Victoria Falls
- Zimbabwe
Upper Zambezi Canoeing Safaris - Zimbabwe
AREA
The Canoeing Trail operates above the Victoria Falls
in Zimbabwe on the 15km stretch of the Zambezi River between Chundu
Campsite and the National Park entrance, running along the banks
of the Zambezi National Park .
PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE RIVER
This section of the river is quite unlike the better-known
section below Lake Kariba . The Upper Zambezi River is regarded
as FREE FLOW as a dam does not control it and as such the water
is subject to seasonal variation. Floods begin in November and normally
peak in April / May. Therefore, throughout the season the route
varies as new channels open with the rise in water level. The Upper
Zambezi has numerous heavily wooded islands, which are dissected
by channels that may be several kilometres in length and vary in
width from one to twenty metres. The vegetation predominately consists
of ebonies, waterberries, palms and a tremendous variety of acacia
and albizia. The rapids are small and at their peak are only classed
as grade two, which is the second easiest grade.
WILDLIFE
The Canoe Trail passes along the banks of the Zambezi National Park
, where clients have a good opportunity of viewing various species
of animals, such as Elephants,Buffalo, Impala, Kudu, Hippo, Crocodile
etc. The birdlife is prolific with at least 50 common species of
bird that can be seen from your craft.
EQUIPMENT
For the standard day and half day trips, the types of canoes used
are the Inflatable crocodile canoes, double sided paddles and America
’s Cup high flotation life jackets. For groups we can use
16 foot inflatable rafts.
EXPERIENCE AND FITNESS
No previous experience is required and clients need not be proficient
swimmers.
MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM PAX
Minimum number is 2 pax and maximum of 20 pax. Larger groups on
request using canoes and inflatable rafts. Minimum number on multi
day trips – 2 pax. Maximum number on multi day trips –
20 pax.
AGE RESTRICTION
The minimum age for canoe trips using crocodile inflatables is 12
years. There is no maximum age.
AVAILABILITY
365 days a year.
SAFARI OPTIONS
HALF DAY SAFARI
Pick up from Vic Falls Accommodation: Between 07h30-08h00
Drop off at Vic Falls Accommodation: Between 12h30-13h00
FULL DAY SAFARI
Pick up from Vic Falls Accommodation: Between 07h30-08h00
Drop off at Vic Falls Accommodation: Between 16h00-16h30
HALF-DAY SAFARI
The Canoeing Trail operates above the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
on the 15km stretch of the Zambezi River between Chundu/Campsite
# 19 and the National Park entrance/campsite #19, running along
the banks of the Zambezi National Park . ¨ Clients are picked
up from lodging and transferred to the Saf Par office for check
in. ¨ Clients enjoy a game drive from the Office (approximately
45 minutes) to the canoe start point, which is upriver at the Chundu
campsite or at campsite # 19. ¨ Tea, coffee and breakfast consisting
of bacon and egg rolls are served on the banks of the Zambezi .
¨ While clients are eating breakfast, they are given a safety
talk. ¨ Clients then practise their paddling skills before setting
off on their canoe safari. ¨ Clients are transferred from the
take out point back to their respective lodging. .. Please note
that NO lunch is served on a half-day safari. Half day safaris are
only available in the mornings, unless by specific request for larger
groups.
FULL DAY SAFARI
The Canoeing Trail operates above the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
on the 15km stretch of the Zambezi River between Chundu and the
National Park entrance, running along the banks of the Zambezi National
Park .
¨ Clients are picked up from lodging and transferred
to the Saf Par office for check in. ¨ Clients enjoy a game drive
from the Office (approximately 45 minutes) to the canoe start point,
which is upriver at the Chundu campsite.
¨ Tea, coffee and breakfast consisting of bacon
and egg rolls are served on the banks of the Zambezi .
¨ On arrival clients are given a safety talk
by a professional river guide.
¨ Clients then practise their paddling skills
before setting off on their canoe safari.
¨ Lunch is served on an island in the middle
of the Zambezi and consists of cold meats and salads.
¨ The trip ends at the Mine fields take out
point. Clients are transferred from this take out point back to
their respective lodging by 16h30.
MULTI DAY SAFARIS
Overnight, 2 day / 1 night and 2 day / 2 night safaris are on offer
on a request basis only unless pre-booked and are largely water
level dependent.
CLIENTS REQUIRMENTS
The appropriate dress required is shorts, T-Shirts, shoes, sunscreen
and a wide brimmed hat. Dry bags are provided for cameras and valuables.
VIDEOS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
Videos/DVD's and photographs will be provided on request for group
bookings only and will be shown the same evening.
GUIDES AND SAFETY
Guides are licensed, 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 on this safari. A comprehensive first aid kit
is carried on each trip. The trip leader is in radio contact with
bases in Victoria Falls , Livingstone and direct with M.A.R.S. (Medical
Air Rescue Service).
INSURANCE
All clients are covered by Medical Air Rescue Services (MARS) through
Safari Par Excellence, however, this only covers them for emergency
evacuation in life threatening situations. It does not cover their
hospitalisation and medication. As such travel and medical insurance
is COMPULSARY for all clients. Please ensure clients bring the details
of their insurance policy with them. Safari Par Excellence will
not cover clients should they not have insurance. Safari Par Excellence
has US$1.5 million public and passenger liability
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