Upper Zambezi River Canoeing and Elephant Interraction

AREA
The Canoeing Trail operates above Victoria Falls in Zambia on the 15km stretch of the Upper Zambezi River between Simonga and Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, running between the Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe and the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia. The Elephant Interaction will take place on the Brunch Island at the end of the canoeing trip.

DAILY ROUTINE

DEPARTURE

Trips are all in Zambia and include day visa charges for clients traveling from Zimbabwe. Year round, daily departures subject to minimum number requirements being met.

DEPARTURE TIMES AND MEETING PLACES:

ZAMBIA – The Waterfront – 08h00

ZIMBABWE – Shop 4, Phumula Centre for transfer to Zambia – 07h30

If clients are going canoeing, but being picked up in Zimbabwe, they will be picked up between 07h00-07h30 from their hotels. For clients canoeing and staying in Livingstone, pick up is between 07h30-08h00. Clients are asked to reconfirm pick up times and places with the Waterfront Office 15 hours before departure. Clients can otherwise meet at the Waterfront at 08h00.

Tea, coffee and bacon and egg rolls are served at check in at the Waterfront.

Clients are transferred from the Waterfront approximately 40 minutes to the canoe start point, which is upriver opposite Chundu Island .

A safety talk is given by a professional canoe guide at the launch site.

Time spent canoeing is approximately 2 1/2 hours.

Brunch (fruit salad, quiche, two salads, cold meat, bacon, sausage, toast, egg and fruit juice) is served on the island after canoeing.

Elephant Interaction takes place at Thorntree Lodge after Brunch on the Island .

During the brunch and interaction, tea, coffee and cold drinks are served.

Clients are then transferred by boat to Thorntree Lodge and by vehicle for approximately 15 minutes from Thorntree to Livingstone.

Clients are dropped off at approximately 12h30.

Canoe / Elephant Combo Safaris are only available in the mornings, unless by specific request for larger groups.

EQUIPMENT

Sixteen-foot inflatable rafts and crocodile canoes are used. High flotation life jackets are supplied to clients before the days canoeing.

EXPERIENCE AND FITNESS

No previous experience is required and clients need not be proficient swimmers.

MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM PAX

Minimum number is 2 pax and maximum of 24 pax. Larger groups on request using canoes and inflatable rafts.

AGE RESTRICTION

The minimum age for canoe trips using crocodiles is 12 years. There is no maximum age.

CLIENTS REQUIREMENTS

The appropriate dress required is shorts, T-Shirts or swimming costumes, shoes and sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat. Dry bags are provided for cameras and valuables.

PASSPORTS

Passports are required to cross the Zambian border. The visa fee required for a day trip is not included in the price of the Canoe Elephant Interaction trip.

VIDEOS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Videos and photographs will be provided on request for group bookings only and will be shown the same evening.

GUIDES AND SAFETY

Guides are fully trained professionals and all hold valid first aid certificates. Whilst every precaution is taken, it is essential that agents make clients aware that an indemnity form must be signed before participating on this safari. A comprehensive first aid kit is carried on each trip. The trip leader is in radio contact with bases in Victoria Falls and Livingstone and direct with M.A.R.S. (Medical Air Rescue Service). Experienced Elephant handlers accompany the Elephants and assist in the client’s interaction with them.

INSURANCE

All clients are covered by Medical Air Rescue Services (MARS) through Safari Par Excellence, however, this only covers them for emergency evacuation in life threatening situations. It does not cover their hospitalisation and medication. As such travel and medical insurance is compulsory for all clients. Please ensure clients bring the details of their insurance policy with them. Safari Par Excellence will not be able to cover clients should they not have insurance