Canoe Safaris
- River Wild Safaris
- Canoe Safaris
- Canoe Safaris
Experience Canoe Safaris on the Upper Zambezi River
A canoe safari with River Wild Safaris is one of the most immersive and rewarding ways to explore the Zambezi River and the surrounding wilderness of Zambezi National Park. Drifting quietly downstream allows you to experience wildlife, birdlife, and scenery at close range, without the noise of engines, creating a truly authentic safari experience.
Our canoe safaris are designed to suit both first-time canoeists and experienced paddlers, with safety, comfort, and professional guidance at the heart of every trip.
- Canoe Safari Options
Upper Zambezi Half-Day Canoe Safari (Daily)
This is the most popular option and ideal for guests looking to experience canoeing on the Zambezi in a single day.
- Safari Overview:
- Daily departures
- Pick-up from accommodation in Victoria Falls
- Short game drive into Zambezi National Park
- Thorough safety and canoeing briefing
- Canoeing downstream through calm channels and gentle rapids
- Excellent opportunities for wildlife and bird viewing
- Light picnic snack served on an island or riverbank
- Return to Victoria Falls by early afternoon
- Approximate duration:
- 7:45am to 2:00pm
- Canoe Safari Options
Full-Day Canoe Safari with Overnight Camp
This experience combines an overnight stay in a rustic riverside camp with a full day of canoeing, offering a deeper immersion into the Zambezi wilderness.
- Safari Overview:
- Afternoon game drive into Zambezi National Park
- Overnight stay at a mobile riverside bush camp
- Dinner and limited drinks provided
- Morning breakfast and safety briefing
- Full-day canoe safari covering longer river distances
- Small rapids, islands, and varied channels
- Picnic lunch served along the river
- Return to Victoria Falls in the afternoon
- Minimum group size:
- Confirmed with a minimum of 4 participants
- Canoe Safari Options
Two-Day, One-Night Canoe Safari
This safari allows guests to explore different sections of the river over two days while enjoying a night under the stars.
- Safari Overview:
- Morning collection and game drive into the park
- Light breakfast and safety briefing
- Day one canoeing with wildlife and bird viewing
- Picnic lunch during the day
- Afternoon arrival at riverside camp
- Dinner, overnight camping, and limited drinks
- Day two canoeing further downstream towards Victoria Falls
- Return to town by mid-afternoon
- Canoe Safari Options
Two-Day, Two-Night Canoe Safari
For guests seeking a more extended adventure, this safari offers the most complete canoeing experience on the Upper Zambezi.
- Safari Overview:
- Afternoon game drive into the park and overnight camp
- Two full days of canoeing through varied river sections
- Multiple rapids, channels, and scenic stretches
- Daily picnic meals and camp dinners
- Two nights at a mobile bush camp
- Return to Victoria Falls on the final afternoon
- Canoe Safari Options
Accommodation on Overnight Canoe Safaris
Overnight canoe safaris are conducted at a rustic mobile bush camp located along the Zambezi River within the national park.
- Camp features include:
- Spacious walk-in tents
- Camp beds with mattresses, sheets, pillows, and duvets
- Solar lighting
- Portable toilet facilities
- Hot bucket showers
- Riverside dining under the stars
Limited beers, wine, soft drinks, and mineral water are provided. Guests are welcome to bring additional drinks of their choice.
- Canoe Safari Additional Information
What you need to know about Canoe Safari
Canoe safaris are suitable for most guests, including beginners.
Requirements and guidelines:
- No previous canoeing experience required
- Minimum age: 7 years (must fit into a life jacket and be accompanied by a parent)
- Basic fitness required
- Management reserves the right to refuse participation if safety is a concern
Guests are encouraged to bring only essential items.
Recommended items include:
- Comfortable clothing suitable for water activities
- River shoes or secure footwear
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Camera and binoculars
- Warm clothing during winter months
Valuables should be left at hotels, as storage space is limited.
River Wild Safaris is an established canoe safari operator on the Upper Zambezi River. All canoe safaris are led by fully licensed National Parks canoe guides who undergo regular safety training and attend ongoing canoe safety meetings.
Our safety standards include:
- Qualified and licensed professional canoe guides
- Comprehensive safety briefings before every safari
- Two-man inflatable canoes designed for stability and control
- First aid kits carried on all trips
- Continuous guide communication and backup vehicles
- Air and ambulance emergency support arrangements
Guests are advised to have valid travel and medical insurance before participating in any canoe safari.
- Gallery
Canoe Safari Gallery
Explore highlights from our canoe safaris on the Upper Zambezi River. From peaceful paddling moments and scenic river channels to wildlife sightings along the banks, this gallery gives you a feel of the authentic experiences that await you with River Wild Safaris.
- Why Choose Us
Why Choose a Canoe Safari?
Canoe safaris offer a unique perspective of the African bush that cannot be experienced from a vehicle.
- What makes canoe safaris special:
- Silent and non-intrusive wildlife encounters
- Close proximity to hippo, elephant, crocodile, and plains game
- Exceptional birdlife along riverbanks and islands
- Ever-changing scenery of channels, islands, and river bends
- A peaceful yet adventurous way to explore the Zambezi
- Contact
Book Your Canoe Safari
Whether you are looking for a half-day adventure or a multi-day wilderness journey, River Wild Safaris offers canoe safaris that deliver unforgettable experiences on the Zambezi River.