Zambezi River Whitewater Rafting Adventure from Victoria Falls

Start your rafting experience with a hotel pickup from Victoria Falls, and then travel to the nearby banks of the Zambezi River. Head inside the base center to meet your instructor while enjoying a hot drink and a biscuit, and chat about the day that lies ahead. With the exception of a bathing suit, all other equipment is provided, and your instructor will ensure your lifejacket and helmet are fitted correctly before leaving the base center.

Then, follow your instructor along the steep trail that leads to Bakota Gorge, a spectacular sandstone canyon just below the stretch of waterfalls known collectively as Victoria Falls. At the water’s edge, push your inflatable raft into the water and then hop aboard to start your adventure.

Each raft holds up to 8 people as well as your onboard instructor, who helps your group paddle and shouts instructions along the way. Experience isn’t necessary, but the rafting session isn’t for the fainthearted; falling out of the boat is part of the experience, and you’ll be required to paddle hard throughout the session. The river is classified as ‘grade 5,’ meaning that its fast-flowing waters are challenging to navigate with long and fast-moving rapids, steep gradients, big drops and numerous pressure areas. Listen for safety tips from your instructor to help you resurface quickly and stay safe.

Halfway through the experience, stop to refuel with a light lunch at a cafe on the side of the gorge, and then hop back into your raft feeling revitalized. Your route then progresses to the more demanding parts of the river, culminating in larger drops toward the end. Paddle to shore after the final rapid, and climb back out of the gorge to return to the base center.

After freshening up at base center, board your minibus and finish your experience with a drop-off at your Victoria Falls hotel.