5 Nights/6 Days Great Zambezi Canoeing Safari

Meet at Zambezi Breezes Lodge in Chirundu at approx 10.00 am for 2-hour road transfer downstream to the launch site. After a briefing and lunch on the banks of the river we start our afternoon canoeing to Mtondo Island for our first night of camping, arriving at around 17.00. Canoeing on this day is kept to mainstream and is easy going with a strong current. We then set camp followed by tea/coffee, snacks and later dinner before retiring for the night. 

Canoeing starts early after morning tea/coffee and biscuits at 06.30 am. We will then depart from Mtondo Island for a downstream breakfast stop approximately 2 hrs after canoeing. Continue through into the Lower Zambezi National Park for lunch between 1230hrs to 1400hrs out of the midday sun. We then canoe through to our 2nd nights camp on or around Chikwenya island weather permitting. This day we cover a good 25km of river through both Mana Pools and the Lower Zambezi National Park.

As above in daily routine: On this day we canoe through offshoot river channels where birdlife and game abounds. Guides will stop at points of interest to observe wildlife from time to time. Some parts of the river at this point exceed 3km in width with a maze of channels to explore. Again both sides of the river at this point are flanked by superb national Parks where one is likely to see the highest concentration of game on the river. Tonight we set camp at G. Camp channels in a densely populated game area.

Today we exit Mana Pools and enter safari area on the south bank while continuing through the Lower Zambezi National Park to the north. The river begins to narrow down and the current becomes stronger as the river progresses into what is known as the False Mupata Gorge. From this point, the safari is confined to the main stream for approx 30km as we pass through this scenic gorge with steep rock formations and cliff edges. Camp on this night is selected from one of many pristine sandy beaches on the mainland within the confines of the gorge.

This day is spent canoeing through the rest of the Mupata Gorge observing the 300 million-year-old volcanic rock formations that form part of the Great Rift Valley. Around Mid day the canoes exit the gorge and the guide proceeds through to Red cliffs for lunch and a break from the mid day heat before continuing on to the nights Island camp site. However, depending on connecting flights the following day the guide may consult with the team as to a more suitable camping site closer to the endpoint. However, we do recommend that connecting flights are caught the day after the safari ends so as not to rush the end of this trip.

Depending on the selection of campsite there is an early rise tea/coffee breakfast before the remaining paddle through to the end of the canoeing safari. The take-out point is reached at approximately 0900hrs for the return transfer to Lusaka. This drive is in an open-backed Land Cruiser with a shaded canopy. Alternatively, and depending on the group’s requirements and wishes, clients may continue to paddle on Day 5 through to the Feira take out point. This means the transfer will be able to leave earlier for the return 5 hour trip to Lusaka, but it means there will be no canoeing on the last day. Lunch is had on the way back on the roadside under a tree. Meals Three meals a day, cordial soft drinks and safe, treated water is supplied on every safari. However, those wishing to bring their own bottled water may do so. Cool boxes are provided should clients wish to bring their own selection of beverages for the duration of the safari.