Summary

Africa: Zambezi Explorer

Prices From	USD$ $3,700.00
1st Departure	01.01.0001
Provider	Bio Bio Expeditions
Destination	Zambezi River
Duration	13 days
Challenge	Intermediate
Avg Rating	Not Rated

Bio Bio Expeditions invites you to experience wild Africa at its best! We've created an itinerary that combines remote adventure with wildlife safaris and 5 star lodging. Our expeditions are designed to explore the many faces of the mighty Zambezi River- from thundering whitewater and tranquil calms, to the lower, braided river of Mana Pools National Park. Our home base for the trip is spectacular Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. We stay at the incredible Victoria Falls Safari Lodge situated on the border of Victoria Falls National Park. You'll enjoy sunset cocktails at the open air bar overlooking a watering hole popular with elephants and Cape buffalo.

Our river exploration consists of a 3-day canoe safari on the calm upper Zambezi in the national park, a 5-day plunge through the world-class whitewater of Batoka Gorge, and lastly, a stay in a private 5 star safari lodge in Mana Pools National Park. Our trip takes place during the dry season, which allows for optimum game viewing as the animals come to the river to drink. While we explore the many faces of the Zambezi River we encounter elephant, hippo, crocodile, Cape buffalo, impala, kudu, and giraffe. The trip offers wildlife viewing by canoe, vehicle, and on foot. There are many chances to see lion, leopard, wild dog, and hyenas. Unlike the crowded parks of Kenya and Tanzania, we have game viewing to ourselves! We've spent many years in Africa and feel that this itinerary provides the most adventure and game viewing along with a healthy dose of luxury. If you have ever dreamed of exploring magical Africa, please consider Bio Bio Expeditions as your guide.

Itinerary

Day 1

You will be met at the Victoria Falls Airport by a Bio Bio Expeditions representative and taken to the wonderful Lokuthula Lodges. After check-in we will rendezvous at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Hotel pool at 4pm for a welcome briefing by our trip leader. We will share a toast after flying halfway around the world to converge on the incredible Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and then enjoy our first unforgettable African sunset overlooking the bush and watering hole. Tonight’s dinner is on your own; there are many options in town or at the Lodge.

Day 2

A free day to explore Victoria Falls and try one of the many optional activities. We can arrange a variety of activities for you, such as bungee jumping, ultra-light flights, and elephant safaris. Please let us know if you are interested in any of these so we can book them in advance. This is a good day to buy from the vendors who sell beautiful sculptures and woodcarvings. At 4 PM we meet at the lobby of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for our sunset river cruise. All drinks and snacks are included as we cruise the tranquil upper Zambezi and look for game. We return to the lodges at dusk. After the cruise, dinner is on your own.

Day 3

We have the morning to further enjoy the surrounding area of Victoria Falls At 3 pm we will depart for our Canoe Safari, starting with a game drive through the Victoria Falls National Park. We will also stop for cool drinks by the riverside and take in the sounds and sights of the bush. We carry on driving upriver to our camp which will be set up with two-person tents, a dining table and warm showers. We will arrive in time for a fantastic sunset to be enjoyed with a fine cup of tea or a ‘sun downer’ cocktail. Over the next two days we will travel 30 km down river back towards the Victoria Falls. Our days will typically start early. We’ll be up around dawn and will enjoy tea or coffee as the day breaks. Soon to follow is a typical “English” hot breakfast before we start paddling downstream in the two person kayaks which are quite stable and easy to maneuver. As it will be the dry season, we will hope to see animals as they come down to the river to drink and frolic. We will likely see elephant, zebra, bushbuck, kudu, Cape buffalo, ubiquitous baboons, impala, and the occasional bush duiker. The bird life is an ornithologist’s dream come true, with the various ibises and Trumpeter Horn Bill standing out. Of course, a glimpse of a Lilac Breasted Roller would be welcome! The river, which is roughly a mile wide at times and often channels around sand banks and reed islands, is the choice habitat for the hippopotami and the patient crocodile. The nocturnal creatures we might also see, or hear, are lion, leopard and the rare wild dog, just to mention a few. Chances are better that we’ll hear the lionesses as they return from the hunt just at dawn. At dusk we’ll gather around and sit high on the bank overlooking the river. We’ll hear the deep, low decibel grumbles and burps of the hippos as they call out to announce their nighttime grazing fete. A few waking lion might be heard as well. The bush will be alive with sound as night falls and we inch closer to the fire before retiring to our cozy tents.

