Livingstone - Zambia

Tandem Kayaking

INTRODUCTION
Commercial rafting started on the Zambezi River in 1981 and has grown in popularity over the years to the point where up to 50,000 people a year are rafting the rapids below Victoria Falls. This stretch of river is now regarded as the best white water rafting trip in the world.

Safari Par Excellence is now offering clients the opportunity to run these same rapids in a tandem kayak, adding another dimension to the white water experience.

FEATURES OF THE ZAMBEZI

The Zambezi River is classified as a high volume pool drop river. This means the huge rapids have very few exposed rocks to cause problems or injury. Below each rapid is a large section of calm water, which makes any necessary rescues simple.

The river is classified as Grade 5 – “extremely difficult, long and violent rapids, steep gradients, big drops and pressure areas”.

The river drops approximately 400 feet over the 25km distance covered in a one-day trip to a 750-foot climb to the top of the gorge.

KAYAKS AND EQUIPMENT

Clients will be taken down the rapids in Topolino Duos – the only 2-person white water kayak in the world. Paddles, lifejackets and helmets will be issued to them before the days kayaking. Wetsuits or spray jackets will be used in the colder months.

EXPERIENCE

No previous kayaking or white water experience is required. Each kayak is piloted by an experienced white water kayaker who will steer the boat through the rapids and Eskimo roll should there be a capsize.

A comprehensive safety talk and practice session will be done at the bottom of the gorge before the days kayaking. A reasonable level of fitness is required to paddle the approximate 25kms and negotiate the 750-foot climb at the end of the day.

CLIENT REQUIREMENTS

Recommended dress for a day’s kayaking is light tight fitting shoes, swimming costume, shorts and T-Shirt. A cap can also be worn beneath the helmet. Clients should not take any valuables with them on the river. Valuables may be placed in a secure container and will be looked after by Safari Par Excellence for the duration of the day’s activity. On your return to Victoria Falls your valuables can be reclaimed. The guides also carry a dry bag to hold T-Shirts, sunblock, etc.

SAFETY

Kayakers are highly trained and experienced and all hold valid first aid certificates. The kayaking trip will be run in conjunction with Safari Par Excellence’s daily rafting trip for added safety. Each trip carries a comprehensive first aid kit and stretcher. Each trip leader is in radio communication with our bases in Victoria Falls and Livingstone and with M.A.R.S. (Medical Air Rescue Service) in Victoria Falls . Clients are automatically covered by M.A.R.S. on their day’s trip.

MEETING PLACES AND TIMES

ZAMBIA

The Waterfront - 08h30

Low Water - 08h30 (Rapids 1-21)

High Water - 08h30 (Rapids 11-25)

KAYAKING OPTIONS

The one-day kayaking trip runs year round depending on water levels.

Low Water Run, Approximately July to January (stopping in between if river too high)

High Water Run, Approximately January to June

There is an option to do a half-day (Rapids 4-11) during the low water run.

MAXIMUM PAX

We can accommodate a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 2 clients a day.

RESTRICTIONS

Minimum age is 15. There is no maximum age limit but a good state of health and physical fitness is required. As the kayak may need to be Eskimo rolled, there is a maximum weight limit of 90kg.

REFRESHMENTS

Early morning tea, coffee and egg and bacon rolls will be provided at check-in. Orange juice and water is also carried on the rafts. A full lunch with drinks is provided after rapid no 10. After the climb to the top of the gorge, clients will be offered ice cold beers and soft drinks, then enjoy a braai at the Zambezi Waterfront

VIDEOS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Videos and photos will be taken daily. Videos will be part of the Safari Par Excellence days rafting tape. The video can be seen straight after the trip at the Waterfront or later that evening at the designated show venue and copies of both the video/DVD and photographs are available for purchase

Activities Rates

Lodges Rates

Other Rates

Transfers Rates