Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

White Water Rafting

INTRODUCTION

Commercial rafting first commenced on the Zambezi River in 1981 and since then this activity has grown in popularity to the point where a rafting trip on the Zambezi is now a regular feature in most tourists’ itineraries. In 1997, approximately 50 000 people enjoyed white water rafting on the Zambezi on a stretch of water that is now internationally acclaimed as the best white water rafting trip available in the world.

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 unrunable – rapid number 9, “Commercial Suicide” is a Grade 6 rapid and we porter around this rapid).

WILDLIFE

Due to the steepness of the Gorge, wildlife is not abundant. On occasion klipspringer, rock hyrax, vervet monkeys and baboon are spotted. However, the birdlife is far more spectacular. Black eagle, augur buzzard, black stork, pied and giant kingfisher and red winged starling are some of the birds normally seen during the trips and sightings of the very rare Taita Falcon are not uncommon. There are crocodile in the river, but they are small due to the unsuitability of the area for their habitation.

RAFTING OPTIONS

The ONE-DAY trip runs year round subject to river levels and Safari Par Excellence operates from both sides of the Zambezi River .

High Water run – approximately 20 January to 10 July (stopping in between if river too high).

Low Water run – approximately 10 July to 20 January.

MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM PAX

4 pax minimum. Large groups on request.

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 is supplied at the meeting point, prior to departure. On the river each raft carries water and oranage juice. A light lunch consisting of cold meats and salads is provided at a picturesque spot on the banks of the river. At the top of the Gorge, at the end of the trip, complimentary soft drinks, cordials and beers are enjoyed.

DEPARTURE TIMES AND MEETING PLACES

ZIMBABWE –SAVANNA LODGE

Low Water - 08h30 (Rapids 1-23)

High Water - 08h30 (Rapids 11-23)

If clients are going rafting , they will be picked up from their hotels (between 08h00-08h30). They are however, requested to reconfirm pick up times and hotels with our Victoria Falls office 24 hours before departure. Clients can otherwise meet at the Zim Office located at Shop 4, Phumula Centre, Vic Falls at 08h30.

VIDEOS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Whilst on the river, videos and photographs will be taken by “Zambezi Memories”.r afting videos and photographs will be shown that evening at Savanna Lodge. Copies of all products shown are available for purchase.Videos/DVD's and photographs will then be available for purchase, later that evening at the show venue or the following day at the SafPar Office (Shop 4, Phumula Centre).

EXPERIENCE AND FITNESS

No previous rafting experience is required and clients need not be proficient swimmers. At the beginning and at the end of the trip, clients have to 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

The 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 . America ’s Cup high flotation life jackets and Protec safety helmets are issued to clients before the day’s rafting. Wet suits are provided and usually used by clients 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 agents make clients 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. Each client is required to sign the Safari Par Excellence White Water Rafting indemnity form prior to departure. Each trip leader is in radio contact with our bases in Victoria Falls and Livingstone and direct with M.A.R.S. (Medical Air Rescue Service).

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 all clients bring the details of their insurance policy with them. Safari Par Excellence will not cover clients should they not have insurance.

Safari Par Excellence has US$1.5 million public and passenger liability cover.

Activities Rates

Lodges Rates

Combined Activities Rates

Transfers Rates