The Experience
The Upper Zambezi River is a beautiful place for a gentle Raft Float. Large, stable inflatable rafts are the ideal river craft for navigating the numerous channels and small grade 2 rapids. A river journey on the Zambezi offers the opportunity for spectacular game viewing. Wildlife such as hippo, crocodiles, elephants, waterbuck and buffalo can be spotted as well as many of the 400 species of Zambia’s amazing birdlife.
Safpar offers half-day, full-day or overnight trips. Picnic lunch is served on the banks of the river. Cameras and binoculars can be carried on the raft and stored in dry bags when navigating the small rapids. Guests will be taught to paddle, however, all rafts are also equipped with oars for the guides to row. Average fitness and the ability to swim essential. Minimum age restriction of 12 years.
Raft Floats take place on the Zambezi River above the Victoria Falls in and around the Mosi-O-Tunya national park which is classified as a dangerous game area. All Raft Float trips are accompanied by a minimum of two experienced and qualified wildlife guides.
Highlights:
- Paddle your own raft, following our experienced guides in pristine Zambezi water.
- Explore islands, channels and master grade 1 and 2 rapids on the adventure.
- Our lead guide has over 20 seasons on the Zambezi River!
- Look out for hippos, elephants, crocodiles, waterbuck, giraffe, kudu, sable, impala, warthog, bushbuck, monkeys and baboons and over 460 species of bird!
Raft Safari Departures
Half-Day Safari (AM only)
- 07h30: Pick up from your hotel/ lodge
- 08h00: Clients are transferred from The Victoria Falls Waterfront (approx. 40 minutes) to the raft launch site upriver.
- 13h00 (approx.): Transfer back to your accommodation.
- Lunch included
Full Day Safari
- *Rate Excludes DNPW River Fee $20 PP
- 07h30: Pick up from your hotel/ lodge
- 08h00: Clients are transferred from The Victoria Falls Waterfront (approx. 40 minutes) to the raft launch site upriver.
- 15h30 (approx.): Transfer back to your accommodation.
- Light Lunch served on the river bank or on an island
Half-Day Safari (AM only)
- 07h30: Pick up from your hotel/ lodge
- 08h00: Clients are transferred from The Victoria Falls Waterfront (approx. 40 minutes) to the raft launch site upriver.
- 13h00 (approx.): Transfer back to your accommodation.
- Lunch included
Full Day Safari
- *Rate Excludes DNPW River Fee $20 PP
- 07h30: Pick up from your hotel/ lodge
- 08h00: Clients are transferred from The Victoria Falls Waterfront (approx. 40 minutes) to the raft launch site upriver.
- 15h30 (approx.): Transfer back to your accommodation.
- Light Lunch served on the river bank or on an island
*Minimum Age is 12
On arrival, clients are given a safety briefing by a professional river guide. Clients then practice their paddling skills before setting off on their raft safari.
What to bring?
- Swimwear and light / quick-drying shirt and long pants for sun protection
- Fleece Jacket in winter
- Mosquito Repellent
- Water bottle with clip
- Water shoes
- Hat / Sunglasses (with strap / croakies)
- Sunscreen
- Go-Pro / Waterproof Camera Equipment (at your own risk)
- Personal Medications you may require
Essential Info
- Min 2 pax – Max 22 pax
- No previous experience is necessary
- A basic level of fitness is required
- Special dietary requirements need to be communicated in advance
- There is a dry bag available to keep personal belongings safe
FAQs
What insurance do I need?
All clients are covered by Specialty Emergency Services (S.E.S) through Safari Par Excellence; however,
this only covers them for emergency evacuation in life threatening situations. It does not cover hospitalization and medication. 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.
Is there an age restriction?
The minimum age is 12 years old. The maximum age limit is dependent on the individual’s general
Are your rafts safe?
SAFPAR uses some of the finest equipment on the market to ensure that the trip is a safe and enjoyable one. Two-seater inflatable rafts are used with America’s Cup high flotation life jackets for each client.
River guides and river safety:
Guides are fully trained 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
Wildlife and Bird Checklist
Puku
Genet
Civet
Mongoose
African Fish Eagle
Verreauxs’ (Black) Eagle
Marabou Stork
Black Egret
Rufous-Bellied Heron
Western-Banded Snake Eagle
Python
Osprey
African Finfoot
White-Crowned Lapwing
Half-collared Kingfisher
Grey-Headed Parrot
Bathawk
Pel’s Fishing Owl
Vervet Monkey
Crocodile
Impala
Baboon
Sable
Bushbuck
Waterbuck
Kudu
Elephant
White Rhino
Giraffe
Hippo
Buffalo
Wildebeest
Warthog