Day 4

We paddle further down stream in the morning until we stop for a picnic lunch on one of the islands. After lunch we run class 2 rapids doing our best not to capsize. We will hope to see abundant wild life along the river and enjoy certain safe to bathe swimming holes (watch out for the crocks)! We spend another night at our riverside comfortable camp.

Day 5

We paddle all morning watching for more game and running more fun rapids! We will take-out just upstream from the Devil’s Cataract, the far right slot on the mile wide Falls. We’ll be transferred back to the Lokuthula Lodges and be briefed on packing for the rafting trip. Dinner is on your own and this is a good night to enjoy being out on the town and maybe go out dancing.

Day 6

Time to raft the big river! At 8 am we begin our journey into the gorge below the Victoria Falls. We hike down a steep trail to meet our waiting rafts. We launch and will begin our 120 km river journey as the river flows east toward the Indian Ocean. With some paddle boats and some oar boats, our day is spent navigating some of the world’s biggest and most dynamic rapids. The river gorge starts out deep and steep, twisting and bending to form a series of sinuous goosenecks. The canyon rim looms overhead as we come face to face with what some would call “ Nyami-Nyami”--the Zambezi river god, more easily recognized as the heart pounding and enormous rapids (about one per mile)! The air is hot and dry, the river water a mild 62 degrees, and the breeze that sweeps up the canyon is fragrant with the wilds of Africa. Our first night’s camp is where we meet our gear as porters carry it into the gorge for us. This deluxe camp is complete with rustic thatch chalets, shower, dining area, and beach volleyball. The gear boat guides will meet us there as from here down we bring everything downriver with us.

Day 7

Now we are “self supported” as we raft deeper into the Batoka gorge, running Wake up call, Open and Closed Season, and upper Moimba Falls. We will camp on big sandy beaches and relax after intense days of rafting. As we travel downstream, the rapids spread out and we enter some big open valleys. We also come upon two impassable waterfalls. The first, lower Moimba, is an easy portage as we lower the rafts over a 30-foot vertical cliff into an eddy-pool below. We make camp right below this portage.

Day 8

We get up early to take advantage of cool morning air and float down to the second waterfall we have to portage, known as Chibango Falls. This is also the proposed dam site for the Batoka gorge dam. The falls are a 3-step staircase of explosive whitewater. This portage is more arduous and requires the help of everyone to get all the gear around the falls. The rocks will be hot and good footwear is required. We will have to carry the gear separate and then re-rig the rafts after portaging them around. Right after the portage we get the treat of the century: Ghost Rider Rapid!! Without a doubt, one of the world’s biggest raftable rapids! We paddle into an enormous series of haystack waves that climax into a house-size, pulsating, V-shaped rooster tail, only to be followed by collapsing waves and churning eddies. Paddle hard or Highside! We then travel into gentle waters and float to our next camp.

Day 9

We come out of the gorge as we raft further down stream. From here on down we get fewer big rapids per mile, and drift into and through ‘Crocodile Alley’. As we float through the calms, we truly have the feel of being in a remote river canyon. We will stop at a small Zambian fishing village where the traditional thatch huts offer shelter from the blazing hot sun. We will visit with the people and trade for carvings and fire smoked fish caught right there. This is our last night camping alongside the Zambezi.

