalisation and medication. As such travel and medical insurance is compulsory for everyone. Please ensure that you bring the details of your insurance policy with you. ZAT will not cover anyone should they not have insurance.

RATES 2019

Zimbabwe side per person:

One day rafting low water US$120 / high water US$120

Rafting and river combo US$189

Full day and overnight US$235

Rafting - two days, two nights US$572

Rafting - five days, four nights US$1188

Zambia side per person:

Full day rafting US$180

Half day rafting US$165