Day 10

Our last morning of rafting on the Zambezi. We come into the hippo pool waters near the Matetsi river confluence where we will take-out. With the help of local villagers, we load up the gear, enjoy a cool drink, and ride back through the native homelands of the Ndebele people, back to Victoria Falls, known to the locals as the “Smoke that Thunders” (Mosi-0-Tunya). We will be transferred back to our Lodges and after freshening up we’ll meet up for the “Zambezi Explorers” farewell dinner at the Boma restaurant. This will be the official close of the ‘BBX World Wide’ Zambezi River tour and we’ll have an awards ceremony. This is a good time to exchange addresses (for all those photos!), make toasts, tip the guides, and celebrate life in the heart of southern Africa.

Day 11

Day 11 - 13: A morning charter flight (day 11)will take us down river to Ruckomechi Camp on the western boundary of Mana Pools National Park. This luxurious camp is located in a private area and only sleeps 20 people ensuring a peaceful experience in the heart of Africa. The facilities consist of 10 deluxe double occupancy thatched roof chalets with showers, toilets, and electricity. There is a central dining area with a pub and lounge that sit on the river’s edge and allow for game viewing. This area is renowned for its regular lion, elephant, hippo, and leopard sightings. Additionally, one can cool off in a refreshing plunge pool and watch elephants pass from the wood viewing deck. During our three-night stay at Ruckomechi choose from a wide variety of activities designed to immerse you in the African wilderness. Among the options are: 4x4 game drives, canoeing, fishing, boating to islands, and bush walks accompanied by an armed guard. The food is gourmet and nothing can compare to the serene joy of sipping a cool drink while watching the fiery sunset over the Zambezi River.

Day 12



Day 13

Return to Victoria Falls Airport and connect with your flight back home. We should be back in Vic Fally by noon.

Gear List

<ul type=arrow <li>Flashlight or headlamp (spare batteries) <li>Book, magazine, journal <li>Camera, extra film <li>Pad (Thermarest that coverts to a chair is key) and lightweight, summer sleeping bag <li>Thick cotton sheet and a towel <li>Small tarp, ground cloth <li>Fun & games, cards, a favorite poem, etc. <li>Music or instruments <li>Baggy pants, comfort clothing <li>Binoculars, bird book <li>H2O bottle, cup, iodine crystals (you can buy these at REI) <li>Toiletry Kit, medications, lotion, band aids </ul>



<ul type=arrow <li>Quick drying shorts <li>Swimsuit <li>River footwear, Aqua Socks, old tennis, Tevas or Alps (and a carabiner to clip them on) <li>Long sleeve shirt for sun and heat protection <li>Bandana <li>Fanny or dry pack for stuff, Ziplock bags <li>Powerbars or similar energy bars (one per day) <li>Gatorade powder packs (15 liters worth), and perhaps your favorite spirit in a bottle </ul>



<ul type=arrow <li>Passport – and copies and visas <li>Airplane Tickets – and copies <li>Important phone numbers, addresses <li>Money, cash, traveler’s checks, credit card <li>Sunscreen, Alligator, Bullfrog <li>Sunglasses and straps, (Chums) <li>Bug Repellent, Deet, garlic, Vitamin B <li>Toiletry Kit, medications, and lotion <li>Wide-brimmed hat, strap <li>Safari Clothing: cotton button-down shirt, khaki trousers and shorts – the best colors are those that blend in with the bush, don’t scare away the animals <li>T-Shirts, white and earth colors <li>Comfortable walking shoes (boots) <li>Socks <li>“Smart” casual attire for hotels <li>Sweater or pile shirt for cool mornings </ul>



Zambezi rafting trip: It is going to be hot and dry! That and getting wet on the relatively warm Zambezi River are what you should pack for. For the most part, you will live in shorts and a t-shirt. On the river for sun protection, and to help keep you cool, we recommend a long-sleeve, button-down shirt made of a light colored, light fabric. September and October are the dry months, so there should be very few mosquitoes to worry about. There are certain dining rooms in Victoria Falls that require “smarter” attire. For men, long pants and a button-down shirt and a dress for women. That covers the basics. If you have additional gear that you want to bring, please give us a call. Any items not used can be stored at the hotel. Remember that everything you have for the rafting trip will travel down river with us and will have to fit in a dry bag. Tents are optional. It is usually hot and star gazing is wonderful under the Southern Cross. Most people just sleep on a ground cloth. However, a tent for privacy and for Mosi-free nights can be arranged. Additional things you might consider bringing: if you like strong coffee, perhaps bring a pound of gourmet grounds. Gatorade Powder flavor packs will help keep you hydrated and mask the iodine taste of treated water. Also, some PowerBars are always handy to have. When you are in Duty Free, you might pick up your favorite bottle of spirit for the rafting trip. Bring clothes that you are planning to discard and trade them in for curios in Victoria Falls e.g., old t-shirts for fine wood carvings). The fishing is quite good – a telescopic rod and reel with some spoon spinners and a steel leader will allow you to land some feisty Tiger Fish.

Travel Information

Activity Location Africa: Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Airport Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Is This Trip For You? We spent three seasons working as full time guides on the Zambezi River and have expert knowledge of its world-class whitewater. The rapids are large and dynamic and our expert guides will provide even a beginner paddler with an exciting and thrilling adventure. The warm water makes for even more-enjoyable rafting. We run our trips from August to October, as these are the best months to see game and experience the Zambezi. It is the end of the dry season and all of the animals come down to the banks of the river to drink and elephants swim and frolic in the shallows. All the bush has been either eaten or has died down, so seeing the animals is much easier. (In the wet season there is so much fresh green foliage that the animals hide in the thicket or scatter to drinking holes hidden away). Food We believe that eating delicious and healthy meals is an important part of a wilderness adventure. We have wonderful menus that provide a bounty of fresh food. When appropriate, we also offer some of the local delicacies and flavors. Our meals are well balanced and always include vegetarian options. Money The cost of the trip is inclusive of everything indicated in the trip itinerary. It does not include flights, entrance to national Parks, some meals as noted, souvenirs, extra activities, nor tips and gratuity. If you enjoy your trip it is customary to tip your guides approximately 10% of your trip cost (they will except personal checks, U.S. dollars, or the local currency). The local currency of Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWD) and the exchange rate is approximately $6000ZWD = $1USD. Exchange rates are subject to change, for the current exchange rates we recommend visiting www.pleven.net/Currency-converter/. If you would like to extend your stay in Africa, we will gladly help you make arrangements and bookings for such. Upon submission of your deposit, please indicate if you want extras included such as: additional night’s lodging, transfers, additional itineraries, etc. Destination Location Discover the wonders and excitement of Zimbabwe, Africa with this trip to Matabeleland and the mighty Zambezi river! Zimbabwe has all the infrastructure of a modern country, and has a highly developed and protected national park system. This has allowed the wildlife to thrive and the elephant herds of Botswana and Zimbabwe are among the largest and most protected of Africa. The game viewing in Zimbabwe is simply the best, and you will not be overrun by the herds of tourists often found in Kenya! Travel Companions The maximum group size for this trip is 18. If you are interested in organizing a group for a Bio Bio Expeditions adventure we offer great incentives! Please ask about our trip organizer discounts by calling our office at 1-800-246-7238. Guide(s) Bio Bio Expeditions employs the best guides in the business! Our guides are professional, safe, fun, and enthusiastic. They have been hand-picked from all over the world, each contributing their own special gifts to our trips. The founders of Bio Bio Expeditions are guides and created Bio Bio Expeditions as a way to share their passion for rivers and adventure. Our guides are expert river runners, entertainers, wonderful chefs, caring individuals, and knowledgeable in first aid, rescue techniques, and ecology. Transportation With the exception of airfare, all Bio Bio Expeditions trips include all transportation costs and arrangements within the destination country. This includes all transfers and the equipment for all activities listed